Hilton Head Island Candidates Clash for District 123 Seat
As the elections approach, Hilton Head Island is buzzing with excitement and engagement over the race for the District 123 seat in the South Carolina House of Representatives. Two candidates are gearing up for a showdown: Lisette Cifaldi, a clinical social worker with deep community ties, and Jeff Bradley, the current representative running for re-election.
Meet the Candidates
Lisette Cifaldi, who has lived on Hilton Head Island for over 50 years, is no stranger to the issues that affect residents. She believes that “my voice, the voices of my daughters, sisters, mother, female friends and colleagues have been silenced in South Carolina.” Lisette’s campaign focuses on several critical issues, including public education, environmental protection, and supporting small businesses. As a mother whose daughters went through local public schools, Cifaldi emphasizes the importance of investing in teacher retention as well as addressing climate change from a state-level perspective.
In the other corner, we have Jeff Bradley, who has served in the State House since 2014. With a wealth of experience behind him, including leadership roles in key committees, he touts his experience as an asset that will allow him to continue delivering results for District 123. Bradley’s legislative priorities lean toward education reform, regulatory reduction, and infrastructure development. He sees the improvement of local education systems as an ongoing effort and intends to work on making the regulations friendlier to businesses.
The Campaign Trail: Key Issues
Both candidates have articulated their priorities in responses to a series of questions. For Lisette Cifaldi, enhancing public education is paramount. She pledges to advocate for better funding for schools and to ensure every child has access to a quality education. “I will fight to protect our natural resources, especially safeguarding our coastline from over-development,” she said, highlighting a significant concern for many island residents.
On the other hand, Jeff Bradley emphasized his commitment to education reform. He stated, “Although we have made significant progress over the last four years, our system is still not meeting my expectations and I will continue to advocate for reforms that drive success.” Both candidates agree on the essential role of education but diverge in their approaches to improving systems in place.
Stances on Reproductive Rights and Gun Safety
Another hot topic is reproductive rights. Lisette Cifaldi firmly believes, “I do not believe legislators belong in our bedrooms or our bodies,” advocating for women’s autonomy and access to reproductive health care. In stark contrast, Jeff Bradley expressed a more traditional viewpoint, stressing the importance of protecting the unborn while looking for a legislative balance.
Gun safety also features prominently in discussions. Cifaldi advocates for measures such as reinstating permit requirements for gun purchases, sharing the idea that the safety of communities relies on responsible gun ownership. Jeff Bradley, meanwhile, staunchly supports the Second Amendment while also recognizing the need for sensible measures to ensure safety.
The Infrastructure Challenge
Infrastructure remains a critical issue in District 123, particularly with residents in Daufuskie Island voicing their frustrations over ferry service inconsistencies. Cifaldi has been clear about her commitment to address these transportation issues. She describes the lack of reliable and safe ferry service as an appalling challenge for residents.
Bradley acknowledged the ferry service issue too, stating a need for collaboration between residents and county officials to seek solutions. Infrastructure improvements, he states, are vital for the growing economy of South Carolina and for ensuring a reliable transportation system especially for island residents.
The Road Ahead
With an eye toward the elections, both candidates seem to signify a desire for change and improvement, albeit with different perspectives and approaches. As our community gears up for what’s to come, it’s clear that constituents desire leadership that truly reflects their values and addresses the pressing issues at hand.
The election not only signifies a choice between two candidates but also points toward the larger narrative of how residents want their voices to be represented at the state level. As the election date gets closer, all eyes will certainly be on who will secure the seat and lead District 123 into the future.
