Myrtle Beach Candidates Debate Crime, Spending, and Growth

Candidates Discuss Key Issues in Myrtle Beach Election

Candidates for Myrtle Beach mayor and city council recently gathered at the Market Common to address pressing issues such as city spending and public safety. The forum provided a platform for candidates to share their visions for the city's future, with several council candidates emphasizing the need for increased foot patrols on Ocean Boulevard and the establishment of a new police station.

Gary Gross, a Myrtle Beach resident, expressed his belief that while there are areas needing attention, the city is not in dire straits. "I think we now need to pick leadership that's going to take us to the next four, eight, and 12 years on an upward ascent," he said.

Incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune faces four challengers, while 10 candidates are vying for three council seats, including two incumbents. The debate highlighted differing views on the city's direction, particularly regarding the Arts and Innovation District and the need for more police officers.

Public Safety and Police Department Challenges

Bethune defended her record, stating, "Our crime is down, our violent crime is down nearly 50% because of the investments that we have made." She emphasized the importance of continued investment in public safety and collaboration with businesses and residents.

However, candidates have criticized the current state of the Myrtle Beach Police Dept., pointing out a significant shortage of officers. Mark Kruea, a candidate and former city government spokesperson, noted, "Fifty police officers short, they've been in the budget for five years. We need to change the way we're recruiting. I think there may be a management issue as well along with that."

City officials confirmed over the summer that the department has roughly 40 vacancies, with candidates claiming the vacancy rate has remained consistent for several years. They also pointed out that the city council has budgeted for these positions but never used the funds.

Mark McBride, a candidate and former Myrtle Beach Mayor and councilman, questioned where the money went. "For the last four years, there's been 50 officers budgeted. They've never been filled. That's $4 to $5 million. You have not seen a tax decrease. Where is that $4 or $5 million for the last four years?" he asked.

Controversies and Political Rivalries

Mayor Bethune, who did not participate in a recent candidate debate, directly addressed McBride's past administration when challenged on public safety. "Our crime was the highest it had ever been when Mr. McBride was mayor. He did nothing about it, including voting against the budget for public safety four times," she said.

McBride rebutted, saying times were different when he led the city. "I'm not going to be held hostage over one line item and pass a budget that I don't agree with when the people should have been getting tax decreases," he responded.

Both McBride and Eva Rigney suggested that if elected, they would fire Police Chief Amy Prock. Rigney also proposed moving funds from advertising to support public safety. "To me, safety is non-negotiable. We got to do something about it. We got to do all kinds of different ways to attack the problem," she said.

Recruitment and Policy Changes

Candidates also discussed recruitment strategies, pushing for more funds to raise officer salaries and changing policies related to dealing with violent crime. Daniel Aumen, a candidate, proposed deploying real-time reporting tools, neighborhood liaisons, and direct response protocols. He also suggested vetting police recruits based on their desire to live and work in Myrtle Beach rather than focusing solely on salary.

Arts and Innovation District Debate

When discussing the downtown Arts and Innovation District, Bethune mentioned it was a campaign promise she initially touted in her 2017 run. She plans to see it come to fruition if reelected. "My vision over eight years ago when I ran for mayor, was to take our downtown... that's not a city. That's not a vibrant city. We deserve better," she said.

Kruea, however, criticized the project as the "Artificial Investment District." He argued that Myrtle Beach is more than just the downtown area and that previous investments have not yielded results. "We've spent $32 million on two blocks... that have sat there looking ugly for the last five years. We've not done anything there," he said.

Rigney expressed concerns that the district will not reach its full potential without additional taxpayer funding. "This arts and innovation is supposed to be what, target completion date 2026? I don't think it will be without spending more money into it."

Aumen said he would allow the project to play out but was not a fan of the costs. Meanwhile, McBride held up a "For Sale" sign when asked about the A&I District. "The facility's not supposed to be in the property management business. And in January of 27, the $35 million worth of properties the city has bought with no plan, all that's going to be back on the market," he said.

Upcoming Election

Early voting in the citywide election continues through Halloween, with Election Day on Tuesday, November 4.