Historic moment as women take leadership roles in Beaufort County Council.
In a historic first for Beaufort County, Alice Howard and Tab Tabernik have been elected as chair and vice chair of the council, respectively. Their leadership aims to restore public trust and address key community issues such as housing and infrastructure. With a commitment to transparency and effective governance, Howard and Tabernik are set to make significant impacts in their roles as they navigate the challenges ahead.
In an exciting development for the residents of Beaufort County, local governance has reached a historic milestone with the election of Alice Howard as chair and Tab Tabernik as vice chair of the Beaufort County Council. This marks the very first time in the county’s history that women will hold the top two leadership positions, a move that is sure to inspire many in this beautiful region.
The Beaufort County Council represents nearly 200,000 residents and is comprised of twelve members in total, including the newly elected chair and vice chair. The election, held on January 2, saw a narrow victory for Howard with a 6-5 vote. Meanwhile, Tabernik was the sole nominee for the vice chair position, stepping into her role with the support of her colleagues. This new leadership duo is poised to address pressing issues that concern the community, especially after an era marked by misfeasance in local government.
Both leaders have expressed their commitment to restoring trust among constituents. They aim to be transparent and effective, hoping to reassure residents disturbed by past incidents of mismanagement. Key issues in their sights are the management of growth and development within the county, the pressing need for affordable and workforce housing, repairs to vital roads and bridges, and a sustainable approach to solid waste management. After experiencing an impressive population growth rate of over 6% since 2020, the newly elected officials have their work cut out for them.
The decision to appoint new leadership comes on the heels of contentious discussions among council members. Just prior to the vote, Tom Reitz from District 11 urged for the resignations of former leaders Joe Passiment and Larry McElynn due to their involvement in a private meeting addressing the U.S. 278 Project with Hilton Head Town Council. The fallout from these private discussions has also sparked an ongoing workplace investigation regarding potential violations relating to the handling of confidential information. Interestingly, both Howard and Tabernik have voluntarily participated in the investigation.
Alice Howard isn’t a newcomer to the council—she’s been serving since 2015 and brings over 30 years of experience as a community liaison, with a strong focus on environmental and public administration issues. With advanced degrees in public administration and community planning, Howard’s passion for local governance was ignited by her daughter’s struggles to find affordable housing in the county.
On the other hand, Tabernik stepped into the political scene more recently, after being elected in 2023. Her background is impressive, boasting experience as a middle and high school mathematics teacher, a principal, and even an assistant superintendent in Cleveland. Her community involvement has previously included memberships on the Beaufort County Library Board and the Sun City Homeowner’s Association Board.
Both Howard and Tabernik entered politics almost serendipitously. Initially uninterested in elected office, their dedication to improving public service and enhancing transparency propelled them into leadership roles they now hold.
As the first women to lead the Beaufort County Council, Howard and Tabernik are acutely aware of the weight of their roles. They recognize the pressure and scrutiny that come with being pioneers in local governance but are uncompromising in their determination to prove themselves capable leaders. Their shared goal is to rebuild the public’s trust, a task complicated by the damage done in the past. They understand that while growing public confidence is critical, it can be swiftly lost if mistakes are made.
In summary, the residents of Beaufort County are about to embark on a new chapter in their local governance, with two trailblazing leaders at the helm. The council’s focus on community needs, paired with a commitment to transparency, will be pivotal as they navigate the challenges ahead. The excitement is palpable, as many look forward to seeing how Howard and Tabernik impact life in Beaufort County.
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