Outrage grows as non-resident official enforces costly power deal, keeps billing opaque, and avoids consequences.
WESTMINSTER, S.C. - SCaroNews -- Residents of Westminster, South Carolina are demanding answers—and accountability—as electric rates soar to 16.5 cents per kilowatt hour, far above the state average of 13.5¢ and the national average of 15¢. In a town where the median household income is just $38,393, this burden is untenable.
At the center of the outrage is City Administrator Kevin Bronson, whose continued support of the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (PMPA) agreement is seen as a key factor in the inflated rates. Bronson, who earns $142,000 annually plus perks, does not reside in Westminster, yet makes decisions that deeply affect its residents—many of whom live below the poverty line.
"He's imposing policies from outside the city limits," said one resident. "He doesn't live here, doesn't pay our rates, and doesn't suffer our outages."
🔍 Lack of Transparency
Westminster utility bills do not disclose the base rate or per-kWh cost, leaving residents unable to understand what they're paying. When one resident asked Town Hall for clarification, the clerk admitted they didn't know the rates. This lack of transparency has sparked accusations of deliberate concealment.
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⚡ Frequent Outages, Outdated Responses
Residents also report frequent power outages, especially during nights and weekends. When calling to report outages, they're often met with a recorded message referencing events from weeks earlier, offering no current updates or support.
💰 Disparity in Pay vs. Poverty
While Bronson enjoys a six-figure salary, the average city employee earns just $51,143, and many residents earn far less. The contrast between his compensation and the economic reality of Westminster has ignited calls for his resignation.
📣 Community Demands
Residents are calling for Bronson to step down and be replaced by someone who:
"We need leadership that's embedded in our community—not someone who governs from afar," said another resident.
https://blahoo.com/clarity-media.html
At the center of the outrage is City Administrator Kevin Bronson, whose continued support of the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (PMPA) agreement is seen as a key factor in the inflated rates. Bronson, who earns $142,000 annually plus perks, does not reside in Westminster, yet makes decisions that deeply affect its residents—many of whom live below the poverty line.
"He's imposing policies from outside the city limits," said one resident. "He doesn't live here, doesn't pay our rates, and doesn't suffer our outages."
🔍 Lack of Transparency
Westminster utility bills do not disclose the base rate or per-kWh cost, leaving residents unable to understand what they're paying. When one resident asked Town Hall for clarification, the clerk admitted they didn't know the rates. This lack of transparency has sparked accusations of deliberate concealment.
More on scaronews.com
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⚡ Frequent Outages, Outdated Responses
Residents also report frequent power outages, especially during nights and weekends. When calling to report outages, they're often met with a recorded message referencing events from weeks earlier, offering no current updates or support.
💰 Disparity in Pay vs. Poverty
While Bronson enjoys a six-figure salary, the average city employee earns just $51,143, and many residents earn far less. The contrast between his compensation and the economic reality of Westminster has ignited calls for his resignation.
📣 Community Demands
Residents are calling for Bronson to step down and be replaced by someone who:
- Lives in Westminster
- Pays the same utility rates
- Understands the community's struggles
- Commits to transparency and reform
"We need leadership that's embedded in our community—not someone who governs from afar," said another resident.
https://blahoo.com/clarity-media.html
Source: Clarity Media
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