Beaufort City Council Election Results Announced
In Beaufort, the election on Tuesday resulted in the re-election of incumbent council members Mitch Mitchell and Neil Lipsitz for another four-year term. The election was a heated contest, featuring four candidates vying for two available seats on the city council.
Election Results
The unofficial results reflect that all precincts have reported, but absentee ballots had not been counted as of early Wednesday morning. Mitch Mitchell, aged 74, topped the vote count with 2,622 votes, accounting for 28.8% of the total. Neil Lipsitz, aged 65, secured the second position with 2,371 votes, or 26%.
Challengers Julie Crenshaw, 63, and Josh Gibson, 54, earned 2,111 votes (23.2%) and 1,931 votes (21.2%), respectively. With the at-large voting system in place, all residents had the opportunity to vote for both positions, ultimately rewarding the two candidates with the highest citywide votes.
Campaign Dynamics
The campaign saw incumbents facing off against challengers in a vibrant atmosphere filled with discussions about tax increases and government spending. Opponents accused Lipsitz and Mitchell of hiking taxes; however, both firmly denied these claims, stating that the rise in property taxes was due to a county-wide property reassessment, not an increase enacted by the city council.
Reactions and Future Plans
“I’m overjoyed and deeply appreciative for the confidence my fellow Beaufortonians have placed in me,” Mitchell stated after the results. He promised to work diligently to address immediate concerns and collaboratively strategize for the city’s future.
Lipsitz expressed satisfaction with the outcome, saying, “I feel like I’ve done a good job and people have seen that.” He highlighted his contributions, such as advocating for state funding to enhance the nursing program at Beaufort Memorial Hospital and financial support for significant upgrades at Southside Park.
Issues Facing the Council
The newly elected council members will now tackle pressing issues concerning the city’s infrastructure. A critical concern is the deteriorating seawall at Waterfront Park, which requires millions in repairs. Additionally, the council must address a suboptimal lease with a private marina management firm. Rapid urban expansion, leading to tree clear-cutting in some areas, also poses significant challenges.
An essential task will be improving communication with residents, particularly highlighted by past neighborhood opposition regarding stormwater projects. Residents expressed the need for better engagement and transparency from their governing body.
Candidates’ Backgrounds
Mitchell has previously served the city, having been elected in 2020. He served as a major general in the U.S. Air Force and is also a retired airline pilot. His campaign focused on environmentally safe economic development, affordable workforce housing, and addressing traffic congestion.
Lipsitz, also a 2020 incumbent, brings his experience as a former owner of a local department store. He emphasized the necessity for affordable housing and securing better employment opportunities in Beaufort, advocating for local academic institutions like the Technical College of the Lowcountry and the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
Challenger Crenshaw aimed to introduce fresh perspectives to the council, focusing on responsible growth management and efficient use of taxpayer funds. Gibson, a photographer and small business owner, campaigned on the challenge of rising living costs in the city.
As the dust settles from this election, the Beaufort City Council has a clear mandate from its residents to continue addressing the city’s growth and infrastructure needs over the next four years.
