Batesburg-Leesville voters have crowded election ballot. What the candidates say
One of the Midlands’ smaller towns will have one of the more crowded ballots in this year’s election.
Four people are running to succeed Lancer Shull as mayor of Batesburg-Leesville. The town of 5,000 people in the west of Lexington County on the Saluda County line will also elect four members of town council from separate, single-member districts.
Compounding the crowding, Town Councilman Steve Cain is running for mayor against David Bouknight, Larry McConnaughhay and Greg Moseley while simultaneously seeking re-election to his District 3 seat, where he faces a challenge from Tyler List.
McConnaughhay was also previously running for the District 1 seat against Troy Teague and Bo Turner.
The election is Nov. 4, with early voting having started Oct. 20 and runs until Oct. 31. We asked the candidates where they want to take Batesburg-Leesville next. Here’s what they had to say. McConnaughhay, List, District 5 council candidate Sheba Williams, and District 7 council candidate Joe Montgomery didn't respond to The State’s questionnaire.
Mayor
David Bouknight
Occupation: Water pump and water treatment installation and repair, Bouknight Pumps LLC
Education: Bachelors Degree, Agricultural Education, Clemson University
Prior political/civic experience: Six years on the planning commission, chair for two years, President of B-L youth sports for five years, chairman of my church council for numerous years.
Campaign website: N/A
Why are you running for office in Batesburg-Leesville?
I want to give back to the community that has given so much to my family and myself over all the years we have lived here.
If elected, what would be your top two or three priorities?
In no particular order:
Make every effort possible to try and unify town council so that we work together to provide for the best future possible for our people and our community. Strive to have more town hall meetings and council work sessions to get as much community input as possible in planning our future. Have a thorough overhaul our town ordinances to eliminate unneeded ones and to overhaul and add to those that will provide for the future growth of our community. This is needed to make sure that we grow as we want instead of growing at the hands of others who do not have our best interest in heart.
How should Batesburg-Leesville deal with more development and growth as it spreads west from Lexington?
Overhaul our ordinances so that we are prepared for the future growth that is imminent.
The town recently spent millions to transition from the old town water plant to join the Joint Municipal Water Commission’s system. Does that alleviate your concerns about the town’s water system, or would you take more action?
This is a major step in solving major issues with our water supply. For years we have not had a dependable source of water supply to provide for our needs much less for growth in the future. We now have that supply available to us by tying in to the joint municipal system. Also we are eliminating a water plant that has been operating on a “provisional status” permit for at least 20 years.
What can be done to create a more collaborative relationship between the mayor and members of the town council?
Council must learn to work together as a team whose primary function is to provide leadership for our community that will adequately provide for all of our citizens and not just special interest. We must also realize that the sole purpose of our existence is to provide ordinances and advice to the town manager and his staff. Our form of government is set up that way. It is also our job to hire a good town manager who leads with integrity and foresight.
Steve Cain (also running for Town Council District 3)
Occupation: Insurance agent
Education: Georgetown University
Prior political/civic experience: Government and community organizer, advancement professional; Trained Paralegal, Special Assistant to Senior VP Benedict College, Congressional Aide to United States Senator Ernest Fritz Hollings; Gubernatorial Aide to South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges; Special Assistant to District of Columbia Mayor Marion S. Barry; Program Director for The Community Partnership/Prevention of Homelessness; Strong experience in accounts management and communications and event planning; In-depth knowledge of SC Law, budgeting, billing and vendor relations; Proven record of success in philanthropic fund-raising and grant management
Campaign website: N/A
Why are you running for office in Batesburg-Leesville?
I’m running because residents from across our town asked for another choice — someone with experience, integrity, and a deep understanding of our community. After sincere reflection and discussion with my family, I chose to step forward. I believe I can help lead Batesburg-Leesville with honesty, accountability, and a focus on real results.
If elected, what would be your top two or three priorities?
- Infrastructure — Improve stormwater systems and streetscaping to protect property and enhance quality of life.
- Smart Growth — Ensure new development respects our town’s character while benefiting all residents.
- Job Creation — Attract good-paying jobs and support small businesses through strong regional partnerships.
How should Batesburg-Leesville deal with more development and growth as it spreads west from Lexington?
Growth must be guided by a clear, transparent plan. We need updated zoning, better infrastructure, and public input — not last-minute decisions. Developers must be held accountable so taxpayers aren’t left with the bill. I’ll push for policies that protect our town’s identity while preparing us for a sustainable future.
The town recently spent millions to transition from the old town water plant to join the Joint Municipal Water Commission’s system. Does that alleviate your concerns about the town’s water system, or would you take more action?
No. Yes.
What can be done to create a more collaborative relationship between the mayor and members of the town council?
It starts with respect, communication, and transparency. As a longtime councilman, I’ve worked to bring people together even when we disagree. As mayor, I’ll focus on collaboration — not control — so we can serve our community as a united team.
