City Council deals with important issues that impact us every day, including our roads, flooded ditches and parks where we can exercise and be with family and friends. Unfortunately, these issues are often all too hard to address given the many layers of government involved, and the lack of funding. That’s why I believe a core function of City Council is to be a persistent and determined voice to navigate the complexities to deliver results for you – my neighbors.

While it may seem simple, this month, multiple roads across James Island, including Seaside Lane, were finally painted with ‘thermoplastic.’ It makes it easier to see the roads and lanes, but most importantly, it provides an important safety update for our roads. It may seem simple, but these are the building blocks of a community that sometimes take dozens of emails and phone calls before we’re able to see results.

From road striping to sidewalk repairs along Fort Johnson to important pothole and road updates along Dills Bluff, it’s been a rewarding month delivering on those basic issues that impact us every day. Persistence and dedication are the name of the game. Have a James Island issue that’s been bugging you? Email me and let’s fix it: skardonl@charleston-sc.gov.

There are exciting projects happening across James Island. Perhaps the one that impacts District 12 residents the most are the updates at Fort Johnson and Secessionville and Camp Roads. Construction crews are working to add in extra turn lanes and a light at the Secessionville intersection, and a roundabout at Camp Rd. Utility relocation is currently underway at Secessionville, and we have asked the County for more safety signs, including ‘uneven pavement’ signs to flag the metal plates in the road. The County will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday, March 3 at 6pm at the James Island Town Hall to share additional updates.

The City voted to accept an agreement between the City, Town of James Island and the County to continue monitoring the James Island Creek. Water quality has been a huge concern for residents across James Island, and this is an important step to ensure our creek stays healthy and open for residents. See the full story here.

In February, the City celebrated Black History Month with a special proclamation honoring the YWCA and the Charleston Area Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). It's so important to highlight the important contributions of Black Charlestonians to our City, which for too long have not been adequately celebrated.

ASALH is the founding group behind Black History Month. In fact, Black History Month originated 100 years ago in 1926 as Negro History Week. As such, ASALH has designated a special theme this year to focus on “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”

In conjunction with this, the Charleston Branch Area Chapter will be partnering with other organizations to promote the research, study, preservation and dissemination of information on Black History, Life and Culture. I encourage you to learn more here.

It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with the Honey Hill and Seabrook Cemeteries Group to work to document the gravestones at Stephen Washington Park so we can honor the rich history of James Island. The City is also working to update the playground equipment at Stephen Washington Park. This is part of the City’s playground replacement program that was started in 2012.

The City's planning and execution are only as strong as our staff. I am so pleased to be able to serve on the City’s HR committee to ensure that we have world class benefits to attract and retain world class staff. During our first Committee meeting, I asked staff to give us an update on the City’s paid family leave program and any childcare support offerings to ensure that we remain a competitive place to recruit and retain the best team.

Next month we will present a work plan for 2026 to the Rethink Folly Road Committee. This document will allow us to make measurable progress on implementing the ReThink Folly Road Plan to improve traffic and increase safety and access for pedestrians. Interested in tuning in? The meeting will be on Wednesday, March 11 at 3pm at the James Island Town Hall.

One of the great honors of serving as your Councilwoman is the ability to meet with stakeholders across James Island and the City. To see what I've been up to, check out my Facebook Page!

I hope you can join me at the following events in February and March!

• Tuesday, February 24 at 5pm: City Council at Charleston City Hall

• Tuesday, March 3 at 6pm: Fort Johnson and Secessionville / Camp Rd Project Meeting at James Island Town Hall

• Save the Date: Thursday, March 5 at 4pm: Skardon Office Hours at Highfalutin (Harbor View Rd)

• Friday, March 6: Intergovernmental Flood Agency Task Force Meeting (time and location TBD)

• Tuesday, March 10 at 5pm: City Council at Charleston City Hall

• Wednesday, March 11 at 3pm: Rethink Folly Road at James Island Town Hall

• Save the Date: Tuesday, March 31 at 4pm: Mayor Cogswell and Councilwoman Skardon Town Hall at Bishop Gadsden