WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Citing health reasons, Gaston's mayor resigns

Citing health reasons, Gaston's mayor resigns

GASTON, SC (WIS) - The mayor of Gaston has told WIS News 10 that he is stepping down because of some previous heart problems, at the recommendation of his cardiologist.

His announcement comes the same day that SLED agents took a computer from town hall and the IRS seized two town bank accounts as part of their separate investigations.

Earlier this month, Mayor Larry Sharpe and council members decided to lay off the police force because the town is close to $300,000 in debt. WIS News 10 obtained documents showing questionable spending and reimbursement, including a $6,500 bill for a conference in Hilton Head for four people.

Many people in the town welcome the news.

A sign was put up on Meadowfield Road, asking to get rid of the mayor and the bring back the police department. Store owner Kathy Wingard posted the sign at Gaston's Hot Hair and Tanning, pushing to "get rid of the mayor and bring our police department back."

Wingard says since then she's heard "beep, beep ... all day since we put the sign up."

Because the town of Gaston said they had no more money, the Gaston Police Department was disbanded earlier this month, but Kathy says they should have cut the mayor and Town Council members out of the payroll. "The mayor don't do nothing but sit up there. The police department patrolled our streets. When we close at night and we're walking with our drops, the police department will sit in my parking lot so I can get in my car and be safe."

Everyone that passes by has noticed her sign, even town hall. Kathy has owned the salon for five years and never been asked to buy a temporary sign permit until now. "If I had hair tanning cuts $12 and $30 a month for tanning, they wouldn't have said nothing about that sign."

But not everybody agrees. Loyal store customer Toni Busbee says the sign annoys her. "The one who kept the books, I mean, that's who they need to be looking at, not the mayor."

But despite Toni and Kathy's different political views, Toni says that's not going to stop her from "Getting my grandbabies' hair cut. Dona's my favorite hair dresser."

And Kathy says the sign is staying until the police department comes back.

Previous Stories:

• Gaston's money problems could become criminal case
• Gaston clerical errors almost cost man his license
• Gaston residents flood into budget meeting in protest
• Gaston's mayor defends town's spending
• Gaston Police Department disbanded

Reported by Fay Taylor

Posted by Bryce Mursch