Beaufort Residents Stick with Familiar Faces in Recent Election
In the charming coastal city of Beaufort, voters opted for stability over change this past Tuesday, siding with well-known incumbents in the local elections. Mayor Phil Cromer, alongside council members Mitch Mitchell and Neil Lipsitz, has been returned to the City Council for another four-year term, despite a spirited challenge from other candidates.
A Narrow Victory for Mayor Cromer
Mayor Cromer, who recently made a comeback to politics after retiring in 2022, emerged victorious with a comfortable yet not overwhelming victory against challenger Josh Scallate. According to the final counts, Cromer snatched up 3,263 votes compared to Scallate’s 2,363 votes. With 100% of precincts reporting before Friday’s 9 a.m. certification hearing, it was clear that voters preferred the familiarity of Cromer’s leadership.
Having initially served as mayor from 2014 to 2022, Cromer was encouraged to step back into the spotlight after former mayor Stephen Murray resigned before completing his term. Cromer expressed his excitement about resuming his role, stating, “My first act as mayor will be to meet with council members and say, ‘Alright, this is a clean slate. It’s about Beaufort. It’s not about us.’”
Challenges Ahead for Council
As he settles back into his mayoral position, Cromer is keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Key issues like the failure of Waterfront Park pilings, renewal of the marina lease with Safe Harbor Marinas, and virtually explosive growth in the area are on his agenda. “There’s quite a lot to do,” Cromer acknowledged, particularly emphasizing the urgency of addressing the park problems.
During his campaign, Cromer focused on the importance of protecting Beaufort’s unique history, environment, and architectural beauty, stating, “You have to preserve what’s special about your community.” It seems the voters agreed, sticking with a leader who understands the local landscape.
Scallate’s Vision for Change
On the other side of the electoral fence, Josh Scallate, a 33-year-old firefighter and current council member, fell short but remained optimistic about his role in the City Council. As a newcomer in local politics, Scallate had hoped voters would rally around his vision for improved infrastructure and better communication. “We gave it our best shot and that’s all you can do,” he shared at an election night gathering.
Council Member Elections: Continuity with a Touch of Change
Additionally, incumbent council members Mitch Mitchell and Neil Lipsitz successfully retained their council seats, with Mitchell receiving 2,705 votes and Lipsitz garnering 2,430 votes. They were met with challenges from first-time candidates Julie Crenshaw and Josh Gibson, who polled 2,190 and 1,999 votes, respectively. Though both incumbents faced accusations of raising taxes, they clarified that property taxes were actually a result of county-wide reassessments, not new city-imposed increases.
Mitchell expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m overjoyed and deeply appreciative for the confidence my fellow Beaufortonians have placed in me.” Lipsitz also celebrated his victory, attributing his success to a commitment to integrity and doing what is right for the city.
The Road Ahead
With the certification hearing approaching, the results from Tuesday’s election suggest that the residents of Beaufort are looking for familiarity in leadership, even in the face of calls for change. As Cromer, Mitchell, and Lipsitz gear up for another term, the future of Beaufort promises to be both a challenging and exciting journey.
