News 12 First at Five, July 7, 2008

AIKEN CTY, S.C.---A committee met Monday night to finalize the ballot for the towns of Graniteville, Vaucluse and Warrenville to merge and incorporate. Community support for the incorporation is mixed.

All you have to do is drive through Graniteville, Vaucluse, or Warrenville and you can see the signs. Neighbors are stacked against negihbors in this decision of whether or not to unite and incorporate the three small towns.

"There are a lot of opinions. Some for, some against, but that's the person's personal decision that each person must make," Committee Chairman Alice Kirkland.

The commissioners are now completing the ballot for a proposed election. On it will be, whether or not you want to incorporate. What type of government, mayor or city council or both. Also listed will be the name, four names will be on the ballot. Horse Creek, Gregg Township, Gregg Valley, and G.V.W Tri-City.

While the committee is solely worried about the election process, some citizens for the incorporation are worried about what would happen if they don't act now. "Who's gonna do all the things that need to be done in a town like this? I think it's a way for the future, otherwise I don't know what's gonna happen here," says Graniteville resident Thomas Medlock.

About half the residents are saying yes...and just across Trolley Line Road, you'll find the other half who say no.

"I think it will cost more money, especially for the people who are on a fixed income, like I am. That's my main concern. Incorporation I just don't think we need right now," argues neighbor Wayne Johnson.

Since support for the incorporation is split each and every vote counts and whether you're a vote yes person or a vote no person, leaders want you to understand on one thing...your opinion matters.

Now right now, the commissioners are still waiting to hear back from the U.S. Department of Justice on a date for the election. Right now it is set for August 26th, but that could change.