VOTE411 Voter Guide

I want to represent the citizens of North Charleston on City Council to address the issues our community has been forced to live with for far too long. The noise from I-26 continues to impact residents without relief. The lakes remain polluted and neglected, with no meaningful action taken despite repeated studies. Flooding has worsened in areas that were once unaffected, largely due to poor planning and diverted water flow. I am also committed to the restoration of deteriorated playgrounds where unsafe conditions put our children at risk. It's time to prioritize a community that is healthy, safe, and supported by leadership grounded in transparency, integrity, and a voice that truly represents the people of North Charleston.

One of the most pressing issues facing our city is the lack of affordable housing, which directly affects both health and safety. These areas are deeply interconnected. If individuals do not have a safe and stable place to lay their head at night, they cannot maintain good health or feel secure. Homelessness and housing instability can lead to increased exposure to violence, chronic stress, poor nutrition, and limited access to healthcare. When basic shelter is out of reach, it triggers a chain reaction that affects every aspect of a person’s well-being, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

One way to fund this critical infrastructure is through impact fees. Developers who build new housing and commercial spaces should be required to contribute to the long-term well-being of the city by helping pay for the necessary public services and amenities, such as roads, sidewalks, public transit, and parks. Impact fees ensure that the costs of growth are shared by those who benefit from it, providing revenue to assist in funding the development of these essential services while keeping costs fair for all residents in the City of North Charleston.

To address crime in North Charleston, we must take a community-centered approach. That begins with listening to the people who live here. I would hold focus groups in neighborhoods across the city to hear directly from residents about their experiences and the solutions they believe would truly make a difference. The people who live in these communities often have the best insight into what’s happening and how to improve it.

I would also work alongside other elected officials and city administration to ensure that the ideas and recommendations gathered from the community are taken seriously and incorporated into real plans and policies. Lasting change only happens when leadership is willing to listen and act.

Next, I would focus on strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community. One key step is getting officers out of their vehicles and into the neighborhoods on foot or on bikes, so they can build trust, communicate openly, and truly become part of the communities they serve.

Regaining the public’s trust starts with transparency, accountability, and consistent communication. As a member of City Council, I would be committed to listening to the people, holding regular town halls, and being present in the community not just during election season, but all year long.

Public trust grows when residents feel heard and respected. That means creating open channels for feedback, being willing to engage in real conversations, and practicing a give-and-take approach to problem-solving. Not every concern has an easy answer, but people deserve leaders who are honest, responsive, and working collaboratively to find practical solutions.

I would also support clear communication about how decisions are made, how tax dollars are spent, and how community voices will be factored into policy.