Date Published: June 20, 2006   

Williamston mayor says town finances OK despite investigation

The Associated Press

The mayor of this town being investigated for more than $1 million in debt has told residents that finances are in order.

Several Williamston residents called for Mayor Phillip Clardy's resignation in February after learning about the town's debt. At a public meeting, some people accused the mayor of contributing to the city's financial problems by spending too much money on meals, town celebrations and cell phone bills.

Prosecutor Chrissy Adams began investigating earlier this year and asked Attorney General Henry McMaster's office to help. McMaster's office enlisted the help of the State Law Enforcement Division.

"My main purpose is to let them know that Williamston has nothing to hide," Mayor Phillip Clardy said Monday. "Nothing illegal or improper has been done."

Clardy said has opened up a recent audit of the town's finances to an investigator and has answered a list of 18 complaints from SLED.

The mayor said he plans to release a list of those 18 complaints when the investigation is complete.

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Information from: Anderson Independent-Mail,