Endorsements – Mark Kruea For Mayor

Randal Wallace

Mark Kruea was already the Public Information Officer when I was elected in 2002 to the city council of Myrtle Beach. It did not take long to realize that he knew in great detail almost everything I needed to know in order to make good decisions on council. I often asked him for information and for help with material throughout my entire tenure on council.

Mark was one of my “go to” members of the city staff when I needed to get a problem solved for a constituent, especially when it needed to be resolved ASAP. He could get things done, and do it without a lot of drama. He was an exemplary member of the staff of the city of Myrtle Beach.

Mark Kruea was a member of a team at City Hall assembled by one of the best city managers in the country, Tom Leath. We were complimented everywhere we went on the well managed city we represented, and there was no more important part of that team than Mark Kruea. He was a voice for common sense who remained at the table until his own retirement last year.

I know that because constituents continued to call me for help with issues long after my own time on Council had ended. Invariably, it would be Mark Kruea to whom I turned to get their problems resolved, now that I was no longer able to get it resolved for them myself.

I feel confident that Mark Kruea will continue to be effective if he wins the role of Mayor in November because his chief skill is the most important skill any elected official can have, that of listening to the people he represents and then doing what he can to help them.

Chuck Martino

I’ve known Mark Kruea since August 1998 when he joined the City as PIO and I was on Council.  In his entire time with the city, I came to recognize Mark for his thoroughness in getting information about government happenings and community activities into the hands of residents and the greater national community.

Mark would publish the facts after carefully checking the source, without comment or personal opinion. He worked to provide the unedited actions of Council to the news media and public, coordinating coverage, events, history, ceremonies and more. His creation of the Friday Fax as a weekly communications tool lives on, along with many other positive legacies. Sadly, the Progress Report ceased publication after Mark retired last year.

In my 12 years on Council and 14 years on DRC, I never heard one complaint about Mark not providing requested information in a timely manner to residents. Since his retirement, it has become impossible to get information in a timely manner. FOIA requests are ignored for a week or more before even being acknowledged and then often are late, missing information or accompanied by a request for payment before producing the requested files, even when it’s the very info that the City Council and Mayor are voting on or have voted on.

The truth should prevail, and those charged with protecting the city should either fix it or resign. Bring back Mark’s kind of transparency! That’s why I am supporting Mark Kruea for Mayor and returning Phil Render to City Council. It’s time for a change to put responsible, honest, fiscally sound representatives on Council. Let’s make our city a great place again for our residents and workers who are “First in Service” to our guests and tourists.

Joe McVay, Jr

I am proud to go on record endorsing Mark Kruea for Mayor of Myrtle Beach. I have known Mr. Kruea personally and professionally for more than 20 years. He is not a politician. Mr. Kruea embodies collaboration, teamwork, accountability, and transparency—and he will bring those values to City Hall.

Unlike the current mayor, Mr. Kruea has no ties to developers, real estate investors, or the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. What he does have is an encyclopedic knowledge of our city government, built from decades of first-hand experience working directly with every city department.

It is an honor to endorse Mark Kruea for Mayor of Myrtle Beach. I hope you will join me in voting for him on Tuesday, November 4th.

Sharlene Zwing

I’ve known Mark Kruea for over 25 years — both as a professional city spokesperson and as a friend. Over the years, I’ve observed his integrity and his calm, thoughtful approach to handling people and problems. He’s one of those rare individuals who genuinely listens, thinks things through, and cares about this community and its residents. I also know and respect two of the other candidates, but my support is with Mark. His integrity and leadership style make him the right choice for mayor. He knows Myrtle Beach inside and out — its challenges, its history, and its heart. He’s dedicated years to working for the good of this city, and now I believe it’s his time to lead. I am proud to support Mark Kruea for Mayor of Myrtle Beach.

Susan Grissom Means

I am proud to say that I will be voting for Mark Kruea for mayor in this upcoming election in the city of Myrtle Beach. I had the privilege of working with Mark for over a decade when I served as a city council member. I can honestly say that I found Mark to be dedicated to his principles, extremely hardworking, and of the highest integrity. He has a well-founded vision of the future of our city, and solid ideas as to how to bring that vision to reality.

Additionally, Mark has an encyclopedic knowledge of all the many departments of the city and the first-hand experience of working with all the outstanding men and women who make us “first in service”. I would encourage anyone who doesn’t know Mark personally to take time to attend a candidates’ forum and judge for yourself. I believe you’ll come away from that meeting feeling as strongly as I do that he is the right person for the office of mayor.

Alex Fogel

I want to go on record as endorsing Mark Kruea for the office of Mayor of Myrtle Beach. Mark worked effectively and tirelessly as the head of the Public Communications for many years, during which time he acted as a trusted advisor to the city council and city staff on communication strategies and critical issues facing the city. There have been a few times when I didn’t agree with the response that I received from Mark on an issue that I had communicated to the city, but I always admired and respected the professionalism in which the messenger delivered the response.

Mark is not a politician. He understands the importance of collaboration, teamwork, accountability, and transparency. He also understands the need of having a mayor willing and capable of negotiating with other government or private sector stakeholders to obtain the support and resources due the city. He has a history of dealing congenially with the public and listening compassionately to concerns. Mark is honest, reliable, and willing to work the long hours needed for the position. I believe Mark Kruea is the person best qualified to be our next mayor of Myrtle Beach, and I encourage all eligible voters in the city to select him on November 4^th.