Greg Moseley
Occupation: Funeral Director and Embalmer, Moseley Funeral & Cremation Service
Education: Batesburg-Leesville High School and Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science
Prior political/civic experience: I’ve never held public office, but I’m the current president of the Batesburg Business Association and former president of the WECO River District. A member of the Batesburg-Leesville Masonic Lodge #138, Leesville Merchants Association and the Batesburg-Leesville Chamber of Commerce.
Campaign website: N/A
Why are you running for office in Batesburg-Leesville?
My hometown is a wonderful place! But I am concerned we are not fully prepared for the large uncontrolled growth at our doorstep that has progressed to this part of Lexington County without us having made the necessary adjustments to our infrastructure, along with us also spending large sums of the taxpayers money on projects like overpriced bathrooms and parking lots.
If elected, what would be your top two or three priorities?
First and foremost, I want to work with the town manager and council members to reestablish respect and credibility back to our elected officials, secondly I would like to work with the town manager and council members to get our infrastructure updated to be prepared for the incoming growth that is headed our way and thirdly I would like to establish a group of like-minded business people to solicit new industry to make Batesburg-Leesville their home, our future success depends on everyone working together in a spirit of good faith.
How should Batesburg-Leesville deal with more development and growth as it spreads west from Lexington?
We do not need to fear positive growth but we do need to address our antiquated ordinances to help us thoughtfully and properly be prepared for the growth that has currently come to our town and we also need to address our aged infrastructure like our storm water drainage, along with traffic patterns to make everything flows better as more cars and population come this way.
The town recently spent millions to transition from the old town water plant to join the Joint Municipal Water Commission’s system. Does that alleviate your concerns about the town’s water system, or would you take more action?
This is a good step forward establishing a new water source but we need to make sure our current older pipes will properly deliver this new water to our citizens and that has to do with making sure all parts of our infrastructure is evaluated made better for our future growth, and we need to be thinking about what to do with our decommissioned water plant and also be thinking about what our contract will look like with Joint Municipal Water Commission after the first 5 years is up to make sure our citizens get the best rates possible.
What can be done to create a more collaborative relationship between the mayor and members of the town council?
We need to build better relationships outside of council meetings with each other not only professionally but socially, far too many times I’ve attended council meetings and witnessed council members not even speaking to each other or the citizens in attendance, the next mayor and council members need to remember they work for the people not themselves.
Town Council District 1
Troy Teague
Occupation: Owner at JRT Craft Construction
Education: Irmo High School graduate
Prior political/civic experience: No previous political experience
Campaign website: Troy Teague for B-L Town Council District 1 on Facebook
Why are you running for office in Batesburg-Leesville?
To be a part of the responsible growth of our community in the future. Also, to bring sensible and positive solutions to issues that have been hanging around for many years in our town.
If elected, what would be your top two or three priorities?
Number one priority would be to make sure I work alongside with the seven other council members as a team to make decisions that will positively affect the town as a whole. Second would be to make sure that the water coming from Lexington County is put in to operation as smoothly and easily as possible, not hindering the citizens of the town in the process.
How should Batesburg-Leesville deal with more development and growth as it spreads west from Lexington?
We need to stay ahead of growth. Making smart decisions with residential zoning will be a key point. As a community, we need to understand that the growth is coming here whether we like it or not. Smart decisions now will guarantee a beautiful and prosperous future for our town.
The town recently spent millions to transition from the old town water plant to join the Joint Municipal Water Commission’s system. Does that alleviate your concerns about the town’s water system, or would you take more action?
I think that the new water system is a good move forward for our town. We will have to make responsible decisions as we experience growth in the near future.
What can be done to create a more collaborative relationship between the mayor and members of the town council?
I would propose more work sessions for the council and mayor together at least once a month on top of the monthly meetings for council. Getting together and discussing day-to-day issues as citizens ourselves would be a good starting point for the team we need to build through our council and elected officials.
Bo Turner
Occupation: Salesman, Dana Safety Supply
Education: Batesburg-Leesville High School, Class of 1989
Prior political/civic experience: S.C. Department of Public Safety police officer, Lexington Dixie Youth Coach, certified AAU volleyball referee, voter of 30-plus years
Campaign website: Bo Turner for Batesburg-Leesville Town Council on Facebook
Why are you running for office in Batesburg-Leesville?
I have chosen to run for town council because of my love for this town, which has given me so much over the past fifty years, it has inspired me to give back to its citizens.
I would be honored to serve and to demonstrate to the younger generations the incredible opportunities our town offers and what amazing things we can achieve when we work together.
With my business background and deep love for our town, I believe I am the ideal candidate for District 1 Town Council position.
My top priorities are to bring jobs back to Batesburg-Leesville and manage our town’s growth at a sustainable rate. My experience working for the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, where I was responsible for writing grants, Requests for Quotation (RFQs), specifications, and other procurement duties, has prepared me to effectively serve our community.
If elected, what would be your top two or three priorities?
First, I urge the Town Council to collaborate with the County Council and the Planning Committee to establish more restrictive requirements for builders. Specifically, I recommend reducing the number of homes allowed per acre and implementing stricter separation requirements between properties.
