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City of North Charleston Council District 5

City of North Charleston Council District 5: City council has the power and authority to make rules and pass ordinances respecting security, general welfare, and the convenience of the municipality and for the preservation of health, peace, order and good government; all to be consistent with the laws of the State of South Carolina. Council duties are: exercise the corporate powers of the City; considers and enact legislation; set official City Policy; hold public hearings on matters concerning zoning and grant funds; approves franchises, enacts business license fees, and levies taxes; Adopt the annual budget; and review and approve/disapprove requests for zoning.The League held a candidate forum: Click here for the recording.

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  • Candidate picture

    Christoper Emde
    (NP)

Biographical Information

Why do you want to represent the citizens of North Charleston on City Council?

What do you think is the most important issue facing the City and how should the City address this issue?

What would you do to address crime in North Charleston?

How would you work to regain the public's trust in City Council?

Campaign Phone 8437516214
Website and/or You-Tube Video http://https://www.facebook.com/emdedistrict5
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/emdedistrict5
Education The Citadel, Bachelor Criminal Justice.
Experience I am a combat Marine veteran with 20 years of leadership and logistics experience, having served as both an enlisted Marine and a commissioned officer. I started my career as an enlisted artilleryman, serving as a vehicle commander in Iraq in 2004, a Platoon Sergeant, and a Marksmanship Instructor, where I trained Marines in combat readiness and precision marksmanship. I was later selected to become a commissioned officer, earning my criminal justice degree from The Citadel in 2012. After commissioning, I became a Logistics Officer, responsible for planning and executing large-scale military operations both in the U.S. and overseas. As a Platoon Commander, I deployed twice to combat zones, where I helped train and organize Iraqi forces t
Campaign Email emdedistrict5@gmail.com
I’m running for North Charleston City Council, District 5, because I believe it’s time to end corruption, bring full transparency to city government, and lead with the courage that comes from real-world, tested experience. I've spent 20 years in the Marine Corps leading in combat zones, managing complex operations, and coordinating with agencies during real-world crises. I’ve trained thousands, managed multimillion-dollar resources, and built systems that work in austere conditions and here at home in the U.S.

Now, I want to bring that same mission-focused mindset to serve the people of District 5. I live here, I work here, and I care deeply about this community and everyone in it.
Right now, our district has seen leadership failures, including corruption and a lack of accountability. Residents feel betrayed and disconnected from decision-making. I want to remind our citizens that public service is to serve the public, not dress up in fancy clothes and decide to make decisions that benefit themselves, or when it is convenient. There are a lot of great people who need support and who are willing to support. I want to break the past and current cycle of broken promises and lack of transparency.
District 5 has a solid team of police officers. They deal with a lot of issues all the time. They are undermanned and need more support. I would rely heavily on community policing, lateral communication, and cross-training with SLED and other agencies. Ride-alongs with pastors, community leaders, psychiatrists, and other professionals are very useful.
Be present and in the communities. Spending time with our citizens is the key.