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.
Qualifications
I took over my struggling 132-unit condo association, transforming its stability through transparent communication and fiscal discipline. We built reserves from zero to over $200,000, increased our operating account from $2,000 to maintaining over $65,000, and secured new roofs with no extra cost to residents. I understand the hard-earned money of tax-payers should be handled responsibly without waste and frivolity. I've been serving people most of my adult life and know their voice is the voice that matters.
Elected leaders work for the people and must be accountable for how decisions are made and how taxpayer dollars are used. If elected, I cannot control every action of other council members, but I can speak up when something is not honest or transparent and insist on integrity in the decision-making process. Trust is earned by acting responsibly, communicating openly, and following through on commitments. I will hold myself and encourage others to the highest standard of honesty and responsibility so residents can have confidence in their county government. Strong relationships with the people we represent are essential. Council members should be accessible and available to the people they serve by answering calls, texts, and emails.
Growth without the infrastructure to support it has become one of the biggest concerns in our community. County and town leaders must make this a priority by planning carefully and using tax dollars responsibly and sustainably. We need a clear plan that ensures roads, utilities, public services, and housing can support what is already here before approving additional growth. Future development should be aligned with the county’s actual capacity, so growth strengthens the community rather than overwhelming it. Beaufort County is a special place defined by its natural beauty and community charm. Preserving that character must remain central to every decision, so the values of the people are respected, and this unique way of life is protected.
Many roads, intersections, and roundabouts are overcrowded and unsafe, especially during peak travel times. We need to identify the most heavily impacted areas first and move quickly to address those problems with practical, timely solutions. Transportation planning must also include public water quality, stormwater management, and sewer capacity in the areas experiencing the most pressure. These issues affect daily life, public safety, and future growth, so they must be addressed together rather than in isolation. The Daufuskie ferry and overcrowding in our schools need prompt attention. Often, unnecessary bureaucracy slows progress. Infrastructure must be treated as a priority so needed improvements can move forward more efficiently.
Beaufort County’s rapid growth is putting real strain on our schools, facilities, and transportation systems. When the county discusses infrastructure, school capacity and bus traffic must be part of that conversation from the start. The county has recently provided a significant pay increase and greater budget autonomy for the school district. That support should continue so schools can respond to changing needs and plan effectively for the future. Our community should remain committed to giving schools the staff, resources, and building capacity needed to educate every child well. Supporting strong public schools must remain a top priority as our population continues to grow.
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