Honea Path Mayor Steps Down, Special Election to be Scheduled

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Citing increasing demands from his full-time job as assistant professor of technology at Greenville Technical College, Honea Path Mayor Christopher Burton stepped down Tuesday night during the regular council meeting.

Burton, who was elected in 2019, said he is proud of his accomplishments as mayor.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Burton told the council. “I believe it is in the best interests of the town and with my career and family in mind.”

Over the past several months, Burton said his workload at Greenville Tech, had required more of his time and is expected to grow moving ahead.

Longtime Honea Path Town Council Member and current Mayor Pro Tempore Jim Taylor was sworn in as mayor to begin service immediately until a special election can be held within the next 13 weeks. The South Carolina Election Commission and the Anderson County Office of Voter Registrations and Elections will be notified tomorrow of the need for scheduling a new election, which would be July 15 or July 16.

Taylor, who says he has no interest in the job, will serve until a new mayor is elected. Long-time town resident Dr. Jimmy Smith, who currently serves as Honea Path Fire Chief Jimmy Smith is the name mentioned most as a candidate for mayor. Filing will begin as soon as paperwork is complete with the state and local offices.

During his tenure, Burton focused on highlighting Honea Path’s identity, including historical markers to growing the Honey Soppin’ Festival and other local events, as well as drawing attention to the fact that Honea Path being one of only two municipalities in South Carolina with a public swimming pool, run by the recreation department.

As mayor, Burton also helped the town get a $2.65 million grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for environmental remediation and cleanup efforts at the old Chiquola Mills site, made possible by the federal government’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021. Honea Path is one of only 35 cleanup grant recipients in the southeast, and the grant amount awarded to the project is the fourth highest in the region.  S.C. Sen. Mike Gambrell, R-Anderson and former S.C. Rep. Jay West, R-Anderson, secured an additional $1 million redevelopment site grant from the State of South Carolina to be used at the site. Anderson County will serve as a project partner and is providing technical support and other resources toward the redevelopment effort.

“This is a monumental day for our Town and our community,” said Honea Path Mayor Christopher Burton last year. “Almost all of our residents have ties to the Chiquola Mill, and we are committed to helping the site become something that will help Honea Path usher in a new era of prosperity.”

During his tenure, Burton also prioritized infrastructure improvements, with sewer and water upgrades aimed at lowering water costs for citizens while providing better service.

Meanwhile, Burton has been plagued by significant police department issues, including alleged financial crimes and missing evidence and funds dating back to 2020-2021 and lack of proper record keeping. Burton and the current requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigate these matters. This includes missing funds and a lack of proper record-keeping. SLED’s investigation is still ongoing and repeated Observer attempts for a comment on the matter have been rebuffed.

Burton’s stepping down comes at a time when Honea Path is growing and seeing new businesses and housing starts.