Norway (WLTX) - There's some question whether a newly elected mayor can accept his position. The controversy stems from the fact the man is already a police chief. "I don't want to cause nobody any trouble," said Norway's newly elected mayor Jim Preacher. When a group of townspeople came to Jim Preacher's house asking him to run for mayor he says he was reluctant. "I don't even know if I'd make a good mayor, but I've got good support here." Apparently the town has faith in Preacher, he won the popular vote last week. "I was very excited. I felt like the people had showed their support for me." However, the fact that Preacher is already serving as Ehrhardt's Police Chief bothers some. The state constitution says no person may hold two offices of honor or profit. But it says any office holder may at the same time be an officer in the militia, member of a fire department, constable or notary public. Attorney general's spokesman Mark Plowden says dual office could be challenged in court. Preacher is confident what he's doing is legal and ethical. "Before running for mayor I checked with my two attorneys and they said I'd be fine since it was a different town and a different county." Preacher is hoping it doesn't come to a lawsuit. "Should someone bring a suit, I would resign as mayor. These are the best two towns in the state of South Carolina." Preacher was ousted from his position as Chief of Police in Norway in 2007. [Read that original article]
He also beat out the man who fired him in this years election.
11/9/2009 10:23:48 PM
