The new leadership team of the Beaufort County Council discusses future initiatives.
Beaufort County has elected Alice Howard as its new County Council Chairman, making history as the first woman to hold both top council positions. Alongside Vice Chairman Anna Maria Tabernick, they aim to foster collaboration and transparency within the council. Howard’s narrow victory marks a significant shift in leadership, promising to address community concerns following a year of turbulence. With critical issues ahead, including funding for infrastructure projects, the council looks forward to a new era under their leadership.
Beaufort County is buzzing with excitement as Alice Howard has officially been elected as the new County Council Chairman on January 2, 2025! This momentous occasion marks a historic achievement for the county, as it is the first time a woman has held both of the top positions in the Beaufort County Council simultaneously. Joining her in leadership is Anna Maria Tabernick, who will serve as Vice Chairman. Both women are eager to steer the council into a new era of collaboration and transparency.
Howard’s journey to the chair position wasn’t a walk in the park. She won by a razor-thin margin of 6 to 5 votes, managing to unseat the former Chairman Joe Passiment, who had held the position since 2020. With Councilman David Bartholomew stepping in to nominate Howard, the excitement in the room was palpable as new opportunities began to unfold for the council.
Passiment’s vice chair, Larry McElynn, has now transitioned out of leadership, marking a significant shift that follows a turbulent year for the council. Residents have expressed dissatisfaction and raised concerns about the lack of transparency and unresolved internal issues. It’s clear that the community craved change, especially after voting down a substantial $950 million sales tax referendum aimed at vital infrastructure projects back in November 2024.
The new leadership duo is stepping into a world of challenges. The council has faced criticism not only for the handling of the County Administrator’s dismissal but also for the persistent disagreements among members. Howard is determined to break the cycle of tension, focusing on building consensus and ensuring that discussions happen in open sessions whenever possible. This pledge to prioritize community involvement and openness is a breath of fresh air for residents, who have been calling for clearer communication from their council.
Tabernick is also echoing the call for unity, emphasizing that council members must prioritize the best interests of Beaufort County as a whole, rather than just their individual districts. It’s refreshing to witness a shift towards cooperation, with both leaders committing to engaging with constituents and fostering a sense of community trust.
Howard has been serving on the County Council since 2015, bringing with her a depth of experience and insight. Meanwhile, Tabernick, elected in 2022, is eager to dive into her role as Vice Chair. Together, they represent around 34,000 residents when you factor in their respective districts, making their leadership vital for the voices of the community.
As they get settled into their new roles, Howard and Tabernick are already identifying critical issues that need to be addressed. One of the urgent challenges includes securing funding for a significant $190 million shortfall related to replacing the Hilton Head Island bridge. This is no small feat, but it’s clear that under their leadership, there’s a renewed energy to tackle the pressing needs of the community head-on.
The council is gearing up for its first workshop on January 8, 2025, with a regular session following on January 13, 2025. It will be fascinating to see how the new leadership engages with the community and whether they can bring about the changes that residents have so desperately wanted. With Howard and Tabernick at the helm, there’s hope for a more responsive and transparent Beaufort County Council. Here’s to a bright future ahead!
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