Theo Lane has been serving on Greenwood County Council for a decade. But, his two year run as chair ended Monday when a social media announcement from Greenwood County Government announced Lane would be stepping down effective immediately.
“Serving as Chairman of Greenwood County Council for the past two years has been a tremendous honor and privilege,” said Lane. “I have always understood the weight and responsibility this role carries, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and contribute to the future of Greenwood County.”
Within the statement, Lane went on to say his decision to step down from his leadership position comes after some stirred up controversy.
“Recently, I unfortunately used incendiary words to describe people that hold a different opinion than I do on a very controversial issue,” said Lane. “Anyone who comes forward and expresses a truly held belief should be appreciated and not criticized by their elected officials, and in that regard, I did not uphold my own standard.”
Details of the specific incident were not shared within the release from the county, but the resignation comes after a September school board meeting where Lane used words like “zealots” and “extremists” to describe people critical of data center development. Lane said in his resignation statement that he had been facing harassment before the language was used.
“While I believe accountability to be important, I also believe that it is important for the public to understand the tactics that have been used during the past several months by a small but vocal group of individuals. These individuals have used such harassment as phone calls to my house at 1 a.m., blowing horns in my driveway (waking my autistic child), and even death threats."
Vice Chairman Dayne Pruitt has taken up Lane’s position.
“First of all, I want to say thank you to Theo Lane for his time as Chairman of Greenwood County Council,” said Pruitt. “Secondly, I would like to say that I am both humbled and honored to assume this role as Chairman for the next two months. I can guarantee you that I will make mistakes, but I can promise that I will do this position to the best of my ability as long as I am in office."
Council will elect a new chairman and vice chairman for a two-year term in January.
