Good Day Island Neighbors –
After reflecting on my time serving our Hilton Head Island community, I wanted to share my thoughts on the current Town Council race. Over the past few weeks, candidates—including myself—have attended numerous forums organized by local groups, from the League of Women Voters to Island Rec and the Native Island Community. These gatherings have provided invaluable opportunities to engage with you and hear your concerns.
I truly value the input and engagement from forum attendees. As a representative, I’ve learned that running for office is the easier part of my role; true leadership begins after election day. Governing means weighing the needs of our diverse community, balancing fiscal responsibility, and understanding the intricacies of the governance process.
Our community is made up of a vibrant tapestry of folks who live, work, own businesses, and vacation here. Each voice matters—not just the loudest ones. My role on Town Council has been to ensure that we represent every voice, and to set clear strategic priorities so our dedicated staff can take action.
One trend I’ve noticed in the forums is that all candidates express support for important initiatives—whether it’s workforce housing, parks, or arts and culture. Of course, these are easy to support in theory. However, during my four years on Town Council, I have not only voiced support, but I have consistently worked to make wise decisions and secure the funding necessary to move these initiatives forward.
Since my election, I’ve maintained a perfect attendance record at Town Council and Committee meetings, attended every public forum, and hosted over 30 open community meetings. Unfortunately, I’ve observed candidates who claim to support initiatives in public forums but oppose the necessary funding and actions when addressing the Council as a resident. Specifically, I am deeply concerned that my opponent has chosen not to participate in the last three forums including, last Fridays Vacation Rental Alliance Forum, Mondays Native Island Forum, and Tuesdays Arts and Culture Forum.
As Chair of Town Council’s Finance and Administrative Committee, I understand that resources are limited, but Hilton Head Island is a well-resourced community. Our strong bond ratings and healthy tax revenue enable us to make meaningful investments in our future. We do need to be very careful in making all our spending decisions, but lack of resources shouldn’t be an excuse for inaction on issues that are vitally important to our community.
My commitment to you has never changed:
• I will always show up.
• I will always answer the tough questions and listen to your opinions.
• I will always fight for the solutions and resources needed to strengthen our community for every Islander.
I look forward to seeing you and answering the tough questions at tonight’s forum, and also at my upcoming Community Conversation:
- October 10th, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Coligny Business Owners Candidate Forum at Forrest Fire BBQ, 1 N Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island
- October 18th, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Community Conversations “Preserving Greenspace on Hilton Head Island” with Senator Tom Davis & Jessie White from the Coastal Conservation League at the Rowing and Sailing Center, 137 Squire Pope Rd.
Thank you for your continued support.
-Alex
Ward 1 Town Councilman
Chairman, Finance & Administrative Committee
Extended Deadline! Register to vote by October 14th
Learn about early voting here
Many of you have asked how to support the campaign – please check out our website or you can donate HERE.
Read my email on the Fire Department here
Read my email on Perseverance here
Read my email on Muddy Creek here
Read my email on More Work To Be Done here
Read my email on Tropical Storm Debby here
Read my email on 278 Corridor Vote here
Read my email on the Budget here
Read my email on Land Preservation here
