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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Beaufort County Council, District 5

Beaufort County Council is an elected body responsible for passing ordinances, setting county policies and developing an annual budget for the administration of public services to citizens. Council members serve 4-year staggered terms and each council member sits on at least one - usually a few - of five committees that focus on specific areas of concern. Committees include Community Services, Finance, Executive, Natural Resources and Public Facilities. Committee members must also participate on sub-committees and specific task forces as needs arise. Each Council member represents one of eleven districts within the County.NOTE: If a candidate's answers are not visible, the candidate may not have completed the survey prior to our publication date. Updated response will be posted as they are received. Voters are welcome to encourage the candidate to share their views.

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  • Candidate picture

    Joshua Hower
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Mary Jeans "Otto"
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Joe Maiorano
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

How will you ensure that County Council decisions are transparent, inclusive, and responsive to residents’ concerns?

What is your proposal for balancing business growth, housing development, and quality of life in Beaufort County’s future?

What will you advocate for the county's infrastructure projects including transportation improvement plans?

What would you do to improve funding and support for Beaufort County Public Schools in light of the growing population?

Campaign Mailing Address 823 Danner Drive
Okatie, SC 29909
Campaign Phone 3022449466
Campaign Email joshua.t.hower@gmail.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @Hower4Beaufort
Qualifications Community leader, HOA Board President, and veteran with professional experience managing complex systems, budgets, and long‑range planning.
Education B.S. in Organizational Management
I will strengthen transparency by ensuring all major proposals come to Council only after complete studies, clear documentation, and full public review. I support predictable processes, accessible information, and early communication so residents understand how decisions are made and how they can participate. I will work to expand public engagement, improve coordination with municipalities, and provide clear explanations of votes and policy impacts. My goal is a Council that listens, communicates openly, and makes decisions based on long‑term community needs.
Balancing business growth, housing development, and quality of life starts with making sure growth aligns with infrastructure and land conditions. I support a stricter, data‑driven review process so new projects move forward only when roads, drainage, emergency services, and environmental impacts are fully understood. Housing should be built in areas that can support it, and businesses thrive when planning is predictable and the Lowcountry’s natural character is protected. By coordinating closely with municipalities, enforcing development agreements, and prioritizing long‑term community needs over short‑term pressure, we can support economic opportunity while preserving the quality of life that makes Beaufort County special.
I will advocate for infrastructure projects that focus on safety, congestion relief, and long‑term resilience rather than large, costly road‑widening efforts that offer diminishing returns. My priorities are targeted intersection improvements, modern drainage and stormwater systems, and stronger coordination with SCDOT so projects are planned proactively and executed efficiently. Before considering new funding, I believe the County must use existing revenue more effectively, complete past commitments, and ensure growth contributes its fair share. For future projects, I support a mix of funding tools based on who benefits and who is most impacted. My goal is a transportation and infrastructure plan that is aligned with the needs of residents
Beaufort County’s growing population requires a long‑term, predictable approach to school funding and planning. I support stronger coordination between the County and the School Board to ensure new schools are located in areas that reduce congestion, improve access, and serve students efficiently. I also support competitive teacher pay, manageable class sizes, and ensuring schools have the resources they need to attract and retain talent. Before considering new revenue, the County should use existing funds more efficiently and complete past commitments. My goal is a stable, responsible framework that supports students, teachers, and families without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers.
Campaign Mailing Address 25 Rice Trunk Road
Okatie, SC 29909
Campaign Phone 843-441-7011
Campaign Email maryjeansotto@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://www.maryjeansotto.com
Qualifications I have a working knowledge of the Zoning and Development Standards Ordinance and the Community Development Code
Education Master's Degree in Accounting - Tax, Bachelor's Degree in Aviation
Council should be open and transparent, with projects fully reviewed and shared with the public, early, before decisions are made. The County should post public notices and meeting agendas on social media, including Nextdoor, with direct links to staff meetings, the Planning Commission, Zoning Commission and County Council agendas. I support extending the public notice period from 15–30 days to 90 days so residents have more time to review plans and submit FOIA requests. Some public notice duties are left to developers, and this system is failing; notice should be the County’s sole responsibility. In addition, wetland designations are handled by contractors hired by developers; I support independent third-party oversight to ensure accuracy.
I support a temporary pause (moratorium) on new building so growth can be better managed and infrastructure can catch up to the needs of current homeowners. I am not pro or anti-development; I am pro-lifestyle, and I believe our quality of life is under increasing pressure. Smart growth means careful planning, not uncontrolled growth that leads to long traffic delays. Before new developments move forward, I support stronger coordination with SCDOT and the SCD of Environmental Services to improve planning for roads, water systems and environmental protections. I would support an ordinance that limits clear-cutting of land and require all development to be screened from the road with natural buffers to enhance the County’s character.
This is not just an infrastructure issue but a growth management issue. We cannot build enough roads to solve congestion. Existing development agreements, some in place since 2000, already set clear limits on residential and commercial growth. I oppose any infrastructure agreements or amendments that would increase density within these agreements. I do support infrastructure improvements that enhance safety, reduce traffic impacts, and improve storm water management and water quality. Our challenges are driven by rapid growth, and we cannot simply build our way out of congestion. Before considering new taxes or fees, the County should ensure existing funds are used efficiently and that any new developments pay its fair share.
As Beaufort County continues to grow, we need a long-term plan for schools and funding. I support stronger coordination between the County and School Board to site new schools in locations that minimize traffic impacts, improve access, and better serve students efficiently. I also support competitive teacher pay, reasonable class sizes, and ensuring schools have the staffing and resources needed to attract and retain quality educators. The County should manage existing funds responsibly and fulfill past commitments. Since new development increases student enrollment and demand on our school system, I support requiring increased funding from developers to help pay for needed school construction and associated road improvements.
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