City Council election

Name: Laura Beck

Occupation : Attorney, Folly Beach City Council, Mom

Address: East Side middle

How long have you lived on Folly? Since 2001, fourth generation Folly Beach resident

What type of cosmetic improvements or amenities would you propose adding to Folly Beach?

Finishing the new playground on the west side of the island, improving the beautification of Center Street, preserving the eclectic feel of the Folly business district, and making all of Folly more pedestrian friendly.

What do you want to accomplish?

Family friendly Folly - I will work towards ensuring Folly Beach is a warm and welcoming place for families to visit.  I will continue to foster an atmosphere of community, we can solve many problems with a positive attitude and treating people with respect.  Pedestrian friendly streets and keeping our kids safe are primary goals of mine.

Defining the vision of Folly - I look forward to shaping Folly Beach for years to come.  I encourage input from the public and believe we need a charette process and city council should articulate those findings to the public.  We need to make sure there is plenty of notice when an issue is up for debate so everyone may voice their opinion.

Enforcing Ordinances - I believe that we can deal with our problems with current ordinances through enforcement.   This includes litter, parking, speeding, noise and dog restrictions to name a few.  I will look at alternatives to creating new ordinances such as handling litter laws with education and outreach, and exploring the possibility of a livability court similar to that of Charleston to handle some of the daily nuisances we face.

Zoning Re-write and Traffic Study - I have been through the creation of these processes and I look forward to fine tuning them under my watch.

Improve Communication - I would like to improve communication with all stakeholders on Folly Beach.  This includes businesses, day-trippers, residents, property owners, and visitors.  I want to ensure the smoothest, calmest, and best relationships possible.

Why should someone vote for you?

Balance - I have a knowledge of where we came from and why we are where we are today.  I listen and have respect for everyone.  I promise to stay open-minded, and will admit when I am wrong, I view this as thoughtful instead of wishy-washy.

Value - I am a unique member of council, I am the only female, the youngest, the only parent of school aged children, and this adds to my way of thinking.

Vision - I have the foresight to ensure Folly's best interest for the future, and figuring out what Folly needs and anticipating any problems that may arise down the road.

Name: Paul Hume

Occupation : Insurance Broker, Folly Beach Planning Commission

Address: Sunset Lane, West side

How long have you lived on Folly? almost 13 years

What type of cosmetic improvements or amenities would you propose adding to Folly Beach?

Two things I feel are important are making Folly family friendly and creating a house sign restriction.

What do you want to accomplish?

Common Sense to enforcing laws - My number 1 issue is to enforce the laws instead of coming up with new ones.  4th of July last year caused an uproar and legislation writing, the leash law was not enforced and now dogs on the North end are banned.  These problems and others can be solved by enforcing the current ordinances we have.

Common Sense to our fiscal approach - One example of this was the way our PSD expansion was handled.  There are a number of ways that more space can be achieved that were not explored and the entire process of alternative selection was poor.  I will bring common sense to all ways our tax money is handled.

Better communication with the public - The city has done a poor job of getting messages out to the public.  The city website is poor and they rely on a notice posted on the front door of City Hall.  I will improve communication so the public will be better informed.  The public needs to contribute as well and decide the best method of communication.

Leadership - The fact that a facilitator was hired screams no leadership throughout council.  I will step up and make sure everyone is on the same page through common sense and understanding.

Why should someone vote for you?

I believe people should vote for someone that represents their thought processes and views, and I feel like I represent Folly Beach well.  I am also accessible to them anytime they would like to share their opinion with me.  I will listen and walk in their shoes.

I have served for 6 years on Folly Beach planning commission, and I am good at getting people together and moving forward.  I am good at action instead of shelving issues until later.  I will use common sense in all my decisions, and act on what is best for Folly Beach.

Name: Donald "D.J." Rich

Occupation : Co-Owner Planet Follywood

Address: 5th block East Ashley

How long have you lived on Folly? 2003, grew up on Folly Beach

What type of cosmetic improvements or amenities would you propose adding to Folly Beach?

Cut back overgrowth especially around intersections, install parking signs to instruct people parking on the island.

What do you want to accomplish?

More conservative approach to spending - I believe our current spending is wasteful and I would like to change that.

Recycling and Trash - There have been attempts to bring outside help for our current trash and recycling problems.  If nobody else will step up, we should act on our own.  I propose that Folly Beach has it's own recycling process which can generate revenue and subsidize more trash pickup to keep more litter off the beach.  It is a win/win scenario.

Keeping people informed - I want to encourage more input from residents by informing the public of an issue well before it is up for vote, so we can gather all perspecives.

