Post by lesfreese on Apr 22, 2010 6:48:24 GMT -6
SURFSIDE BEACH — Four residents vying for two village council seats in the May 8 municipal election say combating erosion is critical to the island’s future.
The positions are no pay, two-year terms. The top two finishers will be elected.
Bob Eastman, 62, is a real estate broker and certified real estate appraiser seeking his first elected office. His civic involvement includes being the Surfside Beach volunteer coordinator after Hurricane Ike, Save Our Beach Association president, Surfside Beach Planning Commission member and Surfside Beach Historical Commission member.
Another first-time candidate, Chris Jeannott, 45, operates a landscaping business and is the Surfside Beach Volunteer Fire Department assistant chief.
Linda Manning, 65, is a bookkeeper who previously has run unsuccessfully for alderman. Her civic involvement includes being a Sterling Green Civic Involvement Association board member, Christian Ministries board member, Save Our beach Association member and Surfside Beach Planning Commission member.
Troy McMinn, 48, is a real estate developer and vacation accomodator seeking re-election. He served as alderman for one term from 1996-98 and returned to council in 2008. McMinn’s civic involvement includes being a member of the Surfside Beach Planning Committee and Surfside Beach Volunteer Fire Department.
Early voting begins Monday. Election Day is May 8.
QUESTION: Why should someone vote for you?
EASTMAN: I am a person who is dedicated to our community and our beaches. I maintain an office in Surfside and will have an open-door policy in order to listen to the needs of the citizens.
JEANNOTT: First, I want to say that I feel I have the ability to work alongside the other city council members and the mayor, to achieve the goals and expectations of the citizens of Surfside Beach. I feel that I will bring the same dedication and commitment to the citizens as a council member as I do for them with the volunteer fire department.
MANNING: You should vote for me if you are not happy with your current city government and their choices. Vote for me for change and because I have experience and time and a real desire to work with city council. I have the same issues as other homeowners and can represent them since I have been active in the community and know the real problems. I would be honored to serve the community and will be a dedicated and active member. Time and dedication are two things you must have to serve.
McMINN: I am honored to serve and volunteer my time and services for the citizens of Surfside Beach to enhance our safety and enjoyment of this great coastal community through responsible planning with continued growth and infrastructure improvements while maintaining our quiet beach town atmosphere.
QUESTION: What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the office you seek?
EASTMAN: Our current erosion problem and improving the drinking water.
JEANNOTT: One of the challenges I see, as do most citizens, is the rapid erosion of our beach in this area. Without addressing this issue, our homes have no protection from the surf, and there is barely room for beachgoers and vehicles. I also feel another important challenge is having backup power for the water wells and lift station. We should be able to have water at our homes when the island loses power. From my perspective as a firefighter, backup power for the well sites is conducive to the use of the hydrant system.
MANNING: I think the biggest challenge is positively identifying our most critical problems and needs and then prioritizing them and moving quickly to solve them. We face the same challenges that we have had for decades with water and sewer and erosion. The challenge is to find the solutions and solve the problems. Mother Nature does not wait, and we can’t either. Thank you for your consideration.
McMINN: I believe the highest priority of this position at this time is securing erosion protection of our beachfront through state and federal funding. I believe the incredible increase in current erosion has been caused by the ship channel widening/dredging project for the continuous flow of commerce to and from our local port. I also strongly support this commerce but see the effect it is having on our beachfront through erosion. A solution must be found before even more homes fall victim.
The positions are no pay, two-year terms. The top two finishers will be elected.
Bob Eastman, 62, is a real estate broker and certified real estate appraiser seeking his first elected office. His civic involvement includes being the Surfside Beach volunteer coordinator after Hurricane Ike, Save Our Beach Association president, Surfside Beach Planning Commission member and Surfside Beach Historical Commission member.
Another first-time candidate, Chris Jeannott, 45, operates a landscaping business and is the Surfside Beach Volunteer Fire Department assistant chief.
Linda Manning, 65, is a bookkeeper who previously has run unsuccessfully for alderman. Her civic involvement includes being a Sterling Green Civic Involvement Association board member, Christian Ministries board member, Save Our beach Association member and Surfside Beach Planning Commission member.
Troy McMinn, 48, is a real estate developer and vacation accomodator seeking re-election. He served as alderman for one term from 1996-98 and returned to council in 2008. McMinn’s civic involvement includes being a member of the Surfside Beach Planning Committee and Surfside Beach Volunteer Fire Department.
Early voting begins Monday. Election Day is May 8.
QUESTION: Why should someone vote for you?
EASTMAN: I am a person who is dedicated to our community and our beaches. I maintain an office in Surfside and will have an open-door policy in order to listen to the needs of the citizens.
JEANNOTT: First, I want to say that I feel I have the ability to work alongside the other city council members and the mayor, to achieve the goals and expectations of the citizens of Surfside Beach. I feel that I will bring the same dedication and commitment to the citizens as a council member as I do for them with the volunteer fire department.
MANNING: You should vote for me if you are not happy with your current city government and their choices. Vote for me for change and because I have experience and time and a real desire to work with city council. I have the same issues as other homeowners and can represent them since I have been active in the community and know the real problems. I would be honored to serve the community and will be a dedicated and active member. Time and dedication are two things you must have to serve.
McMINN: I am honored to serve and volunteer my time and services for the citizens of Surfside Beach to enhance our safety and enjoyment of this great coastal community through responsible planning with continued growth and infrastructure improvements while maintaining our quiet beach town atmosphere.
QUESTION: What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the office you seek?
EASTMAN: Our current erosion problem and improving the drinking water.
JEANNOTT: One of the challenges I see, as do most citizens, is the rapid erosion of our beach in this area. Without addressing this issue, our homes have no protection from the surf, and there is barely room for beachgoers and vehicles. I also feel another important challenge is having backup power for the water wells and lift station. We should be able to have water at our homes when the island loses power. From my perspective as a firefighter, backup power for the well sites is conducive to the use of the hydrant system.
MANNING: I think the biggest challenge is positively identifying our most critical problems and needs and then prioritizing them and moving quickly to solve them. We face the same challenges that we have had for decades with water and sewer and erosion. The challenge is to find the solutions and solve the problems. Mother Nature does not wait, and we can’t either. Thank you for your consideration.
McMINN: I believe the highest priority of this position at this time is securing erosion protection of our beachfront through state and federal funding. I believe the incredible increase in current erosion has been caused by the ship channel widening/dredging project for the continuous flow of commerce to and from our local port. I also strongly support this commerce but see the effect it is having on our beachfront through erosion. A solution must be found before even more homes fall victim.
