Mefleh vows to satisfy local and state shortcomings

Popular Westminster restaurateur, the city councilman Yousef Mefleh, has received support from his community and expressed determination that his restaurant will meet city building requirements and correct deficiencies contained in a state food establishment inspection report. That inspection report made its way quickly yesterday onto social media pages on the internet. Meantime, Yousef’s restaurant remains open and doing business, as it was when 101.7/WGOG NEWS visited yesterday afternoon.  Just before our interview, Mefleh and two of his customers joined hands in prayer that things will be all right.  He acknowledged the latest plight—a DHEC inspector’s evaluation on Monday that left the restaurant with a “C” rating.  But Mefleh vows in the next 10 days his restaurant will be restored to the good graces of the state, along with complying to local building requirements for the addition to his building.  “I believe so” is the answer that Mefleh gave to the question of whether he believes political enemies are responsible for his troubles.  And on 101.7/WGOG NEWS today, Mefleh’s entire answer to the question is being aired.  Two weeks ago, Mefleh changed his city council votes that created the margin in favor of removing a $7 dollar a month add-on to the bills of utility customers and raised the monthly charge for outside water customers.  The votes turned out 4-3 and deepened the schism already apparent among the then city council.  Of late, however, the council has been reduced by resignations to four, leaving the mayor, Mefleh, and his remaining fellow councilmen—Powell and Glymph.