How will Irmo special election candidates handle a growing community?
Three candidates are running for an open seat on Irmo Town Council in a special June election.
Former community events chairman and two-time town council candidate George Frazier, retired SCANA executive Ed Greco and cybersecurity expert Mike Ward face off in the June 3 special election for the seat formerly held by Erik Sickinger. Early voting is underway now.
The town-wide seat came open when Sickinger, who was mayor pro-tem at the time, resigned earlier this year when he was arrested and charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
Irmo has a regularly scheduled election for half of its town council seats in November, but the winner of the June 3 race will serve on town council until the end of 2027.
George Frazier
Age: 49
Occupation: Retired
Education: BS & MBA in Business Administration, Strayer University
Political or civic experience: Chairman of the Irmo Events Committee
Campaign website: georgefrazierfortowncouncil.com
Why are you running for town council?
I decided to run for Irmo Town Council because I care deeply about the future of our town. Irmo has given so much to me and my family over the years, and I want to give back by helping it grow in the right direction. I’ve seen opportunities where we can improve — whether it’s supporting local businesses, making our infrastructure more resilient, ensuring public safety or creating more opportunities for our youth and seniors. I believe in a council that listens, engages and acts on behalf of all residents.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your abbreviated term on council?
I want to improve communication between the town and its residents. That means more accessible council meetings, better outreach, and real opportunities for citizens to share their voices and shape decisions. I’ll push for practical steps to manage Irmo’s growth, such as addressing traffic flow, supporting thoughtful land use, and ensuring we’re maintaining roads and public spaces in a way that keeps pace with development. I’ll advocate for initiatives that invest in youth programs, senior services, and small business support — because a strong community starts with strong people and local investment.
How should Irmo handle continued growth in the area?
Irmo is growing, and that brings both opportunities and challenges. We need to handle that growth in a way that protects the character of our town while preparing us for the future. That starts with smart, long-term planning — making sure our infrastructure can support growth, that traffic and roadways are managed responsibly, and that new development fits the vision laid out in our comprehensive land use plan.
We also need to make sure growth is inclusive — supporting local businesses, creating housing options that meet a range of needs and preserving green spaces that give Irmo its charm. Public safety, schools and community services must grow alongside our population. And above all, we need to engage residents at every step — so growth doesn’t just happen to Irmo, but happens with Irmo.
Should Irmo plan to grow by annexing any new neighborhoods into the town, and where should it look to expand?
I believe Irmo should consider growth through annexation very carefully and strategically. It’s not just about expanding our borders — it’s about whether we can responsibly provide services like police, public works and infrastructure to new neighborhoods. If annexation makes sense for both the town and the residents — meaning it improves services, strengthens our tax base and fits with our long-term land use plan — then we should absolutely explore it.
In terms of where to expand, I think we should look at areas that are already closely connected to our existing boundaries — especially those that share our schools, roads and community spaces but don’t yet have a voice in our town decisions. That said, any expansion needs to be done transparently, with community input and a clear cost-benefit analysis. Growth for growth’s sake isn’t the goal — smart, community-driven growth is.
Ed Greco
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired from SCANA/Dominion Energy. IT Auditor/IT Audit Manager and Audit Director; Manager of IT Program Office & Compliance; Manager of Nuclear Business Applications, VC Summer Station. Former Certified Information Systems Auditor and Certified Internal Auditor.
Education: B.A. in Political Science, St. Michael’s College, Vermont
Political or civic experience: Member of the Irmo Planning Commission
Campaign website: Greco for Irmo Town Council on Facebook
Why are you running for town council?
I believe effective local government requires dedicated, ethical and informed leaders.
It is important to present information clearly, timely and accurately. This includes the importance of accurate budgeting and ensuring requirements are understood and meet the town’s requirements. Budgets are not open ended, cost management is important. I will apply my professional experiences to town business.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your abbreviated term on council?
My priorities are supporting:
Initiatives to keep Irmo residents and visitors safe. Working with Ttown and county law enforcement to ensure concerns are heard and actions taken.
The town’s budgeting process to ensure expenditures are funded without placing a burden on residents. Budgets are not open ended. Managing the new town hall cost of $5.8 million is important. I will ensure funding exists, requirements understood and status communicated timely.
Vision 2035 and its guidance when receiving requests for annexation or development affecting the Town.
Strengthening town’s relationship with county administrations and elected officials covering our priorities for safe and reliable infrastructure: roads, water and sewer.
How should Irmo handle continued growth in the area?
Town Council must manage growth in accordance with its recently updated Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Vision 2035. This is an excellent roadmap for reasonable growth.
Should Irmo plan to grow by annexing any new neighborhoods into the town, and where should it look to expand?
Irmo’s Vision 2035 is an excellent road map for Town growth. On Council I shall rely upon this document as guidance when reviewing annexation requests.
Mike Ward
Age: 40
Occupation: Cybersecurity, Turtle Creek Concepts, LLC
Education: Attended College of Charleston, did not graduate. Certification and leadership training in cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, community leadership and public service.
Political or civic experience: Chair of the Irmo Okra Strut Commission, VP of Advocacy for South Carolina PTA, Chair of the School Improvement Council at Dutch Fork Elementary, President of the South Carolina InfraGard Members Alliance, Previous PTA Local Unit President, 2024 candidate for Lexington-Richland District 5 School Board.
Campaign website: mikewardsc.com
Why are you running for town council?
I was not planning to run for Town Council, but after recent events, friends, neighbors and community leaders asked me to step up. I love Irmo: the people, the spirit and the small-town character that makes it special. I have been serving our community since 2018, leading efforts like the Irmo Okra Strut and advocating for our schools. When the community I love needed someone willing to listen, lead and work hard, I knew I had to answer the call. I am running to protect what makes Irmo great, to plan smart for our future and to ensure every voice has a place at the table.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your abbreviated term on council?
My priorities are clear. First, we must address infrastructure by improving our roads, water systems and public services to keep up with growth. Second, we need to manage growth responsibly by making sure development follows smart planning and protects Irmo’s character. Third, I want to encourage engagement in the community by leveraging technology to make it easier for every voice to be heard. Good leadership listens first, acts carefully and plans for big picture. I am committed to continuing to work with residents, businesses and local leaders to make sure Irmo remains a great place to live and raise a family. Finally, I want to promote the good in Irmo by starting a Heart of Irmo program that recognizes people that make Irmo awesome!
How should Irmo handle continued growth in the area?
Irmo is growing, and that growth needs to be thoughtfully planned with input from everyone it affects, like residents, developers, the town and our county and utility partners. Development should make sense for the area as a whole, not just benefit one party. We’re not receiving property tax revenue from residents, so simply raising taxes isn’t an option for solving our infrastructure challenges. Instead, we need to bring everyone to the table early to ensure new development comes with the infrastructure and community investment it requires.
Should Irmo plan to grow by annexing any new neighborhoods into the town, and where should it look to expand?
Annexation isn’t a simple yes-or-no issue. It should be guided by conversations and community interest. If neighborhoods within or near our existing borders want to explore annexation, we should welcome that discussion. The same goes for developers who want to be part of Irmo in a way that makes sense for everyone involved. However, I don’t believe in aggressively pursuing areas that are not interested. Our focus should be on following Irmo’s Comprehensive Plan, which supports residential and commercial annexation to fill in unincorporated gaps and create a more connected, efficient town.
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