MARLBORO COUNTY — Newly elected this month to the Marlboro County Council, Adrian Kinney says he is ready to hit the ground running.
“The citizens need a voice, they need guidance, they need someone that is willing to communicate information to all citizens. They need to be aware of the resources available to them,” says Kinney.
Kinney, who was born and raised in Clio, says that as a native son he feels certain positive changes are well overdue.
“I went to elementary and middle school in Clio, then I graduated from Marlboro County High School in 1994. I moved away for 21 years. Coming back home, I saw needs and I wanted to help make a difference,” Kinney explained.
Since weighing the decision to run for political office, Kinney has identified several main issues he would like to focus on as an elected official.
“A big issue facing the county is the continued rise of property and sales taxes. Most citizens don’t know where the funds are going,” Kinney said.
Other issues drawing Kinney’s concern are the county’s healthy stray animal population, as well as its lack of recreation resources for youth, families, and senior citizens.
“We have too many stray pets and there is a lack of recreation options for our youth and Senior Citizens,” said Kinney, adding these concerns hit close to home for him.
In addition to concerns Kinney has for the homeless animal population in Marlboro County, he says is equally cognizant of the optics of having some residents with “junky” yards and says the county needs to be more active in removing its dilapidated or condemned buildings.
He said, “If an abandoned building cannot be utilized, it needs to be demolished.”
While Kinney notes he shares the same concerns as many Marlboro County residents, nearest to his heart is the amount of young people losing their lives.
“A lot of young people are losing their lives at an early age, and 95% of the time its preventable,” Kinney said, adding, “From the outside looking in as a constituent, it appears to be more “challenging” to get things accomplished, especially with the lack of support. I will use my platform to push the needs of the constituents of Marlboro County.”
His focus on the future, Kinney also weighed in on the struggling Marlboro County School system.
“My thoughts are the same as it is on all education systems. Parents and guardians must be 100% invested and supportive. We can’t wait until the fire is huge to put it out,” Kinney explained.
Making good on his words, Kinney recently organized a Gun Rally in Clio to encourage gun safety in the community. Kinney has also worked towards offering several other opportunities for residents to take advantage of.
When it comes to his recent political win, Kinney says he has a lot of people to thank.
“I would like to thank God for making all things possible. I would like to thank my wife and family for their support. I would like to thank everyone that voted for me, those that supported me from near and far that couldn’t vote for me due to them not living in my district. If we work together as a team, failure is not an option. We just have to make the best of what God has given us,” Kinney said.