OAK ISLAND — Scott Stephenson, owner of Music Mafia Radio, is running a campaign to secure one of two seats open on Oak Island’s town council.
Though the council race is nonpartisan, Stephenson is unaffiliated with a party and he has never run for public office. He will face off against Tommy Brown (U), Chasey Bynum (R), Chip Frazier (R), Reece Simmons (R), and Kerri McCullough (R).
“I decided to run because I was seeing a pattern of actions being taken where all facts had not been gathered or taken into consideration, resulting in topics having to span multiple town council meetings to resolve,” Stephenson said. “The town’s overregulation of property owners is creating a burden for residents and needs to be addressed.”
A few things to consider this election season:
- A valid ID is required to cast ballot in North Carolina
- Election Day is Nov. 4, 2025, with voters required to go to their assigned precinct locations
- Early voting opens Oct. 16 and closes Nov. 1, and voters can cast a ballot at the Cooperative Extension Training Room, 25 Referendum Drive, Building N, Bolivia. See the hours here.
Anyone who wants to register to vote can do so here through Oct. 10 or register and vote in one stop during early voting.
Port City Daily asked all candidates a slate of questions about topics that are tracking high with voters and residents of Southport currently. Stephenson’s answers have been edited below for clarity; candidate opinions and statements are not a reflection of Port City Daily. The paywall has been dropped on candidate profiles to help voters make informed decisions ahead of the election.
Port City Daily: What makes you qualified for a seat and sets you apart from other candidates?
Scott Stephenson: My background in data analysis and corporate management has given me a skillset that allows me to work with anyone, no matter the philosophical differences between us, and has given the experience to tackle budget issues in times of financial uncertainty. I have also been running my campaign to focus on the majority of Oak Island residents that feel underrepresented by today’s council — older residents who live on fixed incomes.
PCD: Oak Island is navigating a balance between growth and maintaining its character. What is your vision for the town’s future, and what specific steps would you take to ensure that new development aligns with the community’s values and does not strain existing public services?
SS: The days of heavy residential development on Oak Island proper are essentially behind us, which should allow us to focus on hardening the existing infrastructure, improve public and pedestrian safety and create a more friendly business environment. Over the next four years, the Town Council will be responsible for creating an environment that allows for the redevelopment of the two commercial corridors on Oak Island Drive. My vision for that redevelopment is commercial districts thriving with small family run businesses that reflect the small-town values of Oak Island. I also see land along 211 and 906 sprout even more commercial development to allow for a realignment of the Oak Island tax base to take the unusually high burden off private property taxpayers, but this is many years in the future.
PCD: Given the significant costs associated with long-term projects like beach nourishment, what is your philosophy on fiscal responsibility, and how will you ensure the town’s financial sustainability without placing an undue burden on taxpayers?
SS:Brunswick County is the only coastal county in North Carolina that does not contribute financially to beach nourishment/maintenance projects in their beach towns. Tourism is a $1.2 billion industry in Brunswick County, and the county should help to maintain these regional assets. Oak Island is in the very early stages of being considered for federal beach status, which would bring federal funding into play. In terms of day-to-day spending by the town, putting off ‘nice to have’ projects may be necessary to address any funding shortfalls and maintain current services. Staffing needs to be reviewed to ensure we have a right sized government. Additional sources of revenue must be secured to offset the need for any future property tax increases. The long-term goal must be bringing more businesses to the island that will provide tax relief for residential property owners.
PCD: The town is working on projects to address stormwater management and street flooding. What is your top infrastructure priority for the town, and what is your plan to fund and manage these improvements?
SS: With stormwater management being addressed, the next priority needs to be improving pedestrian safety, particularly on Oak Island Drive and Beach Drive. Sidewalks are needed and crosswalks are a critical part of the effort. The town must continue to seek state and federal assistance in financing these projects.
PCD: The town council recently passed an ordinance to address a safety issue related to holes being dug on the beach. What is your position on this ordinance, and how will you balance public safety with residents’ and visitors’ ability to enjoy the beach?
SS: Oak Island has tried to address this safety issue through educating beach visitors for many years, with no decrease in the number of extreme holes dug into the beach each year. One aspect of this new ordinance not covered by your question is the need to protect the sea turtle habitat, as deep holes can have a deadly effect on our turtle population. Children are still allowed to dig in the sand, just not as deep as previously allowed. I don’t see this ordinance having a profound effect on people’s ability to enjoy the beach.
PCD: What is one other issue not discussed above that you have a plan to address if elected and how would you do so?
SS: Overregulation has become a big concern for residents of Oak Island. From permit requirements for typical home repair and maintenance to an over-reaching vegetation ordinance that places a financial burden on residents trying to make minor home repairs or improvements, Oak Island has gained a reputation of being an unfriendly town to do business with. A complete review of the UDO, with public input, is necessary to identify pain points that can be eliminated by a rewrite or removal of unnecessary and burdensome ordinances.
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