Introducing himself as "an independent voice for all," Rusty Streetman recently announced his intentions to file for the open seat on the Isle of Palms City Council. On the heels of Elizabeth Campsen's resignation, Streetman — himself a former Isle of Palms council member — is making his bid to take over a seat that comes with a term of three years plus. A special election to vote in a new council member is slated for Nov.
5. "There’s been significant good, and positive progress made on the major issues being dealt with on the island, but there’s still much to do," said Streetman in his Facebook post. "I firmly believe I will be an independent and positive council member to further address the priorities and challenges we face.
Working with other council members in a collaborative and collegial way will go a long way towards achieving success on the island issues." He also communicated his list of top priorities for the island. 1.
Drainage issues and continuing the significant progress that’s been made with the recently completed Phase 3 Outfalls at 30th, 36th, and 41st Avenues, by effectively addressing Phase 4 drainage improvements. This includes solutions to the drainage ditches and low lying areas on Palm Blvd, Waterway Blvd and Ocean Blvd. Along with the above, assure our existing beach access paths drain properly, as many are frequently flooded during named storms and ongoing torrential rains.
2. Continued focus on safety and traffic on the island [and] keeping the island a safe place to live and visit. We are a residential island first and our residents best interests should always be top of mind as we deliberate.
3. Keep studying and researching better parking solutions, especially on Palm Blvd. Along with that, put in place enhancements on Palm Blvd that incorporate better safety for pedestrians, cyclists , and motorists.
Speaking of enhancements, effectively, and as quickly as possible, implement the improvements needed to elevate the Waterway Blvd Multi-Use Path project, which is critical to the safety of our residents and visitors as they walk, run and bike in that area. 4. Beach maintenance and restoration solutions are absolutely necessary to keep and maintain IOP as a wonderful place to live and visit.
The stability of our beaches, the beauty and the cleanliness is what we are known for. We have to effectively address ongoing erosion issues in the “hot spots” on either end of the island, as well as a sensible Sea Level Rise plans to address our vulnerabilities. It’s a critical part of environmental stewardship ,and it drives our economic success.
5. Livability issues and effective enforcement of our rules and ordinances must be continued, and even improved..
