Endorsements

Jimmy Carroll, Former IOP Mayor (2018-2021)

“Over the last 14 years, I find myself saying that the upcoming election is the most important, and again, this fall’s election will truly define the future of our island.  We are at a precipice of either having someone who is willing to fight for the lifestyle we all enjoy or having new leaders who do not think like islanders. They want a private resort like atmosphere, that is not who we are.  Heck, just recently, they fought like mad to hire a town manager of a small resort island to replace our city administrator, when we had someone who has worked for the island for 28 years. He knows our island like the back of his hand, he knows the drills with storms, flooding, and the challenges of day visitors. The candidate they proposed was from an island that was private, that has no police force, or great recreation center like ours, or a budget anywhere near ours, it was such a simple decision but they made a fight out of it, publicly humiliated our acting administrator, is this the type of mayor we want?  I had a nice breakfast with Phillip to make sure that we were on the same page.  He truly understands the diverse makeup of our island, how we, the year round residents are subsidized by tourism.  And please, do not listen to several council members who use statistics to sway how the percentages of year round home owners, second home owners and vacation rentals are.  You have to take out the built to rent condominiums out of the equation.  We have to look at just the single family home statistics.  Because of the ever increasing price of raw land or tear down homes, and then the cost to build, the return on investment is not there.  So we are slowly seeing the number of single family owner occupied homes increasing, we are seeing second home ownership increasing, and we are seeing the number of single family rentals decreasing.  Please remember, as owner occupied homes, we pay on a 4% assessment.  Both second homes and rentals pay on a 6% assessment, it seems like they pay 50% more but in actuality, they pay 300% more because they pay for the Charleston County School bonds.  6% assessed properties keep our taxes at the lowest mileage rate around, while having the best city services around.   In essence, they are the goose that lays the golden egg for the residents.  I talked with Phillip about the unbridled growth across the the tri-counties and the burden of traffic, congestion, trash and yes, even violence due to our having the best beach serving Charleston. He promised to fight for and protect our 2015 parking plan, one that keeps day visitor cars out of the interior of the island, where 95% of us live.  We should be thankful he is willing to serve another term, there will be no new learning curve and he is someone who is independent, does not have outside influences directing him, he knows who his bosses are, us, the residents of the island.  It’s a hard, thankless job, yet, he is willing to serve again.  Because of his promises to me and to you, let’s re-elect Phillip Pounds.” 

Dick Cronin, Former IOP Mayor (2009 – 2017)

“Please vote for Philip Pounds. IOP voters who care about Public Safety and preserving our ever changing beaches have a clear champion as candidate. With first hand experience I know that City leadership requires listening to those represented and working closely with those off the Island who influence our daily lives. Over the past 4 years Philip has demonstrated he is all in , focused on improving our unique island.”

Mike Sottile, Former IOP Mayor and Former State House Representative

“Phillip Pounds has the ability to deal with various problems faced by the City working with Council members to establish consensus. Phillip Pounds has established good rapport with local and state leadership and is an effective communicator with both the public and the media. Phillip Pound's leadership at this juncture in City of Isle of Palms is what residents need to solve problems facing our community. He is passionate about serving the community and has a solid understanding of the City's structure, laws, and procedures. Phillip Pounds works tirelessly with members of council and has the ability to include ideas from the residents to blend policies and strategies for a positive future. Phillip Pounds is the Mayor we need for the City of Isle of Palms. His tireless energy, professionalism, and strategic thinking abilities will serve the city well.”

“As long time residents of Isle of Palms and parents of young children in this thriving island community, we are proud to offer our full support for Mayor Phillip Pounds as he seeks a second term in office. Over the past 4 years, Mayor Pounds has proven himself to be a dedicated, pragmatic and transparent leader, not because he speaks the loudest, but because he listens first, considers all voices, and then acts with purpose and integrity. 

