News Summary
Dr. Philip Render, a former Myrtle Beach City Council member, has announced his candidacy for the upcoming city council election. Concerned about rising debt and infrastructure issues, Render emphasizes the need for a comprehensive vision for city governance. He advocates for improved public safety measures in response to increasing crime rates. The election, which will also include mayoral positions, is set for November. Render’s extensive community engagement and previous governance experience are highlighted as key factors in his campaign.
Myrtle Beach City Council Election: Philip Render Announces Candidacy
Dr. Philip Render, a retired dentist and former dean at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, is officially running for a seat on the Myrtle Beach City Council in the upcoming November election. This decision comes amid mounting concerns over the city’s financial health and infrastructure needs.
Render, who previously held a council position for 20 years before opting not to seek re-election in 2023, is motivated by the city’s escalating debt, projected to reach approximately $291 million after securing $81 million for enhancements to the convention center and infrastructure in the Arts and Innovation District. Just two years ago, the debt stood around $198 million.
Concerns Over Rising Debt and Infrastructure Needs
The former councilman believes that more attention should be given to infrastructure spending across the entire city rather than concentrating resources in specific neighborhoods. He argues for the necessity of a comprehensive vision for Myrtle Beach that prioritizes updating aging infrastructure systems.
Since leaving the council in January 2024, Render claims to have participated in over 400 community meetings, engaging with constituents to better understand their concerns. His approach emphasizes collaboration and dialogue with diverse perspectives, positioning himself as a consensus builder.
Rising Crime Rates and Public Safety Measures
Another critical issue facing Myrtle Beach is the rising crime rates, particularly in the downtown area, following several shootings. Render suggests that the city should look into hiring more police officers to address the situation, despite the city experiencing a 50% wage increase for police personnel since 2020. The city still has 40 to 50 police vacancies that need to be filled. In addition, he advocates for regular meetings with downtown business owners to better gauge the effectiveness of city policies and ensure public safety.
To tackle concerns about gun violence, the city recently implemented a youth curfew, reflecting a proactive approach to managing crime among younger individuals.
The Path to Election
The next city council election is slated for November 4, 2024, when three council seats as well as the mayoral position will be contested. Current council members, including Jackie Hatley, Gregg Smith, and Mike Lowder, whose terms conclude in January, will be vying for re-election, with Lowder actively campaigning for another term.
All city council seats represent the city at large, rather than specific districts, allowing voters from across Myrtle Beach to participate in the election of their leaders.
Background and Rationale for Run
Render previously embraced a policy of limiting his service to two consecutive terms, a strategy designed to open opportunities for new leaders to emerge and promote fresh ideas. Reassessing the city’s challenges, he believes that returning to the council is essential to address the pressing issues facing Myrtle Beach effectively.
With his background in community service and education, coupled with years of experience in city governance, Render aims to bring a reasoned, conservative approach back to the council. His focus on financial prudence, public safety, and infrastructure improvement is intended to assure constituents that their concerns are being prioritized in city governance.
As Render prepares for the election season, he promises to engage further with the community while discussing the pressing issues that need immediate attention to enhance the quality of life for Myrtle Beach residents.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News: Former Councilman Hoping to Regain Seat on Myrtle Beach City Council
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach City Council Swearing-In Ceremony
- Myrtle Beach Online: Business News
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Council Approves Eminent Domain
- Myrtle Beach Online: Two Incumbents, One Former Council Member Win
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach City Council
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach News
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.
