By Jorge Cortes
Candidate for Latta Town Council
I was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Growing up in the 50’s had its many challenges. I learned to improvise and self-sustain at a very young age and raised three younger brothers. Raising my brothers taught me responsibility and perseverance, which later helped me succeed in business. I had my own steak and fish stand at age 11 and later learned to work in construction projects around the town.
I came to the States in the late 60’s. I worked for an electrical company for many years and then moved on to work with the US Army reserves in building construction. After that, I started my own construction business in the 80’s. I had my construction licenses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This lasted over a period of 30 years. I am qualified to do plumbing, heating, painting, electrical and street piping and sewer. Also certified to work with underground tanks. I ran a small residential pesticide business and currently have my private pesticide license in the State of South Carolina.
I currently live in Latta, South Carolina with my wife and fell in love with the area.
My thoughts for running for town-council at-large;
I believe in ~ Honestly, transparency and do what you say what you are going to do.
1. I am for the people to improve the quality of housing as I am a former licensed contractor and have knowledge of building codes and am glad to help where needed.
2. I feel Senior citizens are in vital need in this town as far as helping them get action taken for their problems. They need their voice heard to solve emergency situations, such as water, heating and structures that may have fallen.
3. After living in this town for several years , there seems to be constant water drainage in some areas. With my previous knowledge of 42 years of experience, I feel I can help solve this issue. I am here in times of crisis 24/7.
Public policies that are concerning me are the quality of our drinking water and protecting the environment as to do no harm to our land and air such as harmful pesticides because I am private licensed pesticide contractor and know the consequences of misuse.
I want to make sure that we as a town have a voice as a local piece of a smaller government to represent the people and to speak out for the critical needs that may be overlooked.
The core responsibilities should be: To be responsible to the people of my town, my belief is not what the town can do for me but what I can do for the town
