Preston Smelt, a community advocate and resident, has announced his candidacy for Dorchester County Council District 7.
Since returning to the area in August 2024, Smelt said he has observed the consequences of residential development outpacing essential infrastructure. District 7’s population has increased by 28% since 2022, and Smelt said he is running to ensure smart, accountable development becomes the county’s top priority.
“We have seen explosive growth in housing while our roads, schools, public safety resources and community services have been treated as an afterthought,” Smelt said. “The practice of green-lighting new phases of development before infrastructure work is completed must end. I am running to ensure that as we grow, we do so in a way that is safe, sustainable and fair for every resident.”
Smelt’s “Building a Sustainable Future” platform focuses on five key pillars:
- Equitable development: Smelt said progressive ideas helped shape the county’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan but have stalled under current leadership. He said he wants to refocus on those goals with an emphasis on lifting the entire county.
- Public safety and traffic enforcement: Smelt said incidents in high-growth areas are increasing alongside population gains. He called for updated traffic studies that account for future phases of development and shifting traffic patterns, along with increased patrols from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office.
- Schools: Smelt said funding challenges facing Dorchester School District 2 must be addressed. While a long-term solution may require action in Columbia, he said County Council should take a leading role in addressing overcrowding in DD2 without negatively affecting Dorchester School District 4.
- Enhanced county services: Improving access to county services and reducing emergency response times to keep pace with population growth.
- Fact-based medical recommendations: Working with the Dorchester County Health Department to ensure services align with guidance from medical professionals.
With nearly 19,000 registered voters in District 7, Smelt said he aims to provide leadership that prioritizes quality of life over developer profits.
“If we need to place a moratorium on new housing development in District 7 until we can solve the foundational issues, then so be it,” Smelt said.
For more information about the campaign and Smelt’s platform, visit his campaign website.