Time for Change: Beaufort County Council Election Highlights Key Candidate Differences

Time for Change in Beaufort County Council Election

As we draw closer to the elections on November 5, residents of Beaufort County are preparing to cast their votes and make their voices heard. With various seats up for grabs, the Editorial Board is stepping in to make some clear recommendations. So, let’s dive into the highlights of our findings!

The Council’s Troubling Secret

First off, it’s hard to shake our heads at the Beaufort County Council and how they’ve handled a certain investigation. For a while now, the council has been sitting on a report detailing some serious fiscal misdeeds that stretch back five years. Many felt that this lack of transparency resembled a classic cover-up. Attempts to skimp on getting the full report out to the public were numerous. At one meeting, the council members nearly got away with just an oral report — which, let’s be honest, is just not enough when serious concerns are at stake!

They also tried to settle for a brief six-page summary. To make matters worse, council members falsely claimed that a unanimous vote was needed to make the document public, a claim that was swiftly challenged by public records experts. Talk about a damaging mistake! Although some council members like David Bartholomew, Paula Brown, and Tom Reitz advocated for transparency, the others simply remained mum, allowing their accountability to dissolve. This is exactly why we firmly state: Vote the bums out!

Endorsements Made Simple

Now, we know that voters deserve candidates who are committed to the community, so after thorough interviews and research, we’re sharing our recommendations for two key council positions that are on the ballot. Let’s break it down:

District 1: Adam Biery vs. Gerald Dawson

In Council District 1, we’re putting our weight behind Republican Adam Biery over the incumbent Democrat Gerald Dawson. Why? It’s simple. Dawson has been largely absent from engaging with his constituents and has turned a deaf ear to interview requests. On the flip side, Biery is all about rebuilding public trust. His priorities include responsible growth management, transparency, and making infrastructure improvements.

Biery emphasizes the importance of providing the public with easy access to council decisions and documents. He says he wants to create a culture where people feel heard and included in decision-making, much to our delight. His commitment to seeing growth as an opportunity rather than a burden is refreshing. He plans to manage this growth with strategic planning, environmental stewardship, and balanced development. We believe he brings a much-needed fresh perspective.

District 7: Sarah McCarty vs. Logan Cunningham

Moving over to Council District 7, we’re backing Democrat Sarah McCarty against Republican incumbent Logan Cunningham. While Cunningham did respond to our survey (definitely a step in the right direction), it doesn’t erase the fact that he hasn’t always followed through on his claims about answering questions from the public. McCarty, however, stood out with her thoughtful, detailed responses that showcased a solid grasp of pressing issues.

Her priorities include environmental protection, responsible development, and resilient infrastructure. She sees public safety as a broader concept that includes putting emphasis on preventing crime and ensuring well-being, which is vital especially with recent storms making stormwater management a hot topic. McCarty may be retired now, but her background in health care and academia gives her a unique understanding of community needs. And her promise to be available for comment puts her head and shoulders above the rest. This is the leadership we seek.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

To sum it up, the current incumbents in Beaufort County have not lived up to the expectations, and it’s clear from the dedication and priorities shown by Biery and McCarty that they represent the change residents desperately need. The time is now for the community to step forward and embrace new and committed leadership. We encourage you all to mark your ballots wisely on November 5!