Public health professional and business owner, Stephanie Hodges, today officially announced her candidacy for Charleston City Council District 3, representing Johns Island and James Island. Stephanie aims to bring her collaborative approach and fresh perspectives to local government, built on years of community organizing and advocacy.
Stephanie calls Charleston home and lives on Johns Island with her husband and their two rescue dogs, Maggie and Peggy. A proud Virginia Tech alum, she received a degree in Human Nutrition, Foods & Exercise in 2012. She furthered her education at Tufts University, where she obtained Master's Degrees in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition as well as Public Health in 2015. She completed her Dietetic Internship at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2016. She owns and operates a public health and nutrition policy consulting business, and has been an active community organizer and advocate on Johns Island.
“Johns Island deserves a representative and servant leader on City Council to directly address the pressing issues we face daily, from traffic congestion to unchecked growth,” says Stephanie. “My focus will be on creating streamlined systems for small businesses, easing mobility issues, and crafting a long-term plan that serves the best interests of our vibrant communities on the Sea Islands.”
Key Issues
– Fixing Traffic Congestion: Addressing daily hassles affecting residents getting on and off the islands and proposing practical solutions that get people home faster and safer.
– Promoting Smart Growth: Over the last decade, the Sea Islands have experienced unprecedented growth. It's time we take our time and give these projects the attention and scrutiny they deserve in order to protect our community from further increases in congestion and flooding.
– Cutting Bureaucratic Red-Tape for Small Businesses: Our local small businesses are the lifeblood of District 3’s economy. Stephanie will work to make the city an ally, not an impediment, for these businesses.
– Long-term Planning: Creating a comprehensive plan for Johns Island’s future, focusing on balanced growth and sustainability.
Stephanie recognizes the issues facing individuals, families, and businesses in District 3, including traffic, flooding, and development. As a policy-oriented professional, she looks forward to working with stakeholders, including city officials, constituents, and businesses to find practical policy solutions to improve the quality of life for those living in the area—whether they’ve called Charleston home for 50 years or only 50 days.
For more information, please visit www.HodgesForCharleston.com.