Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Two candidates were in the running for the August 13 special election to fill the open seat on the Blackville Town Council; Bruce Johnson and James Cook.
Out of the 1,265 registered voters in the town, only 88 votes were received for both candidates, reflecting a 6.69 percent turnout. At the town’s August 19 meeting, Mayor Ronnie Pernell expressed disappointment in this turnout rate.
Winning the election was Johnson with 69 votes, compared to 18 votes for Cook.
At the Aug. 19 meeting, Johnson shared a bit about his intent on council; “I am here to work for you all. I am here to work with the council and the mayor to see the progress made as we move forward,” he said. “I am not here just to hold the position. I believe if I’m involved with something, I believe in getting involved and doing my part. If I don’t do my part I don’t need to be on this council.”
Johnson, a Blackville native, said he is “ready to go to work” once being officially sworn in at the council’s September 16 meeting.
“I like the way the city is growing and the direction it’s going in, and I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, over a year now, about getting involved,” said Johnson on running for the open seat.
He is filling the seat of the late Fred Orr, who passed away earlier this year and served on the council for many years. Although they never served on the council together, Johnson and Orr knew one another from Orr’s time working in Blackville-Hilda schools.
“I know Mr. Orr from school, he has been a big asset to the community and public schools. He did great work, I can’t say I’m going to fill his shoes but I am going to do my best to fill the seat,” said Johnson.
As he steps into this new role, Johnson is looking to be a part of addressing some long standing community concerns.
“The main topic is our sewer and water facility,” said Johnson.
At many council meetings, residents have expressed concerns with the water quality in the town and the antiquated system. Johnson said this is the council's “main focus.”
He aims to build infrastructure and draw in both small and large businesses; as well as work on hiring a code enforcement officer in the Blackville Police Department to address things like blighted homes and animal control enforcement.
In the short term, Johnson hopes to draw more people to the meetings to prevent misinformation and to get the community more involved in the governmental process.
He also plans to be approachable for residents, encouraging them to call or email with their questions or concerns.
“I am excited and ready to do what I can do to make the city grow,” said Johnson.
Johnson was not sworn in at the August meeting, but was in attendance and did provide the invocation. He is set to be sworn in and begin officially serving as a council member at the September 16 meeting.