Wayne Gray

I have worked with Mark personally and professionally for more than 25 years. As Public Information Officer for the City of Myrtle Beach, he worked diligently in providing the media and the public with timely and accurate information on the city’s policies, direction and actions. His role required him to be knowledgeable on all facets of the city, and I admired his attention to detail and transparency, along with his willingness to work long hours into the night responding to citizens’ inquiries. Having visited the Grand Strand while growing up and now living here longer than in any other community, Mark has made a commitment to making Myrtle Beach a great place to live, work and visit. I recall Tom Leath, former City Manager for 28 years, telling me Mark was one of the most qualified persons he ever hired for the City of Myrtle Beach, and that’s for any job. Now Mark is prepared to use his experience to serve as Mayor of Myrtle Beach. Our city is at a critical moment where we need experienced leaders to be transparent, engaging and willing to represent the entire city. It’s my honor to endorse Mark Kruea for Mayor of the City of Myrtle Beach, and I hope you will join me in voting for Mark on November 4.

— Wayne Gray, former City Council member and three-time Mayor Pro Tem

Michael Shanley

I’ve interacted with Mark many times over the years in his role as PIO and found him to be attentive, efficient and professional. He always promptly responded to all my communications through the info@ email of the city. I think he has the knowledge base, experience and insight we need as a mayor and I believe his vision and wishes for MB align with mine. I would very much like to assist in any way I can to get Mark elected and of course, where do I get my bumper sticker and yard sign?

Terri Springs

I have had the privilege of knowing Mark Kruea since his move to Myrtle Beach 26 years ago. During his distinguished career as Public Information Director for the City of Myrtle Beach, I worked with him in my role as a morning radio host. Mark was a trusted source of accurate information and a valuable resource in keeping our community informed about important initiatives and events.

Later, when my husband served as mayor, I witnessed once again Mark’s professionalism, dedication, and deep understanding of municipal government. His experience working alongside three mayors and three city managers has provided him with a unique perspective on effective leadership and the challenges facing our city.

Upon his retirement last year, I was among the residents who encouraged Mark to seek the office of mayor. I did so because I know him to be a man of integrity, honesty, and fortitude. He has no hidden agenda — only a commitment to ensuring Myrtle Beach thrives and moves forward.

Mark Kruea is deeply invested in this community. He is an exceptional communicator who values transparency and understands the importance of swift, decisive action. Above all, he possesses a genuine love for Myrtle Beach and its residents.

Our city deserves a mayor who will represent the entire community, someone with the vision and experience to serve all of Myrtle Beach. It is therefore my honor to give my full endorsement and support to Mark Kruea for mayor. I encourage all residents to join me in supporting his candidacy. With Mark’s leadership, Myrtle Beach will have a strong, capable, and trusted voice for the future.

Lynne A. Baronoff

I have known Mark Kruea on a professional level since 2022 when I was appointed to the Seniors Advisory Committee. He has always shown the characteristics and traits that I respect and expect in an elected official: integrity, honesty, transparency and the ability to listen before acting. Mark served as the public information director across many administrations; in that capacity, his knowledge of City regulations far surpassed members of the elected public. He was always available to provide an answer to an email whether it was
during working hours or on weekends or evenings. I remember writing him to ask about who was responsible for removing sand on neighborhood sidewalks. Within hours, Mark personally responded, citing the exact City Code section. Mark has a clear vision for the entire City of Myrtle Beach; he listens to the needs of the whole, not just a core area. Please join me in supporting Mark Kruea as the next Mayor of Myrtle Beach.

Diane Martinez

I first met Mark Kruea while working on a project that resulted in a presentation to City Council. He returned calls, replied to emails, and responded to numerous questions, always with professionalism and in a timely manner. It became clear that he understands the inner workings of our City. You won’t find anyone more responsive or responsible than Mark. He spent 25+ years at City Hall helping residents and businesses and now wants to continue that service as Mayor of the City of Myrtle Beach. Personally, I am feeling a need for change and would welcome a Mayor who will be responsive to all areas of our wonderful City. I am pleased to support Mark.

Joe and Joan Cavanna

Living in Market Common we have had questions about the MID assessments imposed on homeowners living here. Needing clarifications we emailed Mark when he was the spokesperson for the city. To our surprise within less than 24 hours he sent a 2 page reply on a Sunday afternoon. He answered our questions and then some. We have found Mark to be honest, thorough and to follow up promptly with our other contacts with him. He is a needed change for Myrtle Beach to go forward!

Carolyn Milliron

Mark Kruea has spent 25 + years of 24/7/365 being the “Face” for the City of Myrtle Beach. He has worked diligently, with honesty and integrity. Mark Kruea has been there and done that with and trough for 3 Mayors, 16 City Council Members, 3 City Managers and has worked on countless projects all along the way. He is a patient, organized and transparent consensus builder who is highly qualified to lead the entire City of Myrtle Beach.

Mark listens, thinks, and does. Rare traits . . . for sure. And traits we NEED for the future of our city. Thank goodness Kruea has decided to run for Mayor for us!

Patricia Yost

If I were to pinpoint only one specific thing about Mark Kruea that would make him an outstanding Mayor for the City of Myrtle Beach it would almost be impossible.

Mark possesses so many positive traits including accessibility and quick response to resident concerns, decades of experience and knowledge involving the daily ins and outs of the city, inclusiveness and accountability to all neighborhoods in the city, so naming just one (or two!) is very difficult.

However, there are two traits that stand out the most for me: the first is LOYALTY – When Mark was spokesperson for the City for so many years, and I first met him when I volunteered for the Senior Advisory Committee, he never waived his loyalty to his position regardless of the issues, and that really impressed me.

I believe, as mayor, Mark’s loyalty to the city he loves, his decisions would also never waiver. No personal agenda except that needs of the all the city residents would continue to come first.

The other is INTEGRITY – ah, yes – a trait that is often missing today. Someone you can count on to never waiver and to do the right thing in a reliable way. It appears that both loyalty and integrity are intertwined in meaning.

And that sums it up: Mark Kruea – a man of integrity and loyalty.