FAQ

Why are you running for mayor?

I am running for mayor because I want to continue the path our City has been on and ensure that Folly progresses responsibly. During my 4 terms on Council, we have made tremendous strides to protect natural resources, ensure financial stability, increase safety, promote livability and provide top notch City services, all while maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in the county. Mayor Goodwin’s retirement means we’re losing his experience and makes me the longest tenured elected official by 2 terms. I feel that I have the experience and history necessary to lead Folly forward while keeping in touch with its past and spirit. 

What qualifies you to be the next mayor?

I feel that I am uniquely positioned and experienced to lead Folly forward responsibly as your next Mayor.  The job is not for everyone. 

• You must know and respect Folly’s history. I was raised on Folly in the 80’s. My family has a strong record of community service on Folly for over 40 years. I have been lucky enough to own Planet Follywood with my grandmother and live on Folly for the last 20 years. Folly has transformed a lot in that time span and having that knowledge helps make proper decisions moving forward while keeping true to Folly’s character and charm.
• You must have experience. I have been elected and served 4 City Council terms- list of Council accomplishments. I have been a full-time resident and local business owner for over 20 years. I am involved in numerous community organizations including the Exchange Club and Folly Association of Business. Being able to view situations from different vantage points is paramount to elected officials making well rounded and inclusive decisions. After all, we’re all in this together and want what is best for Folly Beach. 
• You must be a leader. My fellow Council members elected me Mayor Pro-Tem for the last 4 years, and during that time I was their representative and worked side by side with Mayor Goodwin. I’ve always tried to help fellow Council members learn governmental processes, rules of order, historical information, and any other mentorship they may need. I am a 4-time president of our FB Exchange Club and Big E award recipient, National Exchange Club’s highest local club honor. I have run a small business for 20 years through roller coaster economies and constantly changing conditions. I have led several city committees and events. I have worked with almost every City staff member through the years. I have been a leader my entire life and embrace the challenge of being your next Mayor.  

What are the biggest 3 issues facing Folly’s future?

1. Beach renourishment and preservation will always be the biggest issue. Our beach management team are great at working with the Army Corps, renourishment triggering, finding local sand sources and obtaining storm renourishments. Keeping a close relationship with the Army Corp of Engineers will be crucial for future federal funding. 
2. Finding new revenue streams will become a top priority moving forward. Grant funding is being cut. Federal assistance programs are fading out. We have used these funding sources for several projects and budgetary relief. The City has to be prepared if these sources run dry. 
3. Enhancing public safety will continue to be a priority. The tri-county area is continuing to grow, meaning our beach crowds will continue to grow. We have always had public safety as a priority, but I feel it will move higher up the ladder very soon. 

You are a local business owner. Is this a conflict of interest?

I don’t see that, because I have never voted for anything that is solely beneficial to my business. My voting record is in accordance with what I feel is best for Folly Beach as a whole. People have tried to use this against me, but they don’t mention that I am also a long-term resident who was born and raised on Folly. I’m lucky enough to own a family business and live on Folly for over 20 years, which gives me different perspectives. I worked with businesses eliminating single use plastics and brought it to Council to protect our environment. I worked with businesses, musicians and residents to tighten our noise ordinance. I use my business experience during the budget to cut wasteful spending and find new revenue sources. I have voted against items that were pro-business, such as reserved parking and zoning allowances, because they were not in the City’s best interest. I voted to shut down island access during COVID, which hurt businesses, but was in the best interest of our residents. Residents need business and business needs residents. We’re all in this together, and this unique perspective has helped me unite these groups for the betterment of Folly.

What is your STR cap position?

The Short-Term Rental cap was initiated by a citizen-led petition, won a city-wide referendum vote majority, and delivered to City Council. Council and staff then spent a year crafting ordinance language making it fit our licensing procedures, budget, enforcement, resident concerns, etc. That was 3 years of major work-the finished product hasn’t even been in effect for 2 years. No matter which side of the referendum you were on, that is not enough time to properly evaluate an ordinance of this magnitude. We made some minor adjustments last year helping staff navigate licensing procedures and language clarification, which the city regularly does with ordinances, but the integrity of the citizen-led mandate has and must remain. In brief, it will take more time to know for sure if the STR cap is working as intended, but a cap is the best way to ensure balance. As your next Mayor, I am committed to seeking common sense, balanced solutions that protect our residents and homeowners.