With elections top of mind over the recent week, Kiawah Island will be holding its own local election, but not until Dec. 6. Mayor John Labriola announced in the regular Town Council meeting on Nov. 1 that there will be three new members on Town Council elected in December.
“This was not a part of the plan that was approved over two years ago,” Labriola said.
“But, with the recent resignation of former Town Council Member Dr. Scott Parker, his seat, which had not expired, will be one of the three seats up.”
Council Member Maryanne Connelly also recently resigned, but her seat was set to expire by January 2023. Incumbent Dan Prickett’s seat is also up.
He will be running for a third term. “All elections are important, and this is certainly one of them,” Labriola explained. “Over the next five years, several significant changes will take place.” Labriola added, “Relationships will change, and some will come to an end. New projects will come before the council and existing projects that are under construction will be well underway.” Labriola cited the construction of Saefield's and the new MUSC facility.
He also noted the Beachwalker Drive project and possibly Andell West.
Other important changes that will occur over the next five years, according to Labriola, is the expansion of new housing on Johns Island. Labriola also said, “County resources and services will be under serious pressure and that could have an impact on not only our community but also in our neighboring communities.” Labriola mentioned that constituents of Kiawah Island need to be acutely aware and involved in the improvements to Main Road, which he said would be well underway over the next several years.
“Until that is completed, traffic will be exacerbated from the current situation of what it is now.” Labriola went on to say that the Town Council must continue to welcome visitors and homeowners. He said that the Town Council also needs to ensure that Kiawah Island residents have accurate information on all issues that impact them. “We need to continue to be vigilant on controlling our financial resources and plans for any future events,” Labriola said. “We also need to continue to do everything we can to protect this precious environment.” A “Meet the Candidates” night was scheduled for Nov. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Turtle Point Clubhouse in the Legends Ballroom. The Kiawah Island Community Association’s Board Director Jerry McGee will be moderating the session. Anyone who wants to attend is encouraged to send in their questions ahead of time. “If you can attend the meeting on (Nov. 17), I would encourage you to do so. It is very important to meet all the candidates and hear their thoughts and perspectives on the future, and also to hear how they see themselves in terms of impacting Town Council,” Labriola said.
According to the Town of Kiawah Island’s website, the general election for the Town of Kiawah Island will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 6 to fill two seats for a four-year term for the Office of Town Council and one seat for a two-year unexpired term for the Office of Town Council.
Candidates for Town Council 2-year term (one seat):
• Bradley D. Belt
• F. Daniel Prickett (incumbent)
• John P. Ross
Candidates for Town Council 4-year term (two seats):
• Russell Berner
• Dr. Ronald Curran
• Michael Heidingsfelder
• Maura McIlvain
• Larry Wolahan
This election marks the 18th administration of the Town of Kiawah Island, which was officially incorporated on Sept. 13, 1988.
