James R. (Jim) Riddle, a long time West Pelzer resident and local businessman is running for the open seat on West Pelzer Town Council in the special election to be held on Dec. 30. Riddle was born in Pelzer in 1946 and has been a resident of West Pelzer for thirty years. He married Susie Rogers of Williamston and the Riddles have three children and five grandchildren.
Riddle attended Greer High School, Greenville Tech. and is a graduate of Southern Wesleyan University. He served U S Army from 1965-1968 and is a member of Orthodox Christian Church.
He has been active in the community as a Boy Scout Leader, Youth Baseball and Football Coach, and has served as a member of Williamston Spring Water committee for the past 12 years.
Riddle worked in food industry for fifty two years. He recently retired from BI-LO where he worked as Meat Department Manager in the Pelzer BI-LO store.
He currently operates Hey BO/Sassy Sow BBQ food trailer in West Pelzer and at local festivals and events. He is also a member of the Greater Williamston Business Association.
Political involvement includes serving as Republican Precinct President for several years in 1980s. Currently he is registered as an independent and considers himself to be a progressive conservative.
Riddle said he is running for West Pelzer Council because he wants to build on progress that has been recently made and reach out for opportunities that lie ahead.
“I believe the country is on the verge of economic recovery and positive growth. The South in general and South Carolina in particular already experiencing this effect, especially here in upstate,” he said. “I believe large cities are leading the way, but many smaller towns have unique opportunities to take advantage of, West Pelzer being one of them.”
He also said, “I want to build upon progress that has been recently made in our town and to reach out for opportunities that lie ahead. West Pelzer is a small town with the distinction of being a relaxed and neighborly community. My hope is that we can grow our town while taking advantage of this distinction, while not losing it. I applaud the leadership and work of Mayor Paxton and recent councils for meeting the needs of modern infrastructure and town services, notably our exceptional police department.”
“I would hope to continue such efforts if I am elected to council while also contributing to a continued spirit of civility and cooperation,” he said.
