We asked Beaufort County Council candidates about issues that matter. Read our full Q&As.

McClatchy’s South Carolina opinion team sent questionnaires to all the candidates in contested Nov. 5 Beaufort County Council races, in District 1, where Republican Adam Biery is challenging Democratic incumbent Gerald Dawson, and in District 7, where Democrat Sarah McCarty is challenging Republican incumbent Logan Cunningham. Our full Q&As are below.

Only Dawson did not reply to repeated emails, voicemails and text messages. All four were emailed six questions and given 250 words for each answer as part of our endorsement process . We are publishing interviews edited for accuracy, clarity and style before we publish our endorsements so readers can assess the candidates on their own. Expect all of our endorsements the week of Oct. 20.

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Adam Biery

Q: What are your top three priorities and why?

A: My top three priorities for Beaufort County District 1 are:

1. Responsible growth management: As the county continues to experience rapid development, it’s crucial that we manage this growth in a way that preserves the unique character of our communities while ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace. My focus will be on sustainable development practices that benefit both residents and the environment.

2. Transparency and accountability: The County Council must earn back the public’s trust. I am committed to open communication with residents, making all council dealings transparent, and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the public.

3. Infrastructure improvements: From transportation to stormwater systems, our county’s infrastructure needs significant updates. Improving road safety, reducing traffic congestion and addressing flooding issues will be among my top priorities to support the quality of life for all residents.

Q: How will you address the council’s lack of transparency and loss of public trust?

A: The best way to restore trust is through action. I will push for greater public access to information about council decisions, including making documents and data readily available online. I’ll advocate for more opportunities for public engagement, such as open forums and town halls. Additionally, I will work to ensure that all council meetings are broadcasted and that we have a clear process for residents to raise concerns or ask questions. It’s essential to foster a culture of openness where the public feels heard and involved in decision-making.

Q: What would be your approach to growth and development?

A: Growth should be seen as an opportunity, not a burden, but it has to be managed wisely. My approach will involve:

• Strategic planning: Partnering with urban planners, environmental experts and community leaders to develop long-term plans that reflect the vision of our community.
• Environmental stewardship: Ensuring that development doesn’t harm our natural resources. We need to prioritize green spaces and sustainable building practices.
• Balanced development: Working to balance residential and commercial growth while ensuring that infrastructure like roads, schools and public services are developed in tandem.

Q: How would you improve transportation and infrastructure in the county?

A: I would start by conducting a thorough review of current transportation projects and prioritize those that address the most pressing needs, such as reducing congestion, improving road safety and ensuring more efficient public transportation options. Additionally, I would work to secure funding from both state and federal sources to help with larger infrastructure projects, particularly those related to flood prevention and stormwater management, which have been critical issues for many communities.

Q: What specifically would you do to improve public safety?

A: Public safety is a cornerstone of any thriving community. I would work closely with law enforcement, fire services and emergency management teams to ensure they have the resources, training and support they need. This includes enhancing community policing efforts, promoting stronger communication between the police and the public, and ensuring that emergency response infrastructure is well-maintained. I’d also advocate for better mental health services and crisis intervention to prevent situations from escalating.

Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?

A: I bring a fresh perspective and a proactive approach to leadership. My priorities reflect the needs and desires of our community, and I am committed to transparency, responsible growth and improving our infrastructure. Unlike my opponent, I am deeply engaged with residents and will make it my mission to serve them, not special interests. Voters should choose me because I am ready to listen, ready to act and ready to bring fresh eyes and fresh ideas to Beaufort County District 1.

Incumbent Gerald Dawson

Dawson did not reply to our survey.

Incumbent Logan Cunningham

Q: What are your top three priorities and why?

A:

Responsible growth: Growth is inevitable in Beaufort County, but we need to make sure we’re being proactive and continue to push for downzoning. Adding more to our parks and recreation is a must to keep up with the growing demand.

Infrastructure: My main priority will be maintaining and upgrading our current roads inside the county. Adding more roads would be irresponsible because it will speed up the growth.

Workforce housing: With the cost of living continuing to rise, we need to continue our focus on workforce housing. People that work in our community should be able to live in it as well. I’m taking the first steps now on Buckwalter, which will have between 75 and 125 units, by far the biggest accomplishment the county has done in this department.

Q: How will you address the council’s lack of transparency and loss of public trust?

