Is North Charleston's District 1 Election the Most Controversial Vote of 2024? Don't Miss This!

NORTH CHARLESTON — Voters in District 1 will head to the polls on January 13 to select a new council member, a position left vacant by former Councilman Mike Brown, who resigned after pleading guilty to federal charges in a significant corruption investigation. This election marks a pivotal moment for the district, which has been without representation since February when Governor Henry McMaster suspended Brown following the emergence of serious allegations against him.

The district encompasses a portion of North Charleston between Dorchester Road and the Ashley River. With six candidates vying for the seat, this election signifies an important step towards restoring full council representation for the first time in nearly a year. In the past, two other council members, Jerome Heyward and Sandino Moses, also faced charges in the corruption case, leading to their resignations in February. Both men pleaded guilty to their respective charges, and a special election held in May successfully filled the District 3 and District 5 seats.

As District 1 voters prepare for the upcoming election, they can visit scVOTES.gov to find their polling locations. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is worth noting that North Charleston operates on a plurality voting system, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins outright, and there will be no runoff election.

Meet the Candidates

Six candidates are on the ballot, each proposing their vision for the future of District 1.

Ed Astle is a retired Navy veteran who has lived in the Forest Hills neighborhood for about 45 years. He previously served as the District 1 council member from 2007 to 2015 and was involved with the Charleston Area Transportation Committee, or CARTA. His priorities include restoring trust in the council, advocating for increased recreational facilities, and collaborating with developers to enhance infrastructure in light of new developments.

Adrian DeSaussure, a native of North Charleston and also a Forest Hills resident, brings over 25 years of community service experience, notably in youth mentorship roles with the North Charleston Housing Authority and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. He aims to promote smart growth to prevent urban sprawl, support small businesses, and enhance community engagement with law enforcement to foster a proactive rather than reactive approach.

Greg Perry has lived in North Charleston his entire life and currently resides in The Park at Rivers Edge. He works for the South Carolina Community Loan Fund, a nonprofit organization focused on affordable housing and small business growth in underserved communities. His campaign focuses on improving public safety through better street lighting, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing public parks.

Kevin Walker-Porcher, who has experience in the mortgage lending sector, emphasizes the development of a new park in the district. He proposes an independent study to evaluate infrastructure needs, particularly relating to traffic issues on Dorchester and Ashley Phosphate roads. Walker-Porcher advocates for pedestrian-friendly improvements, including expanded sidewalks and crosswalks, along with revitalizing the local Festival Center shopping area to attract more businesses.

Dwayne Schalles, a 30-year resident of the area who currently lives off Lambs Road, works in wholesale marine supplies. He has a passion for swimming and has coached the local U.S. Masters Swimming team. Schalles is focused on advocating for continuous sidewalks along Dorchester Road to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety and securing more funding for community programs. He supports implementing term limits for council members.

Libby Tisdale has been an active leader in her community as the president of the Forest Hills I Civic Association for the past five years. With over 30 years of residency in the neighborhood, Tisdale is committed to ensuring that residents are informed and represented effectively. Her main goal is to serve as a direct link between the community and City Hall, hosting quarterly virtual town hall meetings to keep constituents engaged.

The upcoming election in District 1 of North Charleston not only holds the promise of restoring representation but also allows voters to choose candidates who prioritize community engagement, safety, and development amidst the backdrop of a recent corruption scandal. As the January 13 date approaches, the decisions made by District 1 voters could significantly impact the future direction of their neighborhood and its governance.