Hello REALTORS®,
I know it seems like elections are always in the news—because they are. And it’s not because campaigns are getting longer—even though they are. Sometimes it’s because life intrudes, and elected officials aren’t able to fulfill their terms of office. That’s what happened to two former members of Walhalla City Council.
On January 21, councilmembers Josh Thomas and Keith Pace resigned their seats. Pace, who was the mayor pro tem, retired and moved to another part of the state. Thomas, a Realtor, said he underestimated the time commitment of serving on city council. Pace had one year left on his term, and Thomas had three years left.
Walhalla City Council Special Election is April 22
Five candidates have filed for the two vacancies—two of them filed for both seats.
If you live in Walhalla, early voting is underway. Information on how and where to vote is here.
Voter Guide
Our objective is to give Realtors information to help them decide how they will vote. Your objective should be to vote. Below is our Voter Guide for the special election.
- Jessie Bunning: She is running for both seats. Bunning currently serves on the Walhalla Planning Commission. Professionally, she is a database specialist with Oconee County Schools. Read her campaign page on Facebook.
- Hayden Laye: He is running for both seats. Laye graduated from Walhalla High School in 2023. Linktree, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
- Robert Kelly: He is running for the term that expires at the end of this year. Kelly is a science teacher at Oconee County Schools. Facebook.
- Lynn McClain: She is running for the term that expires in 2027. McClain is chairwoman of the Walhalla Planning Commission and owns McClains on Main in Walhalla. Facebook.
- Alan Nicholson: He is running for the term that expires in 2027. Professionally, Nicholson is a machinist and toolmaker at PMi2. Facebook.
Support RPAC
Elections are a reminder of the importance of RPAC. RPAC is like a joint bank account into which Realtors make deposits so that their association can help Realtor-friendly candidates with the high cost of running for office.
Our success in government affairs relies on elected officials who are friendly and supportive of real estate. Through RPAC, we support pro-real estate candidates who understand the importance of a vibrant economy for real estate. Supporting RPAC is easy. Your association includes a voluntary contribution to RPAC on your annual dues invoice. Pay it, and you are an RPAC supporter. If you haven’t supported RPAC this year, I encourage you to do so by clicking here.
One additional way you can support RPAC is by joining our RPAC Committee. They are charged with raising money for RPAC so that we have the funds to be successful. I can’t think of a better professional to raise money for RPAC than a Realtor.
If you want to get involved in our government affairs program, please contact me by calling the association office or emailing me at Michael@WesternUpstateMLS.com.
Anderson County Council proposes two new development ordinances
Earlier this week, Anderson County Council’s Planning and Public Works Committee, chaired by Councilwoman Wilson, a Realtor, proposed the 14th and 15th development-related ordinances since July 2024. Both received the first of three required votes:
- Riparian Buffers: an ordinance that would require nearly all future developments bordering any waterway, even a small stream, to have a 100-foot buffer on any stream or pond.
- Foundation Survey: an ordinance to allow a building inspector to require a survey of the location of a building foundation when the foundation is altered from the original permit.
The committee also said they would put a 16th ordinance on the next council agenda that would require townhome projects larger than 12 units to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission.
The County Council also approved hiring a consultant to review and rewrite the county’s development and zoning ordinances. Your association will be invited to provide input on that project.
Michael Dey, Director of Government Affairs