The debate over what to do about the bike rallies along the Grand Strand has become part of the political rhetoric -- especially in Myrtle Beach politics.
With the city elections just more than a month away, the issue of bikers continues to dominate the list of issues for voters.
"If you want retirement, that's not Myrtle Beach. Go somewhere more exclusive," said lifetime resident and pro-rally voter Dinah Edmondson who thinks current politicians are pandering too much to the older population.
But voters like Scott Heddinger, a small business owner, think the bike rallies were too much, and he appreciates the politicians' efforts.
"To me it was a good decision. Bring back the families here. When I grew up here, Memorial Day was more of parades and picnics and people going to the beach," Heddinger said.
We polled NewsChannel 15 Facebook fans who weighed in on what political issues matter to them.
"Tourism, tourism, tourism. Bring back the HD (Harley-Davidson) rally," wrote one poster.
"Bring back bike week!" wrote another.
"Elect people that care about the city and will actually do what the majority wants--not the minority with money!" said another pro-rally poster.
Still others focused on the decline in jobs, crime, and the end of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion.
Whatever the people care about, they have plenty of candidates and platforms from which to choose. There are six people running for mayor and 13 candidates for just three city council positions.
Here is the list of candidates as of September 14:
Myrtle Beach Mayor:
John Rhodes (i)
Bill Howard
Keith Van Winkle
Mark McBride
Beatrice Catalano
Matthew McCarty
City Council - 3 Seats:
Wayne Gray (i)
Charles "Chuck" W. Martino (i)
Randal Wallace (i)
Adam J. Parness
Mike Lowder
Joanne Vogelsong
Terry L. Mitchem
Keith Compton
Karon Mitchell
Lew Davis
Don "Donny" Emery
Pedro "Pete" Lusardi
C. D. Rozsa
