Planning to cast your vote in the upcoming November 2025 Isle of Palms City Council election? Gain essential, insider perspective from one of the City's current leaders!

In this insightful discussion, Isle of Palms City Councilman Blair Hahn sits down with host Zach Giroux to share his expert tips and advice for selecting the best candidates.

Councilman Hahn, a well-known voice on Island politics, discusses the core principles of effective governance: the necessity for good government to move deliberately to ensure quality, well-matched changes, as opposed to rushing into costly, ill-fitting solutions.

He provides a clear benchmark for leadership, stressing that effective council members must be open to suggestions, willing to reconsider their positions, and prioritize negotiation to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people—not just certain councilmembers.

Hahn also addresses the challenges of Island politics, emphasizing that the council's work should be free from hidden agendas, bullying, and deception. He uses complex matters like the Short-Term Rentals issue as a key example, highlighting the critical need for opposing sides to come together and compromise when single-sided solutions are not tenable.

Listen in for Councilman Hahn's valuable advice on how things work on the Island, what qualities to seek in a candidate, and how to make the most informed choice this November.

Get key election details: For more information on voting locations, times & dates, and more, visit the City's official Municipal Elections page:
➡️ www.IOP.net/municipal-elections

Dive into the local politics of Isle of Palms with this compelling interview featuring Zach Lary, a candidate for Isle of Palms City Council. In a candid conversation with host Zach Giroux, Lary reveals the motivation behind his decision to run and lays out his vision for the island's future.

This discussion goes beyond the typical talking points, exploring key issues that directly impact the community. Lary addresses critical challenges such as ensuring competitive compensation for first responders, tackling the ever-present issue of beach erosion, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

What truly makes a candidate stand out? Get to know the man behind the campaign as Lary shares his personal drive and the unique perspectives he hopes to bring to the City Council. This is your chance to learn what makes Zach Lary tick and how he plans to make a tangible difference in Isle of Palms.

To explore Zach Lary's platform, qualifications, and to find voting information, visit his website at www.ZachLary.com.

The Isle of Palms, SC Mayoral race is heating up! With less than two months until election day in November, we sat down with incumbent Mayor Phillip Pounds to talk about his re-election campaign.

Mayor Pounds shares key accomplishments from his first term, including new marina dock, improved beach access, and fiscal responsibility. He also lays out his priorities for the future, like tackling beach erosion, managing drainage issues, and finding the perfect balance for quality of life between tourists and residents.

Don't miss this must-see interview to get the full story on his run for another term.

For more information on the election and voting, visit www.IOP.net/municipal-elections. You can also learn more about Mayor Pounds at www.PhillipPounds.com.

Join Host Bill Macchio for an engaging conversation with former South Carolina Senator Ernie Passailaigue as they delve into his impactful tenure in the SC Senate and his deep connection to the Palmetto State. Senator Passailaigue offers firsthand insights into the inner workings of South Carolina's legislative landscape, sharing stories and perspectives gained during his time in office.

The discussion then turns to the fascinating history of the South Carolina Education Lottery. Senator Passailaigue recounts his pivotal involvement in its formation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the process. He shares the compelling story of how he came to serve as the Executive Director, shedding light on the lottery's early days and its evolution. Crucially, he clarifies exactly how the funds generated by the South Carolina Education Lottery are allocated and utilized to benefit education across the state.

Beyond his statewide contributions, Senator Passailaigue also reflects on the remarkable growth and transformation of the Isle of Palms into the beloved destination it is today. Having witnessed this evolution firsthand, he shares personal anecdotes and observations about the factors that shaped the island's unique character.

Throughout the conversation, the value of family and the cherished lifestyle of the Isle of Palms naturally weave into the narrative, offering a glimpse into the personal connections that underpin Senator Passailaigue's life and work. Tune in for a rich and insightful discussion that spans South Carolina's legislative history, the intricacies of its education lottery, the story behind the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and the captivating story of a coastal community's development.

Retired U.S. Congressman Thomas 'Tommy' Hartnett sits down with Bill Macchio to discuss his remarkable political career, from South Carolina to the U.S. Congress. Beyond the stories, Hartnett leaves viewers with a compelling personal message at the end, a direct appeal to our community.

In the 1960s in South Carolina, as well as other Southern states, more conservative Democrats were known as Blue Dog Democrats. The Blue Dogs could not remain part of the Democratic Party, which at that time had shifted far left.

George McGovern was seeking to run for the Democratic Party nomination with a proposal to establish a national minimum income that would not require people to work. Hartnett says that at that time the idea was very liberal, and McGovern's platform wasn't one that Hartnett felt he could support. Since he didn't feel he could stay true to himself and his values as a Democrat, he left the party with no plans for what would come next.

After Hartnett left the Democratic Party, Republicans asked to meet with him and suggested he run for the South Carolina State Senate as a Republican. He agreed and was elected to South Carolina's State Senate in 1972, serving until 1981 for two terms.

Later, in 1981, Hartnett became a Republican Congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving until 1987.

Hartnett also shares personal stories during this captivating episode, including controversial, interesting, and humorous ones.

Hear fascinating stories from the life of former Congressman Tommy Hartnett on the latest episode of the Isle of Palms Podcast. Bill Macchio chats with Tommy, discussing his love for the Isle of Palms, his first job with J.C. Long, his first date with his wife Bonnie, and their first island home.

Did you miss the record-breaking 2024's Isle of Palms Connector Run? Deb Barr, Sponsor Chair and Michelle Priest, Run Chair for the 2024 Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child talk with host Bill Macchio and share highlights and the significance of the 2024 Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child, which was held on October 5th, 2024.

This year's 5K, 10K run across the IOP Connector drew over 1800 runners, which is almost twice the turnout as last year's run. Deb and Michelle say they look forward to having this large of a turnout for the Isle of Palms Connector Run each year in the future.

Deb and Michelle attribute the increase this year to marketing. The IOP Run team, making the beneficiaries of the run more up front so that people know who they are running for, and also that the beneficiaries invite their friends, families and audiences also.

Listen in for interesting information, stories and statistics about the 2024 run. For more information about this year's run, and to get information about the run each year before it begins, visit online at www.IOPRun.com.

The 2024 Special Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 7 AM to 7 PM. Susan Hill Smith is a candidate for Isle of Palms City Council, seeking the seat vacated by the recent resignation of Councilwoman Elizabeth Campsen.

Smith and her husband have lived in Isle of Palms for 30 years and have a deep love for the community, having raised their children here. Smith has served in various capacities within the community, as has her husband. Watch and listen as she describes the things she loves about Isle of Palms, which drive her desire to be actively engaged in the community.

Smith explains why she decided to leave her job at Blackbaud to run for Isle of Palms City Council, addressing specific issues that concern her and need to be addressed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Election Details: www.iop.net/municipal-elections
About Susan Hill Smith: ElectSusanHillSmith.com