The author, Tom Peeples, is mayor of Hilton Head Island.

As a homebuilder, I rely on teamwork and partnerships every day.Working with carpenters, plumbers, architects and landscapers, I know each one of these experts plays an essential role in constructing our town's homes and neighborhoods.

As a mayor, I know the same holds true in our quest to build a better South Carolina.It takes all of us - city government, county government, schools, the state government, the federal government, the private sector, the nonprofits, the religious community and a host of others -working together to build a successful South Carolina.

Today, 70 percent of the state's population lives in the state's eight metropolitan regions and 75 percent of the jobs are located in these same regions. Compare this to the fact that 50 years ago only 50 percent of jobs were located in these metropolitan regions, and it becomes clear the state's metropolitan areas are essential to the continued success of this state.

Even in our more rural areas, our cities and towns drive the economy of their region. Cities are the places where people from around the region travel to work, receive medical attention, enjoy the latest local theater production, attend parades to show their admiration for our troops returning home and transact business with bankers, accountants and attorneys.

Our cities and towns are the places where people of all backgrounds come together and experience a sense of community and belonging.

In addition to being valued places to those currently living in our state, we know cities are magnets for economic development. Industry executives choose places to locate their industries that offer a high quality of life.

They look for arts, culture, recreation, shopping - amenities that mainly exist in our cities and towns. Also, assets provided by municipalities, including safe and reliable water and sewer services and exceptional police and fire services, are basic and essential components of places with a good quality of life.

Growing South Carolina's economy, especially raising the income of our residents, is a goal fully embraced by myself and other municipal officials. Municipalities and all South Carolinians prosper when municipalities locally decide on a vision and are empowered to achieve that vision.

In a democratic society, the citizen should make the ultimate decision in the voting booth. If the community's vision is not met, the citizens will replace their elected officials at the next election.

For this reason, it is time for the General Assembly to give municipal elected officials the authority to develop and use tools that will allow cities to achieve their visions.

Because our cities and towns are so different, it simply does not work for the General Assembly to mandate a "one size fits all" method for managing our cities and towns. Each has different challenges, different dreams and different assets on which to build.

A central city like Columbia may not face the same challenges as a rural town like Elloree. The physical assets of beachfront property in a town like Hilton Head Island are different than the physical assets of a suburban city like Fountain Inn.

Even the vision for two cities of similar size, located in adjacent counties and on the same interstate highway, like the cities of Newberry and Clinton, may be different.

However, the success of each of these cities and towns is essential for the success of South Carolina's economy.

I am confident as more state officials come to understand the value of cities in our state's economy and embrace the philosophy that "decisions that can be made locally should be made locally," cities will be empowered with the necessary array of tools to achieve success for the good of all South Carolina.

The future looks promising. At a recent meeting of municipal officials in Columbia, Governor Sanford said, "Wherever possible I think you need to send power and authority to the most local level because that allows the maximum degree of self determination."

Governor Sanford's embrace of local self determination, or home rule, is heartening and bodes well for possible changes that will enable cities and towns and the state to reach their full potential.

South Carolina is a great place to live, but it can be even better.I ask for your support in encouraging our state leaders to recognize the essential value of cities and towns as a full partner in making South Carolina the best state in this country to work, live and play.