Getting to Know the City Council Candidates: The Music Edition
Election for open seat will begin November 8
For businesses and residents, music can be a tricky issue on Folly Beach. Almost everyone appreciates and enjoys a good live performance, but our different tastes, styles, and bedtimes make for a diverse mix of opinions on Folly Beach.
For our music edition, we revisit each of the five candidates for the open council seat. (After the first candidate’s answers, the questions are abbreviated).
Some questions are meant to be fun, to help readers get to know the candidates as people. Others deal more directly with the issues facing our community.
Mark your calendar to come to the Community Center on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 7 pm, for the Civic Club’s Meet the Candidates forum. Each candidate will give a four minute speech, followed by a question and answer period from the audience.
Lewis Dodson
512 East Cooper Ave.
What is the best or most memorable concert you’ve seen on Folly Beach?
Every time Eric Penrod plays. That guy is great.
Pick out a song to represent your campaign
Leonard Cohen, “I’m Your Man”
All successful bands, like municipalities, have leaders. Tell us about your leadership experience and how you plan to inspire people to follow your lead as a council member.
Actually, in high school and college, I was the lead singer in a band. We were not as good as we thought we were, but we always rocked. Aside from my days as a rock band front man, I tend to seek leadership positions. I believe in getting things done. In high school and college I was the president of several different organizations. I like taking on responsibility — that way, I know it will be done right. I am willing to work with others and see that the job gets done.
How do you feel about Folly Beach’s off-season festivals (ie. Follypalooza,Folly Gras, Taste of Folly, Sea and Sand)? (It’s okay to feel differently about one than another). Some people have called for limiting these events, citing traffic and noise issues. Others see it as a boon to Folly businesses and a chance to bring the community together. Do you support these events or think the city should consider restrictions on the current schedule?
I personally love the festivals. It doesn’t get too cold on Folly, but sometimes the winter closes in. The off-season festivals are great for going outside and seeing everyone again; like a little piece of spring. They are a family friendly, great way to raise money for the city and a few worthy causes. The festivals are short and if you plan ahead, they are easily avoidable (if that’s your thing). We are a community, and what better way to stay connected than to gather and congregate? Festivals like the ones on Folly Beach are what small towns are all about. Another reason the festivals are important is they give our businesses a much-needed reprieve. We have a great selection of places to eat and watering holes — let’s not close them down by not supporting them through the hard times. I know my business relies on these festivals to stay open.
What are your thoughts on ‘noise’ from music along Center Street?
This has been a reoccurring issue in recent years, with the city even recording outdoor music levels with a decibel meter. More restrictions needed? Less? There are residents who complain that music is often too loud and audible from their homes, while some businesses and patrons complain that they’re unfairly forced to cut off hired musicians when the police receive complaint calls from the same residences repeatedly.
I think residents have a right to peace in their own homes. I think businesses have a right to take advantage of live music bringing people in. There is a balance. We need to find that balance and maintain it. I think there have been fewer problems lately then in the past. We can keep seeking that balance.
Let’s go ahead and tackle a biggie. Do you support any changes to the existing open container laws that allow drinking from a cup on the beach?
As a resident of Folly Beach I do not support any changes to the existing open container laws that allow drinking from a cup on the beach. My ideal evening in the sand involves a cold beer, a bocce set and good friends. I do not think we need any more rules — we need to enforce the ones we have. However, that is my opinion and not law. As a City Council member I would seek the majority’s vote on this issue. It is a government’s job to fulfill the will of the people, not for the people in government to exact their will. Another great benefit of a small town is that we can make referendums on these types of issues and let the majority decide. Keep Folly Funky!
Lewis Dodson can be reached at lewisdodsonforfolly@gmail.com
Sandra Hickman
710 East Erie Ave.
What is the best or most memorable concert you’ve seen onFolly Beach?
LANDSHARKS playing at the old Holiday Inn after the Sea and Sand Festival.
Pick out a song that represents you or your campaign
Carolina Girl
All successful bands, like municipalities, have leaders. Tell us about your leadership experience and how you plan to inspire people to follow your lead as a council member.
I have gained a great deal of leadership experience being Senior Radiation Therapist at MUSC. I manage up to 20-30 patients a day, and also work with nine other therapists. I am not afraid to seek advice from others in order to keep the patient load up and on time. I’d like to say I lead by example because I was raised on “Actions speak louder than words.” Now, that doesn’t mean I’m afraid to voice my opinions or concerns when the need arises. I hope people will trust my judgment and respect the decisions that are made for the betterment of Folly Beach.
How do you feel about Folly Beach’s off-season festivals? Do you support these events as they exist today or do you think the city should consider restrictions on the current schedule?
