Keep political party considerations out of Hilton Head town council, a councilman writes

Nonpartisan elections

I was distressed to see party politics inserted into our recent local elections, putting our community at risk of being split down the middle like our nation. Local votes should be cast in the context of local issues — ones that we can discuss and actually affect. Hilton Head Island’s Municipal Code stipulates town elections are to be nonpartisan, and it has been so since incorporation in 1983. However, this year campaign mailers suggested which particular candidates were deemed as having “Republican Party values.” A new islander asked on the social media site Nextdoor, “which candidate is the most conservative?”as though political opinions about abortion, the border and national defense are somehow relevant in addressing local circumstances. This letter is not about any particular party or its politics. “Democratic Party values” in our elections are equally out of place. In previous elections, citizens have been unaware of party affiliations of candidates and were concerned about a candidate’s service to the community, knowledge of local issues and integrity. These central qualifications become secondary when party allegiance is a vote by default. Remember the anthem, “One island. One community.” Let’s make sure we keep it that way. Neighbor to neighbor.

David Ames, ward 3 Town Council representative, Hilton Head

Thanksgiving Miracle

I would like to thank all the strangers who were so unbelievably kind in helping me save my little dog, Fred, from being killed on 278 in front of Shelter Cove. He had gotten out of the car and was running about the parking lot in front of Kroger’s and then headed across 278 to the bike path that runs along the Palmetto Dunes golf course. So my unending gratitude: to the sweet man in Kroger’s parking lot who gave me a ride on his golf cart, trying to catch my dog; to the lovely lady in the black Cadillac who stopped her car on 278 and was running down the bike path; to the wonderful man (and, please forgive me, you gave me your name but I was in such shock, it didn’t register) who picked me up in his car to tell me they had my dog and then drove me to my car; to, I believe it was his son, the young man holding my dog at the entrance to Palmetto Dunes; and finally to all the cars on 278 at about noon on Thursday, November 17th, who stopped for a crazy lady chasing her dog across the road screaming, “No. No.” This story could have ended so tragically and didn’t because of all of you good people. Happy Thanksgiving and all my gratitude to you all!

Jessica Murphey, Hilton Head

Grandma rocking babies to sleep

I am a grandmother of four granddaughters. The youngest is one. For me to hold this precious child in my arms and say, “Here is Grammy.” She feels my heart beat and I feel hers. I listen to her coo cooing. Her perfect little hands reach for me. Even after this little girl falls asleep I enjoy to hold her in my arms to pray. The human touch is something that is priceless. I was raised with many hugs. My mom would say four a day is good. They help you grow. While Grammy is at my granddaughters home it is my wish to hold her so much. Another relative commented the parents do not have time to rock, to hold, to pray. Well, hello, that is why God made grandparents. This little baby is only 1 year old for a short time. Rocking a baby to sleep does no harm.

Grammy Maureen Glynn Wilson, Bluffton

RISEE ACT

Recently, Representative Nancy Mace once again took a bipartisan step in the best interests of the Lowcountry, the nation and the planet. She became a co-sponsor of the RISEE ACT officially named, Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems.If the bill passes, it will free up funds currently focused on the Gulf of Mexico and make them available to coastal states for coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and research to protect fisheries and all marine ecosystems. Watching the tides in front of my house and the storm damage on Hunting Island, I’ll be personally happy, as many of you, to have these resources available. In addition, the bill will make 50% of the funds from offshore wind leases available to neighboring coastal states. As an advocate for addressing climate change, I know development of wind and solar production is critical to our future safety. The RISSEE ACT makes an important contribution toward that end. The bill will fail without bipartisan support. Unfortunately, bipartisanship is a bruising endeavor in our Congress. Please express your appreciation to Congresswoman Mace and let Senators Graham and Scott know that we want them on board too. Call, email or go to cclusa.org/write.

Tim Joy, Chapter Leader, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Beaufort