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

Rusty Streetman is seeking re-election to the Isle of Palms City Council, motivated by his close loss in the fall election by about 30 votes and the recent resignation of Councilwoman Elizabeth Campsen. Streetman cites unfinished projects and ongoing initiatives that he would like to see brought to fruition.

In this video, he outlines his top two priorities and discusses the various phases and challenges associated with each. He also addresses the topic of replacing or renovating City Hall, exploring potential options and considerations.

Additionally, the conversation covers how the city secures funding and grants from various governmental organizations, both within and outside the Isle of Palms, to support these projects.

Connect with Rusty on Facebook:
www.Facebook.com/rusty.streetman.5/ OR
www.Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551244160912

Join Michelle Priest, Run Chairman and Deb Barr, Sponsor Chair of the Isle of Palms Connector Run as they talk to host Bill Macchio about healing, preventing and raising awareness for Child Abuse, and about how people and businesses can get involved.

GET INVOLVED: https://www.ioprun.com/registar
SPONSOR: https://www.ioprun.com/sponsor
VOLUNTEER: https://www.ioprun.com/volunteer

Looking for a way to celebrate community, support local heroes, and help prevent child abuse? Then lace up your sneakers and join the Isle of Palms Exchange Club for the annual Connector Run!

This exciting event is more than just a race – it's a chance to give back to the Lowcountry in a big way. Here's how:

Four Pillars of Service:

The Isle of Palms Exchange Club is dedicated to making our community a better place through four key programs:

• Building Community: Working hand-in-hand with local organizations to strengthen the Lowcountry.

• Honoring Americanism: Promoting pride in our nation, appreciation for our freedoms, and gratitude to veterans.

• Investing in Youth: Supporting scholarship programs for local schools.

• Preventing Child Abuse: This is the National Exchange Club's core mission, and the Isle of Palms Connector Run directly supports this cause.

Running for a Cause:

Launched in 1993, the Connector Run has become a mainstay event. All proceeds stay local, benefiting organizations like Windwood Family Services, HALOS, and Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, just to name a few. These groups work tirelessly to prevent child abuse, promote healing, and raise awareness.

More Than Just a Race:

Participating in the Connector Run offers something for everyone:

• Support a Worthy Cause: Know that your registration fee is directly impacting the lives of children in the Lowcountry.

• Enjoy Family Fun: There's an after-party for both adults and kids, making this a fun-filled event for the whole family.

• Compete or Celebrate: Whether you're aiming for the fastest time or simply enjoying the run with friends, the Connector Run welcomes all levels.

• Challenge Yourself: The scenic course features options for runners and walkers of all abilities. Age groups will be recognized with their own fastest times, so you can strive to be the champion in your category!

Get Involved:

Interested in learning more? Visit the Isle of Palms Exchange Club website or inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Let's run together and make a difference!

Additional Information:

• How the money is generated and used: Learn more about how your participation directly impacts the Lowcountry.

• Benefits of Sponsorship: Discover how supporting the Connector Run can benefit your business.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Kevin Cornett, Chief of Police, Isle of Palms, SC chats with host Bill Macchio in this episode of the Island Vibes Podcast. Chief Cornett talks about how he got into law enforcement, the different jobs he's done within police departments in South Carolina, and how it was he became the Chief of Police ... in Springdale, and later IOP.

About halfway through the video the subject of the new firearm law in South Carolina. Among other topics, they touch on:

- Who can and cannot own or purchase a firearm.
- Where you can carry firearms.
- Changes the Police Department made in response to the new gun carry law.
- SLED training available. The classes aren't mandatory, but they're strongly encouraged by Chief Cornett and the IOPPD. For example, it's important to understand the Stand Your Ground Doctrine.

If you’re curious about open carry and concealed carry regulations under the new South Carolina law, tune in to this informative episode! And you can learn more about the IOPPD at https://iop.net/police.

Join us as Isle of Palms LENS Foundation Co-Chairman Kitty Riley chats with host Zach Giroux about their mission to support the Isle of Palms Police Department (IOPPD) and foster positive relationships between officers and the community. Learn how LENS provides recognition for our dedicated officers, funding for advanced training, and vital support for the IOPPD.

Kitty reveals details about the upcoming Isle of Palms LENS Banquet, a major community event benefiting both the police department and the public. Discover the four key ways the banquet makes a difference. This year's event features a special highlight: The "Taste of the Island" Competition showcasing the Isle of Palms' vibrant hospitality industry with delicious offerings from local restaurants. Don't miss this chance to celebrate our community heroes and enjoy a night of delicious food and fellowship!

Get more information about the IOP LENS Foundation and the May 15's 2024 LENS Banquet on the Isle of Palms LENS website.