We, the undersigned residents of Pickens County, South Carolina, are calling for the Chairman Alex Saitta to step down as chair from the Pickens County Council.

This call comes after continued frustration and concern surrounding the Council’s handling of the historic Greenville Pickens Speedway and concerns regarding the Pickens County Sheriffs Office. 

This racetrack is not just land—it is a cornerstone of our community. Established in the 1940s, it represents generations of local families, racers, and history, with championship names dating back to 1957. It is widely recognized as one of the oldest NASCAR-sanctioned tracks in the country.

Despite:

Thousands of petition signatures from community members
Widespread support across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia
Clear opportunities for economic growth and tourism
A viable path toward historic designation that would protect the speedway
The Pickens County Council has failed to take meaningful action.

Even more concerning:

More recently, concerns have been raised regarding the needs of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.
Residents have heard discussions about deputy pay that trails neighboring counties, aging equipment, outdated protective gear, limited training resources, and public safety challenges. Many citizens believe these issues deserve greater attention and urgency from county leadership.

These concerns reflect a larger issue: a growing lack of confidence that the current Chairman is listening to and representing the people of Pickens County.

Leadership requires:

Respecting the voices of citizens.

Treating community concerns seriously.
Supporting public safety.
Protecting our county’s history and identity.
Encouraging open and transparent government.
Building trust rather than division.

Many residents believe that under the current leadership, these principles have not been adequately demonstrated.

We believe it is in the best interest of Pickens County for another member of County Council to serve as Chairman and lead the council moving forward.
Pickens County deserves leadership that listens.

Pickens County deserves leadership that unites rather than divides.

Pickens County deserves leadership that places the interests of its citizens, communities, public safety personnel, and historic resources first.

Community voices have been dismissed or minimized.

Transparency and urgency on these issues have been lacking.

Leadership is about listening. Leadership is about protecting what matters to the people.

At this moment, it is clear that the current leadership is not aligned with the will of the community.

When elected officials ignore the people, they forfeit the trust placed in them.

We are not asking—we are demanding accountability.

We, the people of Pickens County, believe that Alex Saitta no longer represents the interests, history, or future of this community.

We believe it’s in the best interest of Pickens County to place another member of council as Chair.

If no action is taken, we will:

Continue to grow this movement publicly and statewide
Bring increased media attention to this issue
Mobilize voters to ensure new leadership is elected
This is bigger than one racetrack.

This is about:

Respecting our history
Protecting our community
Standing up to decisions driven without the people
Pickens County deserves leadership that listens.

If you won’t stand with the people—step aside.