July 26, 2023 • 24 mins
Why does a determined engineer from Summerville, a town that touches three different counties, think he can rebrand and lead his cherished hometown? Meet Russ Touchberry, a Citadel graduate with a background in public service and a passion for his community, who's set his sights on becoming the Mayor of Summerville. As a civil engineer with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, his unique skills and experiences make him a compelling candidate. From serving the Children's Center to leading positions in the Chamber of Commerce and Town Council, Touchberry is no stranger to public service. In our candid conversation, he shares his family life, his vision for Summerville, and his love for his two doodle dogs.
What if we told you that branding and collaboration could reshape the future of a town? In a gripping dialogue, Touchberry underlines the importance of collaboration, especially when you're a small town connected to three different counties. He talks about the financial responsibilities of being a mayor and how he plans to prioritize spending. But it doesn't stop there. Touchberry is not just running for the office, but he's on a mission to bring stakeholders together and to redefine the brand of Summerville. He shares how you can stay updated with his campaign and learn more about his platform. Take a dive into the world of local politics with this episode. Just be sure to click the bell on YouTube to keep yourself updated with our podcast. Thanks for watching/listening!
Thank you for listening! Please contact me if I can ever be of service:
Roni Haskell
www.thatSCrealestatechick.com
843.297.1935
roni.haskell@kw.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
I'm Ronnie Haspel, otherwise known as that SC real
estate chick.
I'm joined today by Mayor ofcandidate, Russ Touchberry, and
this is for the love of realestate podcast.
Thanks for joining us today,russ.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
I'm so excited to be here, ronnie, thank you.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
You're welcome.
So we know each other sociallyin town.
Our families both live indowntown Somerville and I've
gotten to know you over theyears and your family your wife,
particularly Jamie is a runnerlike I am, so we have this
little community together.
But I'm looking forward tolearning more about you.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
I'm excited and I hope to learn more about you as
well.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
Well, thanks, I'm willing to share.
So you are running for Mayor ofSomerville.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
That's a big seat.
I am, I'm so excited for theopportunity.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
Yes, yeah Well, tell us a little bit about your
history, because you're aSomerville native, correct?
I am.
I am Born and raised here.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Born and raised here.
There's a song that goessomewhat like that, and I have
to get that tune out of my head.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Born and raised in Somerville, grew up off of Gay
Hagen Road in Oak Knollsubdivision.
My parents were both educatorsand my dad worked at Somerville
High School and that's whatreally brought us into
Somerville Over the years.
I went to Somerville ElementarySchool I know our kids went
there together Austin Middle andthen I went to Fort Dorchester,
(01:29):
followed my dad when he becamethe athletic.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Very good, and Jamie, your wife, also is a Somerville
native.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
She is a Somerville native, attended the same
schools except for high school.
She's a graduate of SomervilleHigh School.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
High school sweethearts too right.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
So we actually started dating my graduation
night.
It was in 1997.
She's one academic year behindme, okay.
So she was just finishing herjunior year, I was just
finishing my senior year, andwe've been together ever since.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Well, I will tell you from an in and from an outsider
.
Looking in, I really admire therelationship and the bond that
you'll have.
You can tell the love that youhave for each other, so kudos to
you on that level.
So Russ you're also a graduateof the Citadel.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
I am, I am.
Speaker 1 (02:17):
And then came out as an engineer.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
Correct Civil engineering major and started
working with the South CarolinaDepartment of Transportation in
bridge construction and got towork on some really neat
projects over the years ReachInlet Bridge, the Limehouse
Bridge but probably one of thecoolest projects in the low
country was the Cooper RiverBridge project and that
opportunity really springboardedmy career in transportation.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
So you worked at the Department of for the DOT
Department of Transportation.
And then you segue now intomore of a private sector,
correct?
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Okay, spent one decade with the Department of
Transportation.
Some of those roles were up inheadquarters in Columbia.
That took me away from the lowcountry and of course we
gravitated back as soon as wecould.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
And chose to raise your children here in your
hometown of Somerville.
And so you've got a son and adaughter, correct and two doodle
dogs.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Yes, two doodle dogs and that rounds out the family
structure.
It does, and I feel sorry foranybody that walks with a dog in
front of our house, because ourdogs loved to welcome you with
bark.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
Well, I too am a doodle mom.
You said you wanted to get toknow me a little better.
My daughter, that was herchoice of a breed as well, so I
share in that.
Sweet dogs, sweet dogs.
So, rush, you've been servingin a service capacity here in
the town for a little while.
Tell us about.
Right now you're sitting onCounty Council.
I'm sorry, right now you'resitting on City Council, correct
(03:44):
?
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Correct Town Council yes, ma'am.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Town Council.
That's right so, but you wereelected to that position in
2021?
.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Yes ma'am.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
So before that, what does your service look like?
Speaker 2 (03:55):
That's a great question.
So I started, you know, firstof all, jamie and I returned
here in 2013.
So we've been here over 10years and I'm sure you're
familiar with the Tupper family.
A good friend, edward Tupper,reached out to me one day and
said the Children's Center needshelp.
They're doing a capitalcampaign.
(04:16):
I'd love for you to help out ifyou could.
So I said okay, I don't evenknow what the Children's Center
is he's like.
Well, you have to go to aninformational meeting.
At that point in time that wasprobably 2014 and went to a
meeting and really connectedwith their mission.
