(AP) -- The mayor of one of South Carolina's largest municipalities is stepping down as he battles Alzheimer's disease.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that Mount Pleasant Mayor Harry Hallman Jr. told his Town Council on Tuesday evening in a videotaped speech that he is stepping down Wednesday afternoon.
The 74-year-old Hallman says he can no longer meet his definition of being "effective."
Hallman had said in June that he was diagnosed with symptoms of the early stages of Alzheimer's, but planned to complete his term.
Mayor Pro Tem Kruger Smith will be acting mayor until the Nov. 3 election.
Hallman has pushed road and park improvements in Mount Pleasant, which trails only Columbia, Charleston, North Charleston and Rock Hill in population, according to U.S. Census estimates.
Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com
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