South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – The Town of South Congaree held a well-attended meeting of the town’s council Tuesday night to swear in its newly elected leaders. This included a new mayor, a new councilmember, and an incumbent that retained her seat on the council after the July 14 election. The meeting was held at the Equestrian Arena to accommodate the need to incorporate social distancing.
The meeting was gaveled to order by outgoing mayor Danny Jones who then led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. That was followed by an invocation for those who wished to participate and a moment to reflect for those who did not. Mayor Jones thanked those in attendance, made a few remarks, and then moved into the portion of the meeting he called the “coronation.”
Newly elected mayor Cindy Campbell was first sworn in. The oath was administered by SC Senator Katrina Shealy of Red Bank. She administered the oath to all who were taking office Tuesday. Campbell was flanked by her husband Ronnie and had a large group of supporters in the audience who support her.
Campbell was followed by Mechelle Mabry, the incumbent who was re-elected. She was joined by her father Bob Vining who has been a pillar of that community his entire life as she took the oath. She is strongly supported in the community and received the most votes of any candidate during the recent election.
Finally, newly elected Councilmember Jim Drennan was sworn in. He stood by himself, but his wife Sylvia was in the audience and had a front row seat as she supported her husband. She isn’t one to seek any limelight but is also very active in South Congaree doing a great deal of volunteer work as the town’s Events Committee chair. She is bit camera shy and there were plenty of those on hand to record the event.
Each of the new officials were presented a bible by Senator Shealy. She had written a personal note in each.
The new council then took their seats and Mayor Campbell took the gavel. There were only two orders of business to deal with. They were the election of a mayor pro tem and the recognition of the outgoing officials.
After little discussion, Mechelle Mabry was elected mayor pro tem. Councilmember Brian Jackson then was given the floor and presented outgoing officials former mayor Danny Jones and Councilmember Dwayne Prosser with beautiful awards in recognition of their service. The meeting was then closed.
A number of dignitaries were on hand to witness the ceremony and honor the newly elected council. They included SC Senator Katrina Shealy who had met with Vice President of the United States Mike Pence as he visited SC earlier in the day. Outgoing Representative Mac Toole of SC House District 88 was also in attendance with his wife Linda. House Member Elect R.J. May, Lexington County Council Chairman Scott Whetstone, District 5 Councilmember Bobby Keisler, and council candidate “Bimbo” Jones all attended to show their support.
After the meeting there was fellowship and lots of congratulatory remarks offered from friends and supporters of the council. Their first official meeting is to be held this week.
