25 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town I was recently invited to be the speaker at one of the oldest, most storied organizations in the Lowcountry. It’s the kind of group that it’s an honor to speak to but if you do it right, it’s also one of the most difficult speeches to make because they are not easily impressed and they have heard it all before. I decided to make my speech my own “Best Of” Mount Pleasant – but with a twist. During the past year, the Town of Mount Pleasant has been recognized with an impressive list of achievements that include: • Being named as the safest large municipality in the state by an independent rating agency. • Having the strongest economy of 19 coastal municipalities around the country as studied by Consumer Affairs. • Having the No. 1 Quality of Life index as named by U.S. News Real Estate. These are meaningful designations to receive, and as your mayor, I believe these are reflective of the priorities and goals the town government has maintained. However, here is the twist that I referred to previously. I believe the true “Best Of” Mount Pleasant is the character that our residents exhibit when it matters most. For instance, when it mattered most and a longstanding locallyowned business Mount Pleasant Seafood on Shem Creek had a fire, our residents stood in long lines at the business’ farmers market booth after the fire to give them their business and support. When it really mattered, several years ago when Jean’s Bridal shop burned down, Mount Pleasant residents responded by donating bridal and bridesmaid dresses by the hundreds to come to the rescue of the hundreds of brides whose wedding dreams seemingly went up in smoke. And when the sweetgrass basket stand of Mr. Gaillard was destroyed by a car, dozens of residents and businesses responded by teaming up on a cold, wintry Saturday morning with supplies, skills, coffee and donuts, plus lots of love to have the stand completely replaced by the end of day. Awards can be won or lost, and they go on the shelf and someone else gets them the next time around. But what about community spirit and love for our neighbors? There is no award; it’s a way of life in Mount Pleasant and it comes from within. And that, my friends, is truly the “Best Of” Mount Pleasant. BY WILL HAYNIE MAYOR OF MOUNT PLEASANT Mayor’s Message Community Comes First
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