Enforcing Ordinances - I do not want to create new ordinances before we explore if enforcing them would cause a concern, and see if we can solve some problems by enforcing the ones we have.

Why should someone vote for you?

I have built quality relationships on Folly Beach through all my community service efforts.  I want to look out for my community.  I will govern with a fair balance between residences and businesses since I belong to both categories.   I want to ensure that Folly Beach's future reflects it's past.  You can't know where you are going without knowing where you have been.

Name: Susan Breslin

Occupation : City Planner, Owner of consulting company

Address: 1100 block East Arctic

How long have you lived on Folly? 15years

What type of cosmetic improvements or amenities would you propose adding to Folly Beach?

More children's playgrounds and opportunities geared towards older kids, improving sidewalks and bike paths throughout the island, improving street signs to help visitors identify business off Center street.

What do you want to accomplish?

Bring more good neighbors to Folly - I want to market our community towards long term residents who would like to join our community.  Folly Beach is currently marketed towards vacation renters and I would like to balance that out more towards prospective citizens of Folly by showing them all the great things we offer to residents.

Take our budget apart - Why has our budget doubled in recent years?  Folly Beach is not operating like we are in a recession.  I would like to bring my experience in managing a municipal budget to the table and improve some of the decisions being made with our tax dollars.

Control development - on and off Folly Island.  I want to encourage long term residents.  I do not support apartment buildings, but I believe banning Townhomes was a mistake.  I encourage mixed-use on Center Street to allow for other type of businesses such as office space and support, as well as mixed-use on Folly Road.

Enforce Ordinances - Nobody's above the law.  We may need to explore hiring more enforcement officers, and be aware of enforcement issues when creating ordinances.

Put the brakes on unfair policies - to residents, like parking permits and expensive garbage cans.

Reduce water bills for small households - The 6,000 gallon minimum is unfair to homes that may not use even close to this much water.

Reshape Center Street events - so residents can get around on these days.  This represents a symbol of what people are concerned about, that the city listens to businesses more than residents.

Rethink traffic plans - I do not agree with 2 lane Center Street or 1 lane Arctic Street, I am dubious of traffic circles, but I do support a through street on East 2nd similar to the one on West 2nd.  I would also like more sidewalks and bike paths to decrease the need for automobiles.

Why should someone vote for you?

I want to make RESIDENTS FIRST! I want to listen to the residents and make the city an open book.  I would fight to create a balance between the interests of the businesses and the residents.  I believe we are currently out of balance and I want to improve the situation.  Too often residents' needs and interests have come last when they should be on top.

I'd bring varied experience to Council.  I'm a city planner, and own a consulting company.  I have a master's degree in planning, and taught graduate planning.  I managed budgets and expenses in government agencies and at a private college.  I've lived here and owned here since 1995.  I served three years on the Planning Commission (where I got along with everybody!)  I've advocated repeatedly for residents' interests before council and everywhere.  I'm a Civic Club and FIVA member.

Name: Bob Hatcher

Occupation : Retired Navy, Retired SC Department of Revenue

Address: 800 block East Arctic

How long have you lived on Folly? Full time since 1995, associated with Folly since 1958

What type of cosmetic improvements or amenities would you propose adding to Folly Beach?

I would like to see more police officers, enforcement officers, or citizens patrols enforcing our ordinances,  I also like our trash can improvement and I would continue those efforts.

What do you want to accomplish?

I would like to ask the right questions regarding "why are we doing things this way?"  I feel like opportunities are being missed because of a lack of communication between council and the city, and I want to ask the key questions that need answers to create a dialogue concerning all available alternatives of an issue.  Asking the right questions leads to efficient policy making.

Citizens do not feel involved in decision making and I intend to improve that situation.  As a council member, I want to tell the citizens, what you are going to do, what you are doing, and what you have done. This gives plenty of opportunity for involvement from the public.  I want to deliver the information ahead of the council meetings so people can come to the meetings informed and participate in the decision process.

I value input from everyone.  Residents are also not telling the city what they want.  I want to open the citizen's eyes to the problems they are complaining about and ask "what can we do as a community to fix it?"  Through extending common courtesy, and opening your hearts, many issues can solve themselves.  I intend to bring everyone together for the common good of Folly Beach.

Why should someone vote for you?

Folly Beach is my home and preserving the way of life here is my top priority.  I believe that doing good is the best way to convey an example of what you want done, whether it is picking up trash in front of your house or volunteering at one of the local clubs or churches.  I will bring this type of thinking to the Council, and set the best example I can.

I have experience in making things work and problem solving.  When I was in the Navy, you had to account for numerous problems in efficiently loading and unloading a ship and I was the one who always thought things through and made the process the smoothest possible.  I want to do this for our community.

