Randy Garrett announces candidacy for Laurens Mayor
Laurens, South Carolina
Laurens resident and former Government Affairs professional Randy Garrett has announced his intention to run for the mayoral seat in the 2023 election.
“Many friends and neighbors have encouraged me to seek this office and I would be privileged to serve them and all the citizens of Laurens as their Mayor,” said Garrett.
Garrett believes strongly in smart growth for all areas in the city of Laurens, such as support for small businesses and affordable housing where necessary infrastructure and services are available.
“I’ll be fiscally responsible with citizens’ tax dollars when looking at areas for improvement and new growth,” said Garrett.
He pledges to engage in truthful, collaborative decision making with no hidden agendas.
“I want input from Council members and the public when making decisions about any type of changes within our city limits, whether that be new construction or the cleanup of vacant properties like abandoned houses and old mill sites,” he added.
Garrett recently retired from Laurens Electric Cooperative as Director of Government Affairs after 48 years of service. He currently serves on the Board of the Lakelands YMCA of the USA, to be CVO in 2023 & 2024. He also currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Laurens County Health Care. He has previously served as Chairman of Laurens County Development Corporation, Chairman of the Board of Deacons at First Baptist Church of Laurens, and Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. He has considerable experience with state government relations and economic development.
He’s been endorsed by community leaders Dr. Mel Patterson, Mr. Rickie Shearer, Mr. Calvin Owings and Mr. Mark Freeze.
Shearer, Administrator of NHC Health Care in Laurens, said, “Randy Garrett and I worked together for many years on the Leadership board of Laurens County Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Deacons of First Baptist Church, Laurens. Randy has always proved to be an outstanding leader and a man of integrity. He will be a great leader for the City of Laurens.”
Garrett will announce upcoming campaign events soon.
“I hope to be a strong voice and advocate for the people of the City of Laurens,” said Garrett, “and encourage voters to reach out to me at (864) 923-3322, randygtigers@gmail.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/randy.garrett.148.”
Garrett has made his home in Laurens for more than 62 years and shares his love of community and Clemson Tigers football with daughter Miranda and grandsons Cason and Gavin Langston.
