Yesterday’s Town Council retreat should have been a moment of clarity and momentum. Instead, it was another reminder of why so many residents feel disconnected from local government—even when they are paying for the decisions being delayed.

Let’s start with Gary Santos Recreation Park.

In November 2022, the people of Mount Pleasant made a clear choice. They voted—by referendum—to tax themselves to expand recreation. That vote included turf fields and indoor recreation facilities. That decision wasn’t close, and it wasn’t ambiguous. The public spoke.

It is now 2026. Residents have been paying the tax for years. And still, there is no park.
What we heard yesterday—yet again—was discussion about moving the gym, eliminating turf fields, and “re-examining” core elements of a project the voters already approved. This isn’t prudence. It’s delay. And it’s unfair to residents who did exactly what we ask of them: show up, vote, and invest in their community.

If you opposed the park, that was your right. Some did—publicly. But once the vote happened, the debate was over. The people won. At some point, leadership requires accepting the outcome and executing it. The park is going in. Let’s stop trying to slow-walk it and get it built.

The second major disappointment from the retreat was a complete breakdown in transparency regarding transportation funding.

The agenda item read: “discussion and possible action to select funding priorities and projects for a possible Charleston County transportation sales tax referendum.” Reasonable enough.

What was not disclosed—publicly or to several council members—was that Charleston County would be there to deliver a full presentation on Highway 41, including impacts to the Historic Laurel Hall Park, followed by an open, hour-long discussion.

Charleston County showed up prepared. Two council members, including the County Chair, and their consulting team were present. What was missing? The public.

There were residents in attendance early—some for the project, some against it. They offered public comment, stayed briefly, and left. They had no idea this presentation was happening. Frankly, neither did I.

That is unacceptable.

Two council members met with Charleston County a week prior, and the presentation was prepared two weeks ago. Advance coordination is a normal part of governing. The issue is that neither the public nor several council members were made aware that a full presentation and substantive discussion would occur, resulting in a conversation that should have been transparent and inclusive.

It was embarrassing. I apologized to Charleston County on behalf of the Town. They deserved a full audience and a robust public conversation. Instead, we looked unprepared and opaque.

Retreats are meant to be informal, open, and collaborative. They are the one time each year where we slow down, engage deeply, and invite the public into long-form conversations about Mount Pleasant’s future. This is why I’ve advocated for quarterly retreats—more transparency, more dialogue, more trust.

Local government only works when people are paying attention.

And here’s the hard truth: residents are already being taxed. For parks. For roads. For recreation. If we delay projects, obscure agendas, and limit engagement, we erode confidence in the very systems meant to serve them.
Mount Pleasant deserves better.

I’ll keep fighting for transparency, accountability, and progress. But civic leadership isn’t a solo act. If you care about your town, now is the time to speak up, show up, and stay engaged.

Local government matters. And so do you.

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