We’re going to get through this,” Pooler Mayor Rebecca Benton compassionately yet confidently stated concerning the current Coronavirus Pandemic. Making history by becoming Pooler’s first female mayor, Mayor Benton has been diligently serving the Pooler community since her inauguration in January. 

The daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Benton, Rebecca grew up in the local area. Throughout her childhood, her dad was the owner of Benton’s Dairy while her mom was an educator for nearly 20 years. Rebecca, a University of Georgia graduate, majored in political science; she taught for a few years prior to going back to school to fulfill her true passion—law. 

Now, as mayor, she is a semi-retired attorney. The mayor has long been interested in politics and due process of law, striving to find the best ways to serve citizens. She has served on the city council for over 16 years and encourages other citizens to take part as well.

“I’ve always been concerned about where I live and what’s best for my community. It’s such an honor to be mayor. Though I can’t solve all their problems, I want to be there for constituents. I want to see more people come out with their positive input so we can work together for our community,” she said. 

Serving our Community with her Whole Heart

Mayor Benton does not aspire to serve at the state level, as she sees the true benefit of helping to create positive change in her own community—where her heart lies. Pooler is a city-manager form of government under the leadership of City Manager Robbie Byrd; nonetheless, Mayor Benton knows that her position allows her to be an asset wherever needed.

“I want to do the best I can for the city where I live,” she added.

One of the mayor’s biggest goals and priorities is helping to implement traffic improvements in the rapidly growing area. Actually, there are some projects in the works to make much needed infrastructure changes. The mayor is also looking forward to welcoming additional venues (restaurants, shopping destinations, etc.) to the city in the future; she, however, understands that the added luxuries will likely bring more traffic to the area. 

“If you want services, you’re going to have traffic,” she stated. She knows that the benefits, though, far outweigh the small sacrifices.

Even more, the mayor understands the challenging times that much of the community is currently facing with COVID-19. “We’ll get through this. I pray and do the best that I can. I didn’t have a rule book for COVID-19. By policy, the cities in Chatham County follow the Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) orders, and we want to be consistent with the governor,” she said.

A Unique City with Unique Issues Though Pooler is basically in Savannah’s backyard, it has its own unique issues to be handled in a way that best benefits the Pooler community. Even during these trying times, the mayor knows where many needs exist and persists to properly address them.  Moreover, she is proud to work alongside a team of professionals who also have the city’s best interest in mind, going beyond the call of duty. Hence, the mayor is immensely grateful for the efforts of both the Pooler Police Department under the leadership of Police Chief Ashley Brown and the Pooler Fire Department led by Fire Chief Wade Simmons.

“Our police and fire departments take good care of us; they have our backs. They’re always looking after the residents in regular times and in pandemic times. We are so lucky to have them,” the mayor stated.

That said, when the city’s annual budget is made, city funds are first allocated to the public safety arena, and quite understandably so, as first responders are consistently on the front lines for the community.

A Mayor Deeply Involved in her Community

Mayor Benton has long been a proud member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she is a member of the choir, nomination’s committee and former chairman of the church council.  “I volunteer and enjoy it there,” she remarked. In addition, the mayor is an avid member of the West Chatham Rotary Club, Pooler Garden Club, Seeds and Weeds Garden Club and was even the former secretary and treasurer of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL). 

More so, Mayor Benton feels that it is important for the community to come together during this time. “Be patient and respect your fellow man. Remember the Golden Rule: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ Just use common sense—wash your hands, social distance and wear your masks when needed,” she said. Benton certainly has a heart for her community. 

Looking forward to a promising road ahead, Mayor Rebecca