Primary election guide | Here are candidates in contested races for Beaufort County Council
There are contested races in six Beaufort County Council districts on Tuesday’s primary ballot. All are on the Republican ballot.
There are no local referendums, such as tax rate increases or bond issues, on the ballot.
The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette will publish a separate story on the sheriff’s race later this week, along with questionnaire responses from the two Republican candidates for county auditor.
County Council candidates in all contested races were sent questionnaires with questions about their backgrounds and qualifications. In some cases, the candidates’ answers were edited for length.
Here are their responses:
District 2
Paul Sommerville and David Bartholomew are running to be the Republican candidate for Beaufort County Council in District 2.
Paul Sommerville (i)
Occupation: Management consultant
Education: BA Duke University
Have you run for office before? Beaufort County Council, 2008, 2012, 2014 and 2018
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? The most important issue for my constituents is that I promptly return all phone calls and respond promptly to all emails, texts, letters, etc., which I do. The top specific issue is growth and how it can adversely affect quality of life, traffic, water quality and environment, including flora and fauna. I have consistently pushed back against inappropriate development and fought for funding for necessary infrastructure upgrades and improvements for roads, bridges, walking pathways, biking trails and storm water management. I have consistently fought to have development pay for itself through impact fees
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? As an incumbent I will continue to fight to manage growth and protect as much of our beautiful county as possible. As Beaufort County continues to grow this problem becomes exponentially more critical. Developers are eyeing every square inch of Beaufort County and it is up to Beaufort County and our six municipalities to make certain the growth that does occur is properly managed.
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? Northern Beaufort County and Hilton Head are accessible only by bridges. We are at or near capacity. I will continue to push back against inappropriate development and make certain that developers pay their fair share and do not put the entire cost of new infrastructure on the backs of existing taxpayers.
David Bartholomew
Occupation: Attorney with Schiller & Hamilton
Education: Bachelors degree in psychology, Greensboro College; Juris Doctor, Charleston School of Law
Have you run for office before? No
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? The vast majority of my conversations with people in Beaufort County seem to center around rebuilding transparency and trust with our local governments and also actively addressing the increasing growth and strain on our infrastructure. While there are numerous issues that people want and need addressed, those two themes are the most prevalent.
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? When elected, I plan to remain active in the community through volunteerism and participating with local business and service organizations. I will also utilize email and social media to keep the people of District 2 informed about the business of the County Council. I will also actively seek the input of the citizens of District 2 in order to make decisions that will reflect the will of the people of District 2.
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? I think we need to be proactive in managing the growth of the community. We need to quickly address the immediate problems that are creating safety issues on our roadways but we also need to plan for the future now. I feel it is important that we have a master plan for the community, especially Lady’s Island, that we can reference as a community as we grow. There are also numerous projects in District 2 that are desperately needed and have been promised but not delivered. I want to see more money allocated to the projects within District 2 as well as Northern Beaufort County as a whole.
District 4
Alice Howard and Josh Scallate are running to be the Republican candidate for Beaufort County Council in District 4.
Alice G. Howard (i)
Occupation: Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC–Community Liaison and Planning Officer at MCAS Beaufort and Natural Resources and Environmental Officer at MCAS Beaufort for a combined 20 years (retired civil service)
Education: Master’s of Public Administration, University of Georgia; B.S.–Community Planning and Development, Columbus State University; Associate of Arts-Political Science, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Have you run for office before? Beaufort County Council District 4, terms 2015-2018 and 2019-2022
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? Diversifying economic development and maintaining current economic drivers such as tourism while providing an affordable living environment in Beaufort County. There are ways to accomplish both objectives. I am on the South Coast Cybersecurity Advisory Task Force which received federal funding as did TCL and USB to start up a Cybersecurity workforce in our local community. This is a good example of economic development that utilizes existing resources. The continued protection of MCAS Beaufort’s airspace from encroachment i.e., incompatible development works to not only protect one of the largest employers but also protect the environment.
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? During the next four years, I will use my experience and abilities as a liaison with other local governments, military, schools, TCL and USCB and state agencies to work toward accomplishing shared goals such as improving economic diversity, implementation of a Regional Housing Trust fund to assist affordable housing, solving traffic problems such as Ribaut Road, solving storm water and resiliency issues, protecting our water quality, and preserving county relationships with our valuable military partners in northern Beaufort County. I pledge to work toward improving our parks and recreation program based upon recent public input and the soon to be adopted Parks & Rec comprehensive plan.
