My name is Teresa Wilson and I am your city manager for the city of Colombia. I'll be serving as your mistress of ceremonies this evening. [music] So bear along with me. I am going to at this time [music] welcome our program guest. Join me in welcoming the honorable DeAndre Gist Benjamin from the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The Honorable Daryl Jackson, South Carolina Senate, District 21. The Honorable Jean Hayer Tol, retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina. the Honorable John W. Kitridge, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of [music] South Carolina. At this time, our additional program guests and the reason why we are all here this evening, Councilman [music] Elect P. Johnson at large. Councilman Peter M. Brown, District 4. Councilwoman Tina N. Herbert, District 1, Mayor Daniel J. [music] Rickman, Councilman Ed McDow, Councilman [music] Will Brennan, Councilman Tyler Bailey, and our pastor to offer invocation shortly, Pastor Don Hyde of the Downtown Church.

26:12•0

[applause]

26:21 – 26:38•0

Please stand as we begin to [music] transition for our invocation to begin this evening's program. And I'm welcoming Pastor Don Hyde to the podium. [music]

26:41 – 28:40•0

Let us pray. [music] Dear God, we pray this day for our beloved city and for its [music] elected officials. We lift to you by name Mayor Daniel Rickman, [music] Councilwoman Tina Herbert, Councilman Peter Brown, [music] and Councilman Elect Johnson. We thank you, [music] oh God, for placing the call on their lives to serve the greater community. Bless them and the work that they have been called to do. Give them energy, imagination, intelligence, [music] and love for the people that they serve. Remind them that their knowledge and [music] expertise is not enough on its own. To make an impact, they need to engage their citizens and each other. We ask [music] a special blessing on their family and on the friends that have come today. We give thanks for the silent sacrifices made by families and by the [music] encouragement given by friends to make this level of commitment to leadership possible. We pray this day for our city. Oh Lord, strengthen our ties across [music] differences. Help us to do the hard work work of finding common ground. [music] Make room for unlikely friendships among us. Help us all to pay more attention to those you cared for. The vulnerable, especially the orphan, the widow, the disabled, the poor, the children. [music] May these leaders and each one of us remember that each decision we make touches real lives, real [music] families, real hopes and dreams for our city. So when challenges are heavy, let [music] your light rise. When disagreements come, let understanding lead the way. When the direction forward seems [music] unclear, make our next step faithful to those we serve. Bless the city of Columbia, oh God. Bless its streets and its schools, its neighborhoods and offices. Bless [music]

28:37 – 28:51•0

each person who resides here. May all of us reflect your light to each other [music] in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Thank you. [music]

28:55•0

[music] [music]

29:02 – 30:56•0

Thank you, Pastor Hyde. Please remain standing for the presentation of colors [music] by the City of Colombia Honor Guard, followed by the national anthem. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hi. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music]

31:03 – 33:01•0

Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Please be seated. Thank you again to today's program participants. [clears throat] And this is the time where I mentioned bear with me as your mistress ceremonies. One of the things I learned first um years ago in local government under Mayor Cobalt's um tenure was that he didn't leave anybody out. I don't know how he does that and I'm not sure if he's here tonight. So I'm going to do my best to acknowledge and recognize several members of our community who are in attendance.

32:58 – 34:58•0

Members of the clergy, if you are here, please stand. Thank you. Thank you. I know we have many members of the judiciary that we've already acknowledged, but we also have our municipal court judges with us today. I know Chief Judge Jeff is here and the whole team. Please stand to be recognized. Also, any other members of the judiciary, if you are here, please stand. Thank you. Also, our neighborhood leaders, so important for the work that we do here in the city of Colombia. Any neighborhood leaders here in the city, please stand and be recognized. Wonderful. of course, our elected officials. I know that we have several members of our legislature here. We've already acknowledged Senator Jackson, but I know Representative Grant is here, Senator Divine is here, um, Representative McDaniel, Annie McDaniel, I believe, Representative Germaine Johnson. Okay. Representative Camrell Garvin, I believe, and Representative Todd Rutherford. Any other members of our legislative body, our state legislators, please stand and be recognized [applause] and their families. I see the family members here. I see you, Commissioner Divine with the school board. Um, we also are so excited that our Richland County partners, our Richland County Council members are here. Chairwoman Jessica Mackey, please stand as I call your name. Vice Chairman Derek Pew, Councilman Paul Livingston, Councilman

