Blythewood’s New Deputy Town Administrator Steps Back Amid Controversy and Investigation

Blythewood Welcomes New Deputy Town Administrator Amid Controversy

Good morning Blythewood! It seems our town has found its latest addition to the local government team, but not without a sprinkle of drama along the way. Let’s dive into the story of Tiffany Cooks, who has been appointed as Blythewood’s Deputy Town Administrator. Yet, the journey to this new position has taken quite a twist.

The Appointment

As of January 13, Tiffany Cooks will step into the Deputy Town Administrator role, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her time as Williamsburg County Supervisor, where she made history as South Carolina’s first African American female county supervisor. The Mayor of Blythewood, Sloan Griffin III, expressed enthusiasm about Cooks’ leadership skills and her commitment to community development, stating that her experience would be essential for pushing Blythewood’s goals forward.

In the official announcement, Griffin emphasized Cooks’ history of public safety expertise and noted that she will be overseeing critical operations, spearheading grant initiatives, and working closely with local leaders to enhance community services. This would all be great news for Blythewood, if it weren’t for the cloud of controversy hanging over her head.

The Investigation

Yes, you read that right. Cooks’ appointment comes amid an ongoing investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) into allegations of misconduct during her previous term. Reports revealed that, during her time in office, six elected officials in Williamsburg County were granted nearly $210,000 in overtime pay, which is quite a hefty sum given that state laws prohibit salaried officers from pulling in extra pay for additional hours worked.

Tiffany herself received over $100,000 in overtime while she was in office. This would raise eyebrows in any neighborhood, and it certainly got a few folks talking around here. The investigation was reportedly initiated after a call from her successor, Kelvin Washington, shortly after he took office.

A Change of Heart

Despite the initially warm welcome, it appears that Dr. Cooks has had a change of heart. As of late Thursday, she has decided to decline the position amid scrutiny from the press and pushback from some members of the Blythewood Town Council. A statement from the Town expressed gratitude for Cooks’ willingness to serve, wishing her and her family well in their future endeavors.

What’s Next for Blythewood?

This leaves the question: What’s next for our little town? With local elections just around the corner and ongoing developments in government, it’ll be interesting to see how the leadership dynamic shifts and who will fill the Deputy Town Administrator role now that Cooks is stepping back. Community members are still looking for transparency and accountability in governance, especially after the revelations about the hefty overtime payments that have raised concerns in Williamsburg County.

Community Response

Residents are encouraged to voice their thoughts and perhaps share how they would like to see the future of Blythewood unfold. After all, this is our town, our community, and we deserve good leadership that reflects our values and interests. Let’s stay engaged, stay informed, and continue to build a Blythewood that we can all be proud to call home.

As the morning unfolds, let’s grab our umbrellas and prepare for a wet afternoon! Thunderstorms will give way to steady rain, with temperatures tumbling from a warm 68°F to a brisk 50°F. So, let’s stay safe out there, Blythewood! Here’s hoping for clearer skies ahead—both in the weather and our local leadership.