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? Growth can be controlled by local governments through a variety of tools to include local zoning and adherence to the 10-year comprehensive plans. Each local government has their own. In northern Beaufort County we have an agreement on the growth boundaries between the municipalities and Beaufort County. I will continue to support restriction of growth to the more densely populated areas in the growth areas in the municipalities where there is existing infrastructure to support it. Zoning can be appealed by the property owners which unfortunately results in growth in areas that it is not designated but another amazingly effective tool is the acquisition of easements in perpetuity on land as used very effectively in the Beaufort County and Rural Critical Lands program and with partners such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and MCAS Beaufort. It preserves wildlife corridors such as the ACE basin, farmland, passive parks and prevents incompatible development with the mission of MCAS Beaufort.
Josh Scallate
Occupation: Firefighter/Realtor
Education: Beaufort High School graduate; Fire Academy graduate; TCL graduate for EMT; over 1,000 hours of leadership education through fire department accredited institutes
Have you run for office before? No
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? Transparency is the No. 1 issue we have on a local level. There are several reasons for why I am running but all can be related to a lack of transparency from our local officials. I want to put great effort into getting the community involved in being a part of the decisions made. I feel that if we work together, the diversity of our life experiences can provide better solutions to the problems we face. This in-turn allows us to build a community that revolves around the voice of our people and not just elected officials.
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? Currently our elected officials do not focus on actively listening to the people they represent. I would like to bring back the voice of our residents and do my best to make sure people know they matter.
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? My growth philosophy revolves around the preservation of our community. I was born and raised here so what Beaufort becomes is extremely important to me. Our green infrastructure as well as our Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program should remain important. We need a well-defined civic master plan, and we need to hold fast to it despite the pressures to deviate for developers. We don’t have to build everywhere to satisfy the economic propulsion or keep up with the growth pressure that we are trying to solve.
District 6
Michael “Mike” Covert and Anna Maria “Tab” Tabernik are running to be the Republican candidate for Beaufort County Council in District 6.
Mike Covert
Occupation: Retired business owner, technical consultant for Mitsubishi Electric Trane and American Standard HVAC wholesale company
Education: Spotsylvania Technical Center; Ferris State University (EPA Programs); NIULPE (Chief Power Engineer Degree) Harvard Cambridge Institute (County Administration)
Have you run for office before? Beaufort County Councilman District 7 from 2017-2021; candidate for U.S. HOUSE SC District 1 in 2020 prior to ending campaign before primary. Ran for SC District 118, but COVID restrictions ended prematurely
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? District 6 has a multitude of Infrastructure needs, that because of a lack of leadership previously, have never been addressed. (1) I have been working behind the scenes for the last 1-1/2 years to bring a traffic light to the Del Webb Blvd/ SC Rt 170/ Seagrass Station 4 way intersection. I have talked with SCDOT and our county legislative delegation about this issue and have been reassured that my efforts will get that light installed. (2) There needs to be immediate traffic studies done at Evan Way/ SC Rt 170/ Four Seasons intersection and more than likely a light installed there as well. (3) I have been working with a School Board trustee about a major traffic problem and potentially life/ safety problem at Pritchardville Elementary with the traffic on Evan Way and Stardust Road. (4) The Route 46/Route 170 traffic circle must have a traffic study done in order to have all approach lanes widened due to the added traffic of development etc. (5) SC Route 170/46 from the circle west to the Jasper County line needs an updated traffic study, in which it will be necessary to have that road widened to four lanes and a traffic light installed at the entrance to Heritage at New Riverside. (6) I have been writing, for the past 18 months, plans for a SC Route 170 Traffic Management Plan. (7) I have been instrumental for the last 18 months in securing a place for the Bluffton Township Fire Department Station 34 (Sun City) to be moved into Sun City and not outside the community.
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? This will be a “new” seat since redistricting moved the current seat holder to District 5. However, as I did during my first term on Council, I will have community meetings for folks over the entire district, monthly, to listen to them; to hear their concerns; to be the best representative for them. Folks in District 6 have not had this in years. It is time for a change in this district and it is time for a change on County Council.
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? My growth philosophy is that we must remain smart about it. Most, if not largely all, of the growth in my district is actually in the town of Bluffton limits where they control the Development Agreements, permitting etc. Most of these development agreements that exist have been in play for the last 20-30 years. So, something can be built we have the opportunity and the due diligence to make sure the zoning laws are followed and changed as necessary. For example, there is always the need for “homes per acre” to be scrutinized on every single request for development. We need to make sure we have the fewest homes per acre to minimize the pressure on existing and new services. We must get serious about insisting upon pervious surfaces being used more, and impervious ones used less, to minimize our storm water runoff pollution to our rivers.
