Sen. Peeler recommends two to replace magistrate

Senator Harvey Peeler has recommended Steven S. Wood of Gaffney and James Baker Leigh of Blacksburg become part-time magistrates.

"Senator Peeler contacted me about the nomination earlier this week," Wood said. "I'm very excited about the job and I look forward to serving my community."

A retired banker, Wood will handle the magistrate duties for Gaffney while Leigh will have the same responsibilities in Blacksburg.

Leigh replaces John M. Queen, who resigned Monday.

"I have 30 years of business experience and have studied some law courses during my time at Clemson University where I earned my bachelor of science and masters of business administration degrees," Wood said. "At this time, I'm not really expecting any difficulty in my duties and I'm anxious to get to it."

Peeler's requests have been sent to Governor Mark Sanford's office for him to make the appointments.