Letter to the Editor: Town Council Encourages Residents to Urge Frazier to Resign

Editor's note: The following letter is from the Town of Lexington and was signed by Mayor Randy Halfacre, Mayor Pro-Tem Hazel Livingston, and council members Kathy Maness, Ted Stambolitis, Todd Shevchik and Steve MacDougall. A PDF of the actual letter is attached.

The Town of Lexington is faced with an unfortunate situation regarding allegations of illegal activity involving gambling and sweepstakes promotion by a fellow Council Member. Town Council has studied this matter carefully and has acted as strongly as possible within our limited authority. We have unanimously signed a resolution requesting the resignation of Councilman Danny Frazier. 

Town Council cannot and will not tolerate any type of behavior that causes embarrassment and lack of confidence in our town officials. The remaining members of town council feel the "public trust" has been drastically affected to the extent that the harmonious, orderly and efficient operation of town business and Town Council meetings can no longer be conducted in a positive, constructive manner. 

As stated in SC Code of Laws Article 6, Section 8, the Governor is the only political authority who can remove a seated elected official and only under the condition of indictment (leading to suspension) and conviction (leading to removal). 

Currently 29 states have recall laws for the removal of elected officials, including neighboring Georgia. This process allows citizens to petition the removal of a candidate and allow for a special election to seat a new member of Council. Currently, South Carolina does not have a recall process for any level of elected officials. 

We urge our citizens to speak to their State Legislators to request they amend the state constitution to allow the voters to participate in a recall process, and encourage you to join us in urging Councilman Frazier to resign from office to preserve the integrity of the Town of Lexington. 

Town Council will work diligently to restore and renew your faith and trust. We will guide and lead our community through this very despicable incident, weather the storm and become a stronger and more united town in the end. 

In the words of former Vice President and South Carolina native John C. Calhoun, "The very essence of a free government consists in considering offices as public trusts, bestowed for the good of the country, and not for the benefit of an individual or a party." That was true then and it is still true today!

We are elected by you, the people, for the people and our duty is first and foremost to serve you, a commitment we take very seriously. Our resolve is strong and unwavering. We will persevere.

Thank you for your support.

Lexington Town Council