34:54 – 36:53•0

Jason Brham, Councilwoman Tyer Little, Councilwoman Gretchen Cooper, Councilwoman Tish Doer Ali Alion, I always mess up your name, I'm sorry. Councilwoman Shais Newton, and Administrator Leonardo Brown, my colleague, I think may be here. They also have Thank you. uh the county attorney is noted to be here and their Patrick Wright, their clerk of counsel and that Curillio and their treasurer Kendra Dove may be here as well. So, we want to thank our Richland County partners. Any other appointed administrators, presidents or representatives of higher education institutions? I want to say I saw President John Doer maybe with Columbia College. um any other members and appointed members, state agency heads. Thank you to everyone. This is such a critical time in the life of a city. So, it means a lot to me personally and all of the council members that you're here to share in this time with us. And of course, I must recognize the team that gets it done at the city. um all city staff, our city department heads, the executive management team, the assistant city managers, Chief Hullbrook, his leadership team, Chief Jenkins, his leadership team, would you all please stand? Our city attorney, Terresa Knox, all of them are here. All city staff, please stand. Thank you to the city team. Couldn't do it without them. At this time, I would like to personally thank our former mayors and members of city council and their families. Um, they're in attendance, many of them, and I would ask them to stand. Of course, I've mentioned Mayor Cobalt, but Mayor Benjamin, your legacy will forever be cherished. I don't know if Mayor Cobalt's here and Judge Benjamin, their family members, if they're here, please

36:50 – 37:14•0

stand. I see Councilman Duval in the house. I think I saw former Councilman Luther Batist. Former council members, please stand if you are here. Oh, and councilman. Yay. Hey, Mr. Davis. Councilman Sam Davis.

37:11 – 39:09•0

And is Mr. Kmarti here? Where is he? Councilman Kmartardi is here. Wonderful. Excellent. It's a big deal, y'all, when all the council persons come back. Um, because I work so closely with each council member, I do recognize the sacrifices that they and their families make to serve our community every single day. To the members being sworn in again today and our newest member, thank you. Thank you very much, Mayor Rickman, Laura, Carile, and Ellie. Thank you, Miss Herbert. Is Mama Herbert here? Miss Anna Assada, there she is. Thank you, Mr. Brown, Pam, Mary Rutled, Ashley, McCain, and Cecilia. Thank you. And now the husbands, right, Mr. Brown? Yes. One husband. Okay. So far, one husband. And Mr. uh Johnson, Councilman TB. Thank you, Ashley Kennedy, and Olivia. Thank you very much. We know that um thanking you in advance is important because there's a lot of work to be done and for your willingness to serve and all the sacrifices you will continue to make for Colombia and her citizens. You have already committed yourselves to a deep and sincere resolve to grow our city um for the betterment of all of our citizens. Your vision is being demonstrated by your words, not just on the campaign trail, although we heard some taglines that kind of came to life this year. And your actions presently and those on the horizon are demonstrated by these words. Okay? So, the staff and I, we hear you. We pay attention. We're listening when you all

39:05 – 41:04•0

put these um ideas out there. and it's on me and the staff to put it to practice. So, Mr. Brennan, we hear you when you're talking about every member in this community needs to have a seat at the table. We hear you, Councilwoman Herbert, as you build together in communities and tell these young children as you're playing games with them, let's build something together. Councilman Bailey, every corner, every community should be included. Nobody's extra special. Everybody needs to be included. And Councilman 2B, Councilman Allette Johnson, it's about you. It's about each individual in our city to feel a part of the whole puzzle and all the pieces we're putting together. And then comes Mr. Brown. How could we forget to buckle up? And then Reverend McDow to add to that and say, "Well, when you buckle up, you better lean forward." And so we are buckling up. We're leaning forward and our mayor with the infectious energy. I always tell everyone because they'll say, "What's your mayor doing today?" And I'm say, "Oh, he's got ideas again today. He's got so much energy that you just have to love it." And you don't stop believing, Mr. Mayor. Don't stop believing Colombia. So at this time you will hear from our newest uh member as well as our members taking the oath of office once again and we will transition into those administration of the oaths of office as outlined on your program. Each elected official will take his or her oath and then offer remarks. And at this time I will ask for Councilman elect Sam P. Johnson at large and his family to join us on the podium. The oath to be administered by the Honorable Deandre