Once I found out about it, theexecutive director, kay Phillips
, you know, does a lunch andlearn and explains what that
(04:39):
center does for abused andneglected children.
And I thought about all theabused people in my life folks
in my family, friends, peoplethat I've dated in the past and
I just said this is so importantto help these traumatized
children become productivecitizens.
So I really started servingwhen I came back to Somerville
(05:01):
and started with the Children'sCenter.
That led to other opportunitieswhere I was in Leadership
Dorchester and the exposure ofLeadership Dorchester that's put
on by our Chamber of Commercereally opened my eyes to other
opportunities where I could be acontributor, and I found myself
on the board of directors forthe Chamber of Commerce as well,
you know that's what leaders do, right?
Speaker 1 (05:22):
You say I will help serve, and then they quickly put
you into a leadership position.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
It happens quickly.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
It did, for you it does.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
I learned so much through that and I really
believe that if you connect withthe mission and you're
passionate about what you'redoing, you can be a contributor
and serve, and that's reallywhat I've been doing since I've
been back.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
So was it through the advocacy center?
Is that the Children's?
Speaker 2 (05:46):
Center.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
That was your start into public service and then
Leadership.
Dorchester has opened otherdoors and avenues and you've
just continued your servicethrough the town and now on Town
Council.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Correct, and even before Town Council, I served on
the DCTA and the PlanningCommission for Dorchester County
for a period of time.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
I would imagine you've learned a lot of lessons
through how the operations ofthese work, but also some
different leaderships and how towork with different
personalities, correct?
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Absolutely, and that's vital because you
independently can't affectchange.
You have to work with others.
I think that's a key element.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
A lot of people in this and when the other day,
when I was asking you if youwould come, I said okay, Russ,
you're running for mayor.
How are you going to get theword out of who you are and what
you're standing for?
And you said well, I want toexceed it, past just the town,
because what we know is theother people in the county do
(06:56):
our mayor of Town, of the townof Somerville.
The mayor position really doesinfluence the whole county
Absolutely.
So, even though the people thatare outside the town of
Somerville can't elect to putyou into that role, that
position does affect everybodythat lives and works in
Dorchester County.
(07:17):
Would you agree with that?
It really does, and so peopleneed to understand about this
mayor position and why it is soimportant.
Explain a little bit about thestructure of the town government
, because I think there'sdifferent ways to structure town
governments and ours is alittle different, perhaps a
little unique.
So explain how the mayorposition is in the town
(07:38):
government.
It is?
Speaker 2 (07:40):
I'm sorry for asking that question because there's a
lot of folks that get confused.
They say you're running formayor but that's going to be
your full time job and inreality we're a weak mayor form
of government.
So it's really just a councilmember at large and you're very
important from a positionstandpoint for setting the tone,
but pulling other councilmembers together around a vision
(08:01):
and a plan and helping executethat plan, and I think that's
something that I hope to bringto that office.
We've had three one term mayorssince Mayor Myers was here and
I think some folks feel likewe're on a rollercoaster and I
think we need some consistencyin that.
I hope to bring that option tothe voters.
But to your point, regionally,if we're not working with our
(08:24):
regional partners and activelyparticipating in the regional
government effort, we're onlygoing to fall behind and we
don't want to do that.
Some of those too important forthat.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
Well, it is, and yeah , there's the regional, the
county.
It's also collaborating withother leaders within adjoining
counties that are reallyadjacent counties and
municipalities as well.
It's kind of blending all ofthis together and being able to
work together.
What fuels your passion to bemayor of the town of Somerville?
Speaker 2 (08:59):
I really think it's the love I have for the town and
you'll hear that from othercandidates, but that's the only
reason you would put yourselfout in public and take some of
the shots that you take.
But I think it's so worth it.
And my dad, coach touch, burieda many.
But Papa touch to me.
He always instilled in us to bea contributor and I think this
(09:21):
is a great way where I providean option for the voters that
maybe I should be the one tocontribute in this position from
their perspective, and I thinkthat's really what I'm excited
about.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
What would you say is your biggest value proposition
for this seat?
Speaker 2 (09:39):
For this seat the biggest value proposition it's
working well with others.
As an engineer, every majorproject has a lot of
stakeholders that work togetherto deliver that project, and we
have to work with each other,whether we're on the same side
of a contract or an opposingside of the contract the
expectation from the public isto get the work done, and so my
(10:03):
experience with that over thelast 22 years has really
developed the opportunity whereI think I can work with others,
bring teams together so that wecan execute and deliver for our
taxpayers.
We don't need to keep fallingbehind.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Yeah, the citizens.
When you're talking about this,the taxpayers, otherwise known
as the citizens it's, that's whoyou're working for, but you've
got to work with the otherpeople that are elected and not
elected, that are just appointedinto their positions, right?
Speaker 2 (10:33):
Absolutely.
You absolutely have to and youknow you talked about some of
the geographical boundaries ofSomerville and I know you heard
me say this before, probably,and many others have.
But we are in all threecounties.
Somerville touches CharlestonCounty, berkeley County, uh in
Dorchester, and then we as atown, our municipal boundaries
(10:56):
are include about 55,000residents, but people with a
postal address of Somervillethere's 246,000 people.
So we have a problem of quartermillion of people uh coming
through our town that we have tosolve.
So that's going to takeeverybody working together, not
just the 55,000 inside.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
Thank you for bringing that to light.
