Incumbents Fare Poorly in Tuesday’s County Elections
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Incumbents are not faring well in early election results on Tuesday.
Pendleton Mayor Frank Crenshaw lost to challenger Sarah Stokowski who received 565 of 1012 votes cast.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the people of Pendleton for their trust and support,” said Stokowski. “This campaign has always been about community — about listening, collaboration, and responsible growth. I’m ready to get to work with our residents, businesses, and town staff to make sure Pendleton continues to thrive while preserving the character that makes it so special.”
Incumbent Pendleton Council Member Lyn Merchant held on to her Ward 1 seat against challenger Abigail B. Clark by 93 votes of the 1019 cast. Nancy Von Meyer was elected to the open seat in Ward 3.
In Belton, three incumbent city council members were reelected to new terms: Joshua S. Hawkins in Ward 5, Mark Spence in Ward 1, and Russ Tysl in Ward 3.
In Honea Path voters reelected Incumbents A. Earle Ashley in Ward 1, Ward 3’s Jason A. Peterson, and Molly Fisher for the Ward 5 post.
Honea Path voters will decide three council races. Incumbent A. Earle Ashley is running again in Ward 1, while Ward 3 features Jason A. Peterson, and Molly Fisher for the Ward 5 post.
West Pelzer will have two new council members, as Rick Sanders and Jeff Turner won over incumbents Johnny C. Rogers Sr. and Jeff Lee. Sanders received 106 and Turner 67, while Lee received 36 and Rogers 14,
In Pelzer Chase Smithwick will be new mayor, replacing Will Ragland who did not run for reelection. Smithwick received 157 votes to Harold Tennihill’s 23.
Pelzer also elected Michael W Shirley, Jason McElhannon. Donna Ide and Greg Pellum to town council.
Current numbers available in the capital sales tax referendum for roads so far: 5,527 No votes; 1,668 Yes votes..
All three zoning referendums, Shirley’s Store, Neal’s Creek and Rock Springs, passed easily, and will move forward to create new zoning maps for their areas..
