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Article published: May 14, 2005
Friday’s BRAC announcement just 1st step, local leaders say

There was plenty of excitement at the Opera House on Friday morning as elected officials and community leaders gathered to celebrate the news that Shaw Air Force Base had not only escaped being on the initial BRAC “hit list,” but will be expanding its operations.

The atmosphere was jovial, but there was also plenty of relief.

“I expected to hear good news today,” said Jay Davis, president of Coldwell Banker Commercial.

“But I was still worried. I didn’t sleep good last night. We have a lot riding on this.”

Davis said losing Shaw in the Base Realignment and Closure process would have had a huge impact on commercial real estate development in Sumter.

“We are scheduled to go to Las Vegas next week for a conference,” Davis said. “If we got bad news today, then there wouldn’t be a reason for us to go.”

While Davis acknowledged he was pleased with the news, he said it is important to recognize the process is not over.

“We don’t want to be too arrogant,” he said. “But we are excited that we are this far along.”

Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson described her reaction in simple terms.

“It’s awesome,” she said. “We are blessed. This is very positive news for the entire community. Shaw is an integral part of our community. The partnership we’ve established will flourish in the days ahead.”

Jimmy Richardson, mayor of Pinewood since 1998, said he made the trip to the Opera House to join in the celebration.

“This is such an important event for the entire community, not only for Sumter,” Richardson said. “We have military families in Pinewood. And we might have more coming in now.”

Herb Leaird, CEO of Black River Electric Cooperative, and Progress Energy spokeswoman Mindy Taylor, said they welcome the opportunities provided by Shaw’s expansion of 817 positions, including becoming headquarters for the 3rd Army.

“We are always concerned about jobs,” Leaird said. “Today’s announcement of the additional jobs coming to Shaw is great. It’s a wonderful day.”

“Shaw is a valued customer for Progress Energy,” Taylor said. “We are pleased that Sumter is going to have an opportunity to grow, and we are looking forward to being a part of this growth.”

Jim Darby, executive director of Santee-Lynches Council of Governments, said community leaders have plenty of work to do.

“It’s an excellent day,” Darby said. “One of the mottos I like to use is that out of adversity comes opportunity. We have invested a lot of energy in worrying about today’s outcome. We found out that it was not a negative outcome, but a good one. We now need to redirect our energies in planning for the future of Sumter and the Santee-Lynches region.”

Darby said it is important for the community to respond to the challenges ahead.

“The emphasis today is on strong intergovernmental cooperation,” he said. “We must go beyond the exchange of good words and pleasantries. Actions are going to be important now.”

Sumter County Councilman Eugene Baten said it is also important to recognize the many people responsible for putting Shaw in a position to avoid closure.

“I feel like Congressmen (John) Spratt and (James) Clyburn have worked hard on behalf of Shaw,” he said.

Baten said he knows firsthand of Shaw’s impact on the Sumter community.

“My relationship with Shaw Air Force Base is professional and personal,” he said. “I was stationed at Shaw for 12 years. I live in Sumter today because I was stationed here. I lived on base for 12 years. My two children were born in the hospital at Shaw. I know what Shaw means to Sumter.”

Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or 803-491-4533.