Surrounded by over 40 friends and family, Brenda Bethune formally announced her intentions to run for Myrtle Beach Mayor this November 2017.
Mrs. Bethune has never before held nor run for political office. She owns and operates Better Brands, a Myrtle Beach based beverage, wine and snack distributor. The company’s website states: The commitment to maintaining a superior product line has been such a strong principle that even the company name, Better Brands, Inc. communicates this philosophy.
In her announcement Mrs. Bethune said, “The challenges we face call for strong leadership… strong and proactive, and not being re-active during times of crisis.” She did not specifically address her campaign positions, however, she did say she was the right person to carry out the job for this season in Myrtle Beach.
Issues facing elected officials in the next coming years include:
- Managing the wise growth of Myrtle Beach.
- Dealing with crime issues in the downtown tourism district of the beach.
- Building a bridge into greater Horry County, especially as it relates to the areas of Plantation Point, Carolina Forest, and Forrestbrook about parking issues.
- Finding a working fix in solving eight infected drainage areas located along the 9 mile stretch of Myrtle Beach oceanfront. These drainage areas (swash areas) experience bacteria spikes after rains. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control advises no swimming within 200 feet of either side of these drainage areas for 72 hours after any rain.
- Wise and accountable stewardship of the funds given to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
- Downtown redevelopment plans that will require working with oceanfront merchants and just off the ocean merchants who own the land and run businesses in that district.
- Working to attract a pro business downtown environment to fill and grow current dated and vacant properties in the downtown area.
- Managing and reducing Myrtle Beach’s current high debt load.
While the challenges are many, Mrs. Bethune says she has the skill set necessary to tackle what lies just ahead.
Her announced opponents in the race for mayor are current incumbent John Rhodes and former Mayor Mark McBride.
As Myrtle Beach is now entering a critical transitional growth phase, Mrs. Bethune stressed the need for competent leadership and team building moving forward. In her address to the media she stated, “I am choosing to do this because I care. I care about our future. I care about our past. I care about our image and I care about our safety. I care about business and I care about serving our community. I care about my family and I care about all of your families as well.“