8 NEWS IslandVibesIOP.com Q:What is the main reason(s) you are seeking (re)election to IOP City Council? Tim Ahmuty: No response. Elizabeth Campsen: No response. Ashley Carroll: I decided to run out of great love for Isle of Palms and I want to protect its true character which makes it such a special place to live, raise a family or retire. As I raise my kids, I realize the significance of the mantra, “it takes a village.” And for me, the village here on Isle of Palms deserves representation and clear-minded advocacy based on facts. I also felt I could offer a unique insight into the world of STRLs (short-term rentals). I believe in reasonable regulations that balance the tourism industry and keep the residential charm that is the bedrock of Isle of Palms’ identity. Market caps will not solve the underlying concerns of the community; smarter solutions should be implemented first, such as strong rules, proper enforcement and other proactive actions, which would have an instant impact on quality of life. The income generated from STRs help subsidize our lifestyle and thus, keep our property taxes low. If those two economic elements changed, the life we know and love here could become something no one wants. I would support a cap if it simply applied to single-family homes. This would be a rational solution that accomplishes what residents want: protection for residential neighborhoods. Brian Duffy: No response. Scott Pierce: No response. Kevin Popson: I am in the land development and home building business, and I’m running again for the same reason I ran four years ago – I thought I could help with some of the island’s issues we were facing at the time – such as drainage, rebuilding of the public safety building, renovations at the marina. Drainage work continues. We are considering renovating city hall. We need to rebuild the public dock and our green space park. Another important reason I am running is to help protect our property rights and keep our taxes low. One of the biggest and most divisive issues we have here right now that I can help with is whether or not the number of short-term rental licenses should be limited across the entire island. While this issue is set to be decided in a referendum vote on Nov. 7 as part of our city council elections, I do not favor an across-the-board cap on short-term rentals. I believe such a measure does not protect our property rights or our tradition of low taxation. The short-term rentals have allowed us to keep our taxes low. And if our tax money from STRLs is taken away, it will have to be made up in some other way, and higher taxes is the most definite possibility, but one that I hope we don’t have to face. Rusty Streetman: During my first term, our council accomplished many things, but there’s still much to do. Public safety is a chief concern. At the height of the island tourist season, which happens in the summer months, visitors outnumber residents by a ratio of more than 4:1 – with as many as 20,000 on some days. While visitors are always welcome, too many can put a strain on resources if not properly handled. To this end, I favor more effective public parking, increased enforcement of traffic violators and improved partnerships with local agencies and municipalities to better manage traffic flow to and from the mainland. Plus, we must also continue to improve access to our beautiful island through effective compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure everyone can enjoy our beaches and public accommodations. Jimmy Ward: I want the island to continue as a model of fiscal responsibility. The Isle of Palms is in great financial shape, and I hope to use my skills as a CPA to continue to monitor and provide helpful suggestions to keep the city budget in top-notch shape. Q: What priorities would you focus on during your new term of office if (re) elected? Tim Ahmuty: No response. Elizabeth Campsen: No response. Ashley Carroll: Proper enforcement of our livability ordinances should be addressed. I would look at the possible need to amend current city ordinances that could be more clearly defined or updated. This would also include researching the latest technology to aid our officers on patrol, such as being equipped with decibel readers. If appropriately and reasonably used, they can be a great tool to ensure fair and sensible enforcement. Brian Duffy: No response. Scott Pierce: No response. Kevin Popson: I would continue to fight against any type of cap on short-term rentals. I would continue to keep fighting to keep our taxes low. And I would continue to support drainage, recreation center and marina improvements. Along with supporting our marina tenants and all of our island businesses. Rusty Streetman: Going forward into 2024, there are a number of island concerns for council members to address and/or complete, such as: • Our comprehensive drainage plan to handle stormwater issues • Traffic and parking solutions • Cleaner beaches and waterways • Effectively managing short-term rentals • Preserving residential quality of life • More effective enforcement of our livability issues • Protecting “our right” to govern through Home Rule • Conservation in many forms, including efforts to control beach erosion • Further protection of endangered species, primarily our sea turtles, which have been part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources endangered species program since 2007. To this end, an Island Turtle Team patrols our beaches to check for turtle tracks and monitor nests, and we try to watch for and transport wounded turtles to the South Carolina Aquarium (Sea Turtle Care Center) for treatment and recovery. And I would also continue to represent all residents in an independent manner to handle many current and future issues tied to island progress, continuity and visitor attraction. Our city council has been addressing these priorities and we’ve accomplished major improvements with many of them. But there’s still work to be done to continue to improve our residential quality of life issues. Jimmy Ward: Island drainage and The Isle of Palms will hold an election for city council on Nov. 7. A total of eight candidates — four incumbents and four challengers — are seeking re-election and election to four available seats. Below is a Question & Answer with participants listed in alphabetical order. All candidates received this Q&A in a timely fashion. Not all candidates chose to respond. QUESTION & ANSWER Continued on Page 9 From Page 3
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