Protecting the Phillips Community — And Taking Responsibility for It
At our February 10th Town Council meeting, we considered a proposed annexation of 1.24 acres adjacent to the Phillips Community. Rather than rush to an immediate denial, I supported deferring the vote — not to delay protection, but to strengthen it. Here is why. If Mount Pleasant is serious about protecting historic communities like Phillips, […]
Supporting Local Culture, Business & Community Growth Through ATAX Funding
Mount Pleasant just announced that the Application for Accommodations Tax (ATAX) Funding is now open for tourism-related projects and cultural events taking place between July 1 and December 31, 2026 — with submissions due by February 27 at 4:30 PM and presentations on April 1, 2026 at Town Hall. This is a great moment for […]
When Good Intentions Add Up: A “Death by a Thousand Cuts” in Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is a great place to live for a reason. People care deeply about neighborhoods, trees, water quality, and preserving what makes this town special. Most residents support smart planning and reasonable rules. But there’s a growing concern many homeowners are starting to feel — not from any one ordinance, but from all of […]
Standing with Our Firefighters: A Shared Commitment to Public Safety
I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Professional Firefighters Association of South Carolina (PFFASC) in my bid for re-election to the Mount Pleasant Town Council. This endorsement means more than words — it represents a shared commitment to protecting the people who protect us. From day one, I’ve worked to ensure that […]
Ask the Councilman: Why Mount Pleasant’s Committee System Needs Reform
In this ‘Ask the Councilman’ series, I answer real questions from Mount Pleasant residents about the challenges, opportunities, and decisions shaping our town. My goal is simple: bring transparency, accountability, and long-term thinking to local government. Question:“You commented during the forum that one of the issues you see is that not all council members vote […]
Ask the Councilman: Why I Supported the Recreation Referendum
Question:“Please explain why you voted for a $50 million recreation tax and stated it should be 100. I am trying to ascertain enough information so that I can make an intelligent decision as to whom to vote for. I am leaning in your direction due to your vote to increase taxes for first responders. However, […]
Safety First, Fiscal Responsibility Always
For nearly four years, I’ve had the honor of serving on Mount Pleasant Town Council. During that time, I’ve learned just how challenging it can be to deliver real change. As chair of the HR Committee, it took nearly two years of persistence to finally complete a comprehensive compensation study. When those results came back, […]
Keeping Mount Pleasant Moving Forward: Comprehensive Plan Update Adopted
Mount Pleasant’s Town Council officially adopted the Five-Year Update to the town’s Comprehensive Plan on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. This update, required by state law, is not a total rewrite—but a strategic refresh that incorporates new data, community feedback, and emerging priorities to guide our town through 2030. A Smart Evolution, Not a Rewrite By […]
Improving the Permitting Process in Mount Pleasant
By John Iacofano – Citizen and Current Member of Mount Pleasant Town Council If you’ve ever built a home, opened a business, or renovated a property in Mount Pleasant, then you know this truth: permitting matters. The permitting process is where ideas become reality—and where red tape can quickly turn into roadblocks. As a member […]
The New Green Program in Mount Pleasant: Great Idea—but Let’s Ask the Right Questions
Mount Pleasant is rolling out a new Residential Environmental Program, and at first glance, it sounds like a win: make eco-friendly changes at home, earn points, and redeem those points for discounts at local businesses. It’s a smart concept. But like with any town initiative, the devil is in the details—and now is the time […]