Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
Rice Mill significant Bravo to the State Ports Authority for acting to preserve the Bennett Rice Mill facade after owning the architecturally significant structure since 1958. The preserved ruin is projected to be a centerpiece of the Union Pier redevelopment by Charleston businessman Ben Navarro, to whom the Ports Authority is selling the property. The ruin is what remains of the mill after it was ravaged by Hurricane Donna in 1960. It was the western-side facade; the main facade faced north, overlooking a canal connecting it to the Cooper River. The mill was designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, and built in 1844, when even industrial buildings were expected to have an architectural presence. No architect has been identified with the mill. It was quite possibly designed by Gov. Thomas Bennett. He and his clever sons designed elegant residences in the suburb of Harleston. A direct descendant, Craig Bennett Jr., is a nationally known historic structures engineer with offices in the venerable West Point Rice Mill on the Ashley River. The rice mill project was completed by Landmark Preservation of Savannah and GEL Engineering, which has offices in several Southeastern cities including Charleston. ROBERT P. STOCKTON Charleston Fishy saying Every time I hear in the news that politicians, prominent people and those in positions of authority broke the law, I remember the saying: The fish always starts to rot from the head. G.A. MONOCRUSOS Charleston Belge a leader When I decided to step down after eight years on Greenville City Council, I did so under one condition: that we could find someone ready to step in immediately and continue the work I’ve been proud to be part of. I believe we found that person in Tina Belge. Tina is a certified professional planner with a big-picture perspective and a deep understanding of how Greenville works — both literally and figuratively. She has spent her career preparing for this role, focusing on affordable housing, community development, transportation and growth management. Tina knows how all the pieces fit together to make Greenville stronger and more equitable, rather than viewing our city through a myopic, narrow lens. She brings both the technical expertise and the collaborative spirit City Council needs right now. Tina listens, does her homework and leads with empathy and integrity. Greenville’s growth demands thoughtful, experienced leadership. We need someone who can balance opportunity with preservation and keep our shared vision on track for the city we all love. Tina Belge is the leader Greenville needs, and I hope others will join me in supporting her for Greenville City Council on Election Day. RUSSELL STALL Greenville Congress must improve If the members of Congress would focus on the people's business instead of investigating the opposing party and calling people names that should never been spoken after World War II, maybe we wouldn't be in our current position. When was the last time Congress prepared a budget on time instead of using a continuing resolution? When was the last it passed a balanced budget? The national debt has reached $38 trillion, a debt that many future generations will be responsible for. The Big Beautiful Bill is projected to add at least $2 trillion to the debt. It is not a revenue problem; it's a spending problem. Our entire gross domestic product is less than our debt. The Medicare and Social Security programs are in serious financial trouble; Congress has known this for years but has taken no action to remedy the situation.
