Irmo’s Mayor Bill Danielson does not describe himself as a politician, nor did he ever plan to be one. He earned a Business Administration and Finance degree from USC in Aiken and has been a businessman for over 35 years. During that time, he has given his life to public service, including chairing the Department of Special Needs and working directly for the governor. Danielson is passionate about his job, and sometimes impatient to get things done right away. He says, “My frustration is that I can’t get it all,” something he says he’s learned to work on. His dad taught him, “Don’t complain unless you’re willing to fix it. Bring a solution when you have it, not just the problem.”
Among his most pressing concerns as mayor are expanding Irmo’s police force, addressing the issue of town security, and creating a comprehensive strategic plan. Teamwork is critical for this mayor. What he and his four council members have achieved in just 120 days into his term demonstrates teamwork in its finest representation.
Expanding the police force was first on the list. Irmo’s geographical area is twice the size it was ten years ago, far exceeding its population growth, resulting in a more expansive area for officers to patrol. The team devised a resourceful and cost-effective solution to increase police presence. When the fiscal year starts in July, two code enforcement police will transfer out of the department and be assigned as patrol officers. The town will hire a new employee civilian code enforcement officer with the authority to write code violations. The police follow up only if a resident chooses not to comply with a property code warning. Mayor Danielson feels strongly that a citizen’s first interaction with an Irmo policeman should not be for a code violation. The new setup helps keep that from occurring.
The next improvement was addressing traffic, specifically speeding. They have approved multiple facial recognition cameras with the first “pilot” camera installment underway. In addition, they have six Flock (license plate readers) cameras in play, already paying huge dividends, and solar-powered digital speed limit signs in place. The signs automatically slow drivers down, and the collected data helps police identify a hot spot where they can position police.
Creating a comprehensive strategic plan came next. Danielson says, “Without a strategic plan, you’re floating in the wind. It is a living, breathing document for the Council to follow. The plan should constantly be updated so that the constituents know what they’re trying to do with the town.” There is a comprehensive land and zoning plan, strategies for annexation, how they’re going to grow intelligently, and the best way to do it. Danielson is admittedly proud of the plan they’ve devised so far. Residents and visitors alike can learn more about their town and its plan for their future by visiting the Town of Irmo website to follow the plan as it grows.
Mayor Danielson and his wife, Peggy, will be married for 40 years in August. They have two children, one grandchild, and one grandchild on the way. They attend Lake Murray Presbyterian Church in Chapin.