S.C. mayor gets $375 ticket for speeding
Associated Press

COTTAGEVILLE, S.C. - The mayor of this rural town was candid after being ticketed for driving 103 mph in a 55 mph zone: "Thank goodness I'm not trying to get re-elected," said Mayor Bert Reeves.

The mayor, who has worked to erase the towns' reputation as a speed trap, was given a $375 ticket Wednesday after a Colleton County sheriff's deputy stopped his 2005 Ford F-250 on state Highway 303.

Reeves told the deputy he thought he was driving about 80 mph, according to an incident report. Deputy Robert Cook wrote that Reeves has had numerous traffic violations and requested the ticket not be reduced.

AAA Carolinas recognized Cottageville in December as one of the state's top five communities with populations of less than 10,000 dedicated to traffic safety. The town is about 45 miles northwest of Charleston.

Since Reeves has been in office, Cottageville has reduced its reliance on revenue from speeding tickets.

The mayor declined to discuss the ticket, but said he is not seeking another term. "I will have done my public service," he said.