Bailey Gets Support From James Island

Story last updated at 7:27 a.m. Thursday, October 16, 2003

Bailey Gets Support From James Island

A slew of James Island politicians endorsed Charleston mayoral candidate Jimmy Bailey on Wednesday, including several members of James Island Town Council and the James Island Public Service District Commission.

Bailey criticized incumbent Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. for saying the countywide vote in favor of the half-cent sales tax should be respected while suing the town of James Island after it was created in a referendum. Bailey said he would work closely with islanders and that he would drop the suit against the town.

"Having grown up on Johns Island, I understand that islanders like to be left alone," he said.

Those who attended a press conference to announce their support for Bailey included James Island Mayor Mary Clark, town councilmen Joe Qualey and Parris Williams and four members of the PSD Commission, Eugene Platt, Charles Rhodes, Mike Smith and June Waring.

Clyburn backs Riley

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., has endorsed incumbent Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. in Charleston's mayoral race.

"Joe Riley was out in front on the fight to bring the flag down. He fought for better programs for our children. He fought to keep MUSC in the city and to make our neighborhoods safe," Clyburn said in a press release.

Riley also recently received endorsements from 60 businesses in the hospitality industry.