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Easley resident alleges pressure on prospective candidates; council hears public comment
Summary
At the Jan. 13, 2025 City of Easley council meeting, Mason Sims of Ward 6 told the council he had heard that individuals were discouraging or vetting potential candidates to control how they would vote. The council heard the comment during the public comment period; no formal action was taken.
Mason Sims, a Ward 6 resident, told the City of Easley council Jan. 13 that he and others were reluctant to run for office because of scrutiny and ‘‘nastiness’’ toward candidates and their families. Sims said he had been told that a local individual—or individuals—interview prospective candidates before they campaign in order to ensure control over how those candidates would vote.
Sims said he once hesitated to run for office for those reasons and asked the council how it could respect candidates who agree to be ‘‘controlled’’ by others. He did not name the person or persons he said were conducting such interviews, nor did he provide documentary evidence; council members did not announce any formal follow-up at the meeting.
The comment was delivered during the council’s public comment period. Mayor Talbert and council members listened but did not make a recorded response or take formal action during the meeting. The council proceeded later in the agenda to other items, including a rezoning vote and an appointment.
