Sidewalks, drainage and roads top candidates' lists in James Island forum

Infrastructure—particularly sidewalks, drainage and roads—dominated the forum discussion. Candidates described practical examples of failures and offered concrete priorities: connect fragmented sidewalks, prioritize drainage upgrades before approving high-density developments, and require developers to contribute to roads and drainage improvements.

Caroline Parker, who said she "prioritize[s] completing sidewalks" on James Island, called for connecting sidewalks that stop and start across the island. Adam Friend identified Maybank Highway and Folly Road as priority corridors for congestion relief, and several candidates urged an "infrastructure-first" approach so that roads and drainage are ready before approving new projects. "We cannot continue approving large scale growth without first ensuring that roads, drainage, schools, public safety, and infrastructure can support the people that are already here," Friend said. Candidates including Carl Walker described hands-on road and culvert work and proposed clearer procurement and project-specification rules so local dollars stretch further.