Uh, because you're right thatwe think of the town of
Somerville as being relativelysmall, in a small quadrant, but
it is not Like you said we're.
Somerville expands into threedifferent count of all the
tri-county areas.
So, um, one thing that I knowin speaking with some other
citizens and friends here uh,their concerns are the financial
(11:39):
obligations that this town has.
Right, we, we, we pay a highmilligrate here in the town of
Somerville, so it has, it hasmoney, it's pulling in money and
just the responsibility of notjust the mayor position but the
government here that's managingit.
What would you say are some ofthe biggest challenges on a
(12:00):
financial level for this town?
Speaker 2 (12:03):
That's a great question, and one of the things
that I hope to do is help usprioritize our spending.
But you can't prioritizewithout knowing where you wanna
go.
I'll tell a quick story.
When I joined council in 2022,we had our first budget retreat,
and during this retreat,basically we ended up with a
budget presented to us that wehad to cut out all of the
(12:25):
capital expenditures.
We did not have what I wouldconsider even an appreciable
cost of living increase for ourstaff that does the work for our
citizens, and then we werebalancing it with one time
federal dollar, and that's, tome, was alarming.
(12:47):
So we didn't understand ourexpenses as a town.
That same year, we tore down theCuthbert Community Center
because of deferred maintenance.
We have other facilities thatare way behind for being the
seventh largest municipality inthe state our police and fire
that keep us safe.
Folks who put their lives onthe line.
(13:07):
They're working out of closetsin this shared space.
That's just inadequate.
We have to do better than that.
Our brand is better than that.
So we need to know where ourexpenses are so we can
prioritize our spending and getan accurate reflection of what
we need to spend money on in thetown the best business owners I
(13:30):
know know their expenses betterthan anybody else.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Yeah, yeah, Even from a small business owner as me.
I mean, I look, I have abookkeeper who gives me my
profit and loss every month andthen we analyze it together and
you comb through that and then Ihave someone else that takes a
look at it.
So it's like a multi-layer,making sure there's checks and
balances right and everything isaccounted for and you're not
(13:56):
off kilter anywhere.
It's just a responsible way torun a business, and a town
that's managing a much, muchhigher budget than mine should
absolutely be doing that and beaudited on a regular basis.
Would you agree?
Speaker 2 (14:09):
Absolutely, and I'm glad you know when I arrived we
were behind on audits, Somethingthat was also somewhat alarming
, but we're back on pace withthose.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Good.
I asked a community supporterof yours why he was offering his
support to you, russ, and acouple of things that he'd
mentioned.
He mentioned youthfulness andbeing able to connect with
families was very important,which I can speak to.
We do get a lot of familiesthat live here.
(14:40):
They want to raise theirfamilies here, but they're
migrating and planting thoseroots right here in Somerville,
so that is important, but youryouthfulness and connecting with
families was a big plus.
Experience with infrastructureand transportation was you know
how to get the job done is whathe said, and then the vision to
(15:02):
manage the growth.
Elaborate on that for me.
What is your vision?
What would be some like top keyelements that you would like to
see done if you were to beelected as mayor?
Speaker 2 (15:14):
Well, we have to pull others into that discussion.
That's not a Russ Touchburyvision, but my vision is to pull
the stakeholders back togetherand basically solidify what
Somerville wants to be.
We have lost our brand over thelast couple decades, really,
and I don't want to bejudgmental about previous
(15:36):
leaders.
But if we are only focused onone area of town, the other
areas of town are going to erupt.
And we have beautiful areaslike Oak Brook on the Ashley
Knightsville area, places going,you know, growing towards next,
and then we want to make surethat it looks and feels like
summer and we want bicycle andpedestrian connectivity and all
(15:58):
of these factors need to be puttogether into every plan.
We analyze no offense to anybusinesses along the corridor
between 78 and I-26, but if youdrive there you don't feel like
you're in summer, you feel likeyou're in anywhere USA, and we
need to reestablish that brandand feel and look like summer.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Well, summerville has been put on the map because it
does have the birthplace ofsweet tea, as we call it right,
flower town and the ponds.
We have all of these brandingand once you're in town you do
get that warm feel.
There's the trail, you know,there's all of these things that
(16:42):
, the historical nature, themuseum that's here that people
can go and visit and understanda little bit more about the
richness that the town ofSummerville and Dorchester
County have to offer.
But when you drive some of thestreets, you're right, there's
some disconnectivity between therich history and the beautiful
(17:04):
or lack of streetscapes in someregards.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
And the connectivity of the leave Anybody that's a
biker runner would agree withthat and family's just trying to
get out and find safe places.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
As you know, I'm not a runner.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
No, you are not, but my wife is my wife is and I'll
ride and you're a greatsupporter.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
I'm a cheerleader.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
From the bike Exactly .
Speaker 2 (17:29):
And as we ride our roads, there are areas where
you're like, OK, here's asidewalk and then it just goes
to nowhere.
And we need to understand ourinventory and understand how to
tie it together and then startprioritizing and budgeting so
that we can accomplish thesethings, but we don't have to do
it by ourselves.
We talked about streetscapes,and our state legislative
(17:51):
delegation is helping us withsome funding to increase our
downtown streetscaping from therailroad tracks to Highway 78.
And this is fantastic.
We have an opportunity to putthe utilities underground, allow
for mass storms signals, maybeinclude some additional parking
and just beautify that sectionso it looks just like the
(18:14):
Hutchinson Square area.
