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Johnson out, as newcomers Barringer, Eberhardt prevail

By Robin L. Gardner | Independent Tribune

Published: November 4, 2009

MOUNT PLEASANT — L. Scott Barringer, Richard Burleyson and Maura Eberhardt won the Mount Pleasant Town Commissioner election against incumbent James C. Johnson III and Michael Metcalf.
Burleyson, the winning incumbent, tallied 111 votes, 17 more than Johnson, who narrowly missed out on re-election. Burleyson hopes to continue what he considered necessary growth in services to the town.

"We are slowly and steadily putting some things in place the town needs," Burleyson said. "People do not want to see their taxes go up. We are not anticipating that or proposing that. Our revenue base is not going to increase any time soon, that we are aware of, so we are looking for ways to cut down our operating cost."

Barringer, the top vote-getter with 152 votes, said spending has gone beyond what is good for the town. The town has added three new positions totaling more than $100,00 in salaries.

"We have added $100,000 worth of employees during a recession," Barringer said. "How much growth have we had? Show me the growth. They talk about when Highway 49 widens we are going to explode. You got a development that is sitting there that's been sold three or four times — 400 acres. If you don't have people, you're not going to have business. People have to support the businesses."

Eberhardt, who cracked his sternum in a car accident on Friday, also felt spending was getting out of control. Eberhardt finished with 144 votes.

"They were spending money like they were crazy," Eberhardt said. "I like Mount Pleasant. I grew up here. I care about Mount Pleasant."

Johnson feels the town is in a good place to continue growth.

"I feel, no matter the outcome today, the town is better place to do business, and is a more organized town, because of the staffing we've done," Johnson said. "I feel very good that the town is more prepared for any or all changes that come."

Burleyson said Johnson was an asset to the board, and the town will feel his loss.

"He was the one who encouraged me to run. We will miss him. He was intelligent and level headed," Burleyson said.

Warren Chapman will complete the unexpired term he was appointed to fill after Metcalf resigned because of a job relocation. That term will end in 2011.

"I would like to see Mount Pleasant remain the small town that it is, but it can't remain that. We've got to expect and plan for growth. We need to attract business; we need sewer and natural gas to attract industry. Growth is coming and we need to be prepared for it," Chapman said.

Editor's note: Commenting on this story has been disable since the comments have strayed off topic.