Who will be next Gilbert, SC mayor? Here’s where the candidates stand
Voters in Gilbert will soon chose a mayor.
The sitting mayor, a current town council member and a former town official are vying for the seat.
The election is Nov. 2. The State asked all four candidates what they would do if elected to a four-year term.
DONNIE CASON
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired
Education: Carson-Newman College - BA
Political or civic experience: I have served on the Gilbert Planning Commission as a member and chair. I have served as a member of Gilbert’s Town Council and am now serving as current mayor.
Campaign website: None
Why are you running for this office?
I want to maintain the small town atmosphere as we prepare for the predicted growth in this area of Lexington County. I want to continue working to explore new opportunities for the betterment of the residents of Gilbert.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
Work with local officials to have roads resurfaced, oversee the restoration of the oldest building in town, and ensure new LED street lights are installed.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
Having served as former chair of the Gilbert Planning Commission, town council and the current mayor, I have a thorough working knowledge of the overall daily operations of the town. I have been actively involved attending various local and statewide meetings on behalf of the town of Gilbert. I have taken advantage of training opportunities. I am a graduate of the SC Municipal Elected Official Institute of Government and the Advance Municipal Elected Official Institute.
What current practice or policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
It is evident in the next several years that considerable growth is coming to Gilbert and Lexington County. Although, growth can be good and it is vital, I want to continue controlled growth. This will help preserve the green spaces and backdrop of Gilbert that citizens currently enjoy.
JOHN REEDER
Age: 56
Occupation: Building contractor and city councilman
Education: High school and South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Political or civic experience: Police officer, building inspector city of Batesburg-Leesville, Gilbert City Council
Campaign website: None
Why are you running for this office?
I have lived here all my life. Because of my business and Gilbert First Baptist Church experience, as former director of missions, I see a lot of the residents daily that I’ve known for a very long time. I’m easily approachable and people share their thoughts with me when we see each other in public. I have some ideas of my own and of what residents have shared with me about what they would like to see in our town. I’ve had a good example of leadership in our current mayor, Donnie Cason. I have time to serve the people of Gilbert at this point in my life. So while I’m able, it’s a good time to do it.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
1) Harold Taylor, our maintenance guy, does a fantastic job, but he needs help to keep Gilbert beautiful. I would like to hire two more people to help him regularly. 2) Update town equipment.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
I’m a businessman and a 56-year member of the Town of Gilbert. I have been given plenty of community input.
What current practice or policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
I certainly want to keep the small town feel and beauty, which so many love about Gilbert as we grow. I’m fed up with government overreach on and to the citizens of Gilbert . What you can have, what you can’t have at your home or business. Some of this is just to much. There has to be a better balance that protects towns people from loosing the way of life they’ve grown accustomed to for so many years.
FRED TAYLOR
Age: 58
Occupation: Natural Resources Manager.
Education: Degree in biology and humanities at Midlands Technical College.
Political or civic experience: Lexington County Commissioner for more than 25 years and retired Town of Gilbert, SC Zoning Administrator.
Campaign website: None
Why are you running for this office?
To serve the people who live in the Town of Gilbert, SC
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
Improve the walkability of the town, increase the effectiveness of the town ordinance enforcement process, and work to preserve historic town properties.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
I’ve lived in Gilbert, S.C., all my life and appreciate the sense of community we enjoy.
What current practice or policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
No response on candidate questionnaire.