Honea Path Mayoral Candidate Luther Moon Promises Leadership, Honesty
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Early voting for the July 15 special election to fill the seat of mayor of Honea Path is not open. Voters can cast their ballot at the Anderson County Board of Elections and Registration Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting will end July 11.
The Anderson Observer interviewed the three candidates seeking to fill the seat.Luther Moon
1. Why do you want to be mayor of Honea Path?
Because I love this town. My wife and I moved here 25 years ago in search of the small-town values and close-knit community we both cherished, and we found it in Honea Path. Over the years, I’ve invested in our downtown, helped grow the Merchants Association, and worked hand-in-hand with businesses and families. I’m running to restore trust in local government, ensure transparency, and bring new energy to the town’s leadership - one that listens, works for the people, and puts Honea Path first.
2. What experience and skill sets make you the best candidate for this position?
I bring leadership rooted in service. I’m a decorated Army combat veteran, a lifelong builder and business owner, and the former president of the Honea Path Merchants Association. I’ve led teams in the military, run million-dollar projects in private industry, and helped organize some of our town’s most successful community events. I know how to manage budgets, fix broken systems, and bring people together across differences. Honea Path doesn’t need more politics; it needs practical leadership. That’s what I bring.
3. What are three greatest challenges facing Honea Path?
• Lack of transparency and trust in local government
• Rising taxes and utility costs without visible return
• Declining community engagement and economic stagnation
4. How would you address each of these challenges?
• Transparency: Regular public briefings, full FOIA compliance, and open-door access to leadership.
• Taxes and Spending: A full audit of the town’s budget, reprioritization of essential services, and a moratorium on unnecessary rate hikes.
• Community and Economy: Rebuilding trust by empowering local businesses, revitalizing Main Street, and bringing back civic pride through town events and citizen partnerships.
5. What is your vision for Honea Path for the next 5-10 years?
To see Honea Path become the model of small-town renewal in South Carolina, a place where businesses thrive, families feel safe, and citizens are part of the decisions that shape their town. I envision a revitalized Main Street, expanded youth programs, smart infrastructure upgrades, and a town government that’s proactive, responsive, and respected.
6. What specific, measurable goals do you have for the town’s economic development and how would you track progress?
• Attract 5–10 new small businesses within the first year
• Increase annual town-sponsored event attendance by 50% in the first year
• Create a local business incubator program for young entrepreneurs
Progress would be tracked through permits, revenue growth, merchant engagement, and community surveys, all reported publicly, quarterly.
7. Are there any current town policies or resolutions you would significantly alter or eliminate, and if so, why?
Yes. I would re-evaluate ordinances that limit free speech and peaceful political participation, including outdated signage rules. I’d also review the structure of committees imposed by the previous administration, many of which lacked accountability or inclusion. Policies should empower, not silence, the people of Honea Path. I will re-evaluate the town's permitting policies in order to ease access for new businesses and services.
8. How would you balance quality of life and preserve the character of Honea Path with new development and industry?
Development must be responsible and guided by public input. I support growth that enhances our town, not erases it. This means design standards that match our historic aesthetic, small-business-first incentives, and preserving green spaces, walkability, and community charm as we grow.
9. What steps would you take to make sure all citizens of the town have a voice in local government?
I’ll implement regular listening sessions in public spaces, publish agendas in plain language before council meetings, and create a standing Citizens Advisory Board with rotating membership from all areas of town. I also support livestreaming meetings and open forums for real-time input.
10. How would you build collaboration and consensus among council, staff, and the community?
By restoring mutual respect, holding one-on-one meetings with council members, and treating all input, even opposition, as valuable. Collaboration isn’t about everyone agreeing; it’s about everyone feeling heard and respected. I’ll lead with humility, clarity, and by example.
11. Describe your leadership style.
My leadership is servant-based, mission-focused, and people-first. I listen before I speak, lead by example, and build trust by doing the work, not just talking about it. Whether leading in combat zones or in business, I’ve always believed in teamwork, transparency, and getting results without drama or ego. My door will be open, and so will the books.
12. How do you measure the success of a project?
By its outcome, cost-effectiveness, and impact on the people it serves. A successful project should meet its goals on time and within budget, improve quality of life, and be transparent in both process and results. Community satisfaction is the final benchmark.
13. What else do you want people to know about you?
I’m a combat veteran and paratrooper, a builder, a pilot, scuba diver, a lifelong horseman, and a man who believes in honor, hard work, and second chances. I’ve lived a life full of adventure, from combat zones to coral reefs, but Honea Path is home. I’ve spent the past 25 years giving back to this town through business, service, and community events. Now, I’m ready to do more. This isn’t about politics, it’s about leadership, honesty, and bringing common sense back to the mayor’s office.
