It’s nearly impossible to overstate the good fortune that befell Bluffton when Lisa Sulka was elected mayor in 2004. At the time she was elected, the fuse had just been lit on decades of explosive growth in Bluffton. Already there were grumblings that we were growing too fast, that we were losing the “state of mind.”
Former Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka reflects on her time in office on the steps of The Church of the Cross on Calhoun Street.
The future of Bluffton stood on a razor’s edge, with the pitfall of unconstrained growth on one side and the threat of stagnation on the other. When Sulka stepped in, she ushered in a style of leadership that embraced both growth and stasis in equal measure. Hers was a tenure that encouraged Bluffton to become something more than it was, while honoring what it has always been.
If you ask her about the legacy of her time in office, she’ll respond from the perspective of a proud parent. Behind all of it was a long-term vision to make Bluffton a place that lets its youth grow and build their lives right here on the banks of the May.
Larry Toomer and Lisa Sulka run into each other during our photo shoot and catch up. Toomer, longtime Lowcountry resident and owner of the Bluffton Oyster Co. is Bluffton’s new Mayor.
“I hope people can look at the bigger picture and say, you know, she worked her hardest to manage what was on the books when she was elected, and she encouraged kids to stay here. She created a place where everybody has pride–everybody, not just a group. Everyone needs to have pride in this town,” Sulka said. “And I always say, we are just trying to keep us a small town… because as big as we get, we’re still small.”
Whether it’s fighting to preserve the Squire Pope Carriage House, helping expand Bluffton into New Riverside, or courting new business opportunities through the Don Ryan Center, hers has been a tenure that ushered in a new era in Bluffton. It is one where the possibilities for the future are more wide-open than ever, with the state of mind at its heart.
We could go on. It seems more appropriate, though, given that Sulka’s greatest gift was in bringing people together, that we honor that gift by letting the people have the final word.
Lisa is one of those people that makes everyone feel they have the most special relationship with her. My family and I are lucky enough to truly have had one of those special relationships with her and her family for the 30-plus years we’ve known them. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for those she loves–and she’s done so much for us! Lisa’s capacity for kindness and generosity of presence is astounding. She is also fiercely loyal, protective, and supportive (as seen in her tenure as mayor). She is one of the blessings of my life. I should add that we’ve shared a lot of lively times together too–we do love an adventure! –Corrinne Reeves
Mayor Sulka has set the standard in her relentless pursuit of community, where all residents are proud to call Bluffton HOME! –Aretha Rhone-Bush
We really hit the jackpot when Lisa Sulka became our mayor. I wish all of you could have been at The Marriott when she shared a stage with Lindsay Graham and the mayors of Hardeeville and Hilton Head Island. In all of 15 minutes she exhibited everything we know about her–a tremendous amount of confidence and knowledge in her job and a love for Bluffton… We’re going to miss you, Lisa, and be thankful for you. And I’m personally thankful I never had to run against you. –Emmett McCracken
I had a great career and met some really smart and interesting people, but Lisa, you set the bar so high in my life for everyone I’ve ever met, it’s mind-blowing. I’ve learned so much from you…. you were mayor 24/7. When you got up to get your coffee, you were mayor. You’ve been a remarkable mentor to me and I’m proud to have served with you. I’m going to miss you, and I love you. –Dan Wood
I’ve had the privilege of serving with Lisa probably the longest of any sitting council member. I started this journey in 2005 and I got to see Lisa at work a very long time, and I fell in love with the passion. I think I learned that even though I’m from Bluffton, she loved Bluffton more than I do. Because you never took your foot off the pedal. Even these last six months, she was working her heart out…. I don’t understand how you get that passion and energy. Thank you for loving my sweet Bluffton and for giving us your professionalism. –Fred Washington
I served four years with Mayor McCracken and two years with Mayor Sulka, and I would be remiss if I didn’t say something because it started with those two…. We wouldn’t be on the successful level we are without those two. I’m not going to say I’ll miss you because I know you’re always a phone call away. –Molly Hornbeak
When I was a freshman, we met her at Corner Perk to talk service. After having Mayor Sulka talk to us, we were so inspired to get involved in our community. There’s something about her energy and her passion–for the town and the people who live here–that inspired all of us. –Payton Ward
I was able to serve with Lisa for four years and our bond is more than just being colleagues on council. Lisa, you are an inspiration. We live in a society where we celebrate heroes but rarely do people celebrate leaders. Being a leader means that you do things that aren’t popular, you do things that people don’t see, but you do it for the greater good. People count the success and gains, but don’t realize the losses leaders take. Sometimes it’s the events you can’t attend, or it’s the hours spent at meetings, but it’s a sacrifice because your passion is in it. You always say you have a servant’s heart, and you do…. What you’ve done in Bluffton in your 20-plus years has been beyond extraordinary and it’s something this community will never forget. –Bridgette Frazier
I’ve known Lisa probably 30 years or so and she’s done an amazing job for our town. She loves our town. I think the reason we get along so well is she knows my passion and hard headedness is a lot like hers. –Mayor-elect Larry Toomer
As the person who lost that mayoral election (in 2004), I couldn’t be happier. You’ve been phenomenal for this town, and you’ve taught me a lot. –Charlie Wetmore
From the time I met her she was the greatest definition of one who is friendly and one who wanted to get to know you better. She’s never been a stranger to our church family as she would visit from time to time, which showed me that she maintained being faithful to God and to the fellowship of our diverse community. Though we’re from different walks of life, we have over the years become more than friends; she has shown that we are true family. Lisa prides herself on family unity and fellowship. The only thing I would say we’re divided on is that she is a diehard Clemson fan and, to the contrary, I am a Gamecock for life! Overall, Lisa is the best mayor any town could ever have. –Pastor Bennie Jenkins Jr., First Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Bluffton
Lisa Sulka is a truly amazing! My home was destroyed a few years ago by a tropical storm, and without Lisa, I would not be in my home soon! Phenomenal woman! –Barbara Ann Jenkins
