Endorsement of Citizen’s Dream Team

HHI is in an existential crisis between forces pushing for expansion, including tourism aimed toward the Myrtle Beach model vs residents who prefer the Fraser model emphasizing quality over quantity.

We have watched this shift in balance for several years and note that most of our elected officials no longer listen to Citizens, and favor growth we do not want. Perhaps this is because many are linked to businesses, organizations, and backroom forces that benefit from more growth. This has given us crowded beaches and parking, unwelcome development, exploding short-term rentals, and a trajectory aimed toward Coney Island.

Recently, we watched Beaufort County Council and some in Town Council stage manage an unscientific and politicized process for our Route 278 entrance Corridor, based on supporting (encouraging via demand stimulation) a 39% increase in visitors. 

We have come to the conclusion that Enough is Enough. 

We have spent hundreds of hours studying this and commenting to Councils, but, in the end, we observe that our Councils do not listen to most of their constituents.

On November 8, 2022, we have an opportunity to correct this by changing several members of the Town Council and one member of the County Council. We must not waste that opportunity! 

We have studied the list of available candidates using criteria that include:

·       Availability at least full-time (actually, these jobs take much more than 40 hours per week)

·       Freedom from links to businesses and organizations that would benefit from massive growth 

·       Commitment to listen to Citizens, including a team to advise on the Corridor Project

·       Commitment to Transparency

Our recommended Citizen’s Dream Team is:

·       Beaufort County Council District 11 – Tom Reitz

·       Hilton Head Mayor – JoAnn Orischak

·       Town Council Ward 2 – Patsy Brison

·       Town Council Ward 4 – Tamara Becker

·       Town Council Ward 5 – Chuck Dowd

We feel that this slate will move our Island back in a direction reflecting the wishes of its Citizens.

The growth interests will undoubtedly spend large sums to defeat this team. Please do not be fooled by their smooth talk and glossy flyers. We have seen what we get from that.

Tell your neighbors and friends to vote on November 8. This election is extremely important for the future of Hilton Head Island.

Diederik Advocaat

Steven Baer

Joseph Kernan

Gray Smith

Stephen Woodall