West Pelzer Mayor Riddle Resigns
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
In a quiet moment of transition last night, Mayor James R. Riddle Sr. formally resigned his post, stepping away from a role that has been a continuation of a lifelong commitment to public service. The mayor’s seat, a nonpartisan office intimately tied to the rhythms of this small town, will be temporarily filled by Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Lee, who will hold the reins at least until the newly elected town council is sworn in come January.
The political landscape in the town is quietly stirring: Lee and fellow incumbent Johnny Rogers now face challenges from Rick Sanders—whose family name carries the weight of history, as the father of former Mayor and current State Representative Blake Sanders—and Jeff Turner.
A special election, mandated by law to occur 13 Tuesdays from the vacancy date—tentatively January 20—is the next chapter in this unfolding story. The filing period, a brief two-week window yet to be announced, will determine the field of candidates eager to shape West Pelzer’s future.
For Mayor Riddle, who was sworn in last year, the decision to resign arrives after a tenure aimed at stewardship and a desire to nurture continuity. Once Mayor Pro Tem himself during the Sanders administration, Riddle worked toward his goals by: hiring a new police chief, expanding community events—among them, a heartfelt annual dog show, a reflection of his own fondness for dogs.
At 79, a native of nearby Pelzer and a veteran with a degree from Central Wesleyan College, Riddle’s path weaves through decades of ministry—where he served as pastor, elder, and teacher—as well as years in the food industry. He brought to the mayor’s office a pastoral spirit tempered by pragmatic governance.
“I’m appreciative of the past administrations that got us to this point,” Riddle reflected, his tone measured, hopeful. “It’s my goal to keep us moving forward in a positive manner, and that is going to be in small increments over time, as we keep going in that direction.”
This story is developing.