Second, it is crucial that every aspect of our existing infrastructure be thoroughly reviewed and addressed before any new subdivisions are approved. This proactive approach will ensure our community can sustainably support future growth.
Finally, to foster the long-term vitality of Batesburg-Leesville, we must invest in our youth and create job opportunities that encourage younger generations to remain and thrive in our community.
How should Batesburg-Leesville deal with more development and growth as it spreads west from Lexington?
Like I stated eariler I would advocate for more restricted requirements for builders within our town. I believe the Town Council, in collaboration with the County Council and Planning Committee, should work to establish new regulations.
Specifically, I propose reducing the number of homes permitted per acre and implementing stricter separation requirements between properties. Additionally, to mitigate the immediate financial impact on current residents, I suggest that builders be required to subsidize the increased demand on essential services such as police, fire, and ambulance for a period of three years. This would bridge the gap until the new homes generate sufficient tax revenue to offset the increased service costs.
It is crucial that every aspect of our infrastructure is thoroughly reviewed and addressed before any further subdivisions are approved.
The town recently spent millions to transition from the old town water plant to join the Joint Municipal Water Commission’s system. Does that alleviate your concerns about the town’s water system, or would you take more action?
I believe the joint municipal water and sewer agreement significantly addresses any future concerns about our ability to provide sufficient water for both our citizens and our industrial park. This agreement provides us with the necessary options to meet the increased usage projected from the growth of additional homes and businesses.
What can be done to create a more collaborative relationship between the mayor and members of the town council?
I believe one of the most critical issues we face is the ongoing discord between the council and the mayor, as well as internal issues within the council itself. It’s essential for the council to remember their primary duty is to the citizens, not to their own interests or special interest groups.
To foster better communication and accountability, I propose holding informal, open town hall-style forums. These would provide citizens with an opportunity to voice their concerns and gain a clearer understanding of the council’s capabilities and limitations. Additionally, I would like to see more workshops involving both the council and the mayor to collaboratively address town concerns.
The cohesiveness and effective collaboration of our council and mayor are vital for the proper functioning of our town government.
Town Council District 5
Cathe Knox
Occupation: Bookkeeper
Education: Some secondary education
Prior political/civic experience: I have worked as a volunteer firefighter, served with various civic youth and other civic organizations, and with non profit groups and serve as an admin within a church organization.
Campaign website: N/A
Why are you running for office in Batesburg-Leesville?
I have lived and been a part of this community for most of my life. It appears there has been negativity growing in our municipality for some time and I believe we need to bring a positive working environment back into our community. It helps to develop ideas and better leadership throughout our community. I believe solution mindedness is a better route to take.
If elected, what are your top two or three priorities?
I want to create a positive approach to taking action in our community. We all know there are infrastructure issues with stormwater. We also need to work with our planning commission and zoning board to set proper ordinances and protocols for land areas and building in our town. There need to be updated ordinances, some that would require setbacks. We need assurance there is room for emergency response vehicles to be able to easily reach and to safely protect homes. This would require that structures are built with enough clearance for access. Our budget is a major priority. I would also like to see term limits set for council and mayor, improvements in the areas of sidewalk maintenance, streetlights, general town upkeep, etc.
How should Batesburg-Leesville deal with more development and growth as it spreads west from Lexington?
We need to prepare with our Planning Commission and Zoning Board as well as the Municipal Association of SC to have ordinances in place that will protect our town from unchecked growth.
The town recently spent millions to transition from the old town water plant to join the Joint Municipal Water Commission’s system. Does that alleviate your concerns about the town’s water system, or would you take more action?
With JMWC becoming our water supplier probably by the end of this month, we should be free from concerns about our water system and it’s integrity for years to come.
What can be done to create a more collaborative relationship between the mayor and members of the town council?
I believe it will take a more positive approach, and a look at representing our citizens in our individual districts according to the needs and desires of those districts. We then need to bring these ideas into a group conversation for the whole community to become the best place to live. It is my thought that individual agendas need to be left at home, not brought into the council chambers.
Town Council District 7
Natalie Gary
Occupation: Retired
Education: College
Prior political/civic experience: Volunteering in the past
Campaign website: N/A
Why are you running for office in Batesburg-Leesville?
Because I want my district to be better informed on town matters and provide improvement in District 7.
If elected, what will be your top two or three priorities?
Keeping my district residents informed. Working as a team player to keep our town function cohesively.
How should Batesburg-Leesville deal with more development and growth as it spreads west from Lexington?
Keeping the community informed and bring vital business to support the growth.
The town recently spent millions to transition from the old town water plant to join the Joint Municipal Water Commission’s system. Does that alleviate your concerns about the town’s water system, or would you take more action?
The town has managed very well on it own prior to the joint commission. However now it seems seamless conversion, just have to make sure the fees don’t impact the residents in there pocket.
What can be done to create a more collaborative relationship between the mayor and members of the town council?
Members of the Town Council should work cohesively with the Mayor to move town’s operational functions. It’s in the best interest for Town Council members to support the Mayor. This fosters solidarity in our community.
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