During their meeting Tuesday, West Pelzer Town Council heard an update on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and concerns from several residents.
The Town had widespread power and internet outages when the storm hit on Friday, Sept. 27. There were numerous downed trees and power poles on private property and roadways.
During public comments, West Pelzer resident and business owner Rick Sanders read a lengthy statement “on behalf of citizens of the town” stating that there was a lack of leadership and compassion from the mayor and an unapproachable demeanor.
Sanders also commented with concerns about the town canceling Pumpkinpalooza, removing prayer from town meetings and lack of progress on a 10 year plan that was approved which would guide the town through change and growth.
Sanders also stated that he talked with the mayor one time early Friday, the day of the storm but “after that conversation, no one saw or heard from you again.”
He also thanked Paula Payton and Police Chief Owen who he said “had stepped up to the plate.”
On his seventh point, Sanders said the mayor had not reached out to local businesses following the storm and asked “How can a mayor with $50,000 in hospitality tax revenue not reach out to the business owners.”
His last statement was that he regretted not running for mayor. “I never dreamed that we would be living in a great small Town , that lacked leadership, empathy and vision.”
Several other residents also expressed similar concerns.
Mayor Riddle did not respond to the comments during the meeting.
Following the meeting, when asked for a response, Riddle told The Journal, “That is his opinion. I don’t agree. I am happy with the way I do things. That is their privilege.”
During his comments, Sanders mentioned that he had been asked and considered running for mayor. Riddle was elected mayor of West Pelzer in November 2023 and is now finishing his first year of the four year term.
“If he was up for the next election, I would vote for him,” Riddle said.
When asked about the storm response, Riddle said most of his response “took place behind the scenes.”
Riddle said he and Town Clerk Paula Payton “communicated with others to help us out.”
Riddle said a crew from the Town of Pendleton brought equipment and helped remove trees from secondary roads in Pelzer. “Anderson County came and was a big help”, he said. “Citizens chipped in and helped.”
Members of the National Guard also helped haul debris to the town’s holding area near the maintenance facility.
“We had some power back on by Monday following the storm”, Riddle said. Some streets including Hindman, Evans and Park took about a week, he said. “Duke Energy has a method to restore power and it took longer to get to those streets.
Bobby Winburn, of Cotton Duck Cafe in West Pelzer, said he had power on Monday and was able to provide meals and allow people to come in to the cafe to charge phones.
Riddle said the cleanup through “Anderson County will be a big help.”
During the Council meeting, Payton said the Town had contracted through the SC Department of Transportation to help with storm debris cleanup. She said more than 50 large claw trucks were running throughout the County and helping with cleanup in West Pelzer.
Citizens did get involved helping clear trees and debris from roads, Riddle said.
“We appreciate all the help we received.”
