Meet the candidates for Greer City Council

The Greer City Council election will take place on Nov. 4. In this election cycle, the seats for City Council Districts Two, Four and Six were up for grabs. Additionally, the position of Chairman of Greer CPW was available. 

GreerNews.com conducted interviews with each candidate, asking questions from a standardized list. Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity. Candidates with a public campaign website have had those sites linked to their name. Those without websites have had their official email addresses linked.

Here are the compiled responses:

City Council District Two

The candidates for District Two are Karuiam Booker, the incumbent, and Tahitsha Pearson.

Karuiam Booker

GreerNews: How long have you served on City Council, and what have you worked to accomplish in that time?

Booker: This is my first term, so it will be four years in December. During our term, we've accomplished a lot, but from the city's perspective, we've implemented the Four for Greer Initiative. Specifically in my district, a lot of the things that I've been focused on were community needs. We went through all our parks and upgraded basketball [courts], made sure they got into a routine for ant treatments, and just focused on beautifying our parks. Also, we've been very aggressive on the affordable housing side — working with GCRA and implementing more housing projects. At the Needmore Recreation Center, which is in the heart of the Needmore community, we've gone through that facility, replacing the deck, painting the inside, flooring — the whole nine. Now, we're working on some more infrastructure items.

Tell me about your background and what you do outside of serving on City Council.

My background is in civil engineering. I went to Clemson University and got a degree in civil engineering. I worked for an engineering consulting firm going out of college, then I worked for the South Carolina Department of Transportation for about seven years. My final job, I was over roadways for Greenville, Pickens, Spartanburg and Oconee counties, so I tell people I've got about 13,000 miles of road stuck in my head. Over the past year, I started my own engineering consulting firm.

What would be your top priorities in your next term, if reelected?

My top priority is infrastructure that would spur economic development. We've got a few items in the district where we have the potential to unlock hundreds of acres, so just seeing that as a priority. We have to invest in our own infrastructure to spur economic development, and that'll be the number one priority. From there, it'll work into passive recreation, affordable housing and just creating a more inclusive community that hits every aspect of life.

How do you currently communicate with or involve your constituents, and how would you plan to prioritize this relationship if reelected?

My main source of communication is my Facebook page, and I do have a website as well. I do send out semi-annual letters to local churches, because they do a good job during their announcements to spread the word of what's going on and potential areas of concern that may be coming up. Moving forward in my next term, if I'm awarded that opportunity, [I plan to] continue to do those things that seem to be going well, and just [provide] different opportunities and ways to connect to the people in whatever manner that is.

Would you like to provide any final comments on your campaign?

When I originally ran for council, we ran it as a community-based campaign. Over the past four years, I've been fortunate and financially able to invest back in our community through our Booker for Greer Initiative. We’ve invested over $50,000 into micro-grants to different organizations and communities to do innovative opportunities and events. This past year, we had the Knotty-N-Natural Hair Festival, which was a big recipient of our Booker for Greer Initiative, and we were able to bring over 2,000 people to the City of Greer to celebrate hair. Greer's a very diverse population. From an economic development standpoint, it behooves us to make sure that we're inclusive of those different cultures and create those opportunities for them to partake in this economic engine we have going on here in the city.

Tahitsha Pearson

GreerNews: Tell me about your background and what you would bring to the role of council member.

Pearson: I’m a proud Greer native, a mom, a community volunteer and a small business owner. My background includes years of leadership as PTA President and Vice President at Mitchell Road Elementary and active involvement at Greer Middle and High School. I’ve also served on several Greenville County school committees, advocating for students and families. Professionally, my experience in customer service and IT has taught me how to listen, solve problems and deliver results. I bring a strong work ethic, transparency and a passion for collaboration — skills that will help me represent every voice in our community.

Why are you running for City Council?

I’m running because I believe Greer’s future should reflect the voices of all its people. We are a growing city with incredible potential, and I want to make sure that growth benefits everyone. For years, I’ve been deeply involved in our schools and neighborhoods, working to bring people together and solve challenges. Now, I want to bring that same commitment to city government — to make sure decisions are made with fairness, transparency, and community input at the center.

What would be your top priorities, if elected?

• Smart Growth & Infrastructure: Ensure that as Greer grows, we invest in roads, sidewalks and public spaces that keep our community safe and connected.

• Community Engagement & Transparency: Create more opportunities for residents to share ideas and stay informed about city decisions.

• Support for Local Businesses & Families: Promote policies that strengthen small businesses, provide resources for families and maintain Greer’s hometown charm.

• Public Safety: Continue supporting first responders while fostering community-based safety initiatives.

How do you plan to communicate with or involve your constituents, if elected?

I plan to be an accessible and responsive council member. That means hosting regular town halls and community meetups in every part of the district. [It means] maintaining open communication channels, including social media, email updates and a dedicated phone line for questions and feedback. [And, it means] being visible and present in the community, not just during election season. My goal is for every resident to feel heard and valued.

Would you like to provide any final comments on your campaign?

