After more than seven years of dedicated service, Cheryl Bates, Pelzer’s town clerk, has announced her resignation, citing the need to prioritize her well-being and future. Her decision reflects a personal journey of self-care and finding balance, as she looks ahead to new opportunities.
Bates, who played a pivotal role in numerous town initiatives, including the sale of Pelzer’s water and sewer system, has earned a reputation for being a hard-working, no-nonsense leader. “I came into this job hoping to make a positive impact and help the town grow,” Bates shared. Despite facing significant challenges, she always kept the town’s residents in mind. “It was a struggle for the town, but good for the residents. It was necessary for growth,” she explained, reflecting on the tough decisions that were ultimately made for the benefit of the community.
But not all of the challenges Pelzer faced were visible to the public. Bates found herself managing not only the town’s day-to-day operations but also navigating the complex dynamics between various leaders. “For a town to thrive, the mayor and council need to work together,” she said, acknowledging the pressures of managing a community with differing opinions and visions. “There was a lot of pressure, and I did my best to keep things moving forward.”…