I contemplated for a long time before deciding to actually write this, as I understand that not everyone will agree. That is ok! That’s the beautiful thing about this country, we can agree to disagree. Over the last couple weeks I’ve had dozens if not over 100 conversations regarding the state of the current Carolina Panthers deal and where it is headed. There’s been confusion, questions, concerns, hope, you name it. After all of these conversations there seems to be a general theme of hoping that all of our elected officials would work together. I would like to be clear, I am not saying that that is not already currently happening. I am saying that if it is happening, it is not being clearly enough communicated to the general public, hence the reason for the many conversations. In light of that, I have penned an open letter to all of our City of Rock Hill, SC and York County SC elected officials, just asking for their support in moving forward together. I sent that to each elected official, and I am enclosing it here below. I would greatly appreciate you taking the time to read it, as well as sharing it. It’s not necessarily about a specific outcome, but it is about expecting those people that we elected to work together for all of our sakes. The letter is copied below as well as the pictures. Many people have already messaged me asking to add their signature, here is how you can do that! 

To the honorable Mayor of Rock Hill and the elected members of both City and County Council:

I am writing to each of you to ask you to partner and show unity by immediately addressing and having meaningful dialogue regarding the resolution put forth by the County Council on March 21st, 2022, in an effort to keep the Panthers deal moving forward.

My request is based on my concern as both a citizen of York County within the great state of South Carolina and as a business owner in the City of Rock Hill. I am concerned that if we are not careful, we are going to lose the momentum towards becoming a significant city and we run the risk of settling as a successful city.

My concern has little to do with the Panthers agreement itself. Any development of this magnitude, with so many complex details, produces the perception and fear of a negative outcome. We are seeing this play out on both sides of this issue through people's expressions of frustration, confusion, and fear.

Despite those complexities, this is a win for future generations of York County — but only if it happens. Therein lies my main concern: if this deal does not happen, it will set the future of economic development for the entire county back 15 years or worse. That threatens the future of my business and hundreds of jobs created that could be lost due to misconceptions and posturing. The embarrassment of failure and the burden of lost trust is not something that the business owners and citizens of this city and county should have to bear. At this moment in time, the weight of that decision rests on your shoulders as the elected members of both city and county council.

I, and many others, respect the weight each of you must carry in considering all the details, to form a decision that you believe best represents the people of your respective districts and the greater community. A wise man recently told me that everyone has an opinion, the elected official has a decision. I respect that the entire process is just that, a process, and one that takes time, careful consideration, and collaboration. It also requires action: a decision must be made and communicated well to the public.

This is not the time for blame, pride, glory, media attention, hidden agendas or any other factor or emotion that might cause you to delay taking action. Each member of both the city and the county council has an obligation to do what is best for all constituents and working together in collaboration focused on this specific project is a part of that.
The current County plan seems to have elements of a viable strategy that saves money, saves face, issues no debt, and allows us as a community to keep our word to get this deal done. Is it perfect and will it solve every concern? No. However, the past is just that — it is behind us.

It is time to set aside past issues and focus solely on future progress. It's not an overstatement to say the Nation is watching to see what our leadership does next. Others and I have every confidence that this deal can and will get done, and we want to ask and encourage all of our elected officials to work together and to show us publicly that this is your goal. Let’s show unity and collaboration, not divisiveness and ego.

Let’s get this done. Let’s be significant. 
Respectfully, Ryan Sanderson 
 CEO - Knowledge Perk
 Co-Founder - Gravity Center
 Board Member – RHEDC