threenotrump.blufftontoday.com/node/24970 -
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Last Visited: 2/11/2009
FRED HAMILTON
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I think it's all the more important to have proven leaders on council to keep the town vision moving forward," Hamilton said.
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- "I'm the only council candidate with a track record of standing up to anyone for what's right," Hamilton said.
"I'm not afraid to stand up alone if it's what is right for all of Bluffton."
- "I have been an outspoken community activist when there's no titles like ‘town councilman' involved," he said.
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Baseball trophies and plaques line the walls and desk at Fred Hamilton's car dales office off of S.C. 46.
At 49, he continues to play semi-pro ball with kids half his age - and still has the legs to outrun them all.
"You have to have that hustle, that drive and that passion," he said.
"It's the same reason I got involved in community activism.
I have that passion to help guide Bluffton through growth."
He has recently taken flak for public comments that seemed to hint that he cared more about the Old Town community than new Bluffton.
Hamilton said he may not have said it clear, but that his record is clear.
"My years on the planning commission paved the way for all the homes on Buckwalter.
I voted for that growth," he said.
"I want to be clear.
I have seen elected officials who seem to be more focused on helping Buckwalter than Old Town.
That isn't right.
We need to serve all of Bluffton at once."
Hamilton said that when the town began taking on annexation in 1998, he started to care more about Bluffton and where the town was headed.
He had voiced opinions to friends for years, but began making more and more public comments when he helped resurrect the Bluffton Area Community Association in 2002.
Former town council leader Oscar Frazier wanted Hamilton to run for town council soon thereafter.
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I wanted to learn all I could about town government first, so I accepted an appointment to the planning commission to get started," said Hamilton, who ran and won Frazier's seat after his death in 2005.
"The more I spoke up at the podium at council meetings, the more I learned I was on the wrong side of the table if I truly wanted to get things done."
Hamilton said he spent much of his first three years on council learning his responsibilities and making sure the town leaders were putting forth a cohesive effort.
The lifelong Blufftonian said he first considered running for mayor and had plenty of folks pushing him.
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Hamilton said no matter who wins, he wants to be part of the new leadership for Bluffton.
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Hamilton said there's plenty of issues coming up soon after the election that are key to Bluffton's future.
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