Cammick challenged on vote to extend Salem water line

A challenge was raised during this week’s meeting of Oconee County Council to Edda Cammick’s part in a vote to extend a water line in the Salem area. The challenger was Keowee Key resident Wayne Owens, who spoke during public comment Tuesday at council’s regular meeting. Cammick is Salem’s representative to council and has been a supporter of an effort by Salem to provide water in the hope that part of a highway 11 area will become conducive to economic development. But Owens says he learned that Cammick owns property across the highway from where the pipe would be buried. Cammick, the council chair, responded: “…But honestly, Mr. Owens, if the pipe came all the way up to my front porch and rang the doorbell, I wouldn’t tap into it. Just so no one would have the satisfaction of saying I did.” Cammick also said she has no plans to sell the property….” Owens requested council re-consider its 3-2 vote and for Cammick to recuse herself.
The subject prompted a debate between Cammick and District Three’s Paul Cain as to the merits of the project and where it fit with other infra-structure needs in the county.