Easley Incumbents Announce Candidacy

As the nation gears up for the presidential primaries and candidates make their campaign visits to South Carolina, the city of Easley prepares it's own political stage of a lesser size but of equal importance.

This Fall the office of Mayor, three city council seats, and the Commissioner of the Utilities Commission will be up for reelection and today is the first day for candidates to file for candidacy at city hall. 

Mayor Larry D. Bagwell, who has served the city for the past four years as mayor and 28 years on city council, filed for candidacy today.

"I think we've accomplished quite a bit during my term as mayor," Bagwell said. "If I am fortunate enough to get reelected, we have many plans that I'd like to see through to completion."

Ward 5 Councilman Thomas Wright is currently serving his fifth term on city council and will also seek reelection this Fall.

"I enjoy serving in Easley government because I see great potential for our city," Wright said. "I want to continue to be a part of this orderly progress, and I am committed to meet this challenge."

Ward 3 Councilman Chris Mann said he plans to file for reelection early next week when he returns from a short vacation with his family. Mann is currently serving his second term.

"In the last eight years we as a council have accomplished a lot for the city," Mann said.

Each of the incumbents have touted downtown revitalization, parks, the fountain plaza, renovations to Market Square, improved downtown parking, bicycle lanes, the smoking ban, beautification projects, and public safety as key accomplishments during their service.

Mann said the council also initiated a compensation study on the salary rates of city employees.

"We wanted to make sure our employees were at least at the state average for pay," Mann said.

Ward 1 Councilman Brian Garrison, also on a short getaway with family plans to file for his candidacy early next week.

"It has been an honor to serve these last four years," Garrison said. "I hope for the opportunity to continue serving the city."

As the population of the city has grown, Mayor Bagwell said the city has managed to bring crime rates down.

"Things in Easley are on the move," Bagwell said. "And we want to make Easley a safe place to raise children and a community that cares for our senior citizens."

Nick Caldwell, 48, of Easley is also stepping into the political realm this year. Caldwell filed Thursday morning as a candidate for the position of Easley Utilities Commissioner, a position currently held by his father-in-law James Findlay. Findlay has decided not to run for reelection this Fall.

"I'm originally from Easley and I've always wanted to serve," Caldwell said. 

Caldwell currently works for KM Fabrics in Greenville and feels that his experience in leadership and management will benefit the commission.

The incumbents and one newcomer will now wait to see if any other candidates will join the race before Election Day on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of the month in November.