Stayin’ alive: Hilton Head leaders joke about being around for the island’s future
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What do you hope to be? What is true today that you hope to be true in 2030?
For some members of the Hilton Head Island’s Town Council, the answer is: “alive.”
At Friday’s portion of the council’s annual workshop, the group was challenged to come up with goal statements for the island in the coming decade.
The six council members and mayor furiously scribbled. Then Ward 5 representative Tom Lennox piped up.
“Do we have to be living 10 years from now for it to be true?” the 71-year-old council member asked.
The room erupted in laughter and agreement. Assistant town manager Josh Gruber turned to Lennox.
“Yes!” he answered resoundingly.
Other council members looked to each other with brows raised, as if they were doing the math in their head.
Ward 6 representative Glenn Stanford, 76, jokingly asked moderator Julia Novak for another piece of paper to write down the new, agreed-upon goal of longevity, while Mayor John McCann, 79, chuckled and shook his head.
It was a funny moment, given some of the council’s long-range tasks — a 20-year comprehensive plan and a recently announced proposal for a 25-year tax to fund parks and recreation.
On an island where the average age is 55, and the average age on council is 69, a common criticism of the governing body is that members are not reflective of the community — particularly of native islanders, young professionals and parents of school-age children.
But there’s no harm in poking fun at themselves, as Lennox said Monday. “It’s time we have a little bit of fun.”
The council quickly got back to business setting goals for the coming year, including maintaining the island’s commitment to the environment, fostering a sense of community and developing opportunities for private investment in commerce and workforce housing.
