VOTE411 Voter Guide

As a current member of Charleston County Council, I am deeply committed to representing the citizens of this community by continuing to address the vital issues of infrastructure, livability, and climate action. My focus on sustainability and resiliency has guided my efforts to improve our county and region, ensuring a better future for generations to come.

My educational background and extensive experience make me uniquely qualified to serve in this office. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications from the College of Charleston, a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Duke University, as well as Master of School Administration, Educational Specialist, and Doctor of Education degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

These academic and professional experiences have given me a broad understanding of public policy, administration, and the critical challenges facing our region. I am driven by a passion for public service and a dedication to making Charleston County a thriving, sustainable, and resilient community for all its residents.

The most important issues currently facing Charleston County are infrastructure, affordable housing, and regional transit, particularly the development of the Lowcountry Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. These challenges are critical to ensuring that our county continues to grow sustainably while maintaining the quality of life for all residents.

First, addressing infrastructure is essential to accommodate our growing population and to improve the safety and efficiency of our transportation networks. I will continue working to secure funding and partnerships to expand and upgrade roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, including completing I-526 , while also prioritizing sustainability and resilience in our projects to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Affordable housing is another key issue. As housing costs continue to rise, it is imperative to ensure that all residents, including working families and those on fixed incomes, have access to affordable, quality housing. I plan to champion the full implementation of the Charleston County Housing Our Future Plan and work with developers and community organizations to promote affordable housing initiatives, streamline zoning regulations, and explore innovative solutions such as mixed-use developments to create more affordable housing options.

Lastly, regional transit is vital for the future of Charleston County, and the Lowcountry Bus Rapid Transit system offers a promising solution. This system will provide faster, more reliable transportation across the region, reducing traffic congestion and emissions while improving access to jobs and services. I am committed to advancing this project and ensuring that it is implemented in a way that serves the diverse needs of our community.

By addressing these top issues with thoughtful, long-term solutions, we can build a stronger, more connected, and sustainable future for Charleston County.

As Charleston County continues to grow, it is essential to manage the increased demands on our infrastructure and public services effectively. To address these challenges, I am committed to championing the Penny Transportation Sales Tax to fund critical infrastructure projects that will relieve traffic congestion and enhance transportation systems. Prioritizing General Funds in the County’s Operating Budget is key to increasing access to public services, which includes completing the I-526 project and fully funding the Lowcountry Bus Rapid Transit System and CARTA. These initiatives will provide much-needed relief to our transportation challenges, ensuring efficient and reliable transit options for all residents.

Addressing flooding and drainage issues is equally important as our region faces increasing risks from climate change. I fully support the full implementation of our Climate Action Plan, including the 5 Big Moves and their associated strategies. This comprehensive plan not only addresses current flooding concerns but also prepares Charleston County for future climate-related impacts by investing in sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

By prioritizing these initiatives, we can ensure that our county is well-prepared to meet the growing demands on infrastructure, public services, and environmental resilience, creating a sustainable future for all residents.

To address the pressing need for more affordable housing in Charleston County, I would advocate for a multi-faceted approach grounded in the high-level strategies of the Charleston County Housing Our Future Plan. These strategies focus on increasing the availability of affordable housing, preserving existing affordable units, and promoting equitable development across the region.

First, increasing the supply of affordable housing is critical. This can be achieved by collaborating with private developers and community organizations to encourage the construction of affordable units, including incentives such as density bonuses and tax credits. We should also look at zoning reforms that allow for more diverse housing types, like duplexes and accessory dwelling units, in areas where they are currently restricted.

Second, preserving existing affordable housing is just as important as creating new units. By leveraging public-private partnerships and implementing policies that support the rehabilitation of aging housing stock, we can prevent the displacement of long-time residents and maintain the affordability of existing neighborhoods.

Lastly, promoting equitable development is essential to ensure that growth benefits all members of our community. This includes expanding mixed-use developments that combine housing with access to services and transportation, ensuring affordable housing is available near job centers, and creating policies that prevent gentrification from displacing low-income residents.

Through these strategies, we can make significant strides in addressing the affordable housing crisis and ensure that Charleston County remains an inclusive and livable community for all residents.