Restaurateur Richard “Dick” Elliott announced on Facebook today that he is dropping out of the race for mayor of Charleston.
Elliott, who is president and founder of Maverick Southern Kitchens, had previously said that he would step back from some of his responsibilities at the restaurant group if elected mayor. Today he said he wouldn’t be able to juggle family life, his business, and the full-time job of mayor while meeting “all three of these important obligations at the level they deserve.”
Campaign finance records show that Elliott had already raised nearly $100,000 as of Jan. 9, trailing only commercial realtor John J. Tecklenburg, who had raised $134,000. In an email to supporters, Elliott wrote, “Within the next 30 days all contributions will be returned and all appropriate steps taken with the S.C. State Ethics Commission.”
Elliott could not immediately be reached by phone for comment. Here’s his announcement from Facebook:
Friends – I wanted you to know first that I will be announcing today that I am no longer a candidate for mayor of Charleston.
Since October, I’ve worked hard to successfully manage three important priorities in my life: organizing a campaign for mayor of a city I love, positioning my business interests to operate without my day-to-day involvement, and fulfilling my responsibilities to my extended family. In recent days, I have realized I cannot meet all three of these important obligations at the level they deserve.
At this time, my capabilities and energy will be devoted to the well-being of my family and the 260 exceptional employees of Maverick Southern Kitchens, all of whom have helped build one of Charleston’s foremost hospitality enterprises.
I have been extremely gratified by the many expressions of support – including generous financial support – that I have received from Charlestonians from every corner of our city and from every walk of life. That support means more to me than I can adequately express.
The opportunity to be mayor of Charleston — to provide the leadership and management skill needed to ensure all citizens enjoy the benefits of being part of a great city, was an exciting prospect — the ultimate civic service. The last 25 years of community involvement and business building have taught me, however, that there are many ways to serve. I look forward to continuing to contribute all I can to preserving and nurturing Charleston as a wonderful place to live.
The decision to launch my campaign was carefully considered, and only significant developments have compelled the decision not to proceed. Dayna and I deeply appreciate your friendship, support and generosity.
With warmest regards and gratitude.
Dick Elliott
Here’s an updated list of candidates who have announced they’re running in the November election:
• Henry Fishburne, commercial realtor, developer, former city councilman
• Wendell Gilliard, state representative and former union leader
• William Dudley Gregorie, city councilman
• Dean C. Riegel, city councilman and senior vice president of business development at Carolina Center for Occupational Health
• Leonidas E. “Leon” Stavrinakis, state representative and attorney
• John J. Tecklenburg, commercial realtor and former city director of economic development
• Paul E. Tinkler, attorney and former city councilman
Nonprofit organization founder Ginny Deerin has not officially announced her candidacy, but she has filed fundraising paperwork with the State Ethics Commission.
The mayoral election will take place Nov. 3, with a likely runoff on Nov. 17. The filing deadline for mayoral candidates has not yet been set but will likely be in mid-August.
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