Welcome to Rock Hill Rerun

Local news site discovers covering the same election with the same candidates technically counts as recycling

Welcome to Rock Hill Rerun, where we prove that local politics can be both educational and entertaining—sometimes intentionally.

As we gear up for Rock Hill’s November 4th mayoral election, we’re here to help you navigate the familiar landscape of campaign promises, budget debates, and the eternal question of whether that pothole on Cherry Road will ever actually get fixed.

Meet Your 2025 Mayoral Candidates

John Gettys returns as the incumbent, seeking his third term after defeating longtime Mayor Doug Echols in 2017 (becoming Rock Hill’s “first new mayor in two decades”) and winning reelection in 2021. Armed with eight years of mayoral experience, a law degree, and what appears to be an impressive collection of PowerPoint presentations about infrastructure improvements, he’s banking on his track record of bringing national recognition to Rock Hill and implementing projects like the city’s electric bus system—though voters will decide if that’s enough to secure another term.

William “Bump” Roddey makes his third attempt at the mayor’s office, bringing his experience as a York County Councilman and a passion for utility rate discussions that would make an accountant weep with joy. After losing by about 500 votes in 2017 but falling further behind in 2021 (51% to 34%), he’s hoping the third time’s the charm—and that voters are ready for a change in leadership.

Both candidates have spent years in public service, accumulated their share of accomplishments and controversies, and developed remarkably strong opinions about municipal water rates. Based on current filing information, these are the two candidates who have filed so far, though candidate filing remains open until September 5, 2025. Over the coming months, we’ll dive into their records, promises, and the inevitable moments when campaign rhetoric meets the reality of governing a city of 75,000 people.

What to Expect

We’re here to cut through the campaign spin with fact-based humor, highlight the patterns that matter, and ask the questions that help you make informed decisions. Whether it’s tracking campaign promises, explaining why utility rate calculations require a mathematics degree, or covering city council meetings that occasionally resemble performance art, we’ve got you covered.

Think of us as your friendly neighborhood fact-checkers who happen to find municipal bond discussions inexplicably amusing.

Stay Tuned

Over the next few months, we’ll be tracking campaign developments, analyzing policy proposals, and providing the kind of local political coverage that doesn’t put you to sleep—because if we can’t make utility rate debates entertaining, we’re probably in the wrong business.

Welcome aboard. Things are about to get interesting.

Follow us for updates, analysis, and the occasional revelation that local politics is somehow both more important and more absurd than you thought possible.