Beaufort Hosts Candidates Forum: A Night of Ideas and Engagement
In the charming city of Beaufort, a lively candidate forum took place at the USC Beaufort Center for the Arts on the night of October 21. The event was organized by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and featured three separate discussions for various local offices: the Mayor of Beaufort, City Council candidates, and County Council candidates. It was a vibrant night brimming with insightful dialogue and an eager community.
Opening Statements Set the Stage
Each candidate was given two minutes for their opening and closing statements, and the order was decided by a random draw just before they took the stage. The forum was moderated by a three-person panel, including Mark Cutler, Ashley Houck, and Josh Ward, who expertly guided the conversation with thought-provoking questions.
Mayoral Candidates Share Their Visions
The forum kicked off with the Mayoral candidates. Phil Cromer, the current Mayor, who previously served two terms on the City Council, shared his journey back to public service. He was encouraged to run for Mayor after the resignation of his predecessor, stating, “I’m running because there’s more to do. Eleven months is not enough to address the issues facing the city.” Cromer identified affordable housing as a pressing issue, emphasizing the need for collaboration with neighboring communities.
His opponent, Josh Scallate, also brought his unique perspective as a firefighter, highlighting how his experience equips him to handle the resources and collaborations needed as Mayor. “Civility in city government is my top priority,” Scallate asserted. He shared his thoughts on bridging divides within the community, stressing the importance of communication and understanding different viewpoints.
Addressing Shared Concerns
Both candidates echoed the need for better communication among city officials and the community. They agreed that building civility is essential for progress. When discussing the taboos surrounding homelessness, Scallate proposed adopting a model similar to Charleston’s approach to create effective support for those in need. Cromer, however, emphasized a more decentralized approach for sheltering homeless individuals, suggesting the establishment of smaller satellite locations to make services more accessible.
On the topic of youth engagement, Scallate proposed initiating a youth council to harness the potential of young people in Beaufort. “Tapping into what our youth can provide is our most untapped potential,” he said, stating that fostering leadership among the younger generation could have lasting positive effects on the community.
City Council Contenders Engage in a Heated Debate
Next up were the candidates for two open seats on the Beaufort City Council. Incumbents Neil Lipsitz and Mitch Mitchell were joined by challengers Julie Crenshaw and Josh Gibson. The atmosphere grew lively as Gibson called out the incumbents for what he termed a “tax increase,” sparking rebuttals from Lipsitz and Mitchell, who referenced property reassessments as the cause of rising tax bills.
Despite disagreements over taxes, all candidates shared concerns about the local economy and the struggles of small businesses. Gibson suggested implementing an ombudsman-like position to better assist local businesses navigating city regulations, indicating a need for greater advocacy. “Small businesses are the backbone of America,” echoed Mitchell, emphasizing the importance of working with local entrepreneurs.
Challenges Facing Beaufort’s Economy
As they discussed the tourism sector, candidates highlighted the challenges many restaurants face due to rising insurance rates and the cost of living. Crenshaw expressed deep concern that hospitality workers cannot afford to live in the same towns they serve. “They can’t live in Beaufort. That concerns me tremendously,” she said passionately.
Despite these challenges, Lipsitz was encouraged about the tourism sector but stressed the need for more focus on the basic needs of the community, such as infrastructure and parks, as the hospitality tax continues to fuel city projects.
County Council Insights
The evening concluded with a discussion featuring Republican candidate Adam Biery for Beaufort County Council District 1, who cited smart growth and equal distribution of funding as his priorities. Although the incumbent, Gerald Dawson, was absent, Biery was vocal about regaining public trust in county budgeting and highlighted ecotourism as an essential component of growth.
“We need to retain these rural lands and promote small businesses to create unique farming opportunities,” Biery remarked, sharing his vision for a sustainable approach to development.
Conclusion: A Community United
As the forum wrapped up, it was evident that, despite varying viewpoints, the candidates shared a mutual passion for improving Beaufort. The community eagerly awaits to see how these ideas and debates influence the future direction of their beloved city. The strong turnout at the forum showcased the importance of civic engagement and the power of community voices in shaping local governance.