I listen to everybody.  It is vital to actually listen to what people are telling you, actively engage them to understand what they are telling you, and then consider what you can do about it.  I always take some time to reflect on their issue, and then take action.  You will always count on me to make the most informed decision that represents the people of Folly Beach.

Name: Pennell M. Clamp

Occupation : Retired Manager and business owner with over 44 years experience in manufacturing, management, sales and engineering.

Address: Palmer Creek Bend

How long have you lived on Folly? 15 years

What type of cosmetic improvements or amenities would you propose adding to Folly Beach?

I would like to clear out the overgrowth along all streets making travel for vehicles, pedestrians, and bikers along our streets safer and improve traffic flow.  I want to study the effects of making intersections 4 way stops along with clearing out growth to eliminate blind spots and improve safety.

What do you want to accomplish?

Be a catalyst - in getting city council to work cooperatively together to operate this city for the good of all without letting the city government outgrow it's necessary needs.  The dysfunction needs to stop now.

Govern with better fiscal responsibility - I will scrutinize the budget, by line item, and expect each city department to adhere as it must.  The expenditure cost per capita on Folly is higher than any other coastal community in our area.  I will utilize better effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.  Many people on this island can not afford for the cost of our government to go up.  No other council candidate has the expertise and experience in structuring, managing, and understanding as budget as I have.  I want to stop the rapidly increasing city budget.

Protect our "migrating barrier island" - Folly Island has an environment and ecosystem that is very fragile due to the constant pounding of humans and mother nature.  We have to set up systems and safe guards to protect our small island against abuse, misuse, neglect, litter, and disruption.

Why should someone vote for you?

I have the educational background with a B.S. in management, and 25 years experience in private industry with planning, scheduling, and budgeting.  As plant manager of a very large hand tool manufacturer, I was expected to spend the stockholders money, show a profit and create dividends.  I believe that city government should be run like a successful business showing the taxpayers a return in economical services rendered.

I have operated three of my own businesses where "turning a profit" meant success or failure.  It was necessary for me to use sound judgement, be cautious in my conduct and spending, and manage my money very carefully.  I never failed.  This is the attitude I intend to bring to city council.  I promise I will not raise taxes until every avenue is explored and it is the last possible option.

I also have thick skin and can take criticism.  I believe listening to people is the only way to make informed decisions.  Your vote on April 6th will be greatly appreciated and will be for the betterment of Folly Beach.

Name: Joel Flores

Occupation : Center Street Store Manager

Address: 704 East Artic

How long have you lived on Folly? 10 years

What type of cosmetic improvements or amenities would you propose adding to Folly Beach?

I am not running to change the face of Folly Beach. I am running to keep it from being changed too much. Any improvements or amenities I would ever propose would only be those requested and sought by the citizens of Folly Beach for our overall safety, convenience and well being.

What do you want to accomplish?

A government Of the People, For the People, By the People – This is a basic concept any American legislative body elected to represent, be it on a national or local scale, should adhere to. A concept, however, our present city council has more often than not, chosen to ignore. If elected, I will see to it personally that our citizens will not only have a voice on the issues concerning our city but they will be the deciding voice when it comes to resolving the issues concerning our city. That is a promise.

It’s not what I want to do, rather, what I don’t want to do -   No more keeping the people out of touch. No dramatic changes, cosmetic or otherwise, that our unnecessary to our community. (Why fix what ain’t broken?) No more condos or townhouses. No more annexing of property. No more frivolous spending. No more outside influences coming in and expecting Folly Beach residents to conform to them.

Will work well with others -  The petty bickering and constant barrage of personal remarks between present council members for the last two years, I believe, slowed the progression of vital issues from being approached and resolved in a timely manner. I will be a team player and respect my fellow council members. I will listen louder than I speak.

Roll up my sleeves – I look forward to taking on issues like working on the new budget, the traffic Study, parking, littering, recycling, seasonal ordinances versus off season ordinances, and any other major issues that, as part of a team of council members, we must look at closely along with our constituents, and proceed to work on finding the solutions best fitted for our community, by our community.

Why should someone vote for you?

I will keep the community informed always – I will go out of my way to take what ever steps are necessary to involve as much of the community as possible be it through various social group meetings, blogging, door-to-door appointments or  monthly newsletter. The citizens will know what’s going on.

I want to be held accountable– I expect my constituents and fellow citizens to follow my deeds to assure that my actions are abiding by the words and promises I have made during  and after this campaign.

To help Keep Folly…Folly! – We are a blessed and unique community and I will do everything I can to make sure Folly Beach remains the colorful and genuine city it truly is.