Folly Beach Election 2010

Name: Carl B. Beckmann, Jr

Occupation : Mayor of Folly Beach, Retired CPW in 2005

Address: 1200 block East Arctic

How long have you lived on Folly? Since 1992

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

Finish the new playground on the west side of the island, parks with benches overlooking the river at specific locations, restrooms and changing rooms at the washout, making sure center street businesses are operating fully to provide maximum benefit to citizens.

What do you want to accomplish?

Zoning Rewrite - It has not been altered since 1994 which I believe is outdated.  There have been many band-aid fixes and I would like to look far down the road, to what we want Folly to look like many years from now, or how we would want it to look if everything was wiped out and rebuilt.  That is how I am handling zoning decisions.

New Bridges are in the engineering process with SC DOT.  This has become a weekly issue that must be watched.

Redundant main waterline running under the bridge - We now have 1 main waterline and I would like to see 2 connected to Charleston Water System.  This will improve water supply for residents and emergency needs.

New PSD facility - Current building has outdated technology, and employees are cramped and wearing 2 or 3 different hats.  The human resources department is in the mayor's office and the mayor is in the conference room.  We have a jail cell that is not fully operational.  I would intend to clean this all up in one efficient manner.

Traffic Study is a work in progress.  We must look at the long term and prioritize the recommendations and move forward. Some recommendations may not be applicable to our Island.

Comprehensive Plan - This will act as a road map for all future decisions.  The Planning Commission is working and discussing the new Comprehensive Plan now.

Why should someone vote for you?

I have been doing the job, and it is not a part-time job.  I want to make sure that Folly Beach does not fall back into complacency.  In the past, Folly believed we could hide out here all by ourselves from higher governmental authorities.  I have been involved in local boards such as the Council of Governments, Charleston Visitors Bureau, Charleston Area Transportation Study, and others making sure Folly Beach stands up and is heard.  Being on these boards gives you a strategic picture of what is happening in the area and teaches you about county trends.  I am the first mayor to participate at this level.

I believe my CPW experience helps make informed decisions regarding water flow, waste water, and drainage, which are all concerns of a barrier island.

I always leave my door open for any suggestions.  I enjoy when people are involved from the start of any project being contemplated, and do not hold their opinions back until the time to make a decision.  The sooner you get involved, the better suited you are to help with the solution.  I encourage everyone to work together to make the best decisions for Folly Beach.

Name: Tim Goodwin

Occupation : Folly Beach City Councilman, C & T Services, Retired Dupont  after 28 years as Occupational Safety & Health manager

Address: 300 block West Indian

How long have you lived on Folly? Since 1998

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

Adding a bike/pedestrian lane on West Ashley to the county park, clearing blind spots on corners, adding better parking/directional signs

What do you want to accomplish?

Making government transparent - Information flow to the citizens must be improved, through use of the city website and email campaigns.  I do not believe that is too difficult but has not been improved upon recently.

Prudent expenditure of tax money - I do not feel that has been done effectively.  I would evaluate services, number of employees, and other costs to taxpayers on a recurring basis, at a minimum of once a year.  Currently everyone is cutting back, but I feel Folly is not.  We must build reserves to ensure  that we have enough money to survive losing tax revenues in case of emergency.

Common Sense Leadership - My approach to solving problems would be more proactive and less reactive.  I would balance what is right for residents and the city as a whole.

Why should someone vote for you?

My experience in government and private business dealing with budgeting and management.  My background in fire and emergency planning.  I am a graduate of the South Carolina Municipal Association Institute of Government as well as a BS degree in Business Management and Marketing.  I want to work for the people and make Folly Beach a better place to live, which is evident by my past eight years of service to the citizens.  I am not a politician, just a concerned citizen.

Name: Eddie Ellis

Occupation : Folly Beach City Councilman, Owner Landscaping Company

Address: Little Oak Island

How long have you lived on Folly? 18 years

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

Flower beds added and landscaping improved on Center Street, overgrowth on causeway removed, Folly Beach sign improved with flowers.

What do you want to accomplish?

Foster a positive working relationship between the Office of Mayor and the City Council.  I will include Council in all decision making processes

Alter the course the city is financially on - the government is already bigger now than needed, I will limit government growth  I will also cut unnecessary spending such as the zoning re-write which could have been done by our own P & Z Commission, our P & Z  Administrator, and C. O. G. - rather than costly outside consultants, the hiring of a facilitator, and the fact that our traffic study could have been funded by Charleston county and not by our own funds.  These are a few examples of wasteful spending.

Safeguard the quality of life we all cherish on our island - I will control development, stop over-commercialism, alleviate traffic and litter problems, and improve drainage on the island. I support a healthy, vibrant downtown district, but want to control beachfront vending. I will decrease seasonal augmentation for Charleston County deputies, and increase our own auxiliary officers to provide beachfront enforcement and traffic directing.

Engage the citizens as part of the decision making process - I will engage the residents in the decision making process - NO SURPRISES!

Why should someone vote for you?

I have the temperament to keep politics out of the Office of Mayor. I have the backbone to be honest and upfront and to stand my ground, coupled with the ability to understand and work with council in passing controversial legislation. I am known for speaking the peoples voice, and with the mayor being the swing vote, the people should want that in the mayor position.