Anna Maria Tabernik
Occupation: Retired (dedicated community volunteer)
Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics, Case Western Reserve University; Masters of Arts Degree in Administration/Supervision John Carroll University; Doctorate in Urban School Administration, Cleveland State University
Have you run for office before? No
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? The impact of growth in the Bluffton area on infrastructure, traffic, medical facilities, schools, storm water management, etc., as well as identifying revenue sources. I welcome new residents and businesses, just as I was welcomed to the area almost 11 years ago. However, I also know we must be strategic in our plans to embrace this growth while remaining vigilant about how we raise and spend county funds. I believe in the collection and use of impact fees (through intergovernmental agency agreements) to offset some of the issues generated by this new growth. I also support our county schools and their commitment to increase teacher salaries in an effort to attract qualified staff and be more competitive in the state.
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? District 6 is a product of the new redistricting plan for Beaufort County so there is no incumbent. Previously these voters were in District 5. I am a lifelong educator, not a career politician. My primary focus is on collaborating with others on council to improve life for residents so we can all “live, work, play” our best lives in Beaufort County. My focus is on strategic planning and getting things done in a cost efficient and timely manner.
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? Since District 6 is in a major area of growth South of the Broad River, this issue is of utmost importance to my constituents. We must embrace the opportunities of growth in our area, both residential and business, while seeking to resolve the challenges that can then be turned into opportunities to benefit all of us collectively. The many impacts of “growth” in our community will need to be addressed regarding infrastructure, storm water management, traffic congestion, access to medical personnel/facilities, public safety, emergency management, preservation of critical lands, and increases in school population, as well as the maintaining the overall culture of our area. To best manage these challenges, I would like to see Council work to secure intergovernmental agency agreements securing the collection of impact fees. I would like to see the Council revisit the need for school impact fees to help fund capital projects going forward with the growing school population.
District 8
John Vincent Zmarzly and Paula Brown are running to be the Republican candidate for Beaufort County Council in District 8.
John Vincent Zmarzly
Occupation: President and CFO, RMS Omega Technologies Inc.
Education: B.S. Ohio University; Masters of Science in Business, Johns Hopkins University
Have you run for office before? No
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? The top concern is the inflationary pressure felt at every level of the economy. While inflation is outside the control of the County Council, it is our duty to keep the fiscal pressure down in these trying times.
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? I believe the district holds a traditional, fiscally conservative approach to governing. I will continue that. Communication between this council and the citizens, municipal councils, and local businesses is the only way to tackle future economic crises. The council must work to regain its reputation as one that listens to and heeds the will of its constituents in a timely fashion.
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? Many of us came to the Lowcountry because of its natural beauty. A minimalistic balance of meeting the needs of our growing community while preserving the delicate ecosystem is imperative for all of us to flourish.
Paula Brown
Occupation: Retired paralegal
Education: University of South Carolina Law School
Have you run for office before? No
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? After speaking to several of my constituents, their No. 1 issue is safe roads. After seeing people killed right in front of me on 278, I would like to put traffic cameras up at four Intersections in my district. The fine would be $300 for running a red light, and if they hit someone the fine would be $750. Our sheriff disagrees with me. He said it should be more and points should be involved.
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? Chris Hervochon is the current councilman for the 8th District and he is not seeking re-election. I would like to continue on with his great work.
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? I support growth in certain areas but I don’t want to see it go to the point where Bluffton loses its charm.
District 9
Mark Lawson and Shellie West Hodges are running to be the Republican candidate for Beaufort County Council in District 9.
Mark Lawson (i)
Occupation: Director of Construction — Dillard Jones Builders
Education: BA Business Administration — Washington and Jefferson College
Have your run for office before? I was elected to the same office in 2018 and finishing up my first term.
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? My biggest fear four my constituents is recession, government covid shutdown again, hurricane and possible nuclear WWIII with Russia. On a local level our biggest problem is that we live in a beautiful place that everyone wants to move to. How do you fix that? The affordable workforce housing and traffic will continue to plague our community into the future. We need to start investing in our future transportation infrastructure just like someone would plan for a future college education for one of their children, because we all know it is coming.
Regarding affordable housing, it is a regional issue and not just Beaufort County. We will continue to do whatever we can to help with the housing to offer incentives, programs and assistance locally. However, I am hoping and believe that the private sector will eventually solve the issue. Eventually Jasper County will become the hot spot for affordable homes. It has plenty of land at a more-affordable price and less restrictions. The only thing holding it back is the public school system.
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? I was asked to run four years ago by locals living throughout our community. My platform then is the same as it is today. I am a fiscal conservative while providing for the needs of our community. I promote transparency at every possible moment. I do my best to make decisions that protect our quality of life, our waterways and rivers. As our community grows my goal has been to increase our libraries, boat landings, parks and recreation facilities while we use smart growth choices to help control our future. I meet and talk with so many people around our community that tell me “You voted just like how I would have voted”. I do not just represent one small segment of our community but I represent everyone in our community. My commitment to common sense, level headedness and “to do the right thing” will not change in the next four years.
