A message from Mike Sutton to Beaufort voters

This election year is a critical one for the City of Beaufort.  There is the potential for three new council members in 2009, and a presidential election year that promises a record voter turnout.  Also, voters will elect a new mayor when the challenges of budgetary pressures, capital programs, and quality of life issues require real experience, leadership, and above all the energy to make a difference and get the job done.

imageBeaufort will neither be able to meet the growing costs of providing basic city services by annexation and expansion, as it has in the past, nor will it be able to reduce taxes by cutting city services and under-staffing city departments.  It will take a greater measure of diligence and leadership, and above all, the necessary experience to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of City departments. 

Many folks have told me that they are tired of the feeling that their voice is not being heard. Some citizens have said that when they did participate, they were up against the “status quo” and their voice was lost. Sadly I believe these feelings have led to a diminished level of trust in government. In the past year, I have made the effort to reach out to people who live in this city to make the process more inclusive. 

As a city councilman I have worked diligently to bring new energy and new ideas to the council table. I have listened carefully in an effort to understand people’s concerns, worked hard to support their goals, while serving the best interest of our community. I’ve committed myself to the extra effort to seek information and study the issues, so as to be most effective on the Council.  I will do the same as your Mayor.

This year voters can elect a new leader with the energy, the experience, and the willingness to deal with the issues facing our city.  These are the important issues:

  • We must be serious about protecting our environment so that we do not destroy the very essence and livability of our island community. This means more oversight and diligence in every zoning and permitting decision, and placing those decisions in the larger framework of the planned future of Northern Beaufort County.
  • We must embrace and foster positive change while working to preserve our history and heritage.  This includes implementing new ways to support a strong local business community that caters to both tourism and residents’ needs.
  • We must find the creativity and resources to provide training and new economic activity.  We don’t want talented young people to have to leave for higher paying jobs.  We want to have our children raise families and live here for years to come.
  • We must continue to support our local military bases by understanding their missions and embracing their needs. The City can be a leader in capturing the job skills and work ethic of these talented men and women and encourage them to remain or return to Beaufort after their service careers.
  • We must ensure that public safety concerns remain a priority. We must put more of Beaufort’s Finest on the streets in our business districts and our neighborhoods.
  • We must take the responsibility of our overseeing capital expenditures as an ongoing obligation. To build city buildings, to renovate the waterfront, and to purchase appropriate vehicles and equipment all require a greater level of diligence and leadership than Beaufort has seen in the past. Meeting the costs of providing services that our residents demand requires real-world business experience and a level of dedication that is more critical today than any time in the past.

This year’s Mayoral election is important to all of us and I want to thank the many folks who have asked me to step up to the challenge. I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I have spent a lot of time asking myself what I can bring to the table. I have chosen to run for Mayor of the City of Beaufort because I believe that leadership, energy and integrity must be restored to our municipal institutions. In taking on that challenge, I will not flinch from my duty to you.

With your help in November Beaufort can realize a positive change in leadership that will go a long way to building trust in our institutions and securing our future.

Best wishes,

Mike Sutton