October 2, 2018 – This week the club was privileged to host a Candidates Forum moderated by Past Presidents Andy Brack and Mark Smith. Charleston County Council candidates Jenny Honeycutt, Joe Boykin, Herb Sass, and 
Donna Newton attended and were given an opportunity to answer questions from members.
Mark explained the format, which began with each candidate giving a 2 minute introduction. Each question would then be presented to one candidate to answer with others having an opportunity to respond or weigh in after the answer.
Jenny Honeycutt, candidate for District 9, began the introductions and described her 3 part platform: “Safe Roads, Smart Growth, and Sound Leadership”. She believes her support of the completion of I-526 played a large role in her primary victory over an 8 year incumbent.
Joe Boykin is running for District 8. He is a retired federal agent and local law enforcement officer. Joe responded to the Emanuel 9 shooting and many other significant cases. he said his campaign has united Republicans and Democrats and introduced his campaign manager Abe Jenkins, grandson of Esau Jenkins, the renowned civil rights leader from Johns Island.
Herb Sass is an incumbent representing District 1. He stressed the importance of quality of life that makes Charleston such a great place to live. It is what attracts so many to Charleston, but with this growth we need to make sure that the quality of life is maintained.
Donna Brown Newton, is running for District 2. Her background is in education with a long career working for Charleston County School District. She is a lifelong resident of the county and wants to control the rapid growth that she has witnessed in Mount Pleasant and the rest of the county.
The first question was to Ms. Honeycutt regarding flooding. Ms. Honeycutt said she has been talking to organizations such as Charleston Waterkeepers and Charleston County Public Works and there are creative measures that can be taken to reduce flood risk that need to be employed. Also proper maintenance of outfalls and ditches needs to be addressed.
Mr. Boykin was asked a question about how Council could be a better steward of the public’s tax dollars. He said he thought the Council has not done their required due diligence in the past on many matters, citing the Naval Hospital and the new Recycling Center. He felt it was important to get a Recycling Center that can to serve the three counties, even if that meant delaying the completion. Donna Brown Newton said she thought more studies were needed on use of the Naval Hospital. That there are needs in the area, often cited as a “food desert”, and the central location of the site should be attractive for other uses.
The next question was about what things can be done to improve the Public School System. Mr. Sass said that having educated workers for our thriving economy is critical and that we have to support public schools to make that happen. Ms. Newton said that charter and magnet schools need to be looked at. She did not think that students in rural parts of the county are being served well by the current system. Mr. Boykin stressed the importance of vocational training in schools which was well received by the crowd.
Ms. Newton was asked about how to manage growth. She said we need to expand public transit in order to reduce the number of cars on the road. We also need to make sure that roads are built before the development, and she pointed to what has happened with SC 41 in her district. Developers need to be responsible for impacts of development. Joe Boykin mentioned that we need to look into a Public Facilities Ordinance to better ensure that developers are participating in getting infrastructure to support the added people and vehicles that their developments bring in.
A question was asked to Jenny Honeycutt about whether she supported term limits – she responded yes and there was concurrence among all the candidates in support of term limits.
Another flooding question was asked to Joe Boykin. He stressed the importance of maintenance, and that sometimes it is a challenge to determine whether county, DOT, or a municipality is responsible for an easement. He also said the practice of building up areas within flood zone with dirt to get above flood elevation has a negative impact on surrounding areas. Homes need to be elevated but not by fill dirt. Mr. Sass said much progress has been made since the 2015 flood in identifying many easements that were not being maintained and getting those on the list for maintenance.
Herb Sass was asked about the Recycling Center and he explained that the director, who is no longer with the County, approved changes to the facility that caused the issue, but he believes the project is back on track to serve as regional recycling center.
Donna Brown Newton was asked if the County should impose taxes on the State Ports Authority. She said that would be fair considering the effects of the trucks on our roads. Mr. Boykin said he was not sure there would be a legal way to do that, since SPA is a state agency.
