Myrtle Beach, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Candidates for mayor and city council in Myrtle Beach gathered at a recent forum to discuss vital issues, including public safety and fiscal responsibility. Incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune is seeking re-election against four challengers, while ten candidates vie for three council seats. Proposed measures include increased police presence and a new police station to address concerns over a staffing shortage within the police department. As early voting progresses, these discussions shape the future of Myrtle Beach amid critical election considerations.
Myrtle Beach – Candidates for the mayoral and city council elections in Myrtle Beach recently participated in a forum at the Market Common, focusing on key issues such as city spending and public safety. This event comes as the town prepares for early voting, which continues until Halloween, with Election Day set for November 4.
Incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune is seeking re-election and faces competition from four challengers. Additionally, ten candidates are vying for three city council seats, which include two incumbents. The forum allowed candidates an opportunity to articulate their visions for the future of Myrtle Beach.
Many city council candidates highlighted the necessity for increased police presence along Ocean Boulevard, advocating for enhanced foot patrols. They also expressed support for the construction of a new police station to address public safety concerns.
Residents, including Gary Gross, participated in the discussion, emphasizing that, while Myrtle Beach is not in poor condition, it requires attention and improvements. Mayor Bethune responded to concerns about safety by stating that crime rates, particularly violent crime, have dropped by nearly 50%, attributing this reduction to prior investments in safety measures.
However, the forum also featured significant criticisms regarding the state of the Myrtle Beach Police Department, notably citing a shortage of officers. Candidate Mark Kruea pointed out a persistent deficit of fifty police officers over the last five years and underscored the need for new recruitment strategies to fill these roles. City officials confirmed approximately 40 police vacancies exist, stating that budgeted funds for these positions have not been utilized.
Former Mayor Mark McBride interrogated the current management practices and the allocation of budgeted funds for policing, highlighting a lack of tax reductions despite available funds. In response, Mayor Bethune defended her record, referencing the historically high crime rates during McBride’s tenure and criticizing his voting history regarding public safety funding.
The candidates also addressed concerns about police leadership. Both McBride and another candidate, Rigney, pledged to terminate Police Chief Amy Prock if elected Mayor. Rigney also proposed reallocating advertising funds to enhance public safety and expressed concern over the outdated technology currently in use by public safety departments. Additionally, candidate Daniel Aumen suggested that hiring police recruits should prioritize local connections rather than merely salary offers.
Amidst the public safety discussions, Mayor Bethune reiterated her commitment to the Arts and Innovation District, a campaign promise aimed at rejuvenating the downtown area. She described the area as historically blighted but with potential for revitalization. Candidate Kruea criticized the focus on this initiative, labeling it the “Artificial Investment District,” arguing that it does not encompass the entire city’s needs.
Candidate Rigney conveyed skepticism about the district’s ability to achieve its full potential without increased funding, while Aumen expressed caution regarding the project’s costs. McBride called for the city to retract from property management, questioning the reasoning behind purchasing properties without a clear plan.
As early voting is underway and candidates gear up for Election Day, the future of Myrtle Beach hangs in the balance as issues of safety and fiscal responsibility come to the forefront of the election discussions.
FAQ Section
Who are the candidates for Myrtle Beach mayor?
Incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune is running for re-election against four challengers.
How many candidates are competing for city council seats in Myrtle Beach?
Ten candidates are competing for three city council seats, which include two incumbents.
What issues were discussed during the candidates’ forum in Myrtle Beach?
The forum addressed critical issues like city spending and public safety.
What are candidates proposing regarding public safety?
Candidates proposed increased foot patrols on Ocean Boulevard and construction of a new police station.
What is the status of the Myrtle Beach Police Department?
The department is experiencing a significant officer shortage, with around 40 police vacancies acknowledged by city officials.
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Additional Resources
- WBTW News: Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidates Trade Barbs
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- WPDE News: Myrtle Beach City Council Mayoral Candidates
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach elections
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Mayor Candidate Council Election
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach policing
- Myrtle Beach Online: Opinion on Mayoral Candidates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News: Meet North Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidate J. Baldwin
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
