IOP Council Election Update: Streetman Edges Smith In Narrow IOP Election Runoff
Election night on Isle of Palms proved to be a close contest between two former council members seeking a second term as a runoff will be needed to settle the special election. Residents will be returning to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 19 to decide the newest member of IOP City Council.
Candidates Rusty Streetman and Susan Hill Smith, both longtime island residents, will reappear on the ballot after neither secured a majority of the vote on Nov. 5. Streetman received 1,270 votes (40.7%) and Smith tallied 1,164 votes (37.3%), while Josh Hooser collected 670 votes (21.4%), according to the South Carolina Election Commission.
Streetman, who previously served on council from 2020-23, and Smith, who served from 2018-2021, worked on council together for two years when their first term overlapped. Both decided to run again in August when former council member Elizabeth Campsen, the top vote-getter in the city’s 2023 election, resigned and vacated her seat due to a change in residency.
Streetman’s platform and top priorities are built around storm drainage efficiency, increased traffic flow, better parking solutions, waterway maintenance and beach restoration. Public safety is a chief concern to Streetman as well as finding resources to accommodate growing numbers of visitors to the island.
“Our council has accomplished many things, but there’s still much to do,” Streetman said. “And because I am familiar with all of these issues from a previous council term, I want to be part of their solutions in order to keep Isle of Palms the kind of place many people like to come and enjoy.”
Smith’s platform and top priorities consist of flood resiliency, proactive beach preservation, and resolving traffic challenges and livability issues. She is the co-founder of the IOP Cleanup Crew and also spearheaded the city’s Environmental Advisory Committee. Smith currently serves on the Community Enrichment Task Force.
“I want to use my talents to strengthen our vibrant community as we face critical challenges,” Smith said. “With my background in communications, I provide a solutions-based approach, a collaborative spirit and an eye on the future.”
For more information about each of these candidates, visit isleofpalmspodcast.com.
By Zach Giroux
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