Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Eric Moody, John Moody, Matthew Connelly, and Jimbo Moody share more than their family connection. They also share a love for helping their communities by serving as elected officials.
Four cousins are serving their respective communities as elected officials.
Jimbo Moody, 55, was elected to Barnwell City Council in 2019 while his brother John, 52, was elected mayor of the Town of Hilda in Nov. 2021. Their first cousin Eric Moody, 50, was elected to Williston Town Council in 2013 while first cousin Matthew Connelly, 49, was elected to Allendale County Council in 2020.
“I think we’re all in it for the same reasons,” said John, who works in the IT department for Barnwell School District 45.
Elaborating on those reasons, Jimbo said, “To make it better, make a difference.”
“We are trying to shape the future of our communities,” said Eric, who works at the Savannah River Site.
The four men come from a close family that includes 10 first cousins. They are grandchildren of the late Amelia Zorn Moody of Barnwell.
“Amelia Moody would be proud of her grandkids,” said Jimbo, who works at Archroma in Martin (Allendale County).
Growing up in Barnwell County, the cousins never imagined they would one day seek public office.
“I thought we’d support our community in other ways; I never thought we’d talk politics,” said Eric.
However, that’s exactly what happened as the cousins were elected to office one by one.
“None of us really had any government experience but we are all people persons,” said Matthew, a third-generation farmer in Ulmer.
They are now using those people skills and their love for their small towns to help move their communities forward.
“In any public position, you must be a people person so people know they can come to you with ideas and concerns. We want to hear people’s ideas and concerns so we can come together as a community,” said John.
Along with his council, John has sought to improve morale and communication. They’ve worked to do that by launching a newsletter and holding events like the 125th anniversary festival and Christmas tree lighting.
“I love Barnwell. I want to make a difference and revive our city. We need to get our youth back involved with things because they seem to have lost touch,” said Jimbo, who is also on the county’s recreation committee.
Being part of the city’s police committee, including doing ride-alongs, has given Jimbo a “new perspective of what they (law enforcement) really do.”
Eric loves the small town feel that Williston offers, though he knows some people believe there’s nothing to do.
“I’ve always been taught to try to leave things better than I found it,” said Eric, who also serves on the Barnwell County Economic Development Corporation board.
That’s why he and other town leaders have placed a big focus on water infrastructure. A $400,000 grant was secured which led to a lower ISO rating - a measure of a fire department’s ability to serve its community. However, leaders know there is more work to be done.
The Town of Williston also sees recreation as a priority. Though there’s no longer a pool, putt-putt, and shuffleboard as Eric remembers from his childhood, the town has an 18-hole disc golf course and hopes to soon have pickleball courts. A new recreation and activities committee is looking at more opportunities.
In Allendale County, Matthew said he and his fellow council members do a good job of working together. They are looking to improve services and employee morale. He’s also excited about their new county administrator.
“Success breeds success,” said Matthew, who will be chairman this year.
A key to that success is public participation. This includes residents attending council meetings and offering feedback, as well as various groups working together.
“We encourage the public to give clear communication to council of what you’d like to see,” said Jimbo. “The city gives to the people and the people give back to the city.”
“We’ve got to work together for a common goal,” said Matthew.
Attending council meetings is how Eric first got involved. After seeing things he wanted to change, he decided to run for a seat.
Barnwell City Council meets the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. while Williston Town Council meets the second Monday at 6:30 p.m. Hilda Town Council meets the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Allendale County Council meets the third Thursday at 6 p.m.
Jimbo, John, Eric, and Matthew don’t profess to know everything or to always make the right decision.
“I’m still learning,” said Matthew.
Their public service is guided by their united mission to help their respective communities.
