One of my opponents argues for reducing the seawall setback from 25 feet to 10 feet. That might sound simple, but the consequences are anything but. This isn’t just about property lines—it’s about protecting the very shoreline that defines Folly Beach. Elton Culpepper. He asked the council to consider a 10-foot setback for seawalls rather…
Read MoreFolly Beach is at a defining moment, with two candidates for mayor who have vastly different visions for the future of our community. Tomorrow’s vote will shape what Folly looks like going forward. Do we remain a community, or do we become a resort? Every single vote is important, and I hope everyone will turn…
Read MoreElton Culpepper has recently attempted to soften his stance on the Short-Term Rental Cap, but voters deserve clarity on this issue. In today’s Post and Courier, he made his position plain. Culpepper explicitly states that “lifting the cap may be an option… It’s certainly not off the table.” No matter how it’s packaged now, eliminating…
Read MoreThere’s been some misleading posts regarding the $15,000 transition line item in the city budget, so here are the facts. This was not something added quietly or pushed through for any political purpose. The transition allocation was: • Included as “up to $15,000, as needed.”• Discussed in at least one publicly advertised budget work session.•…
Read MoreOver the past few weeks, I’ve had so many great conversations; on porches, at meetings, in coffee lines, and out around the island. Thank you all for your time, your ideas, and your honesty. You’ve helped shape a campaign focused on 𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮. 𝙏𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 —𝙏𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 4 — 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙤…
Read MoreAs we head into Tuesday’s runoff vote, our community deserves more than single-issue politics. Folly Beach is facing real challenges and real opportunities, and the next mayor must be ready to lead on all of them. And unlike flashy ads or one-note messaging, I’ve chosen to spend my time directly with the people of Folly…
Read MoreSome claim that the STR Cap will hurt city revenue or will force a property-tax increase. City staff have made it clear that is not the case. Since creating our Rental and Ordinance Compliance Department, the city is bringing in more rental registration and business license revenue even after overhead. Property values just rose in…
Read MoreGeneral George Patton once said, “If we are all thinking alike, someone ain’t thinking!” Truer words were never spoken. But we can all think in one direction and develop different ideas and processes to get to the best answer for the good of the whole. Notice I didn’t say we could come up with answer…
Read MoreI’m deeply honored to have the support of Marlene Estridge, a Folly Beach resident since 1943, who served our city for more than 60 years. Marlene has worked with every mayor Folly Beach has ever had, and her lifelong commitment to this community embodies the very best of our island’s character.
Read MoreSince my opponent chose not to participate in another candidate forum, I want to take this opportunity to present the facts clearly. Folly Beach deserves fact-based, honest discussion on the issues that impact our community most, especially when it comes to the Short-Term Rental Cap. Short-term rentals (STRs) have been part of Folly Beach for…
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