Councilman Mitchell Highlights Record of Service at Garden District Candidate Forum
Working Together To Solve Problems and Deliver Results
Councilman Mitchell Addresses Garden District Neighborhood
Charleston, SC – [September 25] – Councilman Robert Mitchell enjoyed a successful evening at the recent District 4 City Council candidate forum hosted by the Garden District Neighborhood Association, held in the Camden Room at the Visitor’s Center on 9/22.
Speaking before the neighborhood association members, Councilman Mitchell emphasized that while Charleston’s peninsula faces many common challenges, each neighborhood is unique and requires careful, informed leadership to address its particular needs. Asked about his primary message for the evening, Councilman Mitchell noted:
“When you represent these districts, what matters most is understanding their issues and working hard to get results,” Mitchell said.
“City government doesn’t always move overnight, but with leadership, persistence, and a full-time commitment, you can get things done. That’s the kind of councilman I’ve always been—and the kind our residents deserve.”
Protecting the Garden District’s Character
In the Garden District, traffic has long been a critical issue. Left unchecked, it threatened to overwhelm and irreparably damage the historic neighborhood. Councilman Mitchell has been actively engaged in negotiations with the developers of the Union Pier project, ensuring that resident concerns are directly incorporated into the development’s planning. He also required the developers to absorb the community-driven feedback produced by the Riley Center for Livable Communities.
Mitchell also paid tribute to past neighborhood leadership, recalling the late Vangie Rainsford’s famous determination in standing against commercial buses cutting through residential streets.
“We are building on that legacy today,” Mitchell added. “Her work—like securing the beautiful Chapel Street Fountain Park back in 2001—remains an inspiration. Now, we’re ensuring lasting solutions so that the Garden District remains the treasure it is.”
Parks and Neighborhood Legacy
Councilman Mitchell reflected on the importance of the Garden District’s parks—places of beauty, respite, and, at times, solemn remembrance. He is proud of his role in helping bring about the new Susie Jackson Freedom Memorial Park, honoring Ms. Jackson, the eldest victim of the Mother Emanuel tragedy, who lived on Alexander Street in the Garden District for 50 years.
“Susie Jackson’s life and her love for this neighborhood deserve to be remembered forever,” Mitchell said. “This park stands as a symbol of freedom, faith, and resilience for generations to come.”
Experience Matters
During the forum, Mitchell underscored his record of service not only to the Garden District but to the city of Charleston as a whole. He reminded attendees that a councilman’s responsibility extends beyond district lines.
When asked about the Board of Architectural Review (BAR), Mitchell clarified that while BAR is a state-level body, the City Council can reform ordinances to make processes more fair and efficient. He highlighted his support for a recent reform effort spearheaded by Upper Peninsula neighborhoods, including North Central, Hampton Park Terrace, and Wagener Terrace, which would make it easier for families to stay in their homes by streamlining the approval process for reasonable home modification requests.
When pressed about why he has not retired, Mitchell has a ready answer:
“There’s too much at stake—Union Pier, Courier Square, the Lowline, and our plan for 3,500 affordable housing units downtown. These projects will shape the future of Charleston.
I am not against change; times change, but not every change means good outcomes for the city. This isn’t the time to hand the reins to someone with no experience or record of contributing to our neighborhoods. We can’t afford more delays or more lawyers slowing things down.”
A Record of Results—and a Call for Support
Throughout the evening, Councilman Mitchell reiterated his core belief: that the role of a councilman is to listen, understand, and act on neighborhood-driven priorities that improve livability, affordability, and community well-being.
He closed by thanking the Garden District Neighborhood Association for hosting and by reaffirming his commitment to the residents.
Asked why he thinks Garden District residents should vote for him, Mitchell responded with his signature mix of confidence and humility:
“I’ve spent years championing the Garden District and every neighborhood I represent. We’ve made real progress, but the work isn’t done. This is the People’s Seat; no one is entitled to it. I’m not taking a single vote for granted—I need your support to finish the job.”
Have a question for Councilman Mitchell? Please let us know!
Join Us For a Better Charleston
Residents are invited to join the movement as “Mitchellbackers” by volunteering, displaying yard signs, contributing, and engaging in voter outreach. For more information, visit mitchellforcitycouncil.com.
