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Biographical information
- Political affiliation (Republican or Democrat?): Republican
- Education: Attended Harcum College and Villanova University, PA, Temple Univ. Real Estate Institute
- Professional background: See attached “Brief Bio”
- Public service background: See attached “Brief Bio”
- Family (wife, children, number of grandchildren if applicable): See attached “Brief Bio”
- Who are your heroes and why? My mother and father #1. Taught me that God, Family and Country come in that order. Taught me that character counts and a good education and hard work will help me succeed. Love one another.
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Q: The recently released master plan for the Hilton Head Island Airport outlined several options for runway lengthening. In your view, is it necessary to expand the facilities in order for the airport to be viable? If so, what should the limits of such expansion be?
A: Yes, the airport is a key economic driver. At minimum, the length should be 5,000 feet.
Q: There’s been a lot of talk about how to encourage property owners to redevelop or spruce up old buildings. What should the town’s role in that process be?
A: The town is long overdue regarding this process. Streamline the LMO process while preserving the current building codes. Develop a municipal code that clearly outlines the process. Take the lead in building coalitions between, the town, citizens and business owners. Identify areas needing redeveloping/repairs and work closely with owners to come up with a solution.
Q: How will you react if the S.C. Attorney General’s Office issues the opinion that Hilton Head Island’s dog leash laws are trumped by a state law that would require dogs to be leashed if on public property, even the beach?
A: Our first concern should be the safety and well-being of our citizens and visitors. I believe that we can come up with a plan that will satisfy the majority of the people with dogs.
Q: Do you support off-shore drilling along the South Carolina coast?
A: NO. We have many areas whereas there are less sensitive effects to our environment and leases in place that are not being utilized. We also have abundant energy alternatives that can be produced.
Q: Some beachfront property owners have complained that trees block their views, causing vacationers to complain about paying a premium for ocean views that are partially obscured. Would you support a process that would allow them to selectively cut trees?
A: Now is the time for the Town of Hilton Head Island to re-evaluate their policies and procedures for tree trimming. There are many trees that are over grown in some areas and also cause a hazard to individuals and homes due to their unhealthy conditions.
Q: Are you in favor of instituting a 1% sales tax to be used by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce for tourism marketing?
A: I need to have more direct conversation with the Town Of Hilton Head Island and the Chamber of Commerce before raising taxes.
Q: In the past several years, the South Island Dredging Association has asked the town to help with the dredging of Harbour Town and other Sea Pines-area waterways, a request that could involve financial expenditures. How involved should the town be in dredging efforts?
A: I do believe that the Town needs to look at being a partner in this process. This is an economic driver to our community and we need to work together to come up with a solution. Would like to have a dredging summit between all stakeholders.
Q: Hilton Head has resisted calls to create a lawful employment ordinance that would require all companies to verify that their employees are eligible to work in the United States. Would you support such a law?
A: Yes. The county wheel is already built and working, so why reinvent it?
Q: What should the town’s role be in encouraging people to recycle?
A: The council has already taken the lead in encouraging recycling. I am a strong supporter of recycling, but before we put several small businesses out of business, I believe we need to rethink the competitive process and make sure that all owners — full and part time — single-family and villa owners and gated and non-gated communities understand and are given alternatives equally.
Q: Describe how the town can make itself friendlier to business and economic development.
A: Be proactive in looking at the future of Hilton Head Island. Create a brain trust commission to focus on economic development/redevelopment. Work with utilities to ensure we have the latest and state of the arts infrastructure in place. Identify types of businesses that will complement our community while creating an environment that will attract clean and green focused companies. Have a process to work with prospects, property owners and businesses that may be experiencing problems in this downturn in the economy. Think and participate regionally.
