Daufuskie Island Council Election
WHEN and WHERE:The Election is scheduled for 9AM to 3PM Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the Maryfield School, 203 School Road, Daufuskie Island, SC
MEANS OF CASTING BALLOTS:
I. Mail In Ballots (click here to access a ballot) will be accepted at Post Office Box 45, Daufuskie Island, SC 29915 until 3PM, Saturday, February 13, 2010. This is after Saturday delivery at the Maryfield School postal box kiosk facility. Ballots received prior to the opening time will be stored and remain sealed until 3PM Saturday, February 13, 2010
II. Cast in person ballots will be received by elections personnel from 9AM until 3PM Saturday, February 13, 2010 with time determined by cellular digital broadcasts.
CANDIDATE FORUM:
1) A candidate question and answer forum will be held Saturday, January 30 with an alternate forum to be held on Saturday, February 6, 2010, both at the Maryfield School, 203 School Road, Daufuskie. The candidates should attempt to attend both of these forums and answer questions as presented.
2) All questions from the public as written in or presented in person from the January 30th forum will be asked of any candidates that missed that January 30th forum at the February 6th forum.
3) Each candidate will be provided any questions received before the forum with those questions.
4) Each candidate will have three (3) minutes to answer presented questions.
5) Any persons with specific queries that are unable to attend either forum can have their query submitted by getting their question(s) to Chris Hutton at P.O. Box 31, Daufuskie Is., SC 29915, via fax at 843-842-4471, or telephone at 843-842-9452 for presentation to the candidates at the forum.
REGULATIONS OF THE ELECTION:
1) Candidates will be selected by most votes received, with the three highest votes to serve for three years, the fourth, fifth and sixth highest votes for two years, and the seventh, eighth, and ninth to serve for one year. The remaining candidates will serve as alternates with eligibility based on vote count, with the higher votes received being the first alternate service, the next highest votes being the second alternate, etc.
2) Voters shall show voter registration cards, local driver's licenses, current property tax receipts or bills, Palmetto Breeze cards, or local utility company invoices bearing Daufuskie addresses to cast their vote. Mail in voters are required to submit a photo static copy of one of the aforementioned documents to qualify their vote. Mail in votes will be vetted against walk in votes.
3) Any resident, voter, or property owner can cast up to nine (9) votes but no voter shall cast more than one vote per candidate choice - i.e., a voter cannot cast nine votes for one candidate.
4) Ballots will be received until 3PM Saturday, February 13, 2010. Ballots may be cast and deposited prior to this date if desired or necessary.
5) Any ballots not received via USPS, in person, or delivered otherwise by the close of voting at 3 PM Saturday, February 13, 2010 will not be considered.
6) All ballots shall be counted at the end of the voting period on February 13, 2010.
7) Ballots may be mailed in to P.O. Box 45, Daufuskie Island, SC 29915, hand delivered to the Maryfield School on Saturday, February 13, 2010, or filled out and submitted by the individual voter at the Maryfield School, Saturday, February 13, 2010.
8) Results of the election will be published as soon as counts are concluded and confirmed to the Election Manager's satisfaction s to accuracy, both on premise at the Maryfield School and electronically via emails and other means.
Torrey Downs
Daufuskie Resident? Yes, for more than 1 year
Daufuskie Activities:
Treasurer & VP of the Community Improvement Club, Active in many Island activities - Farmers Market, Community Thanksgiving, Community Preservation, Head of cemetery clean-up and maintenance program
Why Serve on the Council:
I am a fairly recent addition to Daufuskie Island, but consider it my home. I want to serve on this council to give all of those who have welcomed me to this island a way to be heard. I believe my skills in communication, organization and networking can help the people of this island voice their concerns about its future in a manner that will finally be recognized.
I have grown up in resort communities and have seen the advantages as well as the disadvantages of growth and development. I would like to help preserve this island and its sense of community, while creating room for economic evolution.
Tony Simonelli
Daufuskie Resident? Yes, 7 Years
Daufuskie Activities:
Currently on the Leadership Council, President of the Bloody Point Property Owners Association, and a member of the Melrose Club Board of Directors. I am a real estate broker with Daufuskie Properties. I am working on beach renourishment and restoration issues and I help out with the feral cat program.
Why Serve on the Council:
I love Daufuskie and want to contribute constructive solutions to the issues facing the island. I have become active with local, state and federal political leaders to help affect change that will be positive for Daufuskie. I also have an extensive negotiation background that can be helpful.
Daufuskie Resident? Yes, 6 years
Daufuskie Activities:
Melrose ARB President, DI Historical Foundation Volunteer (Museum), Full-Time Daufuskie real estate agent
Why Serve on the Council:
Purpose of running - to guide Daufuskie Island to sustainable and responsible growth without sacrificing the culture, history and environment of the island.
Former college faculty/administrator/coach, hospitality business owner with approximately 60 employees, leadership roles with Greater Syracuse Chamber, Chenango County Chamber, Leadership Greater Syracuse and Madison County Tourism
Bill GreenwoodDaufuskie Resident? Yes, 9 Years
Daufuskie Activities:
Board Member, Melrose POA
Property Owner in Historic District, Haig Point, Melrose and Bloody Point
Why Serve on the Council:
Board member with Resurgens Orthopedics, Gwinnett Hospital Board and Melrose POA Board.
I feel my best skill is in communications and loving all people who consider Daufuskie home.
Edward S. Campbell
Daufuskie Resident? Yes, 45 months
Daufuskie Activities:
Dues paying member of Community Improvement Council and have attended those meetings regularly over the past two years. Have participated in several fundraising efforts for the Conservancy and the DI Elementary School. Have provided services and meeting facilities at Freeport on many occasions when other facilities were not available.
