Photo| Facebook

Photo| Facebook

<p>Photo| Facebook</p>

Photo| Facebook

BENNETTSVILLE— Two Bennettsville City Council members have announced that they’re running for mayor in the December special elections.

District 5 representative and mayor pro tem Tyron Abraham and District 1 representative Wanda Weaver have filed to run for mayor in the December 31st special election.

Former mayor Leith Fowler stepped down in September due to health-related issues.

Weaver wrote in a Facebook post, “I am announcing my candidacy for mayor in the upcoming Bennettsville Mayoral Special Election. Bennettsville is a special place, and I’m proud to call it home. I want every citizen to feel the same way. I have been a tireless advocate for all citizens of Bennettsville, not just my council district. My background as a downtown small business owner and church administrative secretary in our historic district gives me the relevant experience to understand our collective strengths, identify our challenges, and improve on our weaknesses. As mayor, I will work together with all stakeholders on practical, workable solutions designed to grow and move our city forward. Transparency in city affairs and finances and accountability by city leaders is crucial to attaining these goals.”

Abraham wrote in a Facebook post announcing his candidacy, “After careful consideration, prayers and so many calls asking me to run for the position of Mayor; I am announcing my candidacy for Mayor of this Great City, Bennettsville, South Carolina. My campaign will not be about promises, my campaign will be ” Let the Work I’ve Done and Will continue to Do Speak for me.” I believe in positive leadership and working together. My record is an open book. I have worked diligently and volunteered my services for 25-plus years.”

The election for mayor will be held on December 31 and a separate special election will be held to fill the empty city council seat following the election for mayor.

Bennettsville is governed in a strong council, weak mayor form of government. What that means is the mayor primarily serves as the city council’s chairperson. The mayor has no formal authority to appoint or remove officials, and they cannot veto council actions. This system of government is common in rural areas.