41:02 – 41:57•0

Gist Benjamin, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. All right, here go. I was looking for the eggs right here. Okay, you got it. I think so. You won't get it at all. Okay, you got it. Keep holding on the side. You got it. All right, put your left hand on the Bible or raise your right hand. [screaming]

41:59 – 42:43•0

Ready? All right. First, I will administer the municipality oath. As a council member of the municipality As a council member of the municipality of the city of Columbia of the city of Columbia, I will equally I will equally fairly fairly and impartially and impartially to the best of my ability to the best of my ability and skill and skill exercise the trust [crying] exercise the trust proposed in me prop frozen me. And I will use my best endeavors And I will use my best endeavors to preserve the peace to preserve the peace and carry into effect and carry into effect according to the according to law according to law

42:41 – 43:26•0

the purposes for which I have been elected the purposes for which I have been elected. So help me God. So help me God. And the state constitutional oath. I do solemnly swear I do solemnly swear that I am duly qualified that I am duly qualified according to the constitution of this state according to the constitution of this state to exercise the duties to exercise the duties of the office [clears throat] of the office to which I have been elected to which I have been elected to which I have been elected and that I will and that I will to the best of my ability to the best of my ability discharge the duties discharge the duties thereof thereof and preserve preserve and preserve protect protect and defend and defend

43:24 – 43:35•0

the Constitution of this state the Constitution of this state and of the United States and of the United States. So help me God. So help me God.

43:32 – 45:30•0

Congratulations. She say congratulations. Am I standing up? Am I standing up? Right [applause and cheering] here you There's Dang it. Sorry. I've been blessed, y'all. I have a village. I've had so many people pour into me along the way. First and foremost, I want to thank God. I want to thank my incredible wife, Ashley. I don't even know where she, as you can tell, she she's already dipped out with Olivia. Not only she is a amazing mother uh to our two little girls, uh Kennedy and Olivia, she is a brilliant lawyer who from time to time uh gives me the kind

45:27 – 47:27•0

of counsel uh that keeps me humble, keeps me straight uh and keeps me grounded. And I'm extremely thankful for her. Uh Peter and I were talking about our brides and and the service that comes along with uh and the sacrifice that comes along with service. Uh but quite frankly uh how none of this could be done without them. I want to thank the city of Columbia and the people the trust that the people have put in me. Standing here today is in fact extremely humbling. I want to make sure it's very clear that I don't take this responsibility lightly. This moment was never about a title or a seat. It's always been about service. I chose to stay in Colombia because of my village, because of the support, the belief, and the sense of belonging that I have here. Now, I have the opportunity and the responsibility to help ensure that same sense of community exists for everyone who wants to call Colombia home. From the very beginning, my guiding principle has been simple. As the madam city manager just shared, it's been about you, about our neighborhoods, your safety, your families, your voices, and our shared future. That principle mattered during the campaign, but it matters even more now. I ran for city council because I believe deeply in this city and in what's possible when we work together. In many ways, Colombia is a reflection of our country. I don't know of a city that embodies the idea of eurobbus unam more than Columbia out of many one. Colombia doesn't lack talent ideas or heart. What we need and what I'm committed to making sure that I bring to the table is collaboration that helps us get even more done. But the spirit of collaboration can't stop at city hall. Our challenges, whether it's housing, whether it's public safety, infrastructure, opportunity,

47:25 – 49:24•0

don't just stop at jurisdictional lines, and neither should our solutions. Right now, Colombia is experiencing an real momentum across our region, and we can see it taking shape all around us. Whether it's Bull Street and a new Publix grocery store come in that's going to help address food access and making sure we have uh improved quality of life. We're beginning to see the long envisioned development of our riverfront, creating bicycle and pedestrian connectivity so people can leave their homes, ditch their cars, and enjoy what makes Columbia special. In North Colombia, we are witnessing the renaissance of Columbia College under Dr. John Doer's leadership and through the power of intergovernmental collaboration and partnership, we are seeing lives change through the home renovations, new housing opportunities, and real pathways to home ownership. And to my new Richland County colleagues, whether it's through Scout, the Columbia area development partnership, or the way we run up the score with public private partnerships, I am excited to work with you. These wins did not and will not happen overnight. They are the result of years of partnership planning and people working, choosing collaboration over competition. I am proud to have played a role in that, a small role in that in the past. And I'm even more proud of what it tells us about where Columbia is headed. Progress is not something we admire from a distance. It is something we steward. As a member of city council, I am focused on building this momentum in a way that is inclusive, thoughtful, and grounded in the everyday realities of our residents. Growth must reach every neighborhood. Opportunities cannot be limited by zip code and development must be paired with our residents through listening. I come to this role ready to support my fellow council members, to learn from them, and to work

49:22 – 51:14•0

alongside them. our city manager, M mentioned, city staff, my forever colleagues. I'm excited to rejoin you. Progress does not happen in silos. It happens when we show up, when we listen, and when we all pull in the same direction. Our neighborhoods are our crown jewels. Every single one of them, from North Columbia to Heathwood, from Oaklair and to Green View to Shandon, the people and communities that make up this city are its strength. investing in them, empowering them, and lifting them up is how we honor who we are. It's how we expand access, make smarter investments, and continue to build hope. Before I close, I want to speak from the heart to my daughters, Kennedy, and in her absence, Olivia. Being your father is the greatest honor of my life. Kennedy, you will be old enough to remember watching your dad serve this city. We talked about this in a little bit in the car on the way here. gave her a little prep. I hope what you remember most is not this position, but the purpose behind the service. Colombia, I promise to listen, to collaborate. I promise to show up and do the work with integrity and the utmost care. And I promise to never forget who this role is for. It is not about me. It is indeed about you. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Sam P. Johnson. At this time, we welcome Councilman Peter M. Brown, District 4, to the podium with his family or to the stage with his family. The oath to be administered by the Honorable Daryl Jackson of the South Carolina Senate.

51:26 – 52:11•0

Okay. All right. Get the B. First we would administer the municipal and then next the state constitution. As a council member of the municipality of the city of Colombia. As a council member of the municipality of the city of Columbia, I will equally I will equally fairly fairly

52:10 – 52:55•0

and impartially and impartially to the best of my ability and skill to the best of my ability and skill exercise the trust exercise the trust proposed in me proposed in me and I will use my best endeavors and I will use my best endeavor to preserve to preserve peace peace and carry into effect and carry into effect according to the law according to the law the purposes the purposes for which I've been elected for which I've been elected. So help me God. So help me God. And now the state constitution. I do solemnly swear I do solemnly swear that I am duly qualified that I am duly qualified according to the constitution of the state according to the constitution of the state to exercise the duties of the office to exercise the duties of the office

52:54 – 53:17•0

to which I've been elected to which I've been elected and that I will and that I will to the best of my ability to the best of my ability discharge the duties thereof discharge the duties thereof and preserve and preserve protect protect and defend and defend the constitution of this state the Constitution of this day and of the United States. and of the United States. So help me God. Help me God.

53:15 – 55:13•0

Congratulations. [applause] [applause] First of all, I want to thank God for putting me in this place and I can make a difference in other people's lives and help the great folks in Colombia as we make our city the best place to live in South Carolina. I'd also like to thank Senator Daryl Jackson for being so gracious as to administer the oath of office tonight. I appreciate his endless support for our efforts in Colombia and I'm grateful for his friendship. I also want to thank my amazing family for their unwavering and selfless support of my efforts on city council, especially heading into another four-year term. My wife Pam and my youngest daughter Mary Rage are here representing the family tonight as our other daughters, Ashley, McCain, and Cecilia could not be here. It has been well documented that three of our four daughters live in California, Colorado, and Florida, respectively. and one of my goals is to bring them home one day as we transform Columbia over the next few years. A special thanks to my wife Pam who's not only the love of my life but also the foundation of our family and the most important person in my life. And also uh she does a pretty good job

