Perry Williams, incumbent commisison for Greer CPW, is hosting an event at Grace Hall Tuesday night. The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce cancelled a political candidate forum scheduled for Tuesday. Williams took over the facility to accommodate his supporters and staff who were mailed invitations before the chamber cancelled.
Williams, the incumbent commissioner for Greer City Public Works, said he mailed invitations to his followers and staff only to find out that the Chamber’s Political Action Committee cancelled the event. Chamber President Allen Smith said the forum “was cancelled due to numerous scheduling conflicts.”
The chamber, although promoting the forum for two weeks, did not provide public notice. Instead it removed all mention of the forum from its website and Facebook. “We called the individual candidates to let them know,” Smith said.
“This is too good an opportunity to go to waste so I will host it to answer questions the public may have,” Perry said. He will make some remarks during the event. Light refreshments will be served for the 4:30- 6:30 event at Grace Hall at 108 Trade Street.
The plan, according to the chamber, was to invite Mayor Rick Danner and the unopposed city council members to speak on their agenda. Local and state officials were also invited, according to the chamber’s original posting.
Jerry Balding, retired general manager of Greer CPW, is opposing Williams. A special election is scheduled July 24.
The City of Greer Election Commission will meet on Wednesday at City Hall to certify the unopposed candidates for the municipal election.
Danner and District 1 councilman Jay Arrowood, District 3 councilwoman Kimberly Bookert, and District 5 councilman Wryley Bettis will take the oath of office for their new terms at the regularly scheduled Greer City Council meeting on June 12 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited.