Bluffton council candidate Burger drops out of race, narrowing the field to two Emilys.
Just days after the filing period closed for Bluffton’s upcoming special election, one of the three candidates, Bob Burger, has already dropped out of the race. He had earlier run for an open council in this fall’s race but finished fourth of four candidates garnering 15% of the votes.
The Feb. 13 election for the single at-large council seat will be contested by two Emilys: Emily Vaux Burden and Emily Mayer. Both appear to be newcomers to local politics. The open seat will be created in January when Mayor-Elect Larry Toomer is sworn in.
Electrician Bob Burger withdrew his name from the ballot Wednesday and released a written statement explaining his decision. “After a great conversation, (with candidate Burden) as well as a comprehensive discussion with my family, I came to the realization that our values are closely aligned and that we share many of the same priorities for preserving the characteristics that make Bluffton special.”
“We had a great conversation,” Burden said. “I’m just honestly humbled and grateful for his support.”