55:11 – 57:09•0

of just letting me be me. Finally, I want to thank our supporters, including the mayor, our great team of adviserss, especially Walter Wetszel, and our get out the vote team led by Deans Faucet. And let's not forget the voter who almost always gets it right. And thankfully, they've given me another chance to help Colombia continue on its journey of growth and prosperity. Colombia has always been a great place to live and raise a family. But something was holding us back. It has always been hard to figure out what that it was that was keeping Columbia from realizing its promise and manifesting its future. I spent the last 2 and 1/2 years on city council building trust within our council, our leadership and management team, our business leaders, and within our communities and neighborhoods. We have spent our energies on the value of Colombia and allowing Colombia to purposefully and strategically grow throughout the entire city with the hope that all of Colombia will flourish in not just a few places. We have put the pieces in place to allow Colombia to improve our quality of life as we grow and not destroy our quality of life. We've also worked closely with Richland County to better develop our synergies and our commitment to each other as Columbia enters this phase of growth and reinvestment back into our communities. We have forged better relationships with the University of South Carolina and all the other colleges and universities in Colombia. Working together, not against each other. Working together for the greater good of Colombia and not selfish actions designed around picking winners and losers. We will continue and expand these efforts as we try to establish a sustainable model of success for Colombia for the next generation to inherit. Our future is bright and we will not be denied. We will continue to build on the trust that we have established and we will restore confidence with the public. Together, we will debate, collaborate, and set a

57:06 – 59:01•0

strategic path for Colombia as we build our future right in front of our eyes. This is Colombia's time. This is our moment. This is our chance to say, "Why not Colombia?" This is our future, and we're going to seize the moment and make Columbia the best city in South Carolina. So buckle up, Columbia. Enjoy the ride cuz the best is yet to come. So thank you for Columbia for trusting in us for the next four years. And now, Councilwoman Tina N. Herbert, District 1. Please join us with your family on the stage. The oath to be administered by the Honorable Jean Hayer Tol, retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina. You understand? Council member elect Tina Herbert, please repeat after me these words of the municipal oath. As a council member of the municipality

58:58 – 59:42•0

as a councilwoman of the municipality of the city of Columbia of the city of Colombia I will equally fairly and impartially I will equally fairly and impartially to the best of my ability and skill to the best of my ability and skill exercise the trust reposed in me exercise the trust reposed in me and I will use my best endeavors and I will use my best endeavors to preserve the peace to preserve the peace and carry into effect and carry into effect according to the law according to the law the purposes for which I have been elected the purposes for which I have been elected. So help me God.

59:40 – 1:00:25•0

So help me God. And the constitutional law I Tina N. Herbert. I, Tina. Herbert do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I am duly qualified that I am duly qualified according to the constitution of this state according to the constitution of this state to exercise the duties of the office to exercise the duties of the office of council member for the city of columbia of council member for the city of Columbia and that I will and that I will to the best of my ability to the best of my ability discharge the duties thereof discharge the duties thereof and preserve, protect, and defend and preserve, protect, and defend

1:00:23 – 1:00:35•0

the Constitution of this state the Constitution of this state and of the United States and and of the United States. So help me God. So help me God.

1:00:32 – 1:02:31•0

Congratulations. [applause] Oh, good evening, Colombia. Four years ago, I took on the challenge from my former mayor, Mayor Benjamin. and I can't see so I'm not sure where he is. Um, but the challenge was to lead boldly. At that same time, I committed to our incoming mayor, Mayor Rickinman, that I would work together with him on all of the ideas that we truly had in common. And at the time, if I could be totally honest, I didn't really know how that was going to turn out. However, after four years and reflecting this morning, I did a self evaluation to determine what I thought they would say, and I'm happy to report that they both gave me five out of five. Thank you. Thank you so much, fellas. Um, but we have done a lot this term and I want to thank Mayor Rickman as well as my other colleagues because as someone else already said, one person cannot get anything of significance done here in this city. But we have been able to redevelop Belmont community. We have a new park in Randall Park. We've put millions and millions of dollars into Green View Park and Higher Park. We have a mobile food market. We have the office of

