On November 4, Vote Michael Williams for James Island Town Council

James Island Forever.

Hello James Islanders! My name is Michael Williams and I am excited to be running for James Island Town Council.

I count myself lucky to call this place home and am prepared to put in the time and energy necessary to ensure the highest quality of life for all James Islanders for generations to come. James Island Forever. And I'm here for it.

I am proud of my reputation as a hardworking, successful small-businessman with a strong history of corporate leadership. I am well known for getting to the heart of a problem, cutting through red tape and speaking truth to power (even when it’s not convenient).

I will work to foster responsible, sustainable development of our disappearing landscape. I will jealously protect our natural resources. And my voice will carry across municipal boundaries to ensure James Islanders are in control of their own future.

As a member of Town Council, I am certain that I can make a positive impact on the lives of all James Islanders and hope that I can count on your vote come November 4.

Fully Engaged. Ready to work.

Support Local. Develop Responsibly.

As a small business owner, I know it’s the local businesses that support our island parks and facilities through hospitality taxes. And in return, they deserve our support. I will help the Town engage more fully with our local business owners to help them succeed. We've all seen the failed restaurants on Folly Road. We can do better.

Redevelopment and new development on our island continues to proceed at a breakneck pace. I will work to foster responsible, sustainable development that will contribute to the long term health of our Island, not just fiscally, but in terms of quality of life for all its residents.

We don’t need more cookie-cutter, overpriced homes and townhouses; and we definitely don’t need more car washes, banks and cell phone stores. We need to form relationships with businesses who will be true partners in our community, who are in it for the long haul and willing to invest in the liveability of the island.

Protect our way of life.

I have been fortunate to see a lot of the world in my 52 years. But there’s no place I’ve found that compares to the beauty of James Island, and there are certainly no people I’d rather be around or raise my kids alongside.

I take this place personally, just as so many others do. And I want my grandkids and great grandkids to come back and enjoy the red drum from the creeks, the oysters from the marsh and the grand oaks towering above just as much as I do.

So whether it’s calling to account those who would pollute our waters, ensuring common-sense, efficient zoning and permitting, or simply preserving natural habitat and greenspace for the long-term, you can bet this will be my top, overriding priority.

Make our voices heard.

Let’s face it, the Town of James Island has struggled throughout its history to get a seat at the table.

While the majority of the island is managed (and taxed) by the City of Charleston, it is clear that they are far more concerned with issues on the peninsula than those across the harbor. It is therefore critical to the Town's success that we work across municipal boundaries to confront issues facing us all.

And while I can’t change things overnight, I can guarantee you that I will fight to give the Town of James Island the voice it deserves, especially where our quality of life is concerned. We must work with the City and with Charleston County to provide residents with key services such as stormwater management, drainage improvements, streetlights and sidewalks.

And one last thing… I’m here for all James Islanders, regardless of whether your trash can is brown or green.

Picking oysters in Clark Sound