Why Serve on the Council:
I am very interested in the needs and desires of the people who live here. I am also interested in the vision for the future of Daufuskie and insuring that the direction we are headed in is the best for Daufuskie Island and those who will be affected. I think it is also essential to have a viable working relationship with our County government with representatives who will listen to the issues and do their best for the benefit of Daufuskie Island without letting personal agendas get in the way.
Daufuskie Resident? Part time
Daufuskie Activities:
Builder + Developer of "Island Cottages of Daufuskie", Builder of Daufuskie Island Fire District Accessory Building, Haig Point Approved Builder, Former ARB Administrator for Haig Point, Variety of social activities on the Island
Why Serve on the Council:
I want to be on the Council because "I Love Daufuskie" and I want to do what I can to preserve and enhance what I love about Daufuskie.
I am a certified Community Planner (AICP) with over 15 years of experience working as a community planner for local, regional, and non-profit planning agencies.
Bill Nickels
Daufuskie Resident? Yes, 4 years
Daufuskie Activities:
Melrose Club member since 1989, co-chair Membership Committee, Bloody Point ARB member for past 2 years, Adopt-a-Road volunteer
Why Serve on the Council:
I feel Daufuskie is at a key juncture in its development. The Council will be an integral force in moving the island forward. My past experience as CEO and President of an international corporation required leadership, communication and team building skills which I believe are necessary components for the Council to be effective.
Daufuskie Resident? Yes, 18 years
Daufuskie Activities:
President of Daufuskie Island Council (4 years), Chairman of Daufuskie Island Fire District (17 years), Fire Volunteer, President & Board - Daufuskie Island Community Club, Boards of Haig Point and Bloody Point, Daufuskie CP Committee ( 4 ½ years), Member Daufuskie Conservancy, Member Daufuskie Historical Society
Why Serve on the Council:
It is important for Daufuskie residents to focus on island needs for the present and the future. The Council can serve as the voice of the island when contacting outside agencies such as Beaufort County and the State of South Carolina. There are many island concerns that must be dealt with including transportation (roads and waterways), water supply, adequate sewer facilities, preservation of island wetlands and beaches, plus the implementation of the recently completed C.P. Plan. There are many other areas that require attention and community input by meetings and committees formed to include those who can provide strong input.
My background prior to coming to Daufuskie involved nearly 40 years in the U.S. cement industry, and in the last 17 years I served as President of National Cement Co. Inc. This management experience has provided a strong background of problem solving and ability to deal with many groups as they work to solve problems that are of interest and can best be resolved by working together.
Kaaren MontgomeryDaufuskie Resident? Yes, 10 ½ years
Daufuskie Activities:
Residential designer of over 20 homes on the island, Active member of the local church, Secretary for the PTA at the Daufuskie Island School for one year, Active member at Haig Point including recycling program, Participant in the local farmer's market
Why Serve on the Council:
Daufuskie Island is a gem. It needs loving and caring hands to mold it into a sustainable, thriving community that doesn't forget its people, history and beauty.
I was one of five people involved in molding an area of unincorporated Fulton County (Atlanta) into Johns Creek. We were not against growth - just irresponsibility and self-serving agendas. Today it is thriving as a new city.
I have also served on town boards (East Aurora, NY) and architectural boards (Buffalo Historic Area Board).
In the early 1980's I was involved with two villages in their "redevelopment". Those projects produced programs for restructuring private roadways and parking into pedestrian friendly common areas. It also provided architectural renovations to several village buildings.
I believe both Daufuskie Island and Beaufort County are ready to take the next step towards a cohesive community, and I would like to put my talents to work to help it happen.
Aaron Crosby
Daufuskie Resident? Yes, 4 Years
Daufuskie Activities:
Deacon - First Union African Baptist Church, Volunteer Fireman, Daufuskie Island Conservancy Board Member, Daufuskie Island Council election committee
Why Serve on the Council:
I would like to serve on the Council because I am passionate about Daufuskie and I believe that my professional experience and education provide an excellent platform from which to understand current and future issues on Daufuskie. I went to graduate school to study tourism development and then worked in development with major hospitality companies, always thinking about how those experiences could apply to Daufuskie. From those experiences I know that development can be done on Daufuskie in a way that grows our economy and quality of life without sacrificing what makes Daufuskie so wonderful.
Patrick Ford
Daufuskie Resident? Yes, 3 Years
Daufuskie Activities:
Volunteer Fireman
Why Serve on the Council:
I have a true concern for the development of Daufuskie Island.
Daufuskie Resident? Yes, 18 Years
Daufuskie Activities:
Ownership: 2 properties in a PUD, 1 property in the Historic District; Sporting: Boating, Fishing; Activities: Fire department while retired, HP property and finance committee while retired
Why Serve on the Council:
Channel a 48 year career and energy of: Engineering Management, Contract Management, Project Management, Country office management for a Fortune 500 company, Leadership in master plan development for an international site; in combination with a 22 year ownership and 18 year residency on Daufuskie Island to support the excellent plan developed over the last 5 years.
My education and career have provided me with skills in: Critical analysis and understanding of the plan; understanding of master planning; Leadership and negotiation skills for county discussions on the plan; and People skills in dealing with Daufuskie Island people and County officials.
John Hill
Daufuskie Resident? Yes, 6 Years
Daufuskie Activities:
General Manager of Freeport Marina and General Store; Owner of Daufuskie Property Management; Graphic Designer for The Front Porch and other charitable organizations on Daufuskie
Why Serve on the Council:
My interest in being on this committee is to help Daufuskie grow responsibly while protecting and preserving our distinct natural habitat. I also feel I can offer a unique perspective to the committee as I have the opportunity to interact daily with both tourists and residents of the island.