Meet the two candidates running for mayor in Chapin
Voters in Chapin are in an unusual position heading into Election Day. There are three candidates listed as running for mayor on Nov. 4, but before voting could even begin, one candidate, incumbent Mayor Al Koon, entered hospice care. He died on Friday, Oct. 17.
The news broke so late that there’s no time now for Koon’s name to be removed from the ballot. An election official told The State that postings in polling places will inform voters that any votes for Koon won’t be counted.
First elected back in 2021 after previously serving on the town council, Koon had been running for a second term as mayor of the “Capital of Lake Murray,” a town of less than 2,000 people situated in the rapidly expanding area north of the lake.
In the running to be elected as mayor are Ron Colley, a retired home builder, and Bill Mitchell, a pastor.
Local voters will also choose from four candidates for two open seats on Chapin Town Council in this election.
Earlier in the campaign, before Koon’s passing, The State asked the mayoral candidates about what they would do if elected. Early voting in Chapin’s election will go from Oct. 20-31.
Ron Colley
Occupation: Retired, but remain as a licensed South Carolina residential home builder and general contractor
Education: College graduate
Prior political/civic experience: My community involvement has never been about building a résumé or curating the image of a career politician. Instead, it reflects a genuine commitment to faith, service, and people. My family and I are members of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Chapin and lifetime members of the Filipino-American Association of Greater Columbia. I have long supported organizations such as Operation Smile, Oliver Gospel Mission, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, as well as local initiatives like Family Promise of Columbia, Jamil Temple, Saluda Shoals Park, and the Big Red Barn Retreat. Equally important are the personal ways I have tried to give back. Over the years, I have mentored individuals of all ages pursuing careers in construction and offered free labor or knowledge to help community members fix problems in their homes. I have supported men navigating the difficult realities of divorce and custody battles, provided guidance to those struggling with drugs and alcohol, and assisted newcomers to South Carolina as they adjusted to life in a new community. These one-on-one acts of mentorship, service, and encouragement reflect the heart of my involvement: walking alongside people, offering practical help, and helping them find stability and hope. Summary: Community Events Supporter, Support for Divorced Men, Mentor for Young Men (Finance, Drug & Addiction) Support for New Residents, Mentor for Aspiring Builders, Philanthropy, Free Consultations and Labor
Campaign website: bit.ly/RonColleyForChapinMayor
Why are you running for office in Chapin?
When I built my home in Chapin, I experienced firsthand the frustration many residents face — poor customer service, an unreachable mayor, and processes that make simple tasks unnecessarily difficult. These challenges revealed areas in dire need of improvement. As Mayor, I will address these weaknesses head-on to create a more efficient and resident-focused government. My goal is to make Town Hall accessible, responsive, and truly helpful to the people it serves. Chapin deserves leadership that listens, communicates, and takes action — not one that adds obstacles. My vision is simple yet powerful: a kinder, gentler Chapin — where government operates with transparency, compassion, and common sense, always keeping the needs of the community at heart. Together, we can restore trust, efficiency, and pride in our town’s leadership.
If elected, what would be your top two or three priorities?
Our top priority must be keeping children safe; Chapin schools need more than one SRO officer to ensure after-school activities and sporting events are secure. Infrastructure is another concern — current administration relies on costly studies instead of hiring professionals and trades to address water, sewer, and road issues. Building permits are overly delayed; it took me nearly two years to get a simple permit, while large developers move faster. Government must be accountable and accessible; the Mayor should be reachable, and Town Hall should serve residents efficiently, not rely entirely on a $120k town manager.
How should the town respond to growth in the area, especially outside the town limits that might still strain municipal infrastructure?
Infrastructure is essential to Chapin’s future. From day one, I will review current plans and put forward practical options to keep services running smoothly. We face real challenges with sewer, water, and traffic congestion during peak hours, and these cannot be ignored. My approach will be to partner closely with SCDOT, the City of Columbia Water, and the State of South Carolina to ensure Chapin keeps pace with both growth and long-overdue maintenance. By focusing on collaboration, accountability, and commonsense solutions, we can address today’s infrastructure needs while preparing responsibly for the future.
What upgrades need to be made to the town’s water system to prepare for future growth?
As it stands, the City of Columbia overcharges Chapin residents for water services — a clear example being the $11 per household fee for fire hydrants, which is simply unreasonable. I recently built a home in Chapin and, despite using so little water one month that it didn’t even register on the meter, my bill was still over $30. If we continue down this path, our combined water and sewer costs will soon rival a car payment.
To prepare for future growth and protect residents from escalating costs, Chapin must explore upgrading its water infrastructure with a focus on independence and sustainability. The town should aggressively pursue state and federal grants that would allow Chapin to produce and manage some — if not all — of its own water supply. Doing so would not only reduce long-term costs for residents but also give the town greater control over water quality, availability, and infrastructure planning as we continue to grow.
