Taken from a recent q&a organized by the
League of Women Voters - Charleston Chapter
And be sure to join us at 6pm Monday, October 20 at James Island Town Hall for a live forum, also brought to you by the League of Women Voters.
Click here to see how other candidates responded.
How will you protect James Island’s natural resources and address flooding and stormwater challenges while managing responsible development?
First, we must protect our natural resources from rampant overdevelopment, by promoting best practices among existing businesses and building partnerships with new potential businesses. And while successful (new and existing) businesses are key to a healthy tax base, we must show preference to those that are interested in the longterm health of the island, not here for a quick return on investment.
On a more street level, we must increase focus on clearing existing drainage systems/channels while identifying new opportunities to manage or contain runoff. The success of these efforts will rely on our ability to coordinate with the City and County to ensure all parties are committed to the cleaning and maintenance of this critical infrastructure.
Whether it is 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.
What steps will you take to promote voter participation and ensure all residents have a voice in local decision-making?
It is imperative that town leaders engage with voters, not just within the confines of town hall meetings, but one on one with individual voters, community leaders, and even small group, neighborhood sessions, particularly where localized action is necessary. James Island is as diverse as it gets, with a wide variety of constituencies and communities, each with different needs.
In an era where social media has the potential to set the narrative, it is critical to get out in front of issues, and not only engage with voters, but develop an understanding of local needs and how the Town can serve those needs.
Increased direct communication from the Town to its citizens, in live events and settings will improve the flow of information and set a stronger path for our local leaders.
How will you ensure that Town Council decisions are transparent, inclusive, and responsive to community concerns?
James Islanders stand out in the Charleston area, defined by a reputation for hard work and an unfailing commitment to their neighbors and community. And they demand accountability.
A successful Town Councilperson should be educated on the issues and prepared with answers when questions arise (or committed to further research and follow-up). They should be actively engaged, not only in the decision making process and monthly Council meetings, but in the ground level research and lead-up to voting on important issues.
I would propose an increase in live, in-person events, where Council Members can engage with their constituents in a meaningful way on the most important issues facing the Island.
As Chair of the James Island History Commission, I understand very well how critical it is that Council Members (and the Mayor) are engaged in their respective committees since this is where so many projects impacting the community spring to life.
What is your vision for enhancing public spaces—like parks and cultural centers—to strengthen community identity and resident well-being?
While James Island is largely decentralized, our citizens share a near universal love of the outdoors, salt air and a let's face it... a good time. So let's find a way to create more events for our locals (and their families!) at some of our amazing spaces like Mill Point, Pinckney, Dock Street and Brantley Parks.
And that's before you consider the wealth of James Island County Park, Demetre, SCDNR/Fort Johnson and now May Forest. As I say all the time, if it's on James Island, then it's part of who we are. We just need to do a better job tying it all together.
But with all these amazing spaces, we still need increased community engagement to bring these places to life. While Town Market has been a huge success, there’s only so much hands-on organizing the Town can do on its own. To increase use of all these amazing parks and spaces, the Town should do more to create opportunities and support use by neighborhood and community organizers, whether through improved communications or by streamlining the permission structure.
Not to be forgotten, the Town has already approved and is proceeding with a new Art Center, to be located in the same complex as Town Hall. This has the potential to bring James Islanders together from across neighborhoods, strengthening the community like never before.
How will you advocate for fair representation and equitable access to town services across all neighborhoods and demographics?
This is at the core of James Island's most prominent, hard to tackle issue... What color is your trashcan and what does it mean for you as a James Islander?
First, I will be an energetic voice on Town Council, engaged in every issue that impacts the Town proper. I have spent a long and successful career delivering creative solutions to complex problems. And I am fearless when it comes to red tape.
Second, I will deliver an equal amount of energy when it comes to ensuring the City and County do their part for the residents of James Island. While they may have pressing issues elsewhere, they have taken responsibility by way of annexation (City) for the well being and quality of life of a majority of James Islanders. And they should be held accountable to the same standards they are meeting in the Historic District, Daniel Island, or anywhere else.