Current and Former City of Charleston Council Members Support Middleton for Mayor

Press Release

Charleston Mayoral candidate Clay Middleton hosted a press conference on Monday featuring fellow community members who support him in the race to be the next Mayor of Charleston. Supporters included two sitting City of Charleston Council Members, William Dudley Gregorie (District 6) and Perry K. Waring (District 7). Following the press conference, two former City of Charleston Council Members announced their support of Middleton; James Lewis, Jr. and Reverend Jimmy Gallant. 

All Lowcountry print press outlets and news stations were invited; Channel 2, 4, and 5 were in attendance, yet their stations decided not to cover the event.

Middleton spoke on housing, small businesses, economic development, revitalization of West Ashley, flooding solutions, infrastructure, plans for the development of Sumar St, and his professional and personal background. Said background includes being a product of Bayside Manor, Burke, and The Citadel – his vast leadership, community, and military experience; working for Congressman Jim Clyburn, President Barack Obama, and the City of Charleston.

Charleston Mayoral candidate, Clay Middleton, said, “My experience has uniquely prepared me for these times. To lead and provide a shared vision for all of Charleston, not just one part. I’m not going to put us against each other. Each part of our city has different needs and too many parts of our community have been ignored, forgotten, and displaced. Not on my watch. ”

The press conference took place at 43 Sumar St because “this lot represents a failure of leadership. What good is it for a Mayor to create a tie versus voting in the affirmative so that real action can take place?”

“He is a person of integrity and honesty, and he is ready to be a new brick in an old foundation. We need a fresh, new look at how we operate in our City. I know Clay Middleton is the person to give us that fresh look. I completely support him, I’ve been on council now for 15 years; I’ve had the opportunity to see him grow and be ready for this day. I hope that the citizens of this city clearly understand that we need a change. We need a change because we must become one Charleston, a city that works for everyone.” said Councilman William Dudley Gregorie of District Six.

Council Member Perry K. Waring of District Seven said, “Eight years ago, I endorsed John Tecklenberg at this very site. And this was an example of why West Ashley needed revitalizing. Eight years later, measure the progress that’s been made. There’s been none. This site should not be checked off as an accomplishment on his campaign mailer. When it comes to leadership integrity matters. We need to get things done and leadership starts at the top. Clay has integrity and is the leader our city needs at the top.”

“I thank you for your support. Many folks here today knew me before I knew myself. Thank you for believing in me, thank you for having the trust, faith, and confidence that I can lead and manage the City of Charleston forward so that each of us can be a new brick in an old foundation. This is the only way we can create a city that is affordable, accessible, and livable for our residents first.” Middleton said.

Former City of Charleston Council Member Rev. Jimmy Gallant said, “Clay Middleton has the shared vision, focus, and work ethic to serve the citizens of Charleston as our next Mayor. As a former Member of  City Council, I know firsthand what is required and what is missing. Clay’s experience can truly move our city forward and not at the expense of leaving others behind. We need this kind of new generational leadership in City Hall that will work for us.”

“I was blessed and honored to serve on the Charleston City Council for 24 years. I have seen firsthand what it takes to put people above self, money, and power. I’m supporting Clay Middleton for Mayor of Charleston because he is the best person who embodies that type of servant leadership. This is needed in City Hall. The time has come for us to stop going along to get along and vote for someone who will serve in the best interest of all of Charleston.” said former City of Charleston Council Member James Lewis, Jr.

For more information on Middleton’s race to become Charleston’s next Mayor, visit www.claymiddleton.com

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