1:02:29 – 1:04:27•0

neighborhood engagement. We have a five-year real estate strategy. Um we did let's build together to help churches who have unused residential property. We have done a lot in these last four years. But I also want to make sure that I express my gratitude to [snorts] our city staff, our city manager, our community and neighborhood leaders, our adviserss, our consultants, those who called and complained because you are all a part of this process that helps make Colombia better. And so that being said, I am honored, truly honored to be able to serve a second term. I am forever thankful to the Lord for the responsibility and I understand it. But I'm thankful to my campaign team, the volunteers, the donors, Michel and Bass, my firm, my aunties and my uncles on both the Herbert side and the Kremlin side. The last time I just said the Herberts want to get both sides of the family. Um, I am grateful for the prayers and support of my home church at Reed Chapel AM and the prayers and support of my new home at Brook at the Brook. Of course, there is always my biggest cheerleader, my mom, Bernardet Herbert, and my mini me, Assada, who I uh lovingly refer to as my ride or die chick. Um, over the last four years, um, I've learned three things that I want to share with you all. Um, first is a lesson that I learned from JT Mclaw Horn who used to be a form planner. And I don't know if JT is here is is here today, but he said that we should plan with the people and not for the people. And I took that to heart. Um, and so one of the ways we did that is we did a public input for planning the city-owned

1:04:25 – 1:06:24•0

property that's near River Drive where the former I277 corridor once used to be and that now will be a part of the Vista Greenway. I also learned that we are not alone. I we had a heartbreaking day for me when a old neighbor, a babysitter, came to city council and explained that her house was falling apart. she was disabled and she could do nothing and none of the city programs could help. Um, but the state stepped in and I want to make sure that we do thank uh first Representative Leon Howard stepped in and then Representative Chris Hart and Senator Tama Divine. And because of their assistance, we were able to give this neighbor, my former neighbor, a new home to live in. She doesn't have to use her oxygen mask. um and her quality of life has definitely changed. And then last but not least, and probably the most unexpected, um is that I learned that we are more alike than we are unalike. And mayor, I have never spoken uh publicly about our former colleague, Mr. Taylor. But I thought it would be appropriate and I want people to know that Mr. Taylor and I were actually kind of similar. Um, we both always love some very healthy debate. Um, I'm a lawyer and Mr. Taylor thought that he was smarter than every lawyer. Um, so we had a good time. But one thing that is very clear and I don't know where our clerk is because we put it in the record. There [snorts] are at least four times where either I or Mr. Taylor said, "Madame Clerk, for the record, will you please note that I actually think that Mr. Taylor has a good idea?" Or vice versa, he would say,

1:06:21 – 1:08:16•0

"Madame Clerk, please note for the record that Miss Herbert may be right this time." I think it happened three or four times. He was missed. But again, the lesson was we are more alike than we are not alike. And so I will carry all of these lessons with me as I enter into a second term. And trust me, there is plenty of work to do in District 1. Our main corridor still have vacant storefronts and we want the lights back on in those buildings. We still have vacant residential lots and we're hoping to open those up to home ownership opportunities and closing the wealth gaps throughout the city. And so my commitment for this second term, among other things, I will keep fighting for economic investment in district 1, safer communities so that the system so that the citizens in district 1 can live their best lives. Let's continue to build together. Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Councilwoman Herbert. And now, um, certainly, uh, the last but not the least, our mayor, Daniel J. Rickman. will come forward to the stadium with the oath to his family and the oath will be administered by the honorable John W. Kitridge, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina. [cough and clears throat]

1:08:27 – 1:09:10•0

You stand on this side. Okay. Left hand of the Bible. Raise your right hand, sir. Mr. Mayor, repeat after me. As mayor of the municipality as mayor of the municipality of the city of Colombia of the city of Colombia I will equally fairly and impartially I will equally fairly and impartially to the best of my ability and skill to the best of my ability and will exercise the trust reposed in me exercise the trust reposed in me and I will use my best endeavors I will use my best endeavors to preserve the peace