We have great opportunities infront of us, but we have to work
with our partners.
You're giving me hope for us,but we have to work together.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
It is, partnerships are critical.
I've been asking, actuallysomeone that I know and trust,
their opinion on on on thingsfrequently about the, the power
lines, the pole, the poles thatare up, and they're like you
know, ronnie, it's not just oneutility, there's several
utilities that have lines onthese poles and it takes a lot
(18:44):
of effort and a lot of teamworkand understanding to be able to
accomplish that goal of being anunderground, because that was a
question of mine Years ago.
Why are our power lines notunderground on some of these
main streets?
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Absolutely, and that's a heavy lift and it's
gonna take time, but withfunding and with a vision and
everybody working together, wecan get it done.
It's just gonna take one biteat a time.
Speaker 1 (19:07):
So, russ, I've got a couple of personal questions for
you so that people can get toknow you at a little deeper
level.
All right, you ready?
Oh, absolutely fire away.
What are some of your hobbies?
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Oh my goodness.
So I have so many hobbies thatI thought I would enjoy at this
age in life.
So I, I love fishing, I lovegoing to the beach, I love
boating, but really with sageand back of my son and daughter
playing sports, their sportshave become my favorite hop.
So watching them swim orwatching sage play volleyball or
Beckham play soccer, jamie andI we just are thrilled to cheer
(19:42):
on our kids at whatever they'redoing, and that's something
We've really fallen in love with.
We're gonna miss that at somepoint in time when it's gone.
Speaker 1 (19:48):
So you will and you.
It is valuable to be there atthis stage.
I've off to had to forgo someof my hobbies, like my love of
tennis has had to be put to thewayside for the sake of my kids
Activity.
So I understand that.
Have you ever sung karaoke?
Speaker 2 (20:05):
Oh, of course I have what's your favorite song?
Speaker 1 (20:07):
do you have a go-to song?
Oh, my goodness.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
I it.
So the last time I sang karaokewe did sweet home.
South Carolina is how wechanged it.
Yeah, that was done 15 ishyears ago and I'm sure it was
early in the morning or late atnight.
Speaker 1 (20:26):
So we might be what I remember that.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
I remember that.
I hope there were no Flip phoneor videos taken from the phones
well, that's the benefit of ithappening about 15 years ago now
.
Speaker 1 (20:37):
If it happened, it would absolutely be resurfaced.
We may have to bring that oneback, although I'm an Alabama
girl, so sweet home Alabama ismy roots, but singing it as
sweet home in South Carolinawould be a ton of fun.
I see your bracelet.
I've seen your bracelet asyou've been talking.
What's the significance of that?
Speaker 2 (20:53):
So I actually have two bracelets on you may not
have seen.
One is from this year'sSeacoast marriage conference.
For my birthday weekend thisyear, jamie and I went to
Seacoast's marriage conferenceand you talked about Jamie and I
was perceived marriage, while Itell you we are partners and we
(21:13):
work hard together, but wedon't always agree and
Sharpening the saw is importantfor us as well.
So that was a blessing.
So I've kept it on and hasn'tfallen off yet, but that was
kind of our ticket in the otherone is what would Jesus do?
and we read a book in our Biblestudy class.
I think it was at the end oflast year, in his steps.
(21:36):
And in his steps was a book Ican't remember the author's name
, I should, but in his stepsfantastic book.
And it was kind of an awakeningof not doing religion but
trying to follow Christ and be areflection of Christ love here.
So we got these bracelets andput them on in our Bible study
(21:56):
class, and this is my second onebecause the other one rotted
off.
But anyway, the other day justtell you a quick story I was in
the elevator going up to workand a gentleman saw my bracelet
and said I'm wearing the otherhalf of that.
I said well, I've never heardof the other half of that.
I said show me.
So we put up side by side.
And His said you know, ofcourse, minds, what would Jesus
(22:19):
do?
His said Jesus J would W love LFirst F.
And I was like, wow, and thatwas his bracelet.
So I need to get me one ofthose too.
Speaker 1 (22:32):
That's pretty sweet.
That is sweet.
I've never seen that yeah.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
That's, that's.
That's more than you wanted tohear, but no, that's really cool
, since you asked, yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Well, what's impressive is these aren't
recent events.
They happened months, monthsago, and you're still committed
to the, to the reminder, thedaily reminder, by wearing them.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
I think it's very important.
There's a lot of distractionsaround and we need to stay
focused on the mission at hand.
Speaker 1 (22:57):
That's true, Russ, we talked about a lot of things
kind of your missions, yourvision.
Is there anything else that youwould like to share with us
about what, what, what's on yourheart moving forward?
Speaker 2 (23:09):
Well, I appreciate that question.
I really think you know beingthe mayor of Somerville is a
huge responsibility.
But the people we serve are ourcitizens and I think Somerville
has the best citizens of anymunicipality in the state and
probably the country the givingheart, the unified kind of sense
(23:29):
of watching out for each other.
Somerville has that and I wantto help keep that going and I
really would love to hear thefeedback of our folks.
So just encourage folks toreach out if they have questions
.
Not everybody knows RussTouchbury but they can ask me
anything and I'm happy torespond.
Speaker 1 (23:48):
It's exciting.
