B-L election mess rolls on

Batesburg-Leesville has been having more than its share of political drama over the past few weeks, as municipal affairs are turning into fisticuffs, allegations of improper conduct in relation to the water supply and claims of election problems.

In July, councilman Steve Cain and town manager Joan Taylor got into an argument that ended up with things getting physical between councilman Todd O’Dell and Cain, who was later arrested. Cain’s campaign for mayor against incumbent James Wiszowaty delved into supposed ethics violations, as Cain accused Wiszowaty of taking engaging in shady actions involving Wiszowaty’s convenience store and a planned water supply plant. However, the Mayor was cleared by the State Ethics Commission and called for Cain to resign.

Now, after losing the campaign last week, Cain says there were irregularities in the election.

Steve Cain and Pansy Buzhardt contend the election was flawed because of improper handling of ballots. They also renewed complaints that their challengers who won had improper nominating petitions.

Their complaint made Thursday goes to town election officials to settle next week.

Cain lost a mayoral bid but was re-elected to Town Council while Buzhardt lost her bid for a council seat.

Lexington County elections director Dean Crepes said his staff ran the election fairly and as required. “It was all done correctly,” he said.

It’s a small town with not a lot of voters, and Wiszowaty took the win 683-473. Buzhardt lost 70-52.