Beaufort City Council Candidates Present Visions at Community Forum

Beaufort City Council Candidates Take the Stage

In the charming city of Beaufort, excitement is buzzing as the local community gears up for the upcoming city council elections. Recently, the Old Commons Neighborhood Association (OCNA) hosted a forum where four candidates had the chance to present their visions, share their motivations, and engage with voters. The candidates included newcomers Julie Crenshaw and Josh Gibson, along with incumbents Neil Lisitz and Mitch Mitchell.

Community Voices Matter

Each candidate was given approximately six to seven minutes to express their thoughts and invite questions from the audience. Crenshaw kicked things off by highlighting her desire to inject new energy and perspective into the council, aiming to be a true “voice of the community.” She emphasized the importance of listening to the people and encouraging greater involvement in local governance. “I will always keep my eye on the ball,” she proclaimed, assuring attendees of her dedication.

Next up, Gibson shared his vision for flipping the existing relationship between the city council and Beaufort’s citizens. “Solutions for the problems don’t come from high to the citizens, but from the citizens up to the city,” he stated passionately, suggesting a more collaborative approach to local governance.

Finding Common Ground

Incumbent Mitchell echoed the sentiment that the community has more in common than differences. “When we disagree, we don’t be disagreeable,” he reminded the crowd, stressing sincerity in serving the citizens of Beaufort.

Lisitz took a different angle, suggesting that his inclination to approach issues with an open mind might be seen as a weakness by some. However, he believes that understanding both sides of a matter is crucial to finding effective solutions. He praised local initiatives like Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s PATH program, which he believes has brought significant gains to the area. He expressed his desire to see the Marine Science program at USC Beaufort thrive, stating, “It has the opportunity to be one of the best in the nation.”

Collaborative Spirit in Action

Crenshaw also emphasized the importance of teamwork on the council, advocating for a collaborative approach to governance with a united voice. “I will be transparent, honest, and hard-working,” she promised the audience, affirming her commitment to the community.

For Gibson, the task is clear: preserving the beloved character of Beaufort as it grows. “We all fell in love with this place,” he reminded everyone. “The only real differences we have are about policy, not about our goals.”

Managing Growth Responsibly

Mitchell acknowledged that although many community members are concerned about growth, the real key lies in managing it effectively. He admitted that increased growth would necessitate improvements to infrastructure and services, which would likely mean taxes. “We need to ensure we’re achieving environmentally safe economic growth,” he added.

Lisitz championed the success of projects like Southside Park but expressed frustration over the city having to defend itself against what he described as frivolous lawsuits. He believes that with fewer distractions, the City could accomplish much more good.

Upcoming Events for Engaged Citizens

Additionally, on Thursday, Oct. 17, the OCNA will hold an Ice Cream Social and “Meet The Candidates Night” from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church Education Building. Here, residents can interact with candidates for City Mayor, County Council District 3, and S.C. House District 124 alongside the City Council candidates.

Finally, on Monday, Oct. 21, the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce will host forums at the USC Beaufort Center For The Arts, discussing candidates for various offices separately. To wrap up the series, another candidate night by NWQNA is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24, again at the Charles Lind Brown Community Center, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Beaufort residents have abundant opportunities to engage with their candidates, ask questions, and voice their concerns. This election season promises to bring lively discussions about the future of this picturesque city!