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Port Royal Elects First All-Female Council Leadership

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Residents of Port Royal engaging in a community meeting

News Summary

Port Royal has made a historic change in leadership with Alice Howard elected as chair and Anna Maria ‘Tab’ Tabernik as vice chair, being the first all-female team. Their focus is on restoring trust and transparency within the council, aiming to engage the community and address past issues of secrecy. The new leadership draws inspiration from past female leaders while promoting openness in governance, reflecting a renewed commitment to public involvement. The upcoming council workshop on January 8 is expected to set the tone for their administration.

Port Royal Makes History with New Leadership

Exciting times lie ahead for the charming community of Port Royal as the Beaufort County Council has officially elected Alice Howard as its new chair on January 2, making her the first woman to hold this important role. This marks a momentous occasion not only for Howard but also for Anna Maria “Tab” Tabernik, who is stepping in as vice chair. Together, they are the first all-female leadership team in the council’s history.

The Promise of Transparency

This dynamic duo is pledging to restore trust among the council and the community—a trust that has been sorely tested by years filled with secrecy, corruption, and backroom politics. The recent appointment of county administrator Michael Moore is expected to provide an extra boost to the council’s effectiveness as they aim to become more accessible and open to the public.

A Look Back at Female Leadership

Port Royal has a proud history of women in leadership positions. Harriet Keyserling made her mark as the first woman elected to the council way back in 1974. She initiated various community programs, including a public art piece dedicated to the legendary Robert Smalls and even oversaw the creation of the county logo through a local competition. Following in her footsteps, Martha Baumberger became the first female chair in 1985, known for her meticulous and facts-first decision-making style. Baumberger was also the first female mayor of Hilton Head, contributing to several community improvements during her tenure.

Setting High Standards

The influence of both Keyserling and Baumberger continues to inspire new leaders. Tabernik pointed out how women in leadership roles have had to jump through hoops to prove their competence in what have typically been male-dominated environments. Their historical achievements set a solid foundation for Howard and Tabernik as they strive to follow suit.

The Push for Openness

Under the previous leadership of Joe Passiment, the council faced harsh critique for its lack of transparency, particularly concerning a private meeting to talk about funding for the crucial U.S. 278 bridge project. Many council members expressed their frustrations about feeling excluded from crucial discussions. This frustrated sentiment was echoed by council member Tom Reitz, who emphasized the importance of open dialogues that affect constituents’ lives directly.

Legal Obligations

South Carolina law requires that committee and subcommittee meetings are public, a rule that the past leadership seemed to overlook. This led to an outcry for more open governance. Howard’s primary goal as chair is to drastically reduce the number of executive sessions. Instead, an atmosphere of open discussions during workshops will be encouraged, promoting a culture of collaboration and transparency.

Looking Ahead

The council has plans to explore alternative funding for the Highway 278 project, especially after the recent rejection of a sales tax increase by voters. The excitement is building as the first county council workshop under Howard’s direction is set for January 8, followed by a regular session on January 13. The people of Port Royal are hopeful, ready to engage, and eager to see how the new leadership will shape their future.

Community Engagement is Key

The transition to new leadership brings a renewed sense of optimism and responsibility to the Beaufort County Council. With promises of transparency and community engagement, citizens are waiting anxiously to see how this fresh start will unfold in the months to come. It’s a thrilling time to witness history in the making, and everyone is encouraged to participate in the upcoming council activities to hold their representatives accountable.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort County Council Updates Meeting Schedule for Residents
Hilton Head Town Council Faces Scrutiny Over U.S. 278 Project
Port Royal Mourns the Loss of Beloved Former Mayor
Alice Howard Elected New Chairperson of Beaufort County Council
BriteCap Financial Expands Its Leadership Team

Additional Resources

Port Royal Elects First All-Female Council Leadership

HERE Beaufort
Author: HERE Beaufort

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