I totally support these events. They help Folly in many ways by supporting the businesses and helping people in need. Everyone knows that during the off-season, business slows everywhere. These festivities bring people out of hibernation and bring people together to support all the local businesses. The flow of traffic can be cumbersome, but the issue is being addressed and hopefully a solution will come.
What are your thoughts on ‘noise’ from music along Center Street?
I think 11 pm is a good cut off time for outside bands on weekends. During the week 10 pm is good. They can start as early as they like.
Do you support any changes to the existing open container laws that allow drinking from a cup on the beach?
I believe that this question should be put for a VOTE !!!! It should be up to the people of Folly Beach to make that decision. I don’t believe Council should be the only ones to decide on such an issue. I will SUPPORT whatever the majority of the people want.
Sandy Hickman can be reached at 437-0340.
Alan Kleinfeldld
2226 Folly Road
What is the best or most memorable concert you’ve seen on Folly Beach?
I haven’t yet. Looking for a great jazz trio.
Pick out a song that represents you or your campaign
Oh, way too many to choose: ‘Don’t Stop Believing,’ by Journey. ‘Hit the Road Jack,’ by Nat “King” Cole, ‘Classical Gas’ by Mason Williams. Oh, and the theme to Star Trek! Can we consider it a giant mash up?
All successful bands, like municipalities, have leaders. Tell us about your leadership experience and how you plan to inspire people to follow your lead as a council member.
I’m a leader that likes to be part of a team. My experience is mostly in event and convention management, where my “constituents” are my attendees, my Board, as well as my speakers and, of course, staff. When it comes to leading, it’s important for the entire team to know the goals and understand both the small details and the big picture. As a leader, my role has been to keep the entire team on the same path.
How do you feel about Folly Beach’s off-season festivals? Do you support these events as they exist today or do you think the city should consider restrictions on the current schedule?
Perhaps it’s the newness of it, but I’ve been enjoying these off-season festivities. It’s easy to see the benefits from a business perspective and at the same time, why some residents find them a nuisance. They don’t feel oppressive to me in either timing or content. I could see where it would be nice to have an area for those that don’t want to get drunk or be bombarded by loud music. If the publicity allows appropriate planning and the Dept of Public Safety has the staff, I don’t see a reason to limit these. Come out and meet your neighbors!
What are your thoughts on ‘noise’ from music along Center Street?
This is a tough one. Personally, I don’t find the appeal of loud music. Conversations are a challenge and it sometimes just plain hurts my ears. What makes loud music so attractive? I know someone, a fulltime resident, that nearly purchased a home off of Center Street and then changed his mind when he discovered how loud the music can get. At the moment, I’d be open to discussion on this. Although I don’t want to hear loud music, I wouldn’t want to place limits just yet until I looked at options for solutions and the impact of those.
Do you support any changes to the existing open container laws that allow drinking from a cup on the beach?
I feel like I need to paraphrase JFK and say, “ask not what Folly Beach can do for you, but what you can do for Folly Beach.” I think it’s an issue that requires the full voice of the residents. If the voters and residents of Folly Beach decide to continue to allow drinking on the beach, it’s up to those that support it to help make it safe, successful and worthwhile for everyone.
Because Alan Kleinfeld’s bio did not run in the September 30 issue of the Folly Current, we’ve elected to run it here.
After a career of nearly 20 years as an association and conference manager, Alan Kleinfeld left the hustle and bustle of Virginia and the DC Metro area two years ago and settled in Folly Beach. The area provides a wonderful combination of peaceful beach living with the nearby trendiness of Downtown Charleston.
As an association manager, he worked with a variety of clients – from educators to pharmacists to the disabled – to help them plan strategic conferences and better manage their organizations, whether to increase attendance, save money or find ways to be more efficient in the day-to-day operations.
In addition to being a Certified Meeting Professional & Manager, Alan recently earned his master’s at the Graduate School of Business at the George Washington University.
Since moving to the Lowcounrty, Alan has found the joy of crabbing, boating and merely being outside. In his spare time, aside from learning how to make different seafood dishes, Alan enjoys bike riding, golf and volunteer work.
Since he witnessed the attack on the Pentagon on 9-11, Alan has volunteered for local communities in the areas of crime prevention, safety patrols and special events. Currently, Alan is a South Carolina State Constable.
In his role as City Council, residents of Folly Beach will discover quickly that Alan is open minded, fair and determined to contribute to the betterment of our community. His name may not be familiar to you, but you’ll want to get to know Alan Kleinfeld.
Alan can be reached at kleinfeldcampaign@gmail.com.
Vernon Knox
216 West Cooper Avenue
What is the best or most memorable concert you’ve seen on Folly Beach?
