Hilton Head Island Town Council Election Set to Introduce Fresh Perspectives and Solutions

Hilton Head Island: A New Lineup for Town Council

As we head into the election season on Hilton Head Island, excitement is brewing as the town council could welcome as many as three new faces. Candidates are vying for their chance to make a difference, particularly in Wards 1, 3, and 6. The new council members will officially take their seats in January 2025, while representatives from Wards 2, 4, and 5 will continue their terms until December 2026.

Ward 6, which includes the northern island communities of Palmetto Hall, Mitchelville, Fish Haul, and Hilton Head Plantation, is filled with passion as candidates Melinda Tunner, Paige Cope, and Rex Garniewicz each bring unique experiences and perspectives to the table. The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette have posed some essential questions to the candidates, tackling critical issues like the penny sales tax and the U.S. 278 Corridor Project. Each candidate responded to the same seven inquiry with a limit of 200 words, providing insight into their views.

Meet the Candidates

Melinda Tunner, armed with over 30 years of experience in finance, hopes to push for adaptive reuse of commercial properties to combat workforce and affordable housing issues. Her deep community involvement includes advocacy for local election precincts and serving in leadership roles within her neighborhood association.

Paige Cope, a sixth-generation Lowcountry native, emphasizes the importance of educating residents about workforce housing and seeks to dismantle negative stigmas. With a career in the spa industry, including nine years as the director at the Omni Hotel’s spa, she understands the intricacies of the local workforce.

Rex Garniewicz comes to the table with significant experience as the president of the Coastal Discovery Museum. Holding a doctorate in anthropology, Rex combines a love for the environment with fiscal responsibility, focusing on comprehensive strategies for workforce housing.

Housing and Safety: Top Issues Addressed

When discussing the approach to workforce and affordable housing, Melinda Tunner highlighted existing initiatives like the Housing Action Committee and potential developments like the Northpoint project. She believes in advocating for adaptive reuse and is eager to explore public/private partnerships.

Paige Cope, drawing from her long-term residency, puts a strong emphasis on community education to eradicate the misconceptions surrounding workforce housing, judiciously considering the traffic impact from these developments.

Rex Garniewicz emphasizes the critical nature of workforce housing for essential services such as healthcare and education. He suggests a multifaceted approach combining private investments with municipal support to tackle the issue effectively.

On the question of the island’s safety, Melinda expressed confidence in Hilton Head’s low crime rates and underscored the need for increased sheriff presence to curb rising vehicle collisions. Paige also affirmed the island’s safety, suggesting community vigilance as a way to keep it that way. Meanwhile, Rex pointed out the importance of the local firefighter’s quick response times, which drastically improve survival rates during emergencies.

Perspectives on the Penny Sales Tax

Regarding the controversial penny sales tax, Melinda and Paige voiced their opposition, arguing against the transparency and credibility of ongoing financing efforts from the county. In contrast, Rex supports it, pointing out that a significant percentage of town expenses are covered by non-property tax revenue. He believes tourists should help fund improvements to local infrastructure.

Voicing Opinions on Infrastructure Projects

The U.S. 278 Corridor Project has elicited varied opinions from the candidates. While Melinda is cautious yet supportive of bridge replacements, Paige opposes the current version, advocating for careful consideration of environmental impacts. Rex acknowledges the contentious nature of the project but supports its overall advancement for safety reasons.

Addressing Conflicts and Transparency

On potential conflicts of interest, Melinda and Paige expressed no concerns, while Rex acknowledged his nonprofit position necessitating recusal from related decisions. All candidates affirmed their commitment to transparency and being available to constituents, emphasizing the need for open lines of communication.

Conclusion: The Future of Hilton Head Island

As Hilton Head Island prepares for these pivotal elections, the community eagerly anticipates fresh ideas and solutions from their future council members. With candidates uniquely equipped to tackle pressing local issues, the upcoming election could very well shape the island’s direction in the coming years.