The question was asked to Jenny Honeycutt if completion of I-526 was critical. She reiterated that she fully supports completion. Joe Boykin said he supports the project as well, but did not think that any ½ cent sales tax funds should be used. Only funds left over from the original ½ cent sales tax, after completion of needed projects should be used. Donna Newton said she was opposed to completion of I-526.
Each candidate offered brief closing remarks. Donna Newton said she is not a politician and had not run for office before. She wants to represent everyone in the county, not just her District. Herb Sass said there is much work to do such as construction new libraries and ½ cent sales tax road program. Joe Boykin said it was important to bring integrity and common sense to council. Jenny Honeycutt said the county needs safe roads, smart growth and sound leadership and thanked the club for the opportunity to answer the important questions raised.
After the forum concluded, President Alex Dallas thanked Andy and Mark for the work they did putting together the program.
– Jeff Webb, Keyway Committee
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
• Past President Paul Stoney gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
• President-Elect Sandy Morckel introduced our Visiting Rotarians and guests.
• President Alex Dallis presented Health and Happiness
Past President Andy Brack and Mark Smith introduced our program and served as moderators for the Charleston County Candidate Forum. Candidates Herb Sass, Donna Newton, Jenny Honeycutt and Joe Boykin participated in the forum.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
October 9, 2018 | Issue 4906 | President: Alex Dallis
COMING EVENTS
- October 9 – No Meeting
- October 16 – James Smith, Gubernatorial Candidate
- October 23 – Henry McMaster, Gubernatorial Candidate
- October 30 – Kate Arrington & Joe Cunningham
NEWS BRIEFS
Thank You for the Food Donations
A big thank you to all the Rotarians who answered the call from the Salvation Army and brought in food donations this past Tuesday! This is one way our club is helping with the Hurricane Florence recovery efforts in our community. The Salvation Army’s cupboards were low due to the distribution of many food packages to the needy prior to the storm. Also, many in our community used their meager resources to pay for evacuation only to return with no ability to buy food. Your donations were much needed and appreciated and will go to help those in need in our community. Thank you for your hands on Service Above Self!
New Member Meeting
All new members who have not attended a previous New Member Meeting should plan to attend the next session which will be held on Tuesday, October 23 at 11:15am upstairs at Faber. The Past President duo of Brian Johnson and Digit Matheny will conduct this meeting to get new members oriented to our club and Rotary International. Attending this meeting is one of the requirements of all Red Badgers.
Adopt-A-Highway Rescheduled For Oct. 27th
We will be having our Adopt-A-Highway cleanup on Saturday, October 27th at 10 a.m. Volunteers should plan to meet at the corner of Bee and Lockwood. Gloves, reflective vests and trash bags will be provided. Please contact Brett Barry if you would like to participate — [email protected]
Our Club is on Instagram
Our club launched an Instagram account this week. Please be sure to follow us at @ChasRotaryClub, which is our Twitter handle, as well.
Members are encourage to follow all of our social media channels and share posts with their followers too! We also need members to send us picture of anything they do that relates to Rotary – service projects, meetings, events, etc. We would love to keep our accounts full of smiling Rotarians! Photos can be send to Mike Sottak, [email protected], or Rob Byko, [email protected].
Youth Exchange Host Family Needed December – February
Our club is seeking a host family for our Inbound Rotary Exchange student from December 2018 – February 2019. Our Club’s Inbound student, Lucia Violani, who is from Italy, is 17 years old and attending the Charleston Charter School for Math & Science. Please note that having other school age children in your home is not a requirement for hosting.
