Overview of the Oak Island Town Council Election
Six candidates are vying for two seats on the Oak Island Town Council. The candidates include Chasey Bynum, Chip Frazier, Reece Simmons, Scott Stephenson, Kerri McCullough, and Tommy Brown. Oak Island is a town that spans nearly 20 square miles with 10 miles of beachfront and is one of six Brunswick County beach towns. The Oak Island Town Council consists of five council members and the mayor. This governing body is responsible for setting town policy, enacting ordinances, and adopting the town’s annual budget.
Council members serve four-year terms, and elections for the council are held every two years. This staggered election process means some members are elected and re-elected over time. Council members receive an annual salary of $7,470, which translates to $645 per month. While they may participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits, they would be responsible for paying the entire cost of the premium.
The municipal election will take place on Tuesday, November 4, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also have the option to cast their ballots absentee by mail or during the early voting period, which begins on Thursday, October 16, and ends on Saturday, November 1. Absentee ballots must be submitted at the Brunswick County Board of Elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
Candidate Profiles and Responses
Chasey Bynum
Age: 44
Occupation: Owner, Quicksand Beach Concierge; former hair salon owner
Family: Married to Matt; three children
Education: Cosmetology degree
Political experience: Business advisory board
Political affiliation: Republican
Bynum emphasized the need to protect residents from potential tax increases and support local businesses. She highlighted the importance of a “people-first” approach and modernizing the commercial code to ensure locally owned businesses can thrive.
Chip Frazier
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired United States Air Force officer
Family: Wife, Sue; two children, Stephanie and Ed III
Education: U.S. Air Force Academy graduate; master’s degree in systems management and safety at the University of Southern California
Political experience: Served in local, state, and federal government agencies for 47 years; Sarpy County District 46 Board of Education, 5 years; Hanson’s Lake #3 Improvement Association board, 15 years; Trustee for a Sanitation Improvement District in Nebraska, 16 years
Political affiliation: Republican
Frazier identified uncontrolled residential development, increasing traffic, protecting infrastructure, environmental concerns, commercial development, and emergency evacuation preparation as key issues. He stressed the importance of coordination with outside agencies and promoting small commercial development.
Reece Simmons
Age: 72
Occupation: Retired from Alamance Community College; serving community
Family: Two daughters and granddaughters
Education: Technical College of Alamance graduate; course work in education at North Carolina A&T
Political experience: Town council; chair of board of adjustment and appeal, emergency services board, former planning board; head of water rescue; member of emergency services, 10 years; Long Beach/ Yaupon Beach Consolidation Committee; vice chair, Oak Island Firemen’s Relief Fund; Board of Directors Westport HOA
Political affiliation: Republican
Simmons focused on balancing tourism and community needs. He noted that the growth of tourism directly impacts taxes and public amenities, and it is essential to maintain the local charm while catering to both residents and visitors.
Scott Stephenson
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired, Owner of Music Mafia Radio
Family: Wife, Jenny; four children and grandchildren
Education: Studied music education and studio production at Berklee College of Music
Political experience: No prior political experience
Political affiliation: Unaffiliated
Stephenson emphasized the need for transparent, community-driven solutions to address challenges such as affordability, rising beach maintenance costs, and aging infrastructure. He advocated for governance that prioritizes fairness, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
Kerri McCullough
Age: Did not answer
Occupation: Retired financial and risk manager for multinational corporations
Family: Husband, Ed; multiple dogs
Education: MBA at Appalachian State University, B.S. in Business Administration at Gardner Webb University
Political experience: Vice chair, planning board; multiple board and committee appointments
Political affiliation: Republican
McCullough highlighted the need to sustain necessary services and quality of life for residents while being fiscally responsible. She emphasized the importance of protecting natural resources such as beaches, waterways, and tree canopies.
Tommy Brown
Age: 36
Occupation: In-house attorney for generic pharmaceutical company
Family: Partner, Nick; dog, Cooper
Education: B.A. and Juris Doctorate at Elon University
Political experience: No prior political experience
Political affiliation: Unaffiliated
Brown proposed creating a resident-led tourism advisory board to manage tourism effectively. He also called for stronger accountability of rental properties and an audit to ensure compliance with accommodation taxes.
Key Issues and Goals
Each candidate addressed the top issues facing Oak Island, including flooding, safety, and commercial and residential growth. Bynum emphasized the need for stormwater management and pedestrian safety. Frazier discussed the importance of coordinated efforts to address traffic and infrastructure. Simmons highlighted the balance between tourism and community needs. Stephenson focused on sustainable beach maintenance and responsible development. McCullough stressed the need for a balanced approach to growth and resource conservation. Brown advocated for controlled, sustainable growth that respects the town’s character.
Why They Are the Best Candidates
Bynum emphasized her firsthand experience as a small business owner and her focus on the long-term future of the community. Frazier highlighted his extensive experience in public service and problem-solving skills. Simmons pointed to his 25 years of service to the town. Stephenson brought a strategic, community-first approach to leadership. McCullough emphasized her experience on various advisory boards and commitment to ethical governance. Brown highlighted his professional background and dedication to the community.
Addressing Flooding Concerns
All candidates acknowledged the importance of addressing flooding concerns. Bynum emphasized the need for proactive infrastructure planning and stormwater management. Frazier supported the development of an engineered beach to protect dunes. Simmons noted the need for studies and improvements in problem areas. Stephenson advocated for data-driven solutions and grant funding. McCullough mentioned ongoing mitigation efforts and the development of a stormwater master plan. Brown supported the expansion of infiltration systems and routine maintenance.
Addressing Safety Concerns
Safety was another key topic. Bynum emphasized pedestrian and bicycle safety, pushing for sidewalks and crosswalks. Frazier discussed the need for traffic control measures and improved emergency response. Simmons supported additional crosswalks and public safety initiatives. Stephenson focused on enforcing beach safety ordinances and improving signage. McCullough emphasized the importance of supporting public safety teams. Brown advocated for more crosswalks and a clear policy for golf cart use.
Approaching Commercial and Residential Growth
Candidates offered varied perspectives on growth. Bynum emphasized updating commercial codes to support local businesses. Frazier stressed the need for controlled growth and revising the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Simmons advocated for maintaining the town’s character while allowing for development. Stephenson promoted a balanced approach that respects coastal values. McCullough highlighted the need to expand the tax base with commercial development. Brown supported sustainable growth that respects the town’s character.
