Filing opens for James Island offices

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — James Island is trying again to become a town.

Filing for office opens Monday for mayor and town council. Four council members and a mayor will be elected for two-year terms. The election is scheduled July 31.

The filing deadline is May 31. The filing fee is $100.

Three other attempts to incorporate the island have been overturned by the courts after challenges by Charleston.

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley has said the city has not decided whether to challenge the latest incorporation vote. But he says the city will challenge the incorporation if there was anything improper about the latest vote. Riley says he wants to protect James Island residents who would prefer to be part of Charleston.