As you know, the secondary student program offers an opportunity for you and your family to experience firsthand the richness and diversity of a culture different from your own, and for you to exemplify American values and culture to a foreign visitor. Approximately 25,000 high school students from around the world participate in this program each year. The good will of American host families in opening their homes to these young international visitors is vital to this program’s success. The health, safety, and well-being of the young people who participate in this program are our highest priority. A host family has many responsibilities, the most important of which is properly caring for an international student during the course of his/her program. The student is a guest in your home and how you relate with this student will create a lasting image of our country and its people. It also offers you and your family a unique, rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Please let Karen Clark now as soon as possible if you are able to consider this Hosting opportunity. If you are interested, either Karen or Richard Sidebottom will contact you to discuss further. We appreciate your consideration and thank you for your support of this great program!
East Cooper Rotary Speakeasy
The East Cooper Rotary Club will be hosting their 3rd annual East Cooper Speakeasy- Prohibition for a Cause on October 13th from 7 to 11 pm at the Sweetgrass Event Center in Mount Pleasant. This year the two named charities benefitting from the fundraiser will be East Cooper Community Outreach and East Cooper Meals on Wheels. Money from the fundraiser will also benefit their club charities such as Happy Feet, Polio Plus, and Toys for Tots. Tickets are $100 and includes food, open bar, live music, games, dancing, and one chance at Grand Prize Raffle. You can go to the event website for additional information –www.eastcooperspeakeasy.com.
Rotary Day at the South Carolina State Fair
Join Main Street Rotary Club for the LARGEST ROTARY MEETING in SC at the inaugural Rotary Day at the State Fair on Thursday, October 18th! It will be a fun-full day of fellowship, celebration and ‘HISTORY’ making as we start a new Rotary tradition in South Carolina. This historical day will feature activities for all ages, commemorative keepsakes, and an attempt to break a State and World Record! Come for part or all of it and bring your families, friends, potential new members, or anyone looking to learn more about ‘Service Above Self’.
Advance commemorative package includes entrance ticket to SC State Fair, celebratory t-shirt, custom wrist band, “Rotary” Ferris Wheel ride, opportunity to set a world record. Packages are $25 for an individual or $80 for a family of 4. Free entrance for Children under 5.
For more information on event details or participating in the world record, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/358749591326951/?ti=icl.
Join the PR Committee and Earn Service Hours, too! (Fame, notoriety and recognition from your peers is FREE!)
We’re looking for 3 to 4 Rotarians to help us spread the word about our Club through various communications channels. Your contributions will reach countless Club members, family and friends, as well as the local community at-large more than 36-times a year! Your feature stories and timely coverage of Rotary Club events may also be picked up by District, National and International Rotary news channels.
Don’t worry if your’re not an expert techie, can’t write like Hemingway and Pat Conroy, or wield a camera like Steve McCurry or Annie Leibovitz – our super-qualified A-team will be right there to support your efforts with training and guidance you’ll need to see your by-line and photo-credit circulation grow to an epic scale.
Social Media Manager: Work with team members, committee heads and the Board on developing, publishing and promoting social media content for the Club. Active channels now include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Familiarity with these or emerging platforms will be helpful, as will knowledge of what makes for successful SM content. Experience with search optimization techniques will earn you immediate MVP status. While your own exposure to Social Media is helpful, it is not essential. The team will gladly train our e-challenged volunteers, too!
Keyway Production Manager: Work with co-chairs, Keyway editor and our content development team to publish our weekly newsletter on club web site. Familiarity with web publishing and content managing systems (e.g WordPress) a plus.
Keyway Content Developers: Copywriters & storytellers who can develop short-form, original content including summary articles, possibly combined with team-generated photos and/video content, to provide coverage of weekly meetings and presenters, as well as occasionally produce special features on past or upcoming club events, special projects and fundraisers.
So if you are interested in maximizing your Rotary experience, this is your chance to create an immediate and long-lasting impact on how our Club is regarded by current and prospective members. You will also be shaping how our Club will be recognized by our peers, our community and by Rotary International for the good work of our members.
Join the Charleston Rotary Press Corps and help generate that buzz! Contact Mike Sottak, [email protected], or Rob Byko, [email protected], for more information.
