Charleston, July 29, 2025
News Summary
Leslie Skardon, a local businesswoman and nonprofit CEO, has declared her candidacy for the District 12 seat on the Charleston City Council. With a focus on addressing community issues such as street maintenance, infrastructure, and flooding, Skardon aims to connect with voters through grassroots outreach. She has raised $40,000 for her campaign and holds a strong background in civic engagement, seeking to represent the interests of her district and promote public service enhancements in Charleston.
Charleston – Leslie Skardon, a businesswoman and nonprofit CEO, has officially declared her candidacy for the Charleston City Council’s District 12 seat. Announcing her campaign on Monday, Skardon is emphasizing her commitment to community service and addressing local concerns such as street maintenance, infrastructure development, and flooding.
Skardon has a strong background in leadership and civic engagement. She is the founder of C3: Connecting the Community for Change, a nonprofit dedicated to educating South Carolina students on civil rights history. This organization has played an important role in promoting awareness and understanding of historical issues within the community. Additionally, Skardon serves as a Commissioner for the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission and is a member of the City of Charleston Commission on Women, showcasing her dedication to public service and community development.
In her campaign, Skardon has successfully raised $40,000, which she plans to utilize for grassroots outreach efforts, which will include door-to-door engagements to connect directly with voters in her district. District 12 encompasses parts of central and southern James Island, where she resides with her twin sons. Skardon aims to position herself as a responsive and effective voice for the community she represents.
The District 12 seat is currently held by Councilmember Caroline Parker, who is also involved with the Commission on Women. Skardon’s campaign comes at a time when Charleston City Council is undertaking significant upgrades to local recreational facilities, with plans to spend $3.3 million on projects that will enhance recreational options. Two notable projects include the reconstruction of the W.L. Stephens Aquatic Center and the establishment of Johns Island’s first recreation center.
The planned improvements for the W.L. Stephens Aquatic Center will feature a 25-meter swimming pool, a multipurpose room, an inclusive playground, and updated athletic courts. These changes are part of a broader $70 million parks and recreation bond approved by voters in 2023. Meanwhile, the new Johns Island Recreation Center is set to span approximately 50,000 square feet, offering a gymnasium, fitness room, splash pad, and amenities similar to those of the aquatic center. Both centers are expected to begin construction in late 2026, with completion projected for late 2027.
In related electoral news, the North Charleston City Council welcomed two new members on May 27, following special elections marked by a low turnout of less than 15% of registered voters. Stephanie Ganaway-Pasley and Christopher Emde won seats for Districts 3 and 5, respectively, amidst resignations that occurred due to a federal corruption investigation involving previous councilmembers.
Skardon’s candidacy represents a significant addition to the upcoming City Council elections, signaling a focus on local issues and an intention to foster community engagement in the decision-making processes that directly affect residents.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leslie Skardon?
Leslie Skardon is a businesswoman and nonprofit CEO, known for founding C3: Connecting the Community for Change, which focuses on civil rights history education in South Carolina.
What are Skardon’s priorities for District 12?
Skardon’s campaign highlights local issues such as potholes, sidewalks, development, and flooding, aiming to serve as an effective voice for the community.
What is happening with the recreational upgrades in Charleston?
The Charleston City Council plans to invest $3.3 million in upgrading recreational facilities, including the W.L. Stephens Aquatic Center and the new Johns Island Recreation Center.
Key Features of Leslie Skardon’s Campaign
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Candidate | Leslie Skardon |
| Background | Founder of C3, Commissioner for Parks and Recreation |
| Campaign Goals | Address local issues like potholes, sidewalks, and flooding |
| Funding | $40,000 raised for campaign initiatives |
| District 12 Description | Includes areas of James Island; Skardon is a resident |
| Upcoming Projects | Reconstruction of the W.L. Stephens Aquatic Center and Johns Island Recreation Center |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: James Island businesswoman announces run for Charleston City Council
- Live 5 News: Charleston City leaders announce new parks projects
- Post and Courier: Charleston recreation projects update
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Google Search: Charleston City Council
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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