Councilman Paul Livingston
District Four
County Council - Chair
Term expires: 2010

A lifelong resident of Richland County, Councilman Paul Livingston has made significant and long lasting contributions in the areas of public service, economic development, and education. Mr. Livingston currently serves as the Chairman of the Richland County Council Economic Development Committee. In 1998 he received a tremendous vote of confidence from his peers after being elected Council Chairman (This position is crucial to setting Council policy in a given year).

As the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Mr. Livingston plays an integral role in attracting major industry to Richland County and the Midlands. He believes so much in the economic future of the Palmetto State that he is a graduate of the South Carolina Economic Developer’s School and serves on several major regional economic development boards, most notably Ingenuity SC, City Center Partnership, as well as the Central South Carolina Economic Development Alliance.

No stranger to public service, prior to serving on County Council he was elected to the Richland School District One School Board in 1984. He also served as School Board Chairperson from 1988-1990. Mr. Livingston earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of South Carolina and is currently employed as an instructor of psychology at Midlands Technical College, where he is a previous recipient of The Teacher of The Year Award.

Mr. Livingston is married and the proud parent of two adult children. His goal is to make Richland County a community which is not only thriving economically but one in which educate and the arts play a vital role in the community as well.

Councilman Damon Jeter
District Three
County Council - Vice Chair
Term expires: 2012

Elected to Richland County Council in November of 2004, Damon Jeter represents Richland County Council District #3. No stranger to the political process, he served on the Richland School District One School Board for six years prior to running for the political seat that was once held by his aunt Thelma Tillis and his uncle Cecil Tillis.

Not surprisingly, he is a strong supporter of primary, secondary and higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of South Carolina and completed additional studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Jeter cites his even tempered nature, consensus building skills, and extensive financial background as just a few of the assets he brings to Richland County Council. During his tenure on Council he intends to serve as a liaison for our citizens and help them gain a better understanding of the county services and programs that are available. It is his wish to make county government more accessible to citizens.

Mr. Jeter is actively involved in the community and currently serves on the Eau Clair Community Council and holds the political post of Executive Committee Person for Ward #7 in Richland County. Mr. Jeter is a graduate of A.C. Flora High School and resides in North Columbia.

Councilman Bill Malinowski
District One
Term expires: 2010

Mr. Bill Malinowski was sworn in on January 2nd 2007 as the Richland County Councilmember representing Richland County Council District #1.

Mr. Malinowski says high among his priority list is working with his constituents and the business community to create more positive relationships when it comes to balancing the demands of growth in his area.

Mr. Malinowski believes that it is important to protect the rural character of his community, while at the same time creating a positive climate for businesses to grow and develop.

Mr. Malinowski’s “Northwest Richland Neighborhood Talk and Listen” meetings are 7-8 p.m. at River Springs Church, 1007 W. Shady Grove Road, near the Peak exit off I-26. Meetings are the fourth Thursday monthly and open to all constituents.

Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson
District Two
Term expires: 2012

Richland County Councilwoman Joyce Johnson Dickerson was sworn into office in January of 2005 and is extremely committed to the constituents of District #2. Her three main goals are, better manage growth in her community, to improve relations between citizens and county government, and to create economic development opportunities.

Councilwoman Kit Smith
District Five
Term expires: 2010

Representing District 5, Ms. Smith has been on County Council since January 1991. She currently is a Senior Counselor with CarolinaPR, a regional marketing and relations firm, an adjunct professor at USC and is active in the community. Her main goal while on Council is to improve land use planning in the County and improve neighborhood quality of life.

Councilman Greg Pearce
District Six
Term expires: 2010

Mr. Pearce represents District 6 and has been on County Council since January 1999. He currently works full-time as a Council member. He is also active in the community. His primary objective while on Council is improved planning, through the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, a GIS technology plan, and a comprehensive plan to address homelessness. He also seeks a better relationship with School Boards and within Council.

Councilwoman Gwendolyn Davis Kennedy
District Seven
Term expires: 2012

Richland County Councilwoman Gwendolyn Kennedy is well acquainted with policies that guide governance and public policy, for while she may have been sworn into office in January of 2009, she brings a wealth of experience to the job as she previously served the residents of Richland County Council District 7 from 1990-1997.

Ms. Kennedy says that she was inspired to run for office for a second time because she sincerely wants to help all of the citizens of Richland County. Councilwoman Kennedy says that during her tenure she will work to improve the quality of life for residents living within all the communities of her district by working hard on issues of growth and development and that she will collaborate with her fellow members of council to build upon existing county services and programs.

The 30-year educator and administrator holds a Master of Arts degree in elementary school education and administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science. Ms. Kennedy counts her exceptional communication skills, and her ability to work with others among her greatest strengths. She also pledges to be accessible and available to her constituents.