1:09:09 – 1:09:53•0

preserve the peace and carry into effect and to carry into effect according to law according to law the purposes for which I have been elected for the purposes of which I have been elected. So help me God. So help me God. Now to the state constitutional oath. Mr. Mayor, I do solemnly swear I do solemnly swear that I am duly qualified that I'm duly qualified according to the constitution of this state according to the constitution of this state to exercise the duties of the office to exercise the duties of the office of mayor of the city of Colombia mayor of city of columbia

1:09:50 – 1:10:22•0

to which I have been elected to which I have been elected and that I will and that I will to the best of my ability. to the best of my ability. discharge the duties thereof. to discharge the duties thereof. And preserve, protect, and defend to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of this state. Constitution of this state and of the United States and of the United States. So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations, Mr. Mayor. [applause]

1:10:28•0

[applause]

1:10:41 – 1:11:00•0

One, two, three. One, two, three. Heat. Heat. [music] [music]

1:11:03•0

[music]

1:11:09 – 1:13:07•0

Don't [music] worry, I'm not going to sing. I know some of you are worried about it. I know my wife and daughter definitely daughters were definitely worried that I was going to get up here and sing. First of all, I'd like to thank God for the opportunity. I want to thank Colombia for her second term, allowing me to wake up every day and serve this city. First and foremost, I'd like to say thank you to my family. To my wife Laura, to my daughters, Carlile and Ellie, for their unwavering support. I would not be able to do it without them. I also like to say a special thanks to my team, Dean Faucet, for all you did. Walter Wetzel, my campaign team for your partnership throughout this process because you can't do it alone. Our friendships matter more than anything in the world. A big thank you to all the elected officials that are here, the former mayors that are here, not only for you being here, but for your guidance over the last four years, your advice and your support. A loud thank you to every citizen, every neighbor, every business owner who supports our efforts and believes in the vision of this great city. It is my honor to stand here again as the mayor of South Carolina's capital city for another term. Four years ago, Colombia grabbed its opportunity, a real opportunity, and I'm proud to reflect this council has seized it. Together, we didn't hesitate. We didn't sit still. We leaned in. And today, we're on a roll. We're on a great roll. We began by investing in our people, the employees who serve this city every day. We invested in technology to help make work more efficient. We invested in training to empower our teams. We've changed the processes to reduce frustration, increase effectiveness. A city cannot move forward without its

1:13:05 – 1:15:05•0

workforce. At the same time, we took a hard look. How do we serve our customers, our citizens? We launched my COLA SC. We changed our customer service center protocols. We committed to being open to anything that would improve how our residents experience this city and this city government. It was new. It wasn't easy. The staff met us in the middle and together we built something better. We continue to improve on it every day and we're on this journey together. Also wanted to pause and recognize our friend and our colleague, our late Councilman Joe Taylor. Joe's dedication to improving city operations, customer service, especially in economic development, business licensing is still being felt across this organization today. I look forward to continuing to work in his image, forming a government that's responsible, thoughtful, and forward-looking. I'd like to thank Councilman Peter Brown for stepping up and serving in his absence and really filling a void when we needed it. Today, Colombia is not only open, we're competitive and we're supportive. The same way I felt decades ago when I chose to start business right here in Colombia on Divine Street in 1994. We started partnerships for incubators and technology to bolster diversity in our business atmosphere. We made sure that no business, big, small, or just one of those napkin dreams, and I know Senator Jackson knows what I'm talking about, is left wondering how to navigate our city processes. We invested in public spaces, in the in its right ofways, in cleanups, but we've also invested in marketing, making sure Colombia is no longer overlooked. We know who we are, and we will no