Should Chapin look at annexation to bring more land into the town, and if so what areas should be targeted?
Annexation should always be at the landowner’s discretion, not forced by government. Property rights come first. Only in very rare cases — such as matters of public safety or critical infrastructure — would I consider annexation without owner initiation, and only with full transparency and community input. Chapin’s future should be built on respect for individual rights, fairness, and open dialogue. Growth decisions must serve the people, not government interests.
Bill Mitchell Jr.
Occupation: I have been a resident of Chapin for 51 years. My professional experience includes serving as a Buyer for Owen Electric Steel, Purchasing Manager for Wells American Corporation, and Sole Proprietor of Breakwater Docks for 39 years. In addition, I have served as the Founding Pastor of Chapin Fellowship Church for 26 years and counting. I have been married to my wife, Pam, for 47 years, and we are blessed with three married adult children and eight grandchildren.
Education: Graduate of Chapin High School, Class of 1978. I pursued Mechanical Drawing and Fortran programming at the University of South Carolina’s College of Engineering, completed electrical and electronic courses at Midlands Technical College, and earned Old Testament Survey credits from Columbia International University. I am a licensed South Carolina Contractor with a bid classification of $3 million per job, hold a state Realtor’s License, and am also a certified SCUBA diver.
Prior political/civic experience: As the founding and residing Pastor of Chapin Fellowship Church for the past 26 years and counting this demonstrates my ability to work with the public in such a manner as to gain their approval and I will carry this valuable experience into the public sector as I lead an entire town with integrity and determination for the well-being of every citizen.
Campaign website: Bill Mitchell for Mayor of Chapin on Facebook
Why are you running for office in Chapin?
My decision to run stems from a profound personal journey, deeply rooted in my lifelong connection to Chapin. Having been a resident for 51 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the growth, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped our beloved town. Throughout my life, I have sought God’s guidance through daily prayers, and through these reflections, I’ve felt a clear calling to serve. This divine inspiration, combined with my enduring love for Chapin, has instilled in me a heartfelt duty to support and advocate for the beautiful people who currently call Chapin home and those who will join our community in the future. My experiences, both personal and professional, have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the town’s continued growth and well-being.
If elected, what would be your top two or three priorities?
One of the greatest assets in our town is our public schools. They serve as the magnet that attracts families to our community and understandably so. The quality of education, dedicated teachers, and strong sense of community make our schools a cornerstone of what makes our town special.
However, this very asset is now in urgent need of protection. The education of the next generation is being threatened by actions taken by the sitting Mayor and the Town Administrator. Their decisions, particularly the rapid selling of sewer taps into the 29036 zip code, are directly contributing to the overcrowding of our schools. This unchecked growth compromises the quality of education, strains resources, and places undue pressure on both teachers and students.
Addressing this issue requires immediate attention, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to preserving the educational excellence that defines our town. Our children’s futures, and the future of our community, depend on it.
How should the town respond to growth in the area, especially outside the town limits that might still strain municipal infrastructure?
As one of the most popular destinations in our nation, South Carolina continues to attract new residents. Because Chapin is within the SC we cannot stop growth or annexation altogether. The issue is not that people love our state or our town. The real problem arises when growth becomes a stampede and when too many people arrive too quickly for our community to keep pace.
We have always welcomed new neighbors, but growth must be managed wisely and responsibly. Unfortunately, the actions of the current Mayor and Town Administrator over the past four years have demonstrated a consistent inability to make sound, forward-thinking decisions.
On November 4, we have an important opportunity to replace ideas that haven’t worked with ideas that will by electing leadership that is prepared to guide Chapin into the future with balance, integrity, and vision. I ask for your support as I seek to serve as your next Mayor. Together, we can ensure that Chapin grows stronger, not just larger.
What upgrades need to be made to the town’s water system to prepare for future growth?
Fewer homes per acre, as recommended by insightful committees, must be enforced by Town Council to ensure concurrency works, otherwise needs will outrun Chapin’s ability to provide services. Currently upgrades are needed and the Town needs to stay ahead of this situation from here forward to avoid this occurring again.
Should Chapin look at annexation to bring more land into the town, and if so what areas should be targeted?
As one of the most popular states in our nation, South Carolina continues to attract new residents. Because Chapin is a popular Town within the state we cannot stop growth or annexation altogether. The issue is not that people love our state or our town. The real problem arises when growth becomes a stampede with too many people arriving too quickly for our community to keep pace.
We have always welcomed new neighbors, but growth must be managed wisely and responsibly. Unfortunately, the actions of the current Mayor and Town Administrator over the past four years have shown a consistent inability to make sound, forward-thinking decisions.
On Nov. 4, we have an important opportunity to replace ideas that haven’t worked with ideas that will—by electing leadership that is prepared to guide Chapin into the future with balance, integrity, and vision. I ask for your support as I seek to serve as your next Mayor. Together, we can ensure that Chapin grows stronger, not just larger.
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