Beaufort Gears Up for November Elections

In Beaufort, the countdown for the November elections is heating up the political scene. With less than 70 days to go—unless you’re living under a rock—you’ll know all about the upcoming political tussle.

Adding some spice to the elections, Beaufort City Councilman Josh Scallelate has decided to run against incumbent Mayor Phil Cromer, who’s hoping for a second term post his “half-term”, which he spent filling in the unexpired term of Stephen Murray.

Meanwhile, four eager beavers are vying for two open at-large seats on the Beaufort City Council. So, it’s clear we’ve got people who give a hoot about how the city grows. As of now, they’re relying mostly on social media campaigns primarily on Facebook. But we’re sure to see those campaign signs popping up as we inch closer to November.

The Hot Topic: Transportation Sales Tax Referendum

The hot potato on the local roster right now is the proposed county-wide transportation sales tax referendum. Essentially, voters will decide whether to greenlight an extra 1% sales tax that is anticipated to rake in a whopping $950 million over a 10-year time span.

However, the transportation sales tax proposal seems to have hit a bit of an iceberg. Much has been made about the incomplete projects from the 2018 transportation sales tax collection—where over $120 million was amassed in less than four years. Out of these projects, the lofty $80 million goal for the U.S. 278 Corridor to Hilton Head Island has only recently seen the green light for design plans approved by the Hilton Head Island Town Council.

Throwing a spanner in the works is a lingering mistrust in the county’s leadership and administrative team. Despite changes to the county administrator and several top officials moving on, this perceived lack of confidence hasn’t gone unnoticed by the public.

Beaufort County vs Jasper County

While Beaufort County grapples with the transportation sales tax issue, Jasper County is embarking on a similar journey. Jasper voters are looking at a 15-year, 1% sales tax expected to bring in $470 million. Much like in Beaufort, Jasper’s initiatives are geared towards joint projects with Beaufort County—specifically around the “Triangle area” that includes U.S. 278/ SC 170 and Argent Boulevard.

Indictments in Hampton

Further away in Hampton, there has been news of indiscretions among officials. A former Hampton County Administrator and a former sheriff’s deputy are on the chopping block for embezzling public funds, alongside two ex-Bluffton Police Department employees who are facing charges related to missing firearms. These indictments come after investigations led by the Public Integrity Unit in collaboration with the S.C. Law Enforcement Division.

With so much on the plate, Beaufort seems to have quite a path ahead in the lead-up to November. Eager locals would do well to keep their eyes and ears open and stay informed about the ongoing political climate.