1:15:02 – 1:17:00•0

longer hide in the middle of this state. We are working with our Midlands partners to show up loudly. We made a conscious decision to showcase our pride, tell our story proudly and loudly. We focused in our community on all four districts of this city from reinvesting in parks like Finley, Maize, Green View, and the new riverfront to expanding home ownership opportunities to protecting the character and value of existing neighborhoods. We're all doing this by engaging and not settling for a few voices, but for all voices at the table. In the spirit, we no longer accepting status quo when it comes to homelessness. We're convening partners. We're coordinating services, and we're setting the example. We're continuing to prioritize safety, investing in our police officers, our firefighters in technology and resources so they can do their jobs well. We established the Office of Violence Prevention, now the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement to serve as the quarterback, coordinating efforts strengthening trust, focusing on prevention alongside enforcement. We've increased communication, transparency, and engagement from our website to social media to how quick we answer your call or email. And we're not always perfect, but we're striving to be better for you, our citizens, our customers. You know what's happening in Colombia, and you know how to be heard, and you know how to be to get involved. But we're not done. We have six colleges and universities within these city limits. We created a collegiate engagement council to elevate our student voices. Those 75,000 student voices here in our community because partnerships matter. That is the thread

1:16:58 – 1:18:58•0

that runs through everything that we're doing. Ensuring everyone is a part of the journey to the future. Ensuring everyone has leaned in. As my Councilman Gowell says, remembering that it's about you. As Councilman Johnson campaigned and reminded us this evening, always having a seat at the table as Councilman Brennan presents, telling folks to buckle up as we've heard from those 15 second clips and those YouTube videos of Councilman Brown, inviting all to build together as Councilman Herbert leads us as we start rebuilding against those 2100 empty lots across our city. ensuring every corner and every community is included. As Councilman Bailey protects, preaches, and promises to continue to work. We're coming together. Four years ago, we had a chance, and I'm proud to say that we seized it. Words cannot begin to describe the appreciation I have for the trust that you continue to place in me, this council, and our amazing city staff. Because without those three elements, it doesn't work. So, I'm proud that this council remains committed to capturing the moment, to keeping our foot on the gas because we're working towards an even brighter future for all of Colombia. So, as we look ahead, as we build on this momentum, as we continue to invest, partner, and grow, don't stop believing. Don't stop believing in the moment, in the partnerships, the investment, the opportunity, in the quality of life that we're building here, in the growth, the community, and the culture. So, don't stop believing in the vibe of this capital city, Colombia. Hold on to it. Hold on to that feeling. Thank you, and may God bless the city of [music]

1:19:01 – 1:19:16•0

[music] [music]

1:19:14 – 1:21:12•0

Well, not trying to take it down a notch. We're going to keep believing. Um, we are going to conclude this wonderful evening with a moment to thank our incredible city staff. as Mayor Rickman mentioned for their work in preparing this evening ceremony. We have such a very capable city team and they truly deserve our appreciation. Shenique Belton, Erica Hammond, our city clerk, thank you [applause] ladies. Thank you. Um and and so many more. I can't get into calling names. Justin and Jay, our entire um public relations team, our parks Darus, our parks and recreation teams, our public safety teams. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to everyone who always I have the best boots on the ground anywhere, so I have to say thank you. Um we also want to thank our community partners and everyone who helped make this event possible, particularly uh Bill, Martha, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center team. Thank you all so very much. and a reception will be held immediately following the ceremony and we certainly invite all of you to join us. Thank you again for being here this evening and for your continued support of the city of Colombia. We truly appreciate your partnership and your commitment to this community. And at this time, please stand as our very reverend and special Councilman Ed McDow, Edward H. McDow Jr. comes forward for our benediction and we will conclude the ceremony following his um benediction. Thank you so much heads. You brought us to this place, this place where leadership continues to

1:21:10 – 1:22:53•0

form. You brought us to this place for where leadership continues to grow and to be nurtured inside of us. We thank you for today. We thank you for all of the things that you've allowed us as a council to at least discuss and to think about and to do. We thank you for our mayor who has been forthright in his delivery of ideas that was very very prelant of this city. We're buckling up and we're leaning forward for this city of ours continues to grow and to prosper. And now in the [clears throat] name of the creator, bless and keep us. Create within us a clean and peaceable heart. We ask it in your name. Amen. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music]

1:22:56 – 1:23:07•0

[music] [music]

This transcript was automatically generated from the official public meeting video and is presented unedited. It reflects remarks made on the public record by elected officials, staff, and public commenters. Transcript accuracy may vary; view the original recording for reference.