I'm looking forward to whatcomes next for the town of
Somerville and and I lookforward to, if you are so
elected by the citizens of thistown, what your leadership will
do here for the town.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
Well, thank you, I'm excited for the opportunity.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
And if anybody has any questions, you know we do
have information out there aboutthe campaign and we're also
having those talk with Touchburyevents at various locations.
We'll have one in Oakbrook,we'll have one closer to next,
and so we are around and we wantto hear your voice.
Speaker 1 (24:21):
So how can they find information about you?
Speaker 2 (24:24):
So RussTouchburycom.
We're on Facebook also as RussTouchbury for Somerville Mayor
and we'd love to hear yourfeedback.
Speaker 1 (24:31):
Good, good.
Well, thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (24:34):
For those watching on YouTube make sure to click the
bell so you can be notified whenmore podcasts drop.
Thanks for joining us.
I'm Ronnie Haspel, otherwise known as that SC real
estate chick.
I'm joined today by Mayor ofcandidate, Russ Touchberry, and
this is for the love of realestate podcast.
Thanks for joining us today,russ.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
I'm so excited to be here, ronnie, thank you.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
You're welcome.
So we know each other sociallyin town.
Our families both live indowntown Somerville and I've
gotten to know you over theyears and your family your wife,
particularly Jamie is a runnerlike I am, so we have this
little community together.
But I'm looking forward tolearning more about you.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
I'm excited and I hope to learn more about you as
well.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
Well, thanks, I'm willing to share.
So you are running for Mayor ofSomerville.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
That's a big seat.
I am, I'm so excited for theopportunity.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
Yes, yeah Well, tell us a little bit about your
history, because you're aSomerville native, correct?
I am.
I am Born and raised here.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Born and raised here.
There's a song that goessomewhat like that, and I have
to get that tune out of my head.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Born and raised in Somerville, grew up off of Gay
Hagen Road in Oak Knollsubdivision.
My parents were both educatorsand my dad worked at Somerville
High School and that's whatreally brought us into
Somerville Over the years.
I went to Somerville ElementarySchool I know our kids went
there together Austin Middle andthen I went to Fort Dorchester,
(01:29):
followed my dad when he becamethe athletic.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Very good, and Jamie, your wife, also is a Somerville
native.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
She is a Somerville native, attended the same
schools except for high school.
She's a graduate of SomervilleHigh School.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
High school sweethearts too right.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
So we actually started dating my graduation
night.
It was in 1997.
She's one academic year behindme, okay.
So she was just finishing herjunior year, I was just
finishing my senior year, andwe've been together ever since.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Well, I will tell you from an in and from an outsider
.
Looking in, I really admire therelationship and the bond that
you'll have.
You can tell the love that youhave for each other, so kudos to
you on that level.
So Russ you're also a graduateof the Citadel.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
I am, I am.
Speaker 1 (02:17):
And then came out as an engineer.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
Correct Civil engineering major and started
working with the South CarolinaDepartment of Transportation in
bridge construction and got towork on some really neat
projects over the years ReachInlet Bridge, the Limehouse
Bridge but probably one of thecoolest projects in the low
country was the Cooper RiverBridge project and that
opportunity really springboardedmy career in transportation.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
So you worked at the Department of for the DOT
Department of Transportation.
And then you segue now intomore of a private sector,
correct?
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Okay, spent one decade with the Department of
Transportation.
Some of those roles were up inheadquarters in Columbia.
That took me away from the lowcountry and of course we
gravitated back as soon as wecould.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
And chose to raise your children here in your
hometown of Somerville.
And so you've got a son and adaughter, correct and two doodle
dogs.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Yes, two doodle dogs and that rounds out the family
structure.
It does, and I feel sorry foranybody that walks with a dog in
front of our house, because ourdogs loved to welcome you with
bark.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
Well, I too am a doodle mom.
You said you wanted to get toknow me a little better.
My daughter, that was herchoice of a breed as well, so I
share in that.
Sweet dogs, sweet dogs.
So, rush, you've been servingin a service capacity here in
the town for a little while.
Tell us about.
Right now you're sitting onCounty Council.
I'm sorry, right now you'resitting on City Council, correct
(03:44):
?
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Correct Town Council yes, ma'am.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Town Council.
That's right so, but you wereelected to that position in
2021?
.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Yes ma'am.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
So before that, what does your service look like?
Speaker 2 (03:55):
That's a great question.
So I started, you know, firstof all, jamie and I returned
here in 2013.
So we've been here over 10years and I'm sure you're
familiar with the Tupper family.
A good friend, edward Tupper,reached out to me one day and
said the Children's Center needshelp.
They're doing a capitalcampaign.
(04:16):
I'd love for you to help out ifyou could.
So I said okay, I don't evenknow what the Children's Center
is he's like.
Well, you have to go to aninformational meeting.
At that point in time that wasprobably 2014 and went to a
meeting and really connectedwith their mission.
Once I found out about it, theexecutive director, kay Phillips
, you know, does a lunch andlearn and explains what that
(04:39):
center does for abused andneglected children.
And I thought about all theabused people in my life folks
in my family, friends, peoplethat I've dated in the past and
I just said this is so importantto help these traumatized
children become productivecitizens.
So I really started servingwhen I came back to Somerville
(05:01):
and started with the Children'sCenter.
That led to other opportunitieswhere I was in Leadership
Dorchester and the exposure ofLeadership Dorchester that's put
on by our Chamber of Commercereally opened my eyes to other
opportunities where I could be acontributor, and I found myself
on the board of directors forthe Chamber of Commerce as well,
you know that's what leaders do, right?