I will be participating in a meet-the-candidate event at Greer City Hall on Oct. 21, 2025, from 6-8 p.m.

City Council District Four

The candidates for District Four are Lee Dumas, the incumbent, and Charles Lander.

Lee Dumas

GreerNews: How long have you served on City Council, and what have you worked to accomplish in that time?

Dumas: I've been on council for 16 plus years, and there is a lot that goes into it. There's a good bit of municipal training where we understand how to be an effective elected official, what we can and can't do, how to communicate with constituents, how to connect them with the right department heads, and then also how to adjust policy if and when necessary.

Tell me about your background and what you do outside of serving on City Council.

Outside of City Council, I work for a commercial and industrial construction company. My job is to create proximity to decision makers who are going to be looking to build larger spaces, to expand their existing space or to update their existing space to continue to stay in business and to thrive.

What would be your top priorities in your next term, if reelected?

I want to get closer with the constituents. I want to get closer to the people that I serve [and] better understand how to meet their needs. If they are having issues with their trash pickup, if they believe that we need to increase services on the police side, with first responders, with our fire department, [or] whatever that happens to be, I want to make sure that we're that we're truly meeting the needs of our of our citizens and that they're well taken care of.

How do you currently communicate with or involve your constituents, and how would you plan to prioritize this relationship if reelected?

I continue to make contact with a great network of friends that live in and around the city and throughout neighborhoods. I often drive through neighborhoods checking on things to make sure there are no issues. Whenever I have constituent complaints, whether that's via email, text or call, I quickly connect them with the right department head within the city. If we have to have a deeper discussion about policy decisions, I'll reach out to our city administrator and put those on the agenda for a debate and discussion.

Would you like to provide any final comments on your campaign?

For me, my priorities have always been about faith, family, friends and community. I started with this thought 16 years ago that the city was moving in the right direction, and I wanted to keep it moving in that direction. I think we're on this incredible trajectory right now, and I believe that we're still heading in the right direction. For the people of the City of Greer in district four, I just want to ask for their vote and the ability to continue to serve in that capacity. It's been a real blessing.

Charles Lander

GreerNews: Tell me about your background and what you would bring to the role of council member.

Lander: I work as a project manager with Domtar and hold degrees in both mechanical engineering and economics from Clemson University. I began my career in operations, but my ability to organize and communicate with diverse teams quickly moved me into project management. In my current role as a strategic capital project manager, I lead large-scale projects that demand clear communication, accountability and problem-solving under pressure. This experience has prepared me to represent my community with transparency, make informed decisions and ensure resources are invested wisely to deliver lasting value for Greer.

Why are you running for City Council?

I am running for City Council because I want to bring greater transparency and accountability to how Greer spends taxpayer dollars. Too often, residents feel disconnected from decisions that impact their neighborhoods and wallets. Greer is growing quickly, and I believe city leadership must ensure this growth is managed responsibly so it strengthens our community without erasing the character and values that make Greer a special place to call home.

What would be your top priorities, if elected?

If elected, my top priorities will be to promote smart, neighborhood-friendly growth, making sure development strengthens infrastructure and improves quality of life. I will also work to increase transparency and accountability in how taxpayer dollars are spent, so residents can clearly see the value of city investments. Finally, I want to keep Greer, Greer, by protecting the character, values and sense of community that make our city unique, while ensuring growth enhances rather than diminishes what makes Greer special.

How do you plan to communicate with or involve your constituents, if elected?

I believe residents should have a real voice in city decisions, and communication is key to making that possible. If elected, I plan to create a social media group where I can share information directly with district four and hear feedback, so I am not making decisions in a box. I also intend to engage through existing neighborhood websites and online forums where residents already discuss important issues. Along with community meetings and in-person conversations, these tools will ensure I am voting in line with the people I represent.

Would you like to provide any final comments on your campaign?

My campaign is about making sure Greer grows responsibly while staying true to the community values that make it such a great place to live. I am not a politician; I am a project manager, a husband and a father who wants to ensure Greer remains a city where families thrive, businesses succeed and neighborhoods stay strong. I look forward to the opportunity to serve district four with honesty, transparency and accountability.

City Council District Six

The candidates for District Six are Judy Albert, the incumbent, and Paul Lamb.

Judy Albert

GreerNews: How long have you served on City Council, and what have you worked to accomplish in that time?

Albert:  I have served on the Greer City Council for four terms — a total of 16 years at the end of this year. I requested the sidewalks on E. Suber Road and the sidewalk completion at Riverside Chase in front of Riverside Middle School, providing a safer walk to and from school. I feel [these are] two major improvements.

Tell me about your background and what you do outside of serving on City Council.

I’m retired from Bellsouth/AT&T, and I also worked as a real estate agent for many years after I retired from AT&T. Outside of my position on council, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I [also] help with the K-5 Sunday School at my church, Praise Cathedral, and I enjoy volunteering with different agencies in Greer.

What would be your top priorities in your next term, if reelected?

