Keith Summey Proud To Serve North Charleston
City's Mayor Was Raised To Be a Public Servant
By Jeff Walker, Staff Writer (Posted Dec '08)
Mayor Keith Summey at his desk in North Charleston City Hall
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Mayor Keith Summey has presided over the city of North Charleston for the past fourteen years. He took office in late 1994 when former Mayor Bobby Kinard resigned and at a time when the city was facing troubled times. There was political unrest in City Hall, the city's population was shrinking due to the Navy Base closing, and crime was on the rise. As Summey puts it, "North Charleston was considered a nice place to work and shop, but when you were done you went back to your bedroom communities outside the city limits." So why would anyone in their right mind want to take on such a position. According to Summey the way he was raised and the family values that were instilled in him growing up prepared him for public office. "I don't ever imagine there's a time when it's not right to give something back. I feel everyone has something they can do to help their community. You may not felt led to run for public office but on some small level if you care about your neighbors then you should be compelled to help out."
Summey got his first taste of community involvement when he took a seat on the Elections Commission in the early 1970's. He spent eight years there, the last four as the Chairman. Already bitten by the community service bug he served on City Council and then was elected to Charleston County Council. "Both seats prepared me for the Mayor's office. It's good to have working knowledge of as many local governments as possible." While on County Council he decided to run for mayor. His wasn't elected on his first attempt, but won the office during a special election that followed Kinard's resignation. Summey has since been re-elected four times by the voters. An achievement he is both proud and humble to receive. "That's means I must be doing something right and the voters feel I'm doing a good job."
During his tenure the city has gone through many changes. The North Charleston Coliseum was just gaining it's reputation when Summey took over. The Performing Arts Center and the Convention Center soon followed and before most people noticed the city was sprawling with upscale hotels just off I-26 and Montague. Summey and city planners continued with a vision. The international airport got a makeover and complimentary businesses shot up along International Boulevard. Next the mayor and his associates set their sights on restoring commerce and beauty to the old Navy Base. Before long the U.S. Border Patrol and a local Passport Office set up camp on the base. Several smaller businesses followed and continued to add quality jobs to the local economy. "I believe we did a good job recruiting the right businesses and attracting companies that were a good fit for the base and the city." When it comes to the Navy Base he is most proud of the new Riverfront Park. "The designers, the city planners, and everyone who had a part in the park I feel did an excellent job on creating something families can enjoy. It's a park North Charleston residents can be proud to call their own and visitors can spend quality time enjoying."
With the Navy Base taking shape Summey set his sights on revitalizing the old village east of Montague. "That's one thing that always concerned me. The city has gone through several evolutions over the years but we've never had a down town area. Surrounding communities have a downtown area, a place where residents can stroll and enjoy dining and shopping experiences. As large as we were becoming several people in the city said we needed to create a downtown district. The area east of Park Circle on Montague was the perfect choice." The city provided an excellent facelift and street landscape that attracted several new business owners. "Now if you stroll along that section of Montague you'll find nine restaurants and several smaller shops that cater to a wide variety of shoppers. As big and as expansive as the city is you can come to Montague east of the circle and enjoy a small town feel. And what I find extraordinary is that people will stroll along the street and say hello to you. Mothers will bring young children and couples will sit outside and enjoy some of the best food in North Charleston. It's become one of the crowning jewels for the city." One side of the circle complete Summey admits the city has to continue in its forward thinking. "Just recently we reviewed plans to renovate Montague from the circle clear up to Rivers Avenue."
