Beaufort County Gears Up for Election Day Amid Growing Calls for Government Transparency

Beaufort County Faces Crucial Elections Amid Calls for Transparency

As Beaufort County approaches the upcoming November elections, a wave of public interest and concern is washing over the local government landscape. Over the past 15 months, the county council has found itself in hot water due to a series of ethics investigations, spending irregularities, and procedural failures. Adding to the drama is a pattern of secrecy that has shrouded many council sessions, often held in private—referred to as ‘executive sessions.’

Two council members, Gerald Dawson and Logan Cunningham, who have been resistant to demands for greater transparency regarding spending abuses within the county, now face challengers who hope to unseat them and push for a more open government. Council member York Glover, also part of the majority that resisted public calls for accountability, will run unopposed.

A Background of Controversy

The backlash against the council began even before the firing of County Administrator Eric Greenway in July of last year. Following this and other contentious issues, both Dawson and Cunningham will need to tackle the growing frustration from the public while vying to retain their seats. Their recent decision to reject a simple request from The Island Packet to go on record about their stances on controversial county topics has only fueled public discontent.

Meet the Candidates

Let’s dive into the details about the candidates who will appear on the ballot:

District 1: Gerald Dawson vs. Challengers

Gerald Dawson, a Democrat, is seeking his sixth term in office and has represented District 1 since 2005. He prides himself on his long-standing commitment to fostering economic development in the community. Dawson highlighted his role in setting up the county’s Economic Development Corporation board and hiring an economic development director. He aims to continue creating “meaningful” and “well-paying” jobs for residents.

Opposing Dawson is Adam Biery, a Republican and architectural project manager. Biery’s platform revolves around smart growth, a fair distribution of funds, and robust support for small businesses. As a first-time candidate, he hopes to bring fresh perspectives to the council.

The second challenger to Dawson is Jevona Armstrong, representing the Forward Party. A mother of three and wife to a disabled veteran, Armstrong is passionate about improving infrastructure and promoting environmental sustainability. This is her second attempt at political office, following an unsuccessful run for the school board in 2020.

District 3: York Glover Unopposed

In District 3, York Glover, a Democrat, currently stands alone as he seeks reelection. Having served the St. Helena district since 2017, he is poised to hold his seat until 2028, barring the emergence of a write-in candidate. His incumbency remains unchallenged this round.

District 7: Logan Cunningham vs. Dr. Sarah McCarty

Moving on to District 7, Logan Cunningham, a Republican, is vying for a second term representing the Bluffton and Buckwalter Parkway areas. Cunningham has ambitious goals to expand recreational fields and enhance workforce and affordable housing in his district. He is also proud of his contributions to teacher pay and advancing several local projects, including a green space referendum.

Cunningham will face Dr. Sarah McCarty, a Democrat and first-time candidate who has a strong background in healthcare. McCarty is focused on pressing issues like infrastructure resilience, preventing over-development, and addressing environmental impacts, alongside the wage disparities affecting local workers.

What to Expect on Election Day

As we get closer to the vote on November 8, residents of Beaufort County will have the opportunity to make their voices heard. Voters can check their district and find polling places by visiting the state election site. Don’t forget, a valid ID is required to vote!

In the past election cycle, the turnout ranged from 7,000 to 9,000 voters for contested races. However, the upcoming elections coincide with the presidential race, which could draw a significantly higher number of participants. In 2020, Logan Cunningham garnered 64% of the vote, with turnout exceeding 12,000. This year, the implications of these elections are vast, not just for the candidates, but also for the future of transparency and governance in Beaufort County.