18 Apr Set an example and not jump into the fray

With the presidential brawl going on, one side fighting the other in both parties, we do not need divisive rhetoric to disrupt our work in Beaufort.  Rather, we have an opportunity to set an example for collaboration and not contention.

As Mayors Bennett of Hilton Head Island, Sulka of Bluffton, Murray of Port Royal and I often discuss in our informal meetings,  we are fortunate that we complement each other and do not compete. We offer four distinctively different communities and we realize that when one succeeds it will help the others.  Furthermore, we share and cherish a pristine natural environment, a good public school system, infrastructure and cultural assets unparalleled by others.

That is why the Mayors and our Council’s have: stepped forward toward collaboration in packaging our collective histories, cultural and heritage assets and the infrastructure that bring us together; collaborated on our economic development and job diversification efforts as we await what we hope will be forthcoming support and collaboration with Beaufort Council; frequently discuss a capital sales tax, how we can individually and collectively support higher education we believe is so important to our communities.

While we do not always agree, we find common ground where possible. I believe our collaboration is appreciated by our respective communities who elected us to get things done rather than point fingers.

Our view: Beaufort County too small to fight against itself