Candidates answer questions during forum

By James Pease II

Destination North Myrtle Beach hosted the 2025 Candidates Forum on Wednesday, October 22, from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the North Myrtle Beach High School auditorium.

The forum was moderated by WMBF News morning anchor Makayla Evans.

North Myrtle Beach city council and mayoral candidates answered important questions prepared and approved by the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and the Board of Directors.

The questions asked during the forum focused on economic and business development, tourism and hospitality, infrastructure and growth, workforce development and housing, quality of life and the City of North Myrtle Beach and Destination NMB partnership.

First, city council candidates Jeri McCumbee, Jolene Puffer, Trey Skidmore, Tony Warren and David Weitzman were given two minutes to introduce themselves.

Following the introductions, Evans asked every candidate three questions with two minutes to answer each question.

After answering each question, city council candidates were given five minutes for closing statements.

A brief meet and greet was held outside after questions were asked. The pubic was given the chance to ask any other questions that were not covered during the candidate forum.

Candidates that you can vote on for the office of mayor are J. Baldwin, Mike Mahaney and Troy Spencer.

Candidates for city council at-large are Trey Skidmore, Tony Warren and David Weitzman.

Candidates for the Windy Hill Ward are Jeri McCumbee and Jolene Puffer.

Running unapposed for the Ocean Drive Ward is Bubba Collins.

All candidates, if elected, will serve a term of four years and then will be up for re-election.

Early voting ends on Friday, October 31. Vote early at the Horry County Registration Office located at 1515 Fourth Avenue in Conway. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. They are closed on Saturday and Sunday

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. Go to www.nmb.us to find your correct polling location.