A: For County Council to continue in the right direction, we need to make sure that we’re having open conversations with the public. Whether referring to the findings of the county spending investigation or trying to pass the penny tax referendum, the people deserve to have their questions answered. If you attend or watch online a meeting of the public facilities committee, you will see that we have made it a point to identify projects as well as answer the public’s questions on the 2018 referendum. That’s a prime example of how we can continue to build back the trust.

Q: What would be your approach to growth and development?

A: My approach to growth and development has remained constant since I started this journey five years ago. We need to slow the growth. We need to avoid upzonings. In my first four years of office, I have led the charge to stop two major upzoning projects which saved the county from at least 800 rooftops. I pushed for the green space referendum even when other members said there was no chance it would pass. It has equipped the county with tools to be able to buy down density and protect the land from being developed throughout the county.

Q: How would you improve transportation and infrastructure in the county?

A: The penny tax referendum that will be on the ballot in November clearly lays out our plan for the infrastructure in the county. The S.C. 170 corridor project, along with U.S. 278, are essential to secure our infrastructure and public safety in the county. We must continue to build on our relationship with Palmetto Breeze Transit to help with transportation needs within the county.

Q: What specifically would you do to improve public safety?

A: Updating our current roads has to be the No. 1 priority for public safety, from upgrading to smart signalization, access roads, utilizing right in and right out to cut down on crossing intersections, and the overall quality. Our citizens deserve the right to be able to travel safely.

Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?

A: Choosing me for another four years in office is a relatively easy question to answer. I’m running this campaign on a list of accomplishments, not just things I plan to do. I made promises four years ago and I have kept them. I told you I would fight the mask mandate, and reopen the government offices, and we were one of the first in South Carolina to do that. I promised to fight against growth, and I’ve stopped multiple projects that requested upzoning to save the taxpayers on our road system and over 800 rooftops. I told you I would push for teachers to be paid, and they’ve gotten two of the largest increases in South Carolina history, making us No. 1 in the state for starting teacher salaries. Promises made, promises kept. And I will continue to do just that!

Sarah McCarty

Q: What are your top three priorities and why?

A: I moved to Beaufort County for retirement because it is beautiful. Over the years, I have noted the explosion of development, urbanizing a once rural area. This growth brings challenges to the well-being of both the environment and the people of the county. My priorities are related to this explosion of growth.

Environmental protection: Environmental protection is important to preserve our tourism and fishing industry. Our beautiful coastal shores are associated with diverse wildlife, including many endangered species. The opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation and our beautiful wildlife attract both tourists and full-time residents to Beaufort County. Clean water is vital for our oyster beds and our marine life. Environmental protection is needed to sustain our fishing industry.

Responsible development: Our county is mostly water with limited land suitable for development. We must use it wisely. In addition, the changing demographics in our county have seen real estate prices soar. Our wage earners working in tourism, retail and construction cannot afford to live here. We must prioritize our development to balance economic growth with environmental protection and community needs such as workforce housing.

Resilient infrastructure: Land at sea level surrounded by water makes Beaufort County vulnerable to the threats of development and environmental changes such as sea level rise. We need to be sure our stormwater management systems and sewage systems are adequate and properly maintained. Our roads are often flooded with either cars or water, creating safety issues that need to be addressed.

Q: How will you address the council’s transparency issues and lack of public trust?

A: In a democracy, effective government depends on leaders who are trusted and trustworthy. As to trust, open, honest and frequent communication can rebuild public trust. Active listening skills show people they are heard. These are often simple actions like thanking people after public comment. Taking action shows you are trying to better understand. If citizens are complaining about the ferry, board members might ride the ferry and share their experiences. Use social media or email to keep the public informed and to gather public opinion. Send an email blast or social media post summarizing key issues in easily understood terms before and after each meeting. Solicit feedback on key issues and share a summary of the feedback. Be open to the public. Hold town hall meetings. When issues arise that cannot be fully shared, be proactive, create a public statement. Explain why the issue is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act and give a potential timeline for the issue’s resolution. Be available for comment. It validates the public interest in the issue.

As to being trustworthy, the Beaufort County Council has a guide to the expected ethical and professional behaviors of council members. Though it does underscore the importance of service to the community, there is no component of the policy defining methods to hold council members accountable for their behavior. Accountability changes the message from council members should be trustworthy to council members must be trustworthy.

Q: What would be your approach to Growth and Development?

