Since 1888 when my grand father, an eighteen year old running from Tsarist oppression against Jews in Russia, set foot in Beaufort, my family has demonstrated an active commitment to civic duty. We have each, in our own way, tried to give back to this country and our community for exceptional opportunities and freedoms The United States gives to us.
It should be no surprise that some of us huddle the morning after elections to analyze and reflect on what our fellow citizens think. Accordingly it should be no surprise that we talked Wednesday morning after Tuesday’s Super Tuesday Primaries.
While others made observations about the respective parties and their candidates, the winners and losers, the blow to incumbents and so on, the big story in my mind was how few people cared enough to vote.
Looking close to home, it is very disappointing that less than one in five (18,405 out of 94,146 registered) Beaufort County Voters exercised their right to vote.
For the many non-voters who advocate term limits, you gave up your right to end or extend a term based on how you believed incumbents performed. For the many non-voters who want to throw all of the rascals out, you missed your opportunity to offer to run for public service or field candidates to replace those you want out of office. For the many who are angered by what they see happening at local, state and federal levels, you missed an opportunity to turn your anger into positive action. For those who were too lazy or do not think one vote counts, you are wrong. For those who were not able to get to the polls, due to illness or work requirements, I hope you will explore absentee voting.
If our Republic is going to survive, and not fall prey to special interests and move forward to leave something better for the next generation, we must become engaged.
While the field has been narrowed, there is runoff election on Tuesday June 22nd and anyone who did not vote is still eligible to vote. (For those who did vote, you can return to the party, but you will be restricted to the Party ballot you voted on last week.)
Aside from voting, there are many other ways to citizens can participate. If you are a political party advocate, Republican, Democratic or Tea Party, you can work to further your party’s cause. If you are a county, town or city resident, you can apply to serve on a regulatory board or commission.
Staying closest to home, City Council is currently seeking citizens to fill vacancies on the some of the City’s Boards and Commissions. I urge you to think consider the opportunity as an active and engaged citizenry is necessary for us to govern in the open, transparent and inclusive way we want to operate.
City of Beaufort-Town of Port Royal Joint Planning Commission – Commission created so that the two municipalities can act together to enhance present advantages, to overcome collective problems involving the municipalities in which joint resolution is advisable. Commission composed of 5 members, 3 City of Beaufort and 2 Town of Port Royal. After 2 years, that composition switches with Port Royal appointing 2 members and Beaufort appointing 3 members. This Commission meets the 2nd Monday of every month.
Within the next few months, the Beaufort and Port Royal Joint Planning Commission will be transformed into the Beaufort Port Royal Metropolitan Planning Commission with two members appointed by Port Royal Beaufort Councils and the Beaufort County Council .
Design Review Board – Board created for the purpose of reviewing and taking action on the development applications subject to the ordinance, guidelines, and standards established in the Design Districts. Board is composed of 5 members to include landscape architect, architect, engineer, business owner, operator or employee of a business within on of the corridors. All terms are for 2 years. This Board meets the 2nd Thursday of every month.
Historic District Review Board (2 VACANCIES) –Board created to review and approve new construction and changes to the exterior of any structure located with the Beaufort Historic District. Board composed of 5 members 2 of which shall be disciplines of historic preservation, architecture, history, architectural history, planning archeology or urban planning. The other 3 members shall live or own property in the Historic District. One of the 5 members shall be a person recommended by the Historic Beaufort Foundation who is a member of its board of directors. All terms are for 2 years. This Board meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month.
Zoning Board of Appeals ( I vacancy) Board has jurisdiction over all lands within the City. Board composed of 5 members, all of shall be citizens of the City. All terms are for 2 years. This Board meets the 4th Monday of every month at 5:30 PM.
Redevelopment Commission (1 vacancy) This Commission was created for the planning and execution of plans for the regeneration of and redevelopment of assets in the City of Beau fort. Commission is composed of 9 members. Members do not have to live in City limits. Members should specialize in planning, architecture, personnel management, urban development, economic development, financial procedures, neighborhood preservation etc… All terms are for 3 years with using a staggering method for all 9 members. This Commission meets every 1st Thursday of the month.
Aside from voting, there are many other ways citizens can participate.
If you are a political party advocate, Republican, Democrat or Tea Party activist, you can work to further your party’s cause. If you are a county, town or city resident, you can apply to serve on a regulatory board or commission.
As a matter of fact, Beaufort’s City Council is currently seeking citizens to fill vacancies on the some of the City’s Boards and Commissions. I urge you to take some responsibility for our future and consider applying for one of these positions since an engaged citizenry is necessary for us to govern in an open, transparent and inclusive manner. That, I believe, is something we all want.
City of Beaufort-Town of Port Royal Joint Planning Commission -Commission created so that the two municipalities can act together to enhance present advantages, to overcome collective problems involving the municipalities in which joint resolution is advisable. Commission composed of 5 members, 3 City of Beaufort and 2 Town of Port Royal. After 2 years, that composition switches with Port Royal appointing 2 members and Beaufort appointing 3 members. This Commission meets the 2nd Monday of every month.
Within the next few months, the Beaufort and Port Royal Joint Planning Commission will be transformed into the Beaufort Port Royal Metropolitan Planning Commission with two members appointed by Port Royal Beaufort Councils and the Beaufort County Council .
Design Review Board – Board created for the purpose of reviewing and taking action on the development applications subject to the ordinance, guidelines, and standards established in the Design Districts. Board is composed of 5 members to include landscape architect, architect, engineer, business owner, operator or employee of a business within on of the corridors. All terms are for 2 years. This Board meets the 2nd Thursday of every month.
Historic District Review Board (2 VACANCIES) – Board created to review and approve new construction and changes to the exterior of any structure located with the Beaufort Historic District. Board composed of 5 members 2 of which shall be disciplines of historic preservation, architecture, history, architectural history, planning archeology or urban planning. The other 3 members shall live or own property in the Historic District. One of the 5 members shall be a person recommended by the Historic Beaufort Foundation who is a member of its board of directors. All terms are for 2 years. This Board meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month.
Zoning Board of Appeals ( I vacancy) Board has jurisdiction over all lands within the City. Board composed of 5 members, all of shall be citizens of the City. All terms are for 2 years. This Board meets the 4th Monday of every month at 5:30 PM.
Redevelopment Commission (1 vacancy) Commission was created for the planning and execution of plans for the regeneration of and redevelopment of assets in the City of Beau fort. Commission is composed of 9 members. Members do not have to live in City limits. Members should specialize in planning, architecture, personnel management, urban development, economic development, financial procedures, neighborhood preservation etc… All terms are for 3 years with using a staggering method for all 9 members. This Commission meets every 1st Thursday of the month.
Beaufort Housing Authority The mission of Beaufort Housing Authority is to provide affordable housing in a safe community environment and to assist those we serve as they strive to achieve self sufficiency. The Board of Commissioners meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday of every month.