I’m a big fan of the Shakin’ Martinis.
Pick out a song that represents you or your campaign
We Can (always) Work It Out.
All successful bands, like municipalities, have leaders. Tell us about your leadership experience and how you plan to inspire people to follow your lead as a council member.
I think 10 years prior experience sums it up.
How do you feel about Folly Beach’s off-season festivals? Do you support these events as they exist today or do you think the city should consider restrictions on the current schedule?
Sometimes the timing is not so great for the businesses because they would be busy without the event. Not all of the festivals have been started by the business association. Really, do we have to have a Folly Gras, which, I believe, was started by the city?
What are your thoughts on ‘noise’ from music along Center Street?
Center Street is a commercial district and we have always had our nightlife. I could see stricter controls on weekdays, but as long as the business owners know what is allowed and abide by the current laws, the problem should be minimal.
Do you support any changes to the existing open container laws that allow drinking from a cup on the beach?
I hear both sides and would like to see an advisory question on the April ballot.
Vernon Knox can be reached at 442-3319 or vknox@carolinaone.com
Dale Stuckey
11 Red Sunset Lane
What is the best or most memorable concert you’ve seen on Folly Beach?
A Jimmy Buffet tribute band on the beach in front of the Tides during the Sea and Sand Festival.
Pick out a song that represents you or your campaign
‘You’ve Got A Friend’ (Carole King), “Winter, spring, summer or fall,
all you have to do is call and I’ll be there, yes I will.” This song represents both me and my campaign. “Now ain’t it good to know that you’ve got a friend?”
All successful bands, like municipalities, have leaders. Tell us about your leadership experience and how you plan to inspire people to follow your lead as a council member.
A band leader depends on others to help make music. Similarly, neither the mayor nor any single member of city council can accomplish anything alone. The best music and the best governance happen when everybody involved reaches a consensus about the best results. I think more decisions by city council should be reached by consensus, even if it takes a bit longer and a bit more effort to get there. As the chief attorney for the SC Department of Education and State Board of Education for over 25 years, I was not the band leader. I served at the pleasure of five state superintendents, both Democrat and Republican. I participated in policy and legal decisions with people within the Department, the State Board, local school districts, and the legislature. I reviewed, interpreted, and drafted laws and regulations. Many of the issues were complex and controversial. I learned how consensus can be reached among people whose starting points are very far apart. I prided myself on my ability to work with diverse groups of people and to achieve positive results while maintaining the best possible relationships with (almost) everyone.
How do you feel about Folly Beach’s off-season festivals? Do you support these events as they exist today or do you think the city should consider restrictions on the current schedule?
I like the festivals. Most people on Folly do, too. Not to mention
that they are good for our businesses, many of which have a tough time
during the off-season. The main problem, of course, is the traffic.
My support of the festivals is conditioned on finding ways for
residents to be able to get on and off of the island during festivals without it being a major hassle. I think the traffic situation has improved but we still have some work to do.
What are your thoughts on ‘noise’ from music along Center Street?
Music during the night hours (11 pm to 7 am) should be turned down and
taken inside. “Noise disturbances” are prohibited by City Ordinance
131.32. One of the definitions of a “noise disturbance” in 131.31 is noise that “unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment of life, quiet, comfort or outdoor recreation of an individual of ordinary sensitivity and habits.” Music along Center St. is not exempted from this basic requirement.
The problem is that another ordinance allows commercial establishments to have outside bands until midnight on some nights (131.34(B)(1)) and inside bands until 2 am on all nights (131.34(B)(2)). Apparently, some people think these ordinances mean that music in the commercial district is exempted from the “noise disturbance” ordinance. It is not. Perhaps we should revisit ordinance 131.34(B) in light of 131.34(D), which prohibits music on the beach and other recreational areas that can be heard 100 feet or more away. I have no objection to music on Center St., but it is not necessary to have the volume turned up so loud that Folly Beach residents cannot sleep. Eric Clapton unplugged would still draw crowds.
Do you support any changes to the existing open container laws that allow drinking from a cup on the beach?
This is a tough issue that City Council needs to consider carefully. Residents and families vacationing on Folly Beach should not be expected to tolerate alcohol-related misbehavior on the beach or elsewhere. I don’t think we have to ban drinking on the beach to address the problem. Drinking on the beach is not the problem. Drinking irresponsibly is the problem. We need to come together as a community and exchange ideas about reasonable, effective ways to deal with irresponsible drinking. I have some ideas that might help. I am sure that many other residents do, too. Whether or not I am elected to Council, this is an issue that Council should invite the community to discuss, then implement the best ideas before next season.
Dale Stuckey can be reached at 588-6677
