Billy Swails Won't Seek Second Term

Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails won't seek a second term in office.

After 11 years on the council and four years at the helm of town government, Swails said it's time for him to spend more time with his family.

"We did a poll a few weeks ago and our approval rating was only 75 percent," Swails said on WCBD-TV today. "The election would have been very easy for me, but it's the four-year commitment that's the problem."

The Mayor had said previously he was all but sure he would seek a second term, but on Wednesday he said it was time for new leadership for state's fourth-largest municipality.

Joe Bustos, a former councilman who challenge Swails in 2009, has already stated his intentions to again run for the mayor's office.

In addition to Swails, councilmembers John Burn, Elton Carrier, Linda Page and Craig Rhyne are up for re-election. None have made official statements about their intentions to run again.

Following the televised announcement, Swails released this statement:

Dear residents, dear friends,  

It is with a sad heart that I come to you to share the news that I will not seek re-election for a second term as mayor of Mount Pleasant this fall. I have decided to focus on family and spend more quality time with my wife Peggy and our children and grandchildren.

It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve the residents of this beautiful town and I will truly miss the sense of family and community that binds us all together.

I am grateful for the 15 years I have spent serving my community, both as council member and later on as mayor. I am proud of the major milestones we accomplished. None of this would have been possible without the passion and zeal of our Town Council and the dedication of our municipal employees.

During my tenure as mayor, we have completed important projects that will benefit our community for generations to come, including:

• Johnnie Dodds and US 17 road improvements
• Hungryneck overpass completion
• Bowman Road widening
• Revitalization of Coleman Boulevard
• Shem Creek Park opening
• Senior Center Phase 2 completion 
• Carolina Park Recreation Center opening
• Recruitment of Trident Technical College
• Joint acquisition of 246 acres of recreation property on Rifle Range Road
• Improved bond rating and increased financial reserves
• No property tax increase
• All-America City Award

The revitalization of Coleman Boulevard is dear to my heart and, I believe, essential to the vitality of our Town. I encourage Town Council to continue to foster and promote this vision.

Finally, I must thank my wife Peggy and my family and friends for their unwavering support and love during my mayoral years. But 15 years of public service is enough for a 66-year-old husband, father and grandfather.

I am excited about the future and I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life. I am extremely grateful to the residents of Mount Pleasant for allowing me the privilege to serve them. Mount Pleasant has always been my home and it will continue to be so as long as I live.

Thank you and God bless you!

Mayor Billy Swails