A: The climate, natural beauty and rich wildlife of Beaufort County has brought an influx of population and development into the area. Urbanization, particularly South of the Broad, has brought challenges to the area. It threatens the ecosystem that brings people to the county in addition to industries that form a basis for the socioeconomic structure of the county, including fishing and tourism. Much of the newfound wealth of the county is held in retirement accounts while wage earners’ incomes lag behind state median income levels. A responsible approach to economic development includes attracting businesses, which provide livable wages and contribute to our tax base to support and restore our aging infrastructure, while we also protect our environment and cultural heritage. Beaufort County Council cannot do this alone. I look forward to working in a collaborative effort with community stakeholders to grow our economy while preserving our county’s beauty and providing a better life for its residents.

This approach to development would include:

Open communication with the public to discuss needs and involve them in the development process.

Support and expansion of green space programs

Collaboration with public and private agencies to promote preservation programs.

Attracting green industries providing livable wages with limited environmental impact.

Supporting the development of small businesses.

Prioritizing development of workforce housing.

Collaborating with communities to preserve local history.

Q: How would you improve transportation and infrastructure in the county?

A: Development and population growth have overburdened our roadways. Widening or building new roads is expensive and takes a long time. This is complicated by the fact that the county is responsible for only a portion of roads in the county. We need to collaborate with the state, neighboring counties and municipalities to create a long-term transportation plan. This plan needs to anticipate the impact of growth and environmental changes on roadways. Building more and bigger roads is not the only solution. Technology can create smarter roads.

Another approach is to decrease road use by promoting alternative means of transportation and planning development to decrease the need for commuting. We need to expand public transportation by increasing bus routes and frequency. We can promote ridership through incentives, public education and improving accessibility and safety. Safety can be improved through convenient, well-lit bus stops and video monitoring. We can encourage non-motorized modes of transportation by implementing programs to promote walking and cycling. Planned development should prioritize workforce housing and mixed-use development to decrease the need for commuting.

Tropical storm Debby demonstrated the need for an adequate storm water management system to handle the increased risk of flooding created by development and environmental changes. Preservation of our wetlands and forest cover are key. In collaboration with municipalities and other counties, we need to review our regional stormwater system to ensure it is maintained and updated to accommodate projected increased water levels.

Q: What specifically would you do to address public safety?

A: Public safety is more than preventing crime and injury. It is promoting the well-being of the county. Anything causing a person to be unwell can be a threat to public safety, for example communicable diseases, storms and fires. I am a strong proponent of public health programs. If another public health crisis occurs, I will review the scientific evidence and advocate for the actions supported by science.

Crime in Beaufort County is often related to firearms and domestic violence. The new gun law making it easier to carry firearms is concerning. We need to work with mental health professionals, law officers and other community leaders to create and promote a gun safety educational program. Domestic violence requires expanding support services, including mental health services. Mental health services would also address suicide and drug use. Community outreach, education and awareness programs are needed for all these issues.

Ensuring public safety requires prevention and intervention. Organizations charged with public safety need to have the training and resources required to keep us safe in a crisis. They serve not just in a crisis but also to promote public safety. We need to work with law enforcement, firefighters and other organizations to promote public safety from a community level. Workforce housing, safe public spaces, good-paying jobs and strong public education all contribute to public safety. Play is associated with positive mental and physical health outcomes. I will support the building or expansion of recreational centers.

Q: Why should voters choose me over my opponent in this election?

A: I am running because the people of Beaufort County deserve a choice when electing the officials they are entrusting with the future of the county. I am worried about the county. After vacationing in Beaufort County for over 40 years, we made Bluffton our home in 2017. The rapid development in the area is disconcerting. Economic development must be balanced with preservation of our environment and cultural heritage. Navigating this balance is the job of Beaufort County Council.

My value system and life experience make me a strong candidate for this job. I spent most of my career as a faculty member at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. I worked as a primary care physician, taught clinical skills and served as associate dean of academic affairs. These roles are based on service. I worked to help my students succeed and my patients to live better lives. I have learned to listen to others. I learned the importance of trust and communication. I have been trained in a science-based problem-solving approach. I have worked in a collaborative manner to create solutions to difficult problems. I am capable of challenging work. I would bring all of this to the table as a member of council. I will serve with open communication and in a collaborative manner. I am not running for a political steppingstone but want to serve the people of the county as we work together for a sustainable future for Beaufort County.