The choice is Samples in Surfside Beach
Mayor Doug Samples’ leadership is serving Surfside Beach very well and needs to continue. He promised four years ago to improve the family beach without changing its character. He is getting that done.
Because of foresight, good management and hard work, our town stayed safe during the October flood that devastated surrounding areas. Also by foresight, good management and hard work, the town’s Community Rating by FEMA was raised from a 9 to a 5. This will result in lowered flood insurance premiums for many.
The town is now financially sound, to the point that an important piece of the town’s history (Ark Plantation) could be saved from development without incurring debt. Appearance standards for commercial areas are in place. For instance, notice the new landscaping in the huge Burke’s parking lot. That eyesore strip mall on 17 Business South is gone and the frontage road from Glenns Bay to the water park will be resurfaced very shortly. Surfside Drive is being beautified. Work with SCDOT to improve the safety and appearance of Business 17 through town is ongoing.
Volunteer citizen committees are flourishing with more activities for seniors, pretty hanging flower baskets, and business involvement. A town historical society has been formed.
The mayor’s “salary” is $7,200 per year. Doug Samples has put his heart, soul, and a great deal of time and effort into the Family Beach because he cares very deeply. Let’s re-elect him and vote for candidates who support him.
Vera Craddock, Surfside Beach
This story was originally published March 30, 2016 at 10:05 PM with the headline "The choice is Samples in Surfside Beach."