Beaufort County General Election: Incumbents Hold Strong!
It’s official! Beaufort County just wrapped up a lively and eventful general election on November 5, 2024, and the results are in! Voters turned out in droves to cast their ballots and made it clear who they wanted in office, **rewarding a slew of incumbents** with another term, while giving a firm thumbs-down to the proposed penny tax aimed at boosting local infrastructure. The stakes were high, and the electorate took their choice seriously!
Incumbents Shine Bright
In a show of confidence in their existing leaders, Beaufort County’s residents successfully re-elected three council members! Here’s how the local races unfolded:
- District 1: Isaac Gordon III snagged 1,958 votes, or a solid 56.1%, triumphing over challenger Tradd C. Williams who garnered 1,487 votes (42.6%).
- District 6: Alphonso Small Jr. won by landslide, receiving 5,488 votes which accounts for a whopping 98.7% — running unopposed certainly helped!
- District 9: Leah K. Frazier captured 4,501 votes for an impressive 98.9%, also unchallenged on the ballot.
- District 11: The remarkable Ingrid Boatright received 6,964 votes translating into 99.4%, running without opposition.
On Hilton Head Island, the results were much the same with incumbents enjoying comfortable victories:
- Hilton Head District 2: Stuart Bell fought off Steven A. Robinson Sr., taking home 1,374 votes and 67.5%.
- Hilton Head District 3: Patricia Flynn Soltys won without a challenge, collecting 1,460 votes for an astounding 98.4%.
- Hilton Head District 4: Jerry Cutrer accomplished the same feat with 1,681 votes, scoring 99.5%.
- Hilton Head District 6: Andrew Paterno took home 1,682 votes for an impressive 99.3%, also unopposed.
Public Service Commission Results
Not everything was a walk in the park for incumbents, though! In the Fripp Island Public Service Commission race, it was a close contest. The new face here is Edward D. Wetzel, who nabbed 529 votes (26.2%) against a crowded field, defeating Rick Keup (512 votes), Dennis Perrone (504 votes), and John F. King (468 votes). It was definitely a nail-biter!
For the unexpired term of the Fripp Island Public Service Commission, Gary M. Nizzi breezed through with 577 votes for an impressive winning share of 99.8%.
Penny Tax Rejected!
In a significant turn of events, Beaufort County voters decisively rejected the **controversial penny tax** that was proposed to funnel funds into critical infrastructure projects. The verdict was clear: residents are looking for different solutions and are aiming to keep a tighter grip on their pocketbooks.
Jasper County Elects New Sheriff
Just next door in Jasper County, voters made headlines by tossing out their sheriff in favor of a former top cop. This unseating demonstrates a shift in local priorities and signals that the citizens are demanding more from their law enforcement.
The Future Ahead
As Beaufort County moves forward with its elected officials, it’s evident that voters are pleased with the incumbents who secured their seats. With the penny tax off the table, it will be intriguing to see what new possibilities arise for future infrastructure developments. Sit tight, as it looks like the leadership landscape is gearing up for some interesting times ahead!
Stay tuned for more updates as the community navigates the ongoing implications of these election results!
