James Island Leader Backs Bailey for Charleston Mayor

Story last updated at 6:47 a.m. Thursday, October 9, 2003

James Island leader backs Bailey for Charleston mayor

ELECTION COUNTDOWN

James Island Mayor Mary Clark announced Wednesday that she is endorsing Jimmy Bailey for mayor of Charleston.

Clark said that she blames incumbent Joseph P. Riley Jr. for traffic problems and excessive development on the island and that Riley is trying to destroy the town of James Island by suing to challenge its legality.

"Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. cannot be allowed to win again. We have to defeat him, and I believe Jimmy Bailey has the best chance," Clark said.

Clark also said she is supporting challengers to three of Riley's allies on Charleston City Council, Louis Waring in District 7, Paul Tinkler in District 9 and Anne Frances Bleecker in District 11. Their challengers are, respectively, Will Sheppard, Shawn Keller and Jane Barr.

Mayoral candidates hit the campaign trail

Bailey and fellow mayoral candidate Tom Doyle appeared Tuesday evening before the Hampton Park Terrace Neighborhood Association. The event was not a debate, and the two candidates discussed their platforms and took questions.

Riley appeared Tuesday before the Country Club I and II subdivisions on James Island. He addressed traffic and development concerns on the island, according to a news release.

Kwadjo Campbell is holding a crab crack at 7 p.m. today at Ellen Bright's Hall.