Speaker 1 (05:22):
You say I will help serve, and then they quickly put
you into a leadership position.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
It happens quickly.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
It did, for you it does.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
I learned so much through that and I really
believe that if you connect withthe mission and you're
passionate about what you'redoing, you can be a contributor
and serve, and that's reallywhat I've been doing since I've
been back.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
So was it through the advocacy center?
Is that the Children's?
Speaker 2 (05:46):
Center.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
That was your start into public service and then
Leadership.
Dorchester has opened otherdoors and avenues and you've
just continued your servicethrough the town and now on Town
Council.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Correct, and even before Town Council, I served on
the DCTA and the PlanningCommission for Dorchester County
for a period of time.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
I would imagine you've learned a lot of lessons
through how the operations ofthese work, but also some
different leaderships and how towork with different
personalities, correct?
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Absolutely, and that's vital because you
independently can't affectchange.
You have to work with others.
I think that's a key element.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
A lot of people in this and when the other day,
when I was asking you if youwould come, I said okay, Russ,
you're running for mayor.
How are you going to get theword out of who you are and what
you're standing for?
And you said well, I want toexceed it, past just the town,
because what we know is theother people in the county do
(06:56):
our mayor of Town, of the townof Somerville.
The mayor position really doesinfluence the whole county
Absolutely.
So, even though the people thatare outside the town of
Somerville can't elect to putyou into that role, that
position does affect everybodythat lives and works in
Dorchester County.
(07:17):
Would you agree with that?
It really does, and so peopleneed to understand about this
mayor position and why it is soimportant.
Explain a little bit about thestructure of the town government
, because I think there'sdifferent ways to structure town
governments and ours is alittle different, perhaps a
little unique.
So explain how the mayorposition is in the town
(07:38):
government.
It is?
Speaker 2 (07:40):
I'm sorry for asking that question because there's a
lot of folks that get confused.
They say you're running formayor but that's going to be
your full time job and inreality we're a weak mayor form
of government.
So it's really just a councilmember at large and you're very
important from a positionstandpoint for setting the tone,
but pulling other councilmembers together around a vision
(08:01):
and a plan and helping executethat plan, and I think that's
something that I hope to bringto that office.
We've had three one term mayorssince Mayor Myers was here and
I think some folks feel likewe're on a rollercoaster and I
think we need some consistencyin that.
I hope to bring that option tothe voters.
But to your point, regionally,if we're not working with our
(08:24):
regional partners and activelyparticipating in the regional
government effort, we're onlygoing to fall behind and we
don't want to do that.
Some of those too important forthat.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
Well, it is, and yeah , there's the regional, the
county.
It's also collaborating withother leaders within adjoining
counties that are reallyadjacent counties and
municipalities as well.
It's kind of blending all ofthis together and being able to
work together.
What fuels your passion to bemayor of the town of Somerville?
Speaker 2 (08:59):
I really think it's the love I have for the town and
you'll hear that from othercandidates, but that's the only
reason you would put yourselfout in public and take some of
the shots that you take.
But I think it's so worth it.
And my dad, coach touch, burieda many.
But Papa touch to me.
He always instilled in us to bea contributor and I think this
(09:21):
is a great way where I providean option for the voters that
maybe I should be the one tocontribute in this position from
their perspective, and I thinkthat's really what I'm excited
about.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
What would you say is your biggest value proposition
for this seat?
Speaker 2 (09:39):
For this seat the biggest value proposition it's
working well with others.
As an engineer, every majorproject has a lot of
stakeholders that work togetherto deliver that project, and we
have to work with each other,whether we're on the same side
of a contract or an opposingside of the contract the
expectation from the public isto get the work done, and so my
(10:03):
experience with that over thelast 22 years has really
developed the opportunity whereI think I can work with others,
bring teams together so that wecan execute and deliver for our
taxpayers.
We don't need to keep fallingbehind.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Yeah, the citizens.
When you're talking about this,the taxpayers, otherwise known
as the citizens it's, that's whoyou're working for, but you've
got to work with the otherpeople that are elected and not
elected, that are just appointedinto their positions, right?
Speaker 2 (10:33):
Absolutely.
You absolutely have to and youknow you talked about some of
the geographical boundaries ofSomerville and I know you heard
me say this before, probably,and many others have.
But we are in all threecounties.
Somerville touches CharlestonCounty, berkeley County, uh in
Dorchester, and then we as atown, our municipal boundaries
(10:56):
are include about 55,000residents, but people with a
postal address of Somervillethere's 246,000 people.
So we have a problem of quartermillion of people uh coming
through our town that we have tosolve.
So that's going to takeeverybody working together, not
just the 55,000 inside.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
Thank you for bringing that to light.
Uh, because you're right thatwe think of the town of
Somerville as being relativelysmall, in a small quadrant, but
it is not Like you said we're.
Somerville expands into threedifferent count of all the
tri-county areas.
So, um, one thing that I knowin speaking with some other
citizens and friends here uh,their concerns are the financial
(11:39):
obligations that this town has.
Right, we, we, we pay a highmilligrate here in the town of
Somerville, so it has, it hasmoney, it's pulling in money and
just the responsibility of notjust the mayor position but the
government here that's managingit.
What would you say are some ofthe biggest challenges on a
(12:00):
financial level for this town?
Speaker 2 (12:03):
That's a great question, and one of the things
that I hope to do is help usprioritize our spending.