We have watched Mayor Pounds take the time to meet and engage with our unique demographic of homeowners and residents, valuing every voice and ensuring that all perspectives are part of the conversation. He has hosted meetups at The Refuge, round table discussions at the rec center, and he and Laurie can be seen at countless local and family island events. To put it simply, Mayor Pounds makes himself accessible. He is not only a leader for the community, but he and Laurie are truly part of the community. 

Isle of Palms has been lucky to have him at the helm, and we believe his vision for maintaining environmental and economic stability, coupled with his commitment to resident quality of life are exactly what we need to protect this special island we call home.”

— Nancy and Pete Lempesis, IOP Residents

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Mayor Pounds for the mutual benefit of our neighboring communities. He has continued and enhanced the tradition of cooperation we have enjoyed for years. Phillip led the organization of our regional beach traffic group including local and county governments and agencies to better manage the impacts of the growing numbers of beach visitors. He is certainly an effective voice for his city in local and statewide groups.”

— Pat O’Neil, Sullivans Island Mayor

“My wife and I have been residents of the Isle of Palms for over 50 years. As such we have seen many Mayors come and go. We particularly like our current Mayor, Phillip Pounds because he is fair, a good listener and goes out of his way to be sure both sides have been heard. He has exhibited good leadership qualities during his term as Mayor.

Mayor Pounds on many occasions has held off from making a decision until all of the parties involved and affected by Councils actions have had an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. Mayor Pounds has weekly office hours to which he invites the citizens of our Island to drop by and share their thoughts and ask question of him. He also has weekly meet and greets for citizens to have coffee with him where he again learns of differing opinions on issues coming before council. We call this “Being a good Listener”.

We have both seen the Mayor go out of his way to allow Citizens to go past their allotted time at council meetings during Citizens Comments to be sure that they get to speak their piece. This is a great example of a Mayor who genuinely cares about the residents opinion’s and allows them a voice.

For these reasons and many others we hope you’ll join my wife and myself in supporting and voting to re-elect Phillip Pounds for our Mayor.”

— Sandy and Peggy Stone, IOP Residents

“Phillip Pounds has been a very good mayor. He has helped IOP through some difficult issues. I have personally known every mayor of the IOP. All have been excellent leaders but Phillip stands out. Nobody cares more about our beautiful island than Phillip and his leadership and guidance proves it. The IOP needs his continued leadership.”

— Tommy Hartnett, Former US House Representative and Long Time IOP Resident

“Mayor Phillip Pounds has gone above and beyond in his commitment and duties as Mayor of Isle of Palms. His integrity has never wavered in spite of negative and divisive tactics. We are honored to endorse Mayor Phillip Pounds to his reelection. Our Beach community would be so fortunate to have him lead us again.”

— Lisa and Billy Lempesis, IOP Residents

“I have the opportunity to work closely with Mayor Pounds on regional efforts in addition to serving alongside him on the board for the Association of SC Mayors where he serves as President. It is not uncommon for me to ask for wisdom on situations or collaborate on efforts. His strong leadership is a blessing to Isle of Palms and our region.”

— Christie Rainwater, Mayor, City of Hanahan

“I am 100% in support of Phillip Pounds’ candidacy to be reelected as Mayor of Isle of Palms.  During his first term he has successfully presided over the handling of a number of very important issues for the Island including, but not limited to, drainage problems, beach erosion and restoration, and the hiring of City staff in important leadership positions.  Prior to becoming Mayor he was Chair of the IOP Finance Committee where in that role, as well as subsequently as Mayor, he helped to keep the Island fiscally sound without an increase in City taxes.  He has calmly endured, with dignity and patience, more than a few personal attacks from a few people who seek to harm his political reputation with unfounded criticism.  He is one of the most transparent people I have ever met, making himself available to his constituents with weekly office hours and monthly coffees where he willingly chats with those who come to see him.  His leadership has IOP in good shape and his continued leadership will keep the Island going in the right direction.”

— Patsy Hindeman, IOP Resident