Name: Mike Short
Age: 68
Family: Married 47 years to Deborah, 3 children, two grandchildren
Occupation: Retired Allstate Insurance agency owner
Education: Fort Mill High School, Class of 1969; Mars Hill College, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Class of 1973.
Years in Fort Mill: Native of Fort Mill
Top five professional and community activities: 1. I was elected to and served five terms on the York County Council beginning in 1995. I served two years as Council Vice Chairman and last four years a Council Chairman. I chose not to run for reelection after 10 years of service on the County Council; 2. Fort Mill Town Council 1986-1990; 3. Fort Mill History Museum – Volunteer; 4. First Baptist Church – Served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member; 5. In the past served as President of the Fort Mill Lions club, was active in the Jaycees, Toastmasters, Catawba Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Fort Mill United Way, Fort Mill Community Playhouse, and the Blue & Gold Band Club.
Top five concerns: Fort Mill is growing faster than the infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, police and fire protection) can keep up. The quality of life will soon begin to be crushed by the burden of a population that exceeds the town’s ability to keep up, much less get ahead. This is most evident right now in the traffic during peak hours. That problem will not be solved overnight but aggressive plans must be made now to accommodate the future growth that is inevitably coming.
Q: Fort Mill is experiencing a population and development explosion. What does this mean for the town and how would your actions on the council help the needs of this growing community?
A: We must become more proactive and aggressive in working with the county and the state in regards to our road system. While much of York County is facing growing pains Fort Mill is taking the brunt of the growth
Q: What’s the one major issue you plan to address?
A: Infrastructure, primarily roads.
Q: What grade do you give the current town council and why?
A: I appreciate their efforts and their willingness to serve.
Q: If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
A: Resurfacing and improving roads.
Q: What else should voters know about you before entering the voting booth?
A: I am fortunate in that I grew up in Fort Mill and have had the opportunity to see it evolve from a small cotton mill town. I have the experience, knowledge, understanding, and desire to serve this community as it continues to face the challenges brought on by overwhelming growth. Allow me to work with you to keep Fort Mill a wonderful place to call home.
Fun question: Which was your favorite scarecrow in the Scarecrow Crawl?
A: They are all great and very creative and I enjoyed seeing them all. My favorite is the American Legion Auxiliary – Home of the Free because of the Brave.