Longest-serving Beaufort County Council member to retire in 2016
The longest-tenured Beaufort County Council member is preparing to step away after four decades in local government.
Councilman Bill McBride announced Monday he won't seek re-election when his term ends in 2016.
"I feel I have served the community well, but after my term ends in two years, I will be ready to relax a little," McBride said. "Until then, I will continue working hard for my constituents as I always have."
McBride has served on the council for all but two years since it was chartered under the state's Home Rule Act in 1975. He represents District 3, which includes parts of Beaufort and Lady's, St. Helena and Parris islands.
By announcing his departure now, McBride hopes to give candidates for his seat ample time to prepare for the election, the councilman said in a county news release.
McBride is a retired high school science teacher and also served as a high school department head with the Beaufort County School District, according to the release.
He also has spent many years as a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, the Beaufort County Democratic Party, the Lowcountry Council of Governments and the S.C. chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. McBride is also a past president of the S.C. Association of Counties.
"Over the years, I, along with my fellow council members, have had to make tough decisions, but I've tried to make those decisions in the best interest of the Beaufort County citizens," McBride said. "My voice while on council has been for the people."
Council Chairman Paul Sommerville said Monday he has known for several months McBride was pondering retirement. He said he hopes that by announcing his plans two years ahead of time, McBride is serving notice to potential replacements to study county government.
"The learning curve on council is very steep," Sommerville said. "Everybody thinks you can walk in there and just start changing the world ... and Bill's always been there for people to take you aside and help you. He's been a great mentor to all of us."
McBride also has navigated difficult transitions, said county community services director Morris Campbell. He helped craft the county's comprehensive land management plan, a feat of long-term planning and tough conversations, said Campbell, who served on council with McBride from 1980 to 1984.
In 2000, McBride helped steer the council from its previous format of several at-large seats to its current single-member district makeup, Campbell said. That helped disperse power and ensure every area of the county had a voice, he said.
Most important of all, McBride has always listened, Campbell said.
"He believes in making sure that those without the influence that others might have are given the same chance to be heard, and that's what I admire about him."
Follow reporter Zach Murdock at twitter.com/IPBG_Zach.
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- Beaufort County Council stands firm on school tax rate, Bailey Bill despite school pleas, Sept. 8, 2014
- County Council raises school tax rate, district officials contend it still won't be enough, Aug. 25, 2014
This story was originally published September 29, 2014 at 10:45 AM with the headline "Longest-serving Beaufort County Council member to retire in 2016."