Dennis Raines Declares Candidacy for Mayor of Mauldin

With several dozen of his family and friends looking on at Mutt’s BBQ, Dennis Raines announced his candidacy for Mayor of Mauldin earlier today.

In his announcement, Raines emphasized his strong ties to Mauldin and his experience in both the public and private sector. The biggest challenge facing Mauldin is economic, according to Raines, similar to the ones facing towns throughout the Upstate, as state and federal funds become less available.

Raines began his remarks by recalling the incident from 1975 that inspired him to get involved in public service; a rescue effort by firemen of a 10 year-old boy who had been swept away by a flooding creek. The rescue effort was not successful, but it got Raines interested in becoming a volunteer fireman.

Since then, he’s spent 31 years in public service, with the most notable accomplishments being the founding the Miracle League, serving as president of the Dixie Youth league and helping to bring the Mauldin Cultural Center into existence.

Raines decided to run because of a concern about the business climate in Mauldin. He said businesses are leaving Mauldin and not being replaced. He criticized the use of consultants and of “paralysis by analysis” saying it is time to fill the empty buildings on 276 with businesses and not study why they’re vacant.

“Since 2006, Mauldin’s population has nearly doubled,” Raines said. “That is encouraging for businesses so we need to bring them here.”

Raines told Mauldin Patch he does not have a problem with current mayor Don Godbey. “We’re friends before the race and I want to be friends after it,” he said.

Raines also said he believes that the relationship between Mauldin and Greenville County is not under duress. “Things aren’t bad,” he said. “But we can make them better.”

On hand for Raines’ announcement were former Mauldin Mayor R.C. Jones and current council member Dale Black.

Black said that his support of Raines should not be construed as animus toward Godbey. Rather, it should be looked at as a testament to his loyalty to Raines.

“I’ve known Dennis for a long time and I believe in supporting a friend,” Black said.  “I also think he has the combination of business and government experience that we need.”

Black has served on city council for over 20 years and his been friends with Raines for all of that time. They both attend First Baptist Church in Mauldin and Black believes Raines will help the city be more efficient in its operations. Plus, Black said, ”His heart is in Mauldin.”