It's time for Beaufort County to set a vision for the next ten years. One that supports our municipalities and public schools, balances development with preservation of our natural resources, and creates opportunity for everyone.
"Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, a liberal or a conservative - we all want safe roads, safe communities, good schools, a thriving economy. Those are things everybody wants." Through years of advocating for public education, I worked on issues with people from different backgrounds and ideological perspectives. That experience has taught me how to identify common goals and get things done.
Here in Beaufort County, I learned how decisions that were made over a decade ago impact us today. Everything is interconnected from the towns, through the county, and up to the state level. That is why it is so important to know what is happening in each of these spheres of influence, and connect it to our decision making. I have been studying the effects of population growth in Beaufort County, specifically in Bluffton, for years. I put my expertise to work rallying support to pass the largest school bond referendum in over 11 years.
It's time to revisit the Beaufort County strategic plan in light of the past decade of growth, and set a vision for the next 10 years. Next spring we will have 2020 Census data to help understand our growth better. (Make sure to complete your Census!) It will be important to set clear goals as a county that work in concert with our local municipalities and the school district, and communicate our needs to sate legislators. I'm ready to get to work.