The city of North Charleston recently suffered criticism Summey feels was undue. A columnist for a national media outlet lambasted the city as a destination not worthy of anyone’s vacation dollars. “We may not be the first place people think of when they choose to visit the lowcountry. Vacationers might go to downtown Charleston or Summerville before they check out any of the sights in North Charleston. But there is still plenty to do in our fair city.” Summey adds, “The coliseum and the Performing Arts Center almost always have something going on. The convention center stays busy year round. We have some of the best shopping and restaurants in the greater Charleston area. Wannamaker Park is especially nice in the summertime. For history buffs we have the Hunley exhibit. To say there’s nothing to do in North Charleston is totally absurd. The irony regarding the article is the same writer said one of the must see destinations to visit in the lowcountry has to be the Fire Museum, which happens to be in North Charleston” The un-informed writer should know that most of the visitors to the lowcountry stay in hotels that are located in North Charleston.
If you spend anytime with Mayor Summey you'll discover his three greatest loves are the church, his family, and the city. Summey is a long time member and active participant at Cooper River Baptist Church. He admits he occasionally visits area black churches. "I get energized by their services and the music. I have always enjoyed gospel music and the passion that consumes it." Summey was born in Cottageville and lived in Walterboro briefly before his parents relocated to North Charleston when he was a teenager. It was in Sunday school he met his wife Deborah, of 40 years. "I was in the tenth grade and she was in the ninth. I had to move another young man out of the picture, but after that was taken care of we've been together ever since." He credits his wife for his resolve in politics. "She is the perfect example for me. Through my wife I understand you can have great respect for another person but not necessarily agree with them. Her love and patience have not only made me a better man but made me a better public servant." Mrs. Summey is active in county government and is part owner of Aunt Bea’s Restaurant on Montague Avenue. Summey and his wife live just off Montague or as he says a stones throw from Park Circle and City Hall.
Through thick and thin Summey's wife has been at his side. Summey is counting on his wife to be there a whole lot more now that he is thinning down. Summey recently underwent gastric bypass surgery to help curve his weight problem. His doctor had told him that he was in good shape but that his weight was becoming a concern. The 61 year old mayor had ballooned to over 340 pounds. Following his doctor's orders Summey decided to undergo the popular surgery that reduces the size of your stomach. "It was the best alternative presented to me." The mayor just returned from his three month checkup. "I'm down 61 pounds and by the time I see the doctor again I hope to lose another 20 pounds. My ultimate goal is to lose at least 120 pounds." Summey admits he hasn't changed his diet all that much. "There are a few foods that I can't eat because my stomach won't break them down, but overall I eat many of the things I've always enjoyed. I just eat them in smaller quantities because I fill up quicker." The mayor has added exercise as part of his new regimen. "I'm starting to walk more. I want to be in good shape for my family and I want to be able to spend quality time with my grandchildren."
The demands of being mayor of the state’s third largest city keep Summey pretty active. He readily admits that sometimes when you’re in public service you must be available 24/7. “My phone will ring many times late in the night. I’ve gotten used to it. It’s the price you pay for taking on certain responsibilities.” Summey also admits he is very accessible. “I imagine close to 1000 people have my cell phone number. If someone wants to reach me, then I want them to be able to do so.”
When he finds some down time the mayor enjoys spending time with his wife. “We like taking short trips together. Sometimes we’ll ride 100 to 150 miles from town just to get away. We enjoy Myrtle Beach and Pawley’s Island. We’ll do some shopping and have dinner.” His other pastime is one most guys can relate to. “I have a passion for classic cars. I don’t have time to restore them. I usually just buy them already restored and keep them in a garage.” He recently cut back on the amount of cars he’s owned. “My wife opened one of our insurance bills recently and discovered I had nine cars. I’ve sold several since then. I’m down to five right now.”
At the end of his current term Mayor Keith Summey will have been mayor of North Charleston for 17 years. Should he seek re-election in 2011 and win he would become the longest serving mayor in the city's history. John Bourne served for 19 years. Summey says he doesn’t know what future holds. “I’m not here for any records. I enjoy pubic service. 2011 is still a couple years away. The one thing I’m certain of is that I’ve enjoyed being the mayor for the past 14 years. I’m grateful the residents of North Charleston have put their trust in me and I will continue to serve them the best I know how for as long as I’m given.”
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