BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Phillip Obie II, a local Goose Creek resident, is a candidate for Berkeley County Council. He is running for the seat that was recently left vacant following Councilman Ken Gunn’s passing in early February.
[PRIOR STORY: Berkeley County Councilman Ken Gunn Passes Away]He is running against Elaine Barnett who is also a Republican candidate
Phillip grew up in Goose Creek and graduated from Goose Creek High School in 2000. After high school, he attended The Citadel where he graduated in 2004 with a degree in Computer Science. He then went to work with Santee Cooper where he has been for more than 14 years. Phillip has also earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Project Management. He is a certified Project Manager by the Project Management Institute.
Growing up in Goose Creek, Phillip was involved in the Boy Scouts where he earned his Eagle Scout Award. Today he still serves the Boy Scouts today as the District Chairman for the Local Swamp Fox District. Phillip also served his community from 2008 to 2016 on the Berkeley County Board of Education.
We had the opportunity to talk with Phillip and ask him some questions on why he is running for County Council and here is what he had to say.
Why are you running?
I am running because I want to ensure we maintain the quality of life that many of us grew up with or that attracted us to Berkeley County.
What do residents tell you they are most concerned with?
Roads and the rapid growth in the area and how our infrastructure is not keeping up. The importance of maintaining green space and proper storm water runoff/ drainage. Rapid growth in areas and the increased crime rate are some concerns in the growing areas of the county as well.
Berkeley County is seeing dramatic growth, especially in subdivisions/neighborhoods. Do you consider this good or bad?
I think it is bad right now because our roads and infrastructure are not keeping up. Many retired residents plan there day around traffic because our infrastructure has not kept up with the growth. In addition, many are concerned with developments coming in and packing as many houses on a plot of land as they can versus building “like” houses that are in surrounding/established neighborhoods (larger lots, brick or hardy plank siding, etc.)
What are your top goals for
I have 3 main goals which coincide with the reason I am running for this position:
Improve Roads, Infrastructure, and Control Growth:The county and especially District 3 is going so quickly that our roads and infrastructure is not keeping up. We need to slow down growth so that our roads, intersections, infrastructure, and drainage systems can keep up with the growth, and ensure we maintain green space. Not doing this will tarnish the quality of life that we have here in the district and the rest of the county. Countless examples that need attention throughout the district include: Old Mt Holly/Montague and HWY 52 intersection, Cypress Gardens Road and HWY 52, Strawberry at HWY 52 Intersection, Traffic on Redbank Road, the main intersection in Goose Creek (HWY 52 and 176), Safety on St. James Blvd, Liberty Hall road and HWY 52,
Ensure our Police, Fire, and EMS services are properly funded:We need to make sure our emergency services are properly funded so they can keep up with the growth and meet resident’s needs. About half of the District 3 residents, including myself, live in the county and rely on the Sherriff’s department and rural fire departments to respond if we need them or if there is an emergency. Further many residents pass through our district that
Collaboration with our towns/cities and school district
The top issues for the county are controlling and dealing with all the growth coming to our area. As I have stated, we need to ensure we have controlled and properly planned growth so that we can maintain the quality of life that we grew up with here or that attracted us here. To do this we need to ensure our roads, infrastructure, and emergency services keep up with this growth along with ensuring we provide green space for residents to enjoy the natural habitat and beauty that Berkeley County has.
Do you consider yourself an approachable candidate?
Yes!! I’m always open to discussion and understanding both sides of an issue.
What do you make of the “nuclear fiasco” involving Santee Cooper? Many in Berkeley County who work there are obviously concerned about its future.
I support Santee Cooper. It is unfortunate but Santee Cooper was let down by their majority stake partner SCE&G and lead contractor Westinghouse. I support Santee Cooper remaining a state agency with some additional oversight by a committee, much like what was implemented at the State Ports Authority a few years back. Keeping Santee as a state asset will continue to give the state a competative advantage in economic development and keep rates lower than an IOU. Their loyalty is to the ratepayers not a stockholder.
(Note–I am employed by Santee Cooper)
What do you think of the county’s current supervisor and council and what is your strategy for working with them to move the county forward?
I think we have elected a great supervisor who has the experience we need to lead us forward. He has brought council and other government agencies together and working in the same direction to move the county forward in a positive, responsible direction. I have had working relationships with many of the council members over the years, so I think we can start working together to move the county forward on day one.
What are your hobbies?
Being active and outside. I am a runner, lift weights, fish, enjoy going out in the boat, and doing fireworks shows. I also enjoy being involved as a Scout Leader for the local BSA Swamp Fox District (I am an Eagle Scout). I also shoot fireworks professional for Zambelli Fireworks where I have had the opportunity to shoot the local Goose Creek Festival on the 4th firework display for the past 6 plus years.
Anything else worth mentioning?
It would be an honor to serve the residents of Goose Creek and Moncks Corner as their District 3 Representative. I believe being a lifelong resident of the area and district enables me to know the area and the issues we face. Further my involvement in the community as a former School Board Member, Scout Leader, active community resident and lifelong resident will help me hit the ground running and serve the needs of the residents. I would be humbled and honored to have the residents support on April 23rd.
The special primary election for the open seat will be on April 23rd followed up by the general election on June 25th. Voters will vote at their normal voting locations.
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