My top priorities will be to continue to serve my constituents and all citizens of Greer. I’m always willing to meet with anyone or HOAs to discuss any issues or concerns that they have. I will continue working with [the city] to serve our citizens and to keep Greer a great city to live in and enjoy. Our city has doubled in population — and also in the number of city employees. We have several large projects now that we will continue to work on.

How do you currently communicate with or involve your constituents, and how would you plan to prioritize this relationship if reelected?

My phone number and email address are on the City website. If anyone contacts me, regardless of their address or district, I will return their call, and I will respond to their email. I’m always glad to assist anyone if I can.

Would you like to provide any final comments on your campaign?

I hope that the citizens in District Six will put Election Day, Nov. 4, on their calendar and make sure they go vote. If not already registered, please make sure you get registered. Your vote does count, and I will appreciate your vote.

Paul Lamb

GreerNews: Tell me about your background and what you would bring to the role of council member.

Lamb: I have been honored to serve on several City of Greer Boards and Commissions, which include the Planning Commission, Election Commission, Recreation Association Board of Trustees and Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee. In addition to these roles, I have long served on my Homeowners Association Board and serve on two 501c3 Boards. I have held leadership positions as president or chair in five of these organizations. Over the years, these experiences have given me a solid understanding of how to read accounting records and how to build consensus among governing bodies.

Why are you running for City Council?

My decision to run is motivated by the belief that I can serve the citizens of Greer City Council District Six more effectively than the current incumbent. I am committed to working diligently to address the needs and concerns of our community. After the most recent redistricting, district six has continued a 30-year trend of being divided, even dividing subdivisions. These subdivisions are legal entities that nurture real communities with shared interests. We can and must do better.

What would be your top priorities, if elected?

Greer is experiencing rapid, sometimes unchecked, growth. My top priority is to seek funding at county, state and federal levels to expand and improve our road infrastructure. Major roads in Greer are owned by these government levels, not by the city. Additionally, Greer has one of the highest mileage rates among municipalities in South Carolina, which is significantly higher than Greenville or Spartanburg. I will investigate why this is the case, especially given the city’s ongoing commercial development. I also believe our police force needs to be increased to meet the challenges of growth.

How do you plan to communicate with or involve your constituents, if elected?

I am dedicated to maintaining open lines of communication with the community. I have already established a Facebook page [called] Paul Lamb for Greer Six, and plan to launch an Instagram page soon. I will attend HOA meetings to speak and answer questions when permitted, and I am interested in exploring additional events. My goal is to always be reachable by phone and email.

Would you like to provide any final comments on your campaign?

My supporters and I will be canvassing throughout the district to connect with voters and answer questions. I am eager to meet as many residents as possible and to ask for their support and votes. 

Greer CPW Chairman

The race for Greer CPW Chairman is uncontested with the incumbent, Gene Gibson, going into the next term.

Gene Gibson

GreerNews: How long have you served at Greer CPW, and what have you worked to accomplish in that time?

Gibson: I am in my 43rd year. I was first elected in 1982, and  It's been my privilege to serve. We've always been blessed to have people that were well qualified, [and] I have been privileged to work with a lot of guys that had the interests of the city and our customers first. Our net worth at the end of our last audit was $316 million. [10 years ago], it was $135 million. So we have grown over 200% in the last 10 years. Since I came on, PMPA came into existence, and that’s the company through which we buy all of our electrical power. The city, through the Commission of Public Works, owns about 10% of the nuclear reactor up at Catawba. Also since I’ve been here, we’ve built Lake Robinson, which is the primary water source that gives us the capability to provide 56 million gallons a day to the citizens as they require it. And it's not at full capacity yet.

What do you hope to work on in your next term?

I would say my primary goal is to see the commission be as effective and as efficient over the next six years of my term as it was the last six years. The growth that we have dealt with has been extraordinary. I don't know of any city that has been experiencing the kind of growth that it has. Part of that growth impacts our sewer treatment. Our plant right now is permitted for five million gallons a day. We're involved in a $14 million project now to upgrade that to 7.5 million, which will allow us to take a lot more customers into our plant. We have a longer range plan on that to take it to 10 million. The law requires you, if you reach 80% of your capacity for water or sewer, to have documented plans to make everything all right before that 20% gets used up. We're nowhere near that on the water plant or the sewer plant, but we are trying to go for the future. In our business, you don't think about next year or a couple years, you think 15 years, you think 20 years. We're trying to keep our system as efficient as it can possibly be and stay within those guidelines.

Is there anything you would like your constituents to know?

We have a website and we notify our customers in any way that we can. We want people to know what we're doing, and a lot of the plans that we have in place are to try to educate and help those folks. We are in the process of upgrading all of our meters, and our meters will actually have artificial intelligence, where a customer can look at his own bill and he can see where he's using the most power, and he can make adjustments to where he doesn't do that. We're customer oriented. Our mission statement is to provide the most reliable utilities of all types that our customers need at the lowest possible price. And that's where we are.

GreerNews will continue to report on this election.

Follow Breanna Laws on X @GreerByBreanna