MEMBER NEWS
Member News
Welcome to our newest Rotarian, Zac Jones! Zac was introduced and sponsored by Kurt Seguer. He will hold the classification of Insurance. We are excited to have Zac as a member!
Congratulations to Chad Woodell, who received his BLUE membership badge this past Tuesday! Chad has been an active new member and successfully
completed all the requirements of a Red Badge member.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Tom Giovanniello
- Joined: 2017
- Sponsor: President-Elect Sandy Morckel
- Membership Involvement: Boat Parade Committee, Public Relations Committee
- Classification: Media/Publishing
- Profession: Magazine Publisher
- Something Unique About Yourself: Tom likes Melba Toast
Birthdays
- October 9 – Cleave Ham
- October 19 – Brian Johnson
By the numbers
Attendance on October 2, 2018: 71
Not in attendance: Allen, Baggs, Bailey, Baus, Beam, Berlin, Bodkin, Bullard, Carico, Channell, Chico, Coghill, Cole, Cooper, E., Cooper, J., Cooper, M., Deavenport, DeGraff, Drafts, Embry, Finniff, Galizia, Gill, Hudnall, Husser, Jones, C., Kaynard, Kerrigan, Krumwiede, LaMotte, Livingston, Marty, Matheny, Morris, Plotner, Prewitt, Ravenel, Riley, Rust, Saboe, Schmidt, Sottak, Stokes, Strickland, Taylor, E., Taylor, T., Tecklenburg, John, Welborn, Whitaker, Willey
Out of Town Make-ups: None
WELLNESS TIP
Have Fun with Fitness
Improve your fitness this fall: Try a less-conventional workout to spruce up your regimen.
Break out of your fitness rut by taking a ballroom dance class or a mind-body workout such as yoga, Pilates, or Tai chi. You’ll be energized and more likely to stick with it.
AREA CLUB MEETINGS
Mondays
- Summerville – Oakbrook: 7:30 a.m., Monday, Westcott County Club, 5000 Wescott Club Drive, North Charleston
- North Charleston: 12:30 a.m., Monday, Hilton Garden Inn, 5265 International Blvd, North Charleston.
- Summerville Evening: 5:30 p.m., Monday, Montreux Bar and Grill, 127 W. Richardson Ave., Summerville
Tuesdays
- East Cooper Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Cooper River Room at Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant
- Charleston: 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber, Charleston
- Goose Creek: 12:45 m. Tuesday, Gilligan’s, 219 St. James Ave., Goose Creek
Wednesdays
- Daniel Island: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Daniel Island Club, 600 Island Park Dr., Daniel Island
- St. John’s Parish (John’s Island): 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, 2817 Maybank Highway, Unit 1, John’s Island
- Mount Pleasant: 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Harbor Breeze Restaurant, 176 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant
- Summerville: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sticky Fingers, Summerville
Thursdays
- North Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Embassy Suites, 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston
- Moncks Corner: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Gilligan’s Restaurant, Moncks Corner
- St. Andrews (West Ashley): 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Bessinger’s BBQ, 1602 Savannah Highway, Charleston.
Fridays
- Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m., Friday, Harbour Club, 35 Prioleau St., Charleston
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our Rotary club actively uses social media — and we encourage you to interact with us through social media.
- We’re on Facebook. Take a look at our page and be sure to “like us”.
- We’re on Twitter. You can follow us @chasrotaryclub.
ABOUT THE KEYWAY
The Keyway has been published weekly as a newsletter for the Rotary Club of Charleston for more than 90 years.
- President: Alex Dallis
- Keyway editor: Don Baus [email protected]
- Executive secretary: Carroll Schweers, [email protected]
- Mailing address: Rotary Club of Charleston, P.O. Box 21029 ,Charleston, SC 29413-1029
- Copyright 2018, Rotary Club of Charleston. All rights reserved.