Residents of Blythewood show support during the council swearing-in ceremony.
On January 2, Blythewood residents will gather at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center to witness the swearing-in of council representatives Derrek Pugh, Gretchen Barron, and Jesica Mackey. Following the ceremony, a council meeting will address the proposed Transportation Penny Tax referendum aimed at generating $4.5 billion over 25 years, set for November 5, 2024. Residents are encouraged to engage in discussions about local transportation projects that are vital for the community’s future.
Exciting times are ahead for the residents of Blythewood as the Richland County Council is set to welcome its newest representatives on Thursday, January 2. The swearing-in ceremony will bring together community members to witness the official start of a new chapter for their local leaders.
All three of Blythewood’s council representatives—Derrek Pugh for District 2, Gretchen Barron for District 3, and Jesica Mackey for District 9—ran unopposed in the recent election. This means the trio will continue to serve in their second term, ensuring some level of continuity for the community.
The swearing-in will take place at 1 p.m. at the beautiful Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Residents are warmly encouraged to attend this ceremonial event to show support for their elected officials. The Richland County Administrator, Leonardo Brown, will officiate the swearing-in, making it an official and meaningful occasion for everyone involved.
But the day’s not over just yet! After the ceremony, a regularly scheduled council meeting will commence at 6 p.m. Here, the council members will elect a chair and a vice chair for the upcoming year. At present, Jesica Mackey serves as the council president, while Derrek Pugh holds the vice-presidency position. And here’s a bonus for those who can’t make it in person: the council meeting will be streamed live on the County’s YouTube page, making it easy for anyone to tune in.
To give a little background, the first Penny Tax was approved by the community in 2012 for $1.1 billion, intended for a range of road improvements over 22 years. However, many in Blythewood have raised eyebrows as only one out of five promised projects from the original Penny Tax has actually begun construction. The single project that is underway focuses on widening Blythewood Road to Syrup Mill Road, which is expected to wrap up by July 2025.
Unfortunately, other proposed projects from the 2012 tax plan aren’t slated to start until 2025 or 2026. Mayor Mike Ross has been vocal about prioritizing improvements on McNulty Road as a crucial need for the community.
Blythewood residents should stay tuned, as their leaders prepare to tackle transportation needs and continue making strides in local governance. As always, the community’s voice matters, and the upcoming events are a great chance to make it heard!
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