New leadership at the top is headed to Atlantic Beach as historically Black town defines future
Atlantic Beach voters will have big decisions to make at next month’s polls as they opt for a new mayor and flip the council by at least one new member on the panel.
Those officials are set to talk about how to handle growth and development issues in the historically Black town sandwiched in North Myrtle Beach.
Mayoral candidate Josephine Isom and council candidates Jacqui Gore, Shaun Swinson and Carla Taylor did not reply to the The Sun News’ questionnaire.
John David Jr. is running for mayor and Jerry Leo Finney is seeking a council seat.
Swinson, convicted of felony drug charges in Virginia, spent 72 months in prison.
Some answers have been edited for length.
John David
Age: 53
Past/present elected office: Elected to Atlantic Beach town council in January
Occupation: retired veteran nurse officer for the U.S. Public Health Service and U.S. Air Force
Education: bachelor’s degree in nursing from North Carolina A&T, master’s degree from Troy State University.
Political affiliation: non-partisan
Past/present bankruptcies, tax liens or felony convictions: none
Q: Is the proposed $100 million condotel project that is now the subject of a lawsuit a good fit for the town? Why or why not?
A: The current hotel and condo development project plan is NOT a responsible development for Atlantic Beach. Atlantic Beach is a historical and cultural treasure.The project poses challenges to the community infrastructure, the natural habitat along the shore, traffic congestion in the town and most of all preservation of our historical structures. We must protect our natural habitats, maintain public beach access, and consider the impact on our local infrastructure and ecosystems.
Q: Are you in favor of connecting Atlantic Beach to North Myrtle Beach or Horry County?
A: I am not in favor of the newly proposed Wiley or Madison connectors. This project will immediately bring new and increased traffic into the town. This new road will overload the current very small single lane road, and if expansion is required to support the projected traffic volumes the construction will displace many of our long-time residents in Atlantic Beach and North Myrtle Beach.
Q: How can Atlantic Beach remain economically viable over the next decade?
A: Our history is rich, and the community is working hard to document and preserve this history. In addition to the historic preservation grants that the Town has received, we are also focused on reasonable and responsible growth. Atlantic Beach can remain economically viable by capitalizing on the current growth and development along with creating a forward-looking plan to support our community.
Q: Should Atlantic Beach consider outsourcing any more of its services to North Myrtle Beach or Horry County?
A: Atlantic Beach has the right balance of utilization of services currently.
Jerry Leo Finney
Age: 59
Past/present elected office: none
Occupation: attorney
Education: bachelor’s degree in political science from Talladega College and law degree from University of South Carolina Law School
Political affiliation: non-partisan
Past/present bankruptcies, tax liens or felony convictions: none
Q: Is the proposed $100 million “condotel” project that is now the subject of a lawsuit a good fit for the town? Why or why not?
A: I do not support the development of the 21-story condotel. Atlantic Beach currently faces one of the highest tax rates in Horry County. To address this, we must rethink our approach to finances. Exploring new revenue sources can have an immediate impact. Our focus for Main Street should be on quality, low-scale developments that enhance the community’s character and provide enjoyable experiences for our residents and visitors. As a lawyer, I support the 1930s deed restrictions limiting oceanfront development to residential construction. I believe in upholding these restrictions and following the law as written. Any ordinances rooted in misinformation should be eliminated. Together, we can improve our town.
Q: Are you in favor of connecting Atlantic Beach to North Myrtle Beach or Horry County?
A: No, I am not in favor of connecting Atlantic Beach to North Myrtle Beach with the newly proposed Wiley or Madison Connectors as recommended by the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study. I would internally assess Atlantic Beach’s road infrastructure and collaborate with the council to address town needs, aiming to enhance our community without introducing unnecessary traffic from external connections.
Q: How can Atlantic Beach remain economically viable over the next decade?
A: Atlantic Beach’s greatest asset is the people of Atlantic Beach. Atlantic Beach continues to attract families and business people who are looking for a quality of life that has long since disappeared in the neighboring cities in order to enjoy a slower, more serene community with less traffic. Atlantic Beach enjoys an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Grand Strand to the north and south. Growth is occurring in Atlantic Beach with no inducements, incentives, grants, or abatements – and without revenues from high-rise condos. Atlantic Beach property values are rising. One result of revitalizing the existing community is the steady increase in demand and the rising sale prices of vacant land.
Q: Should Atlantic Beach consider outsourcing any more of its services to North Myrtle Beach or Horry County?
A: Currently, I do not think Atlantic Beach should consider outsourcing any more of its services to North Myrtle Beach or Horry County.
