September 30, 2014 — We were pleased to have Patrick Bryant speak to us about the Charleston County one cent sales taxes extension campaign, Yes 4 Schools. Patrick is an entrepreneur who likes starting companies from an idea and then developing that idea into a successful business. He started his first company, Bryant Design at the age of 16. He currently is a partner in: Go To Team, Cigar Row and South Easton Systems. Patrick also serves on the Charleston Chamber of Commerce Board, which is supportive of the extension of the one cent sales tax for Charleston County School. The Chamber of Commerce is heading up the Yes 4 Schools campaign.
Patrick believes that talent is one of the biggest issues that the Charleston area faces. The demand for technology jobs in the area is rapidly growing due to companies like Boeing and Benefit Focus. If we do not have well educated individuals in Charleston to fill the need, the companies will recruit from outside the area. If the extension for the one cent sales tax passes in November, then it will be in place from 2016 to 2022. Patrick supports this for several reasons— our schools are over crowded; better facilities breeds better performance from the students; it increases property values; the one cent sales tax is for a limited time frame; and everyone contributes. The area is growing at very fast pace. This year alone saw 1500 new students enrolled in Charleston County Schools, which is equal to two new schools. Patrick points out that all 87 schools will benefit from this money and it will only go to capital improvements not to cover administrative costs.
–Todd Confarotta, Keyway Committee