Statement on VC Summer announcement

I want the citizens and businesses of Chapin to know that we are sensitive to the conditions we face in light of the announcement yesterday by SCE&G and Santee Cooper of their plan to abandon construction of two nuclear reactors at the VC Summer site.

It is in times like this that we must recognize the need to pull together as a community. We need to encourage and support one another in every way possible. We all know people who are impacted by this news, and I encourage each individual to pause and reflect on how we might be able to reach out to our neighbors, co-workers, friends and others to see how we can help them during this time of transition.

We need to recognize the value and power of networking as a means of helping others. We must be willing to share contacts and open doors when possible to help those now looking for new jobs. I believe a community that sticks together and works together for a common goal will ultimately be successful in every way.

And I am asking the leaders in our Chapin community to stand up and demonstrate their skills and abilities to help others. Your vision, confidence and experience is needed by so many who are feeling lost as a result of this announcement, and I challenge you to join me and others as we work together to support our fellow citizens and businesses.

When I reflect back on how our community has responded to adversity during the past few years, such as the thousand year flood or the injury to Jack Enright, Chapin stepped up and showed their heart and character in a huge way. People responded to those incidents with generosity, compassion and prayer. I think we all need to continue to pray for God’s guidance and wisdom in the days and months ahead. By working together and encouraging one another, we will come out of this time of uncertainty a stronger, more united community.

Together We Stand – Chapin Proud!