But you can't prioritizewithout knowing where you wanna
go.
I'll tell a quick story.
When I joined council in 2022,we had our first budget retreat,
and during this retreat,basically we ended up with a
budget presented to us that wehad to cut out all of the
(12:25):
capital expenditures.
We did not have what I wouldconsider even an appreciable
cost of living increase for ourstaff that does the work for our
citizens, and then we werebalancing it with one time
federal dollar, and that's, tome, was alarming.
(12:47):
So we didn't understand ourexpenses as a town.
That same year, we tore down theCuthbert Community Center
because of deferred maintenance.
We have other facilities thatare way behind for being the
seventh largest municipality inthe state our police and fire
that keep us safe.
Folks who put their lives onthe line.
(13:07):
They're working out of closetsin this shared space.
That's just inadequate.
We have to do better than that.
Our brand is better than that.
So we need to know where ourexpenses are so we can
prioritize our spending and getan accurate reflection of what
we need to spend money on in thetown the best business owners I
(13:30):
know know their expenses betterthan anybody else.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Yeah, yeah, Even from a small business owner as me.
I mean, I look, I have abookkeeper who gives me my
profit and loss every month andthen we analyze it together and
you comb through that and then Ihave someone else that takes a
look at it.
So it's like a multi-layer,making sure there's checks and
balances right and everything isaccounted for and you're not
(13:56):
off kilter anywhere.
It's just a responsible way torun a business, and a town
that's managing a much, muchhigher budget than mine should
absolutely be doing that and beaudited on a regular basis.
Would you agree?
Speaker 2 (14:09):
Absolutely, and I'm glad you know when I arrived we
were behind on audits, Somethingthat was also somewhat alarming
, but we're back on pace withthose.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Good.
I asked a community supporterof yours why he was offering his
support to you, russ, and acouple of things that he'd
mentioned.
He mentioned youthfulness andbeing able to connect with
families was very important,which I can speak to.
We do get a lot of familiesthat live here.
(14:40):
They want to raise theirfamilies here, but they're
migrating and planting thoseroots right here in Somerville,
so that is important, but youryouthfulness and connecting with
families was a big plus.
Experience with infrastructureand transportation was you know
how to get the job done is whathe said, and then the vision to
(15:02):
manage the growth.
Elaborate on that for me.
What is your vision?
What would be some like top keyelements that you would like to
see done if you were to beelected as mayor?
Speaker 2 (15:14):
Well, we have to pull others into that discussion.
That's not a Russ Touchburyvision, but my vision is to pull
the stakeholders back togetherand basically solidify what
Somerville wants to be.
We have lost our brand over thelast couple decades, really,
and I don't want to bejudgmental about previous
(15:36):
leaders.
But if we are only focused onone area of town, the other
areas of town are going to erupt.
And we have beautiful areaslike Oak Brook on the Ashley
Knightsville area, places going,you know, growing towards next,
and then we want to make surethat it looks and feels like
summer and we want bicycle andpedestrian connectivity and all
(15:58):
of these factors need to be puttogether into every plan.
We analyze no offense to anybusinesses along the corridor
between 78 and I-26, but if youdrive there you don't feel like
you're in summer, you feel likeyou're in anywhere USA, and we
need to reestablish that brandand feel and look like summer.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Well, summerville has been put on the map because it
does have the birthplace ofsweet tea, as we call it right,
flower town and the ponds.
We have all of these brandingand once you're in town you do
get that warm feel.
There's the trail, you know,there's all of these things that
(16:42):
, the historical nature, themuseum that's here that people
can go and visit and understanda little bit more about the
richness that the town ofSummerville and Dorchester
County have to offer.
But when you drive some of thestreets, you're right, there's
some disconnectivity between therich history and the beautiful
(17:04):
or lack of streetscapes in someregards.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
And the connectivity of the leave Anybody that's a
biker runner would agree withthat and family's just trying to
get out and find safe places.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
As you know, I'm not a runner.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
No, you are not, but my wife is my wife is and I'll
ride and you're a greatsupporter.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
I'm a cheerleader.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
From the bike Exactly .
Speaker 2 (17:29):
And as we ride our roads, there are areas where
you're like, OK, here's asidewalk and then it just goes
to nowhere.
And we need to understand ourinventory and understand how to
tie it together and then startprioritizing and budgeting so
that we can accomplish thesethings, but we don't have to do
it by ourselves.
We talked about streetscapes,and our state legislative
(17:51):
delegation is helping us withsome funding to increase our
downtown streetscaping from therailroad tracks to Highway 78.
And this is fantastic.
We have an opportunity to putthe utilities underground, allow
for mass storms signals, maybeinclude some additional parking
and just beautify that sectionso it looks just like the
(18:14):
Hutchinson Square area.
We have great opportunities infront of us, but we have to work
with our partners.
You're giving me hope for us,but we have to work together.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
It is, partnerships are critical.
I've been asking, actuallysomeone that I know and trust,
their opinion on on on thingsfrequently about the, the power
lines, the pole, the poles thatare up, and they're like you
know, ronnie, it's not just oneutility, there's several
utilities that have lines onthese poles and it takes a lot
(18:44):
of effort and a lot of teamworkand understanding to be able to
accomplish that goal of being anunderground, because that was a
question of mine Years ago.
Why are our power lines notunderground on some of these
main streets?
