County Council District 4 Choose 1
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.The next South Carolina statewide election is June 9, 2026. It's the State Primary Day. Check back in May 2026 to research your candidates and ballot measures for the election.NOTE: If a candidate's answers are not visible, the candidate may not have completed the survey prior to our publication date. Responses are posted as they are received. Voters are welcome to encourage the candidate to share their views.
Biographical Information
Brief Bio
Michael Andersen grew up in a military family before attending the U.S. Air Force Academy and earning his degree in economics from American University. He later served as a Special Advisor at U.S. Customs and Border Protection before moving to Beaufort, where he worked in the Beaufort County Auditor’s Office recovering taxpayer dollars. Today, Michael is an accountant and serves on Beaufort’s Parks and Trees Advisory Committee.
Website
http://michaelforbeaufort.com
email
info@michaelforbeaufort.com
What are your priorities for Beaufort County?
My priorities for Beaufort County are accountability for taxpayer dollars, protecting the character of our communities, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development. I believe growth should be evaluated based on its long-term impact on roads, drainage, schools, traffic, and quality of life, not just short-term expansion. Beaufort County is not a blank slate, and preserving what makes this place special should remain a priority. I also believe residents deserve transparent government, leaders willing to ask hard questions, and decisions grounded in practical reality instead of political talking points.
Will you support St. Helena Island’s native community, safeguard heirs’ property, and prevent harmful development to the island’s natural environment?
Yes. I believe the people and communities of St. Helena Island deserve a strong voice in decisions impacting their future. That includes protecting heirs’ property rights, preserving the island’s natural environment, and ensuring development does not erase the culture, history, and character that make St. Helena unique. Growth and land use decisions should respect the people already living there, not treat the island as a blank slate for unchecked development.
What will you do for the youth of the county, especially in rural areas like St Helena, Dale, and Lobeco, where there are no parks or sports programs?
One of the best investments Beaufort County can make is in its young people, especially in rural communities that have too often been overlooked when it comes to recreation and community resources.
Children in places like St. Helena, Dale, and Lobeco deserve safe places to play, opportunities to participate in sports and outdoor activities, and spaces that strengthen community connections. I believe the County should work with local organizations, schools, municipalities, and community leaders to expand access to parks, recreation, and youth programs in underserved areas.
Strong communities are built by investing in the next generation, not just through development, but through quality of life.
Will you support and vote for a county-wide hate crimes ordinance that mirrors the protections already established in Beaufort, Port Royal, and Bluffton?
I believe every person should be treated with dignity and protected equally under the law.
At the same time, I believe Beaufort County is facing several urgent challenges that require immediate attention from County Council, including infrastructure, drainage, roads, growth management, and fiscal accountability.
Right now, my focus is on the core responsibilities of local government and making sure taxpayer dollars are being directed toward the everyday issues impacting residents across the county.
As a council member, how will you work with the school board to prioritize local funding for school-based counseling and alternative programs that serve students struggling with substance abuse or community violence?
I believe schools, families, and local communities all have a role to play in helping young people facing difficult situations, including substance abuse and violence.
As a County Council member, I would support working collaboratively with the school district, law enforcement, nonprofits, and community organizations to ensure students have access to counseling, mentorship, and alternative programs that help keep them on the right path.
At the same time, I believe County government should focus on addressing broader quality-of-life issues that impact families across Beaufort County, including safe communities, recreation opportunities, and responsible investment in infrastructure and public services.
Biographical Information
Brief Bio
A retired Marine Corps Officer, husband, and father. During his final military command, Tom served as Officer in Charge of an Airframes Division, overseeing 60 Marines and managing multi-million dollar maintenance budgets. He also gained experience serving in the Beaufort County Probate Court and is currently pursuing a law degree.
Website
http://goexp.org/thomasgrygowski
email
grygowskithomas@gmail.com
What are your priorities for Beaufort County?
My priorities for Beaufort County are responsible growth, fiscal accountability, and protecting our quality of life. Before approving large-scale development, we must ensure our roads, stormwater systems, public safety services, and healthcare infrastructure can support the growth already approved. I believe county government should be a careful steward of taxpayer dollars, focusing on essential services and keeping more money in residents’ pockets whenever possible. I am also committed to transparency and accessibility, ensuring residents are heard and informed before major decisions are made. We can welcome opportunity while preserving the history, culture, and character that make Beaufort County a special place to live and work.
Will you support St. Helena Island’s native community, safeguard heirs’ property, and prevent harmful development to the island’s natural environment?
Yes. St. Helena Island is a treasured cultural and natural resource, and I am committed to protecting its unique character, green spaces, waterways, and Gullah heritage. I support efforts to safeguard heirs’ property and help families preserve generational land. Just as importantly, I believe the people who live in a community should have a meaningful voice in shaping its future. Today, many residents have expressed concerns about additional large-scale development on St. Helena Island. As a County Council member, I will listen to the people I represent, which is resoundingly to preserve it as-is at this time.
What will you do for the youth of the county, especially in rural areas like St Helena, Dale, and Lobeco, where there are no parks or sports programs?
As a father, I believe every child in Beaufort County deserves opportunities to learn, play, explore, and build strong community connections. Communities like St. Helena, Dale, and Lobeco should not be overlooked. Before asking taxpayers to fund new projects, I would inventory existing facilities and their patronage. We should leverage partnerships with schools, churches, athletic organizations, cultural programs, and community groups to expand opportunities while reducing transportation and access barriers. My goal is to listen to families, identify unmet needs, and create practical solutions that connect young people to the history, culture, and natural beauty of Beaufort County but be a steward of responsible spending.
Will you support and vote for a county-wide hate crimes ordinance that mirrors the protections already established in Beaufort, Port Royal, and Bluffton?
I strongly condemn hate crimes and believe every person deserves to feel safe and respected in their community. I understand the intent behind local ordinances; I believe hate crimes should be addressed through consistent statewide laws rather than a patchwork of county-by-county regulations. South Carolinians should receive the same protections regardless of where they live.
I would support efforts to advocate for clear, enforceable hate crime legislation at the state level while continuing to support local law enforcement in protecting all residents from violence, intimidation, and criminal acts motivated by hatred or bias.
As a council member, how will you work with the school board to prioritize local funding for school-based counseling and alternative programs that serve students struggling with substance abuse or community violence?
Students facing substance abuse, violence, trauma, or other significant challenges deserve support and pathways to success. While the School Board and County Council have separate responsibilities, I believe strong communication and collaboration are essential. I would work with school leaders, law enforcement, healthcare providers, faith communities, and local nonprofits to better understand existing needs, identify service gaps, and support effective solutions.
Before creating new programs, I believe we should evaluate the resources already available and determine how they can be better coordinated and accessed. My goal is to support efforts that help students succeed and strengthen families and education.