Resident raises concern about appointment process and alleged retaliation

During the public-comment portion of the Easley City Council meeting, resident Mason Sims said he wished to raise concerns about the citys handling of a planning commission appointment.

Sims said a longtime supporter of Mayor Talbert had been told to serve on a mayoral advisory board and later apply for a planning commission seat, but that when the application period arose the seat had already been filled. Sims said several council members had requested that candidates be fully considered rather than selecting a single person without council review. He also said the applicant felt the appointment process was "not ethical" and that the applicant believed they had been retaliated against.

Sims framed his comments as representing concerns brought to him; he acknowledged there are multiple sides to the story and said he wanted the council to consider fairness in future appointments. Council did not take action on the comment during the meeting nor did the council identify any follow-up steps on the record.