Goose Creek News

Goose Creek Mayor Michael Heitzler

Michael Heitzler Governs With A Conscience

Local Mayor Feels At Home In Goose Creek

By Jeff Walker

From his humble office on the backside of the Marguerite H. Brown Municipal Center Goose Creek Mayor Michael Heitzler looks out on the grounds used by the city for outdoor events. The building and the park are just some of the many projects Heiztler has overseen during his more than three decades as mayor of Goose Creek. “I’m proud of the things we’ve accomplished since I’ve been mayor. The plan for Goose Creek has always been a slow steady growth. We want to provide services and businesses that benefit everyone who lives in the city. We’ve never been interested in growing to big. Our primary focus always has been and I hope always will be, is to develop naturally while maintaining the overall integrity of the city.” Heitzler is only the third mayor the city has had since Goose Creek incorporated back in 1961. Although the title is considered part time Heitzler admits he takes his responsibilities seriously. “To me it’s always been a full time endeavor. You can’t work for the people and not give it your all. I have never taken government lightly. When you decide to work in public service you must work for the common good of people who elected you.” For much of his tenure as mayor Heitzler worked in education, as a teacher and a principal in the Berkeley County school system. “I’m a strong advocate for education. I was certainly very fortunate to have worked for Berkeley County. Berkeley has some of the best schools in the state.” The city had only been in existence seven years when a very young Heitzler relocated to Goose Creek and took a teaching position at Goose Creek High School. “Not long after I arrived I became interested in the history of Goose Creek and the future growth of the city.” By listening to families and fellow residents Heitzler said it was easy for him to become involved in local government. “I realized the city was growing quicker than the needed infrastructure could accommodate so that got me initially active.” After serving two years on city council he was elected as mayor in 1978. Heitzler has been retired from education for several years and devotes the majority of his time to his mayoral duties with the city. “Typically I’m in the office early. I like to get a good feel for what’s going on each and every day. Usually our staff will meet every morning. Most days I’ll find time to work out at the city gymnasium. I enjoy running.” The neighboring Goose Creek athletic center is another of the many improvements the city has made over the past few years. “The gym like the athletic fields and many of our parks are just a few of the many things residents have requested over the years. We are a very family oriented community and we want to provide amenities that reflect that.” Heitzler admits the hardest part about being mayor is trying to please all of the people. “The best you can hope for is pleasing a majority of the people. Not everyone in the city will agree with everything we do. When I meet with residents that are just getting by or having a tough time of it, it’s hard to convince them that the city needs new parks or new facilities.” Although he sides with the majority on most issues Heitzler serves with a conscience. “If I could help provide or take care of every issue concerning each and every resident I would. Of course that’s not possible or probable, but my heart goes out to residents with specific concerns.” Heitzler equates the role of a public servant to that of a really good waiter. “You don’t necessarily have to know there names but if they are doing a decent job then you’re taken care of. A really good waiter knows what you need and takes care it before you have to call on him. Most times they remain behind the scenes but when you need him he’s there to take care of you. He’s there to fill up your water glass and make sure all your needs are met.” According to Heitzler the same principles apply to elected officials. “Ideally public service should mirror that same concept. Those of us who are in office should anticipate the needs of the community and try our best to meet those needs before they become apparent. It’ always better to have things available or in place when the residents need them rather than after the fact. The best way for us to do this is to monitor the growth of the community and to welcome the input of our residents.” Heitzler is a firm believer in community involvement. “If you live in a city or a particular neighborhood you should take pride in it. You don’t necessarily have to be an elected official to volunteer or donate your time to helping out the community. Everyone should have a sense of commitment in taking care of neighborhood they live in.” He explains further, “Pride sometimes can be a great resource. If you take pride in your community and your fellow neighbors then you more often want to help promote goodwill in your neighborhood.” Heiztler admits there is a fine line between what the residents can do for themselves and what the city is required to provide. “Both parties need to be involved and mindful of each other. It’s best when both are running smoothly. I would hope that every municipality would welcome the involvement of their residents, especially when it’s for the common good.” When local government and its residents are on the same path Heiztler feels communities are more productive and more desirable to live in. “Our goal in governing should not be to over govern. We need to provide the basic services that are essential to each community. Myself and my staff are in charge of law enforcement, city planning, and public works such as trash pickup, and those needs are essential to the citizens. Certainly public safety and cleanliness are priorities to any community.” It’s his straight forward approach and his sense of duty that has kept Mayor Heitzler busy and in office for over thirty years. “I’m honored to be the mayor of Goose Creek. I hope and pray residents have been proud of my involvement in their city.” Heiztler is quick to point out that he isn’t in office for any other reason except to serve the community. “The only time I want to stand out is on election day. If the people feel I’ve done a good enough job and they re-elect me then I feel I’m doing what they’ve expected of me, and at the end of the day that’s all I can ask of myself.”

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