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? As mentioned previously we live in a place where everyone wants to live and half the people in my district have a home that is less than 20 years old. In 1999, Bluffton had a one single elementary school with no other schools and my kids went to that school. We need to use smart growth to not allow maximization of current zoning. Much of the undeveloped property is already under development agreements. The county does not control the development agreements put in place by the municipalities so we need to be aggressive in our planning for libraries, parks, landings, recreation facilities, transportation and infrastructure for the future to avoid becoming the next North Charleston.
Shellie West Hodges
Occupation: Business consultant and Independent Insurance producer
Education: Master’s in Hospitality Management
Have you run for office before? No
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? People are concerned about the continued growth in the area and its impacts on the environment, quality of life and traffic. I feel that everything is connected. Addressing certain issues has to be approached in a multifaceted way. People that have been here 20, 30, 40-plus years and some their whole lives feel that the area has been over developed and the growth has been out of control. This area is volatile. My district is key. We need to slow down and assess what is left to protect and how we can protect it in a smart sustainable way. We cannot stop the growth but there are ways to make it better. Collaboration with all area municipalities in both Beaufort and Jasper counties is crucial.
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? I am the challenger. I have the energy and the background to make things happen to benefit our tax paying residents and small business owners. This seat will not be taken lightly. I will treat it as a job that it is and will work tirelessly to represent the folks in my community that trust and respect my work ethics and integrity. I will push for greater transparency and better communication to our residents and business owners.
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? I would like to see all the plans that are currently approved as well as those slated. We need to make sure that they are not overly inflated for the area and that every possible consideration on the impact it may have on our infrastructure, environment and way of life here in the Lowcountry. I hope to work with developers in making any changes or adjustments to future plans for the betterment of Beaufort County residents. I would like to also see better use of tax dollars and accommodation tax dollars for community use and amenities for our residents.
District 11
Stewart “Stu” Rodman and Tom Reitz are running to be the Republican candidate for Beaufort County Council in District 11.
Stu Rodman (i)
Occupation: Retired international businessman
Education: Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University; MBA, Harvard University.
Have you run for office before? Beaufort County Council District 11, terms 2007-2010, 2011-2014, 2015-2018, 2019-2022.
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? The Highway 278 corridor: I provided leadership in developing the ’18 referendum. Sen. (Tom) Davis and I initiated the independent engineering review and the town’s land planning review that led to the development of the current SCDOT alternative, which is good design considering only transportation. Path forward: Conduct a second review to reaffirm the basic transportation plan, Integrate the aesthetics to provide a “great arrival experience,” and provide the funding to offset the expected $100 million cost increase.
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? It has been my high honor and distinct pleasure to represent the county and my constituents. I will continue to do so to the best of my ability!
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? The task is to continue to make our home a most-attractive place to live, which is the reason for the growth. I will continue to protect the environment, provide transportation solutions, and work for a great quality of life.
Tom Reitz
Occupation: Business development manager
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics; Master’s Degree in Business Administration
Have you run for office before? I ran for Hilton Head Island Town Council Ward 3 in 2020.
What do you consider to be the top issue facing your constituents this year? Where do you stand on this issue? The 278 corridor expansion is our biggest issue right now, and I support having an outside agency do an independent review. We also need to be open to listening to all citizen input so that we can be sure the expansion is done right and receives overwhelming support. I do not want the expansion to destroy the beautiful entrance to our island and take away the feeling we all have that when we cross the bridge and arrive on the island, we are “home.”
If you are elected, how will you be different from the person who held this seat before you? If you’re an incumbent, what will change with your next term? I will represent District 11 with honesty, integrity and full transparency. Time and time again news outlets mention the controversy that surrounds my opponent. His questionable actions as a County Council board member led to several members of the board requesting his immediate resignation from his chairmanship role. I am running to represent the people of District 11 and their interests alone.
Our communities are marked right now by growth. What is your growth philosophy? What would you like to see change? We have to have “smart” growth so that we can protect and preserve Hilton Head Island and all of Beaufort County. We need to protect our environment and stop the clear cutting of trees to put in communities that look nothing like the charm and character Hilton Head is accustomed to. I want us to use unoccupied structures for commercial businesses rather than building new structures on pristine land. We need to address all facets of our infrastructure such as roads, schools and public safety, and as a fiscally responsible conservative I can be sure it’s done right with proper spending.
This story was originally published June 7, 2022 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Primary election guide | Here are candidates in contested races for Beaufort County Council."