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Absolutely, and that's a heavy lift and it's
gonna take time, but withfunding and with a vision and
everybody working together, wecan get it done.
It's just gonna take one biteat a time.
Speaker 1 (19:07):
So, russ, I've got a couple of personal questions for
you so that people can get toknow you at a little deeper
level.
All right, you ready?
Oh, absolutely fire away.
What are some of your hobbies?
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Oh my goodness.
So I have so many hobbies thatI thought I would enjoy at this
age in life.
So I, I love fishing, I lovegoing to the beach, I love
boating, but really with sageand back of my son and daughter
playing sports, their sportshave become my favorite hop.
So watching them swim orwatching sage play volleyball or
Beckham play soccer, jamie andI we just are thrilled to cheer
(19:42):
on our kids at whatever they'redoing, and that's something
We've really fallen in love with.
We're gonna miss that at somepoint in time when it's gone.
Speaker 1 (19:48):
So you will and you.
It is valuable to be there atthis stage.
I've off to had to forgo someof my hobbies, like my love of
tennis has had to be put to thewayside for the sake of my kids
Activity.
So I understand that.
Have you ever sung karaoke?
Speaker 2 (20:05):
Oh, of course I have what's your favorite song?
Speaker 1 (20:07):
do you have a go-to song?
Oh, my goodness.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
I it.
So the last time I sang karaokewe did sweet home.
South Carolina is how wechanged it.
Yeah, that was done 15 ishyears ago and I'm sure it was
early in the morning or late atnight.
Speaker 1 (20:26):
So we might be what I remember that.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
I remember that.
I hope there were no Flip phoneor videos taken from the phones
well, that's the benefit of ithappening about 15 years ago now
.
Speaker 1 (20:37):
If it happened, it would absolutely be resurfaced.
We may have to bring that oneback, although I'm an Alabama
girl, so sweet home Alabama ismy roots, but singing it as
sweet home in South Carolinawould be a ton of fun.
I see your bracelet.
I've seen your bracelet asyou've been talking.
What's the significance of that?
Speaker 2 (20:53):
So I actually have two bracelets on you may not
have seen.
One is from this year'sSeacoast marriage conference.
For my birthday weekend thisyear, jamie and I went to
Seacoast's marriage conferenceand you talked about Jamie and I
was perceived marriage, while Itell you we are partners and we
(21:13):
work hard together, but wedon't always agree and
Sharpening the saw is importantfor us as well.
So that was a blessing.
So I've kept it on and hasn'tfallen off yet, but that was
kind of our ticket in the otherone is what would Jesus do?
and we read a book in our Biblestudy class.
I think it was at the end oflast year, in his steps.
(21:36):
And in his steps was a book Ican't remember the author's name
, I should, but in his stepsfantastic book.
And it was kind of an awakeningof not doing religion but
trying to follow Christ and be areflection of Christ love here.
So we got these bracelets andput them on in our Bible study
(21:56):
class, and this is my second onebecause the other one rotted
off.
But anyway, the other day justtell you a quick story I was in
the elevator going up to workand a gentleman saw my bracelet
and said I'm wearing the otherhalf of that.
I said well, I've never heardof the other half of that.
I said show me.
So we put up side by side.
And His said you know, ofcourse, minds, what would Jesus
(22:19):
do?
His said Jesus J would W love LFirst F.
And I was like, wow, and thatwas his bracelet.
So I need to get me one ofthose too.
Speaker 1 (22:32):
That's pretty sweet.
That is sweet.
I've never seen that yeah.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
That's, that's.
That's more than you wanted tohear, but no, that's really cool
, since you asked, yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Well, what's impressive is these aren't
recent events.
They happened months, monthsago, and you're still committed
to the, to the reminder, thedaily reminder, by wearing them.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
I think it's very important.
There's a lot of distractionsaround and we need to stay
focused on the mission at hand.
Speaker 1 (22:57):
That's true, Russ, we talked about a lot of things
kind of your missions, yourvision.
Is there anything else that youwould like to share with us
about what, what, what's on yourheart moving forward?
Speaker 2 (23:09):
Well, I appreciate that question.
I really think you know beingthe mayor of Somerville is a
huge responsibility.
But the people we serve are ourcitizens and I think Somerville
has the best citizens of anymunicipality in the state and
probably the country the givingheart, the unified kind of sense
(23:29):
of watching out for each other.
Somerville has that and I wantto help keep that going and I
really would love to hear thefeedback of our folks.
So just encourage folks toreach out if they have questions
.
Not everybody knows RussTouchbury but they can ask me
anything and I'm happy torespond.
Speaker 1 (23:48):
It's exciting.
I'm looking forward to whatcomes next for the town of
Somerville and and I lookforward to, if you are so
elected by the citizens of thistown, what your leadership will
do here for the town.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
Well, thank you, I'm excited for the opportunity.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
And if anybody has any questions, you know we do
have information out there aboutthe campaign and we're also
having those talk with Touchburyevents at various locations.
We'll have one in Oakbrook,we'll have one closer to next,
and so we are around and we wantto hear your voice.
Speaker 1 (24:21):
So how can they find information about you?
Speaker 2 (24:24):
So RussTouchburycom.
We're on Facebook also as RussTouchbury for Somerville Mayor
and we'd love to hear yourfeedback.
Speaker 1 (24:31):
Good, good.
Well, thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (24:34):
For those watching on YouTube make sure to click the
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