Former Saluda commissioner John Morgan has officially signed up with the Polk County Board of Elections to run for Saluda Mayor as a write-in candidate.
Morgan signed up to run on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Current Saluda Mayor Fred Baisden was running unopposed for the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election.
Although Morgan’s name will not appear on the ballot, signing up to run as a write-in candidate allows him to officially campaign for the seat.
Morgan previously served the city as a commissioner. Morgan said he chose to run because he is dissatisfied with the way things are going in Saluda government.
“I think we need leadership and I don’t think we’ve had that,” said Morgan. “I think we’ve got managers and no leaders. There’s no planning for the future and somebody’s got to do it.”
Morgan also said he is concerned about the city’s tax and water issues.
Saluda has the largest race this election with seven candidates running for two open commissioner seats and now a contested mayor race.
Incumbent commissioners Johnnie Kinard and George Sweet are being challenged by Carolyn Ashburn, Karen Bultman, Mark Oxtoby, Hobart “Sunny” Pace and Ellen Rogers.
Early voting can be done through Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. at the Polk County Board of Elections Office. The elections office, located on the second floor of the Womack building in Columbus is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday’s general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5 will be held from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Saluda residents will vote on Nov. 5 at the Saluda Fire Department.