Chamber PAC endorses City of Charleston candidates ahead of November elections
October 26, 2023
The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (Chamber PAC) announced its endorsement of candidates for City Council and Mayor in the City of Charleston.
To be considered for the endorsement, candidates for open seats completed a written questionnaire and participated in an interview with Chamber PAC members. The process revealed candidates’ perspective on critical issues facing the City of Charleston and the metro region including: housing attainability, infrastructure investment, regional planning, Lowcountry Rapid Transit and flooding.
In addition to alignment with the Chamber’s priorities, each candidate was endorsed based on their individual experience and vision.
District 1: Boyd Gregg
Boyd Gregg was first elected in January 2022 to serve as Councilmember for District 1 and is currently running for re-election. Boyd holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Clemson University and an M.S. in Civil Engineering and Applied Fluid Mechanics, also from Clemson University.
District 3: Stephanie Hodges
Stephanie Hodges, who is currently running for District 3, is a public health professional and business owner. Stephanie has experience working with stakeholders in policy-development. She also has experience as a community organizer and advocate on Johns Island.
District 5: Karl Brady, Jr.
Karl L. Brady, Jr. is currently running for re-election for District 5, representing Outer West Ashley and Johns Island. Karl holds a BA in History and Political Science from Wake Forest University. He has experience serving on the City’s West Ashley Revitalization Committee and the BCDCOG Area Transportation Study Committee.
District 7: Keith Waring
Keith Waring is currently running for re-election in District 7 and was first elected to the office in 2012. Keith has experience as a finance professional, as well as having served on numerous professional and non-profit boards in the Lowcountry.
District 11: Ross Appel
Ross Appel was first elected to represent District 11 in 2019 and is currently running for re-election. Prior to his election to City Council, Ross served on the City of Charleston’s Board of Zoning Appeals – Zoning. He is a lawyer who specializes in land-use and real estate law. Ross also has experience serving on numerous non-profit committees in the Charleston-area.
Mayor: John J. Tecklenburg
Mayor Tecklenburg is currently running for his third term as mayor of the City of Charleston. A former commercial real estate professional, businessman, and economic development director for the City of Charleston, Mr. Tecklenburg has experience working with the business community. Many of his efforts as mayor have included increasing housing attainability, water management and supporting small and minority-owned businesses.
Qualified
Candidates who are deemed qualified, display the necessary characteristics to serve on council, but may not align 100% with the Chamber on our key policy priorities.
District 9: Kenneth Marolda
Kenneth Marolda is a West Ashley resident and property manager. Kenneth earned a Masters degree in Community Planning, Policy, and Design at the College of Charleston. He currently sits on the West Ashley Revitalization Committee, and has experience as a community organizer and non-profit co-founder.
District 9: William Tinkler
William Tinkler is an attorney with his own law firm in the Charleston-area. He is longtime resident of West Ashley.
All of the candidates running in the City of Charleston are passionate about serving the public. The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee believes these six endorsed candidates will consistently make decisions that promote enhanced mobility, livability and a strong business climate.
About the Chamber PAC
The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (Chamber PAC) is an autonomous organization governed by an independent board of directors. Its mission is to evaluate and support candidates for local and state elected office who are aligned with the business community’s top priorities: mobility, livability and a strong business climate.
About the Charleston Metro Chamber
With approximately 1,700 member organizations representing 160,000 professionals, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce serves as the collective voice of the business community, and a catalyst for regional economic advancement and member success through Talent, Advocacy, Leadership and Business Development. Visit charlestonchamber.org.
