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Safay, 63, a wholesale distributor, has been a councilman since 2001. The ward includes Forest Beach, Folly Field and Palmetto Dunes.
The Brooklyn native suffered a heart attack in November, but says his health has never been better.
"I was wavering on this, but I've had so many people ask me if I'm running, that I've just decided to do it," Safay said.
Safay said he has led many initiatives of which he is proud, including the 2007 ordinancethat made it illegal to smoke in bars, restaurants and indoor businesses. He also helped create an overlay district in Forest Beach intended to preserve the neighborhood's character.
Safay is now helping plan a new town-wide recycling program and a new fire station.
If re-elected, Safay said he wants to help diversify the island economy and "forge reasonable compromises on airport issues."
Charles Raley
The airport also is on Raley's agenda.
Raley, 63, is a lawyer who represents businessesbefore the Federal Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. He was on the town's Board of Zoning and Appeals from 2003-09. The Washington, D.C., native said he decided to run for the council seat that includes Sea Pines after a meeting two weeks ago on the future of the island's airport. Raley favors extending the airport's runway to accommodate corporate jets and more commercial service.
"Like most controversial subjects, we will never get the 35,000 people who live on the island to agree on everything. But it's about doing what's best for the island," he said.
He wants to find a new use for the Mall at Shelter Cove, possibly as a convention center, he said.
Raley has lived in Sea Pines for 10 years. He started vacationing on Hilton Head in 1978, when there was "just a swing bridge," he said.
Councilman Williams has held the ward 5 seat for 10 years. He said Friday he intends to run for re-election.
