Chapin, SC — Mayor Albert R. Koon Jr., lifelong resident of Chapin, has officially launched his campaign for re-election to serve the Town of Chapin for another four-year term. A champion of preserving the small-town character and quality of life that make Chapin unique for the approximately 1,600 residents, Mayor Koon pledges to continue safeguarding the town he loves.
Koon, a lifelong Chapin resident whose family has deep ties to the community’s development, will campaign on his record of fiscal stewardship, public safety modernization, and managed growth that has preserved the town’s small-community character.
Mayor Koon’s approach to development emphasizes what he calls “smart planning principles” that support local businesses and preserve open spaces. The Town of Chapin has been inundated with development from the surrounding area and Mayor Koon has implemented revolutionary policies that have curbed residential development in the Town compared to the surrounding area. Under his leadership, the town has approved one subdivision in 15 years that resulted in a quality residential development with a twenty five percent reduction in density. This approach has helped preserve the small-town atmosphere that attracts families to the area. His administration has championed downtown revitalization initiatives that not only enhance the area’s unique character but also set a high standard for design and architectural excellence—carefully crafted to complement, rather than compete with, neighboring commercial centers.
“Chapin is more than just a place I live—it’s my home, woven into my family’s history and shaped by generations of community dedication,” Mayor Koon said. “For the next four years, my goal is clear: to preserve what makes Chapin special, to maintain our heritage, and to ensure our town remains a beautiful, beloved, community for families to live, work, and visit.”
Mayor Koon has a proven track record of government efficiency and public safety. His leadership has delivered measurable results—streamlining town operations, strengthening the police department with modern technology, and ensuring that services meet the needs of residents without unnecessary costs.
As an experienced leader who is deeply community-focused, he has consistently put Chapin’s families, businesses, and traditions first. From advocating for lower taxes to balancing responsible growth, Mayor Koon has guided the town with a steady hand and a clear vision.
In announcing his re-election campaign, Mayor Koon unveiled his guiding motto: “Protecting our town, preserving our future.”
This phrase reflects not only his dedication to safeguarding Chapin’s character today, but also his commitment to ensuring that the community remains a vibrant, welcoming place for generations to come.
Mayor Koon draws upon deep local roots. As a lifelong Chapin resident, he hails from a family that has helped shape the town’s past and present. His family has generously donated land for community institutions including the public library and other shared spaces that enrich daily life for residents.
Mayor Koon’s public service began with four years as a Town Councilman, followed by four years serving as Mayor. During his time in office, he has focused on:
- Managing responsible growth: Maintaining minimal residential sprawl to retain Chapin’s charm and close-knit feel.
- Modernizing public safety: Leading efforts to introduce much‑needed technological enhancements into the police department, strengthening safety and responsiveness.
- Fiscal stewardship: Advocating for lower taxes while enhancing town services—ensuring Chapin remains affordable for families and local businesses.
- Community pride: Promoting Chapin as a beloved destination—a peaceful place both to live and to welcome visitors.
“I care deeply about Chapin,” stated Mayor Koon. “Our town deserves leadership with a track record—leaders who are dedicated to preserving our unique character while welcoming smart, thoughtful innovation. It deserves more than just empty promises without substance.”
As he embarks on this re-election campaign, Mayor Koon commits to a vision of Chapin as “a historic town with modern service”—where growth is measured, heritage is honored, and quality of life is paramount. Over the next four years, he pledges to continue cultivating the town’s strengths: it’s historic roots, sense of community, scenic downtown, and proximity to Lake Murray—without compromising the very qualities that set Chapin apart.
Campaign promises he delivered on and will continue to push for the next term include:
1. Preserving Chapin’s identity through the Unified Zoning and Development Code which has managed residential development with a 25% reduction in density, ensured the aesthetic building appearance of commercial properties, and protected Chapin’s natural resources with increased tree preservation and open space requirements.
2. Investing in Public Safety with further investment in modern technology and training for first responders. Initiatives such as Flock camera system, roadside safety trailers, updated in-car computers, and access to critical public safety information software, along with competitive officer salaries, all work together to ensure faster response times, smarter policing, and a safer environment for everyone.
3. Balancing taxes and services, finding innovative ways to stretch every dollar and deliver value to residents by implementing impact fees for developers and increasing permitting fees for development.
4. Honoring community legacy—celebrating Chapin’s history while supporting institutions and programs that serve future generations through the commission of public art projects and developing of the first every Chapin documentary.
Mayor Koon invites all residents to join in this campaign of stewardship and pride. He looks forward to meeting constituents, listening to concerns, and working together to keep Chapin a place we all cherish.
