I have worked closely with Mike on the Irmo Okra Strut Commission for the past 3 years and, of course, have known him from the community prior to that. I have lived in Irmo since 1998 and love this community so much that, after going to Greenville for college, I chose to come back and build my life here.
Irmo is a special place and has the ability to produce and nurture talented individuals to go on to do great things. People from Irmo are driven, kind and hard-working. We have had some setbacks, such as the situation that has brought us to the opportunity for Mike Ward to run for council, but I will always be grateful to be part of this beautiful community. I truly believe that Mike Ward being elected is the best possible outcome that the Town of Irmo could hope for in a situation like this. He cares about Irmo and its people and has never expected anything in return.
Mike and his family are very involved in the community, from sports and extracurricular activities to service projects that he, his wife, and children all take part in. It is a family dynamic that I feel most (if not all) Irmo families strive toward. How he is able to balance his family, running his own business, and all that he does for this community is amazing to me. However he does it, he does it with grace, compassion, and fairness. If all leaders had Mike Ward’s traits, the world would be a much better place.
Mike is not only a diligent and well-spoken individual, but he is a great listener as well. When it comes to anything we work together on, specifically the Okra Strut, there can be issues that arise and I have never once felt uncomfortable about bringing these issues to Mike’s attention in order to find a resolution. He suggests logical and well-thought-out solutions, but he also helps to make people feel empowered to handle whatever might come their way. He remains calm and kind in stressful situations and I have never seen him give up on anything. Of course, one thing I also respect about him is that he can be firm when it is necessary, but it is always with the best interest of those affected by whatever is taking place. I know that Irmo would benefit greatly to have him on Council to help lead and guide the Town in the best possible direction.
I remember, fondly, the phrase that we learned at Irmo High School in my years there; Proud Past, Bright Future. I feel that Mike Ward is an individual who can help us all find that phrase, about Irmo, relevant in our daily lives.
Lauren Sherr
