Each week in March, The Manning Times has honored a woman for women’s history month. In our last installment, we turn to the City of Manning’s valiant leader, Julia Nelson. Nelson sat down with us to talk about her various achievements.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month is a month when all women should be celebrated and acknowledged for their many contributions rather in their home and family unit; those who provide services to the well-being of others; and those in varying leadership roles. I think it’s wonderful for women to have a month to commemorate their life’s work.
What are some accomplishments you’ve had over the years as the mayor of Manning?
We have secured nearly $18 M in grants since I’ve been mayor and the city continues to move forward with a broad spectrum of initiatives that include the following:
Park Additions and Improvements- We are currently working on a plan that will establish a new park on Church Street as well as Spencer Street in Manning. The park on Church Street will be located by the old DSS building and we have completed an initial design. We are currently seeking grant funds that will allow us to move forward with the construction of the park. The City has also acquired the property on Spencer Street and hope to have a preliminary design soon. We’ve also acquired additional properties adjacent to Bellewood Park and have plans to expand that park in the future.
You may also be aware that the city received a grant in 2019 that allowed us to construct a large Splash Pad early at Gibbons Street Park and we are hopeful to be operational in May 2022. We have had set backs due to mechanical issues that are soon to be resolved.
-Dickson Durant Demolition Project-- The City received a $308,000 dollar grant from the Department of Commerce to demolish 23 dilapidated structures in the Northeast section of town. This project will be complete this month and has drastically improved this neighborhood. We’ll continue to take steps to mitigate unsightly and dilapidated structures within the city.
-Water System Improvements-- The city completed two projects this year very important to the operation of our water system. Several small, outdated water lines within the city limits have been upgraded from 3-inch to 6-inch mains-- this has provided much better water pressure as well as fire protection in these areas. This was funded by a $465,000 dollar grant from the SC Rural Infrastructure Authority. The following roads were impacted; Pine Street, E. Rural Avenue, Ragin Street, Bradham Street, Packard Lane, Nelson Circle, and N. Walker Street.
The city also completed a Well Improvement project this year. Due to decreasing water levels in the area it became necessary to lower our water pumps an additional 100’ feet into the ground. This has improved our water quality and has addressed any future supply issues. This was completed with approximately $200,000 dollars from the SC State Revolving Fund and the Rural Infrastructure Authority. In addition, the city has recently been awarded a $500,000 dollar grant to renovate two of our water storage tanks. The Alcolu Water Tank as well as the Hwy. 301 Water Tank will be sandblasted and repainted the first quarter of the new year. These tanks are vital in maintaining and sustaining the water system – this renovation should protect these tanks for the foreseeable future.
-American Recovery Plan- The City has received an allocation of funding from the American Recovery Plan recently passed by Congress. We are in discussions of how to best utilize these funds—however, to date, the city has approved the following:
-The purchase of a new grapple truck to better maintain streets and right of ways by removing debris in a timely manner.
-The purchase of a new Street Sweeper—this will allow us to keep the streets cleaner and maintain our curb and gutter. The sweeper is already in service.
-Broad-band access at City Parks— the city will be installing free internet access at all our public parks. We hope this will be completed by the summer of 2022.
-Public Safety Equipment—New Radio Equipment and Safety Equipment have been purchased for our Police and Fire Department. The city is committed to providing the best possible equipment to protect our citizens and our personnel.
-Economic Development-- The city has seen quite an uptick in Economic Development activity during the past several months. From Industrial Development to retail we anticipate a busy 2022. Chick Filet will be locating in our community next year as well other establishments that will soon be announced. We are also continuing to look forward to Provalus beginning operations in the former Belk Building downtown. This was a cooperative effort between the City of Manning, Clarendon County, and the SC Department of Commerce, and is slated to bring more than 100 jobs to Manning. Due to Covid-19 there have been delays – However, the building renovations are nearly completed and it’s expected the company will occupy the building the first quarter of 2021.
What was your journey like becoming a mayor?
My journey as mayor has been very interesting. I was just talking with someone a few days ago and I shared how I’ve matured in this role as mayor and learned not to take things so personally. I never imagined that as a nation we would have so many issues that would impact us locally. Trying to navigate these challenges have been my biggest challenge as mayor. The COVID-19 Pandemic would be a great example. In my opinion, it will probably be a decade or more before we have the accurate answers to everything surrounding this disease. I just know that I honestly tried to do or recommend what would keep people safe based on the governmental entities responsible for providing this information.
What are some of your favorite moments you’ve had as a mayor?
I have several favorite moments since being mayor. I’ve met and hosted so many people from presidents, US Congressional leaders, Governor Nikki Haley and countless others on that platform. However, I can honestly say, my favorite moments and the ones that make me smile are those where I’ve touched lives or assisted those in need. Often someone will remind me of something I said or did that had a positive impact in their life and I really can’t express what that means to me.
Is this a position you always imagined yourself in?
Actually, I can’t say that I imagined myself to one day being the mayor. I can say as a someone who grew up here and as I walked to school, from time to time I would see Mayor Pansy Ridgeway. I remember thinking how awesome it was to have a female mayor. However, I always thought I might seek public office after retirement.
What are your favorite aspects of being a mayor?
I often tell people that it’s so easy to identify a problem or issue. It’s easy to develop ideas on what’s need. The challenge in finding the solution to a problem or issue and the funding for ideas on how to ameliorate our city, is my favorite part of the job.
Who are some of the most influential and inspirational women you’ve had in your life?
My mother, the late Edna Mae Taylor Nelson, has been the most influential and inspirational woman in my life. I can still hear her quotes and knowing how profound her teachings and sayings have proven to be in my life. I was also blessed by my mother as she surrounded me with other phenomenal women as herself who still support, mentor and guide me and will pull my coat tail as needed today.
What Qualities Make a Great Female Leader?
Women in public leadership should have a strong foundation in public administration. This foundation can be learned via formal intuitions of higher learning and/or via experience working in the public sector of government and boards. I have a Master of Public Administration and I’ve worked in government and human services for nearly 31 years. This experience has been crucial in being responsible for oversight, planning, and “knowing how, knowing who and knowing when” in solving an issue. I also think women are more attentive to details and most have a natural instinct to nurture and care about the human aspect of issues. I think it’s important for leaders to consider the human and long-term impact when making decisions.
What advice would you give to younger women navigating life?
I would tell younger women to remember the teachings of the bible and their parents. Following those guidelines will save you unnecessary headache, heartache and problems.