Councilwoman Kennedy is married to Mr. Theodore Kennedy and has 3 children and 8 grandchildren

Councilman Jim Manning
District Eight
Term expires: 2012

Jim Manning was elected to Richland County Council in November of 2008 to represent District 8. His District runs from the Forest Acres to Spring Valley. Jim’s efforts center on improving the lives of citizens residing in District 8 and all of Richland County by creating a thriving Decker Boulevard, safe communities with stellar schools and empowered neighborhoods. Highly thought of by Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike, Jim has the extraordinary ability to work with divergent groups to elevate the standard of living for all citizens in Richland County.

Jim’s wife of 26 years is Dr. Sandra C. Manning, a professional School Psychologist. They have two sons, Jim who is a second year Math and Statistics major at USC and Luke who is a senior at A.C. Flora High School. Jim co-teaches an adult Sunday School Class at Shandon Baptist Church, is a member of the Gideons International, participates in several Community and Professional Organizations; and serves as the President of the Satchelford Precinct. Finally, as a recreational hobby, he runs marathons for mental and physical fitness.

Jim received Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Social Work at West Virginia University and attended night school at USC where he earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration while working at Richland County DSS. He also worked for 22 years at Midlands Center on Farrow Road, a residential facility for people with developmental disabilities.

On council, Jim brings his educational and professional experience to balance government budgets against people’s needs to reconcile fiscal responsibility and social programs. Called an affable Social Worker by a local reporter, this is a characteristic that serves the Council well.

Council Vice-Chairwoman Val Hutchinson
District Nine
Term expires: 2012

Republican Valerie Hutchinson, one of the most recent members of County Council, was elected to office in 2004. She sees her common-sense approach as an asset to finding solutions to county problems.

While on Council, she hopes that her interest in protecting the environment while encouraging development and growth, will lead to better long-term planning in the County.

Mrs. Hutchinson has earned a bachelor's degree in psychology as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. She holds positions on many community organizations, including Chairman of the Children's Garden at Clemson's Sandhill.

Research and Education Center in Northeast Columbia. Nature and teaching are two of her passions, which she combines as an instructor of wildlife habitat and composting in the Master Gardener program.

This former geography and social studies teacher believes it is important to give citizens a greater voice in government decisions. Connecting with community residents is important to Mrs. Hutchinson.

Councilman-Kelvin Washington
District Ten
Term expires: 2012

Mr. Kelvin E. Washington Sr. was elected to office in November 2008 and represents Richland County Council District 10. His District covers the majority of the Lower Richland Area including Hopkins, Eastover and Gadsden as well as the historic Arthurtown community. Mr. Washington goals for his time on council include working with his fellow council member to bring much needed and necessary infrastructure (water and sewer, road improvements and bike and walking paths) to the constituents of District 10 as well as achieving “Smart Development” to be implemented throughout the county, particularly in the rural communities of his district.

He has been a steward for the Lower Richland Community for the past 20 years serving in such capacities as former Volunteer Fire Chief of Hopkins Fire Station, member of the Richland County Transportation Study Commission, member of the Richland County Recreation Commission Bond and Park Design Review Committee, Columbia-Sumter Empowerment Zone – Transportation Representative and Vice-Chair of The Renaissance Foundation. Mr. Washington’s service inspired him to run for office in order to help establish and implement controlled growth for District 10 and its constituents.

Mr. Washington brings an extensive background in transportation to council. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from South Carolina State University and has completed the following courses: Strategic Leadership for State Executives- Duke University, SCDOT’s Strategic Training for Transportation Agency Representatives and the Federal Highway Administration’s National Highway Institute for Professional Development.

He currently works for the South Carolina Department of Transportation and has previously been the President and CEO of Global Asset Management Solutions, LLC

Mr. Washington is married to the former Valerie Scott and the couple has two children: Jalisa, a sophomore at USC and Kelvin Jr., who is a student at Webber Elementary.

Councilman Norman Jackson
District Eleven
Term expires: 2010

Mr. Norman Jackson representing Richland County Council District #11.

Mr. Jackson says among his priority is working with his constituents and the business community to develop a trusting relationship. He notes that he is not against development but demands planned development based on the community’s input while protecting its rural character. He states that the comprehensive land use plan is a contract and guideline developed by the community and should be respected when making decisions. He will promote economic development bringing good paying jobs to the community. Mr. Jackson vows not to allow a repeat the mistakes made in other areas.

He stated that the top concerns he received from citizens were County services, Development and Traffic Congestion. Mr. Jackson plans to review the operations of several departments and make recommendations for improvement. Those include the Ombudsman’s Office, the Planning Department and Public Works Department. He believes in accountability and solutions that best serves the people. Mr. Jackson will be working with members of the General Assembly to amend the Impact Fee Law making it easier for Local Governments to charge impact fees to developers for infrastructure. He does not believe that the citizens should pay for those costs caused by the development community.

Mr. Jackson states that his mission is to work hard to earn the trust of the citizens of Richland County and work just as hard to keep that trust. He states that he was elected by the people to work in the best interest of the people and special interest groups have to understand that his decisions has to be in the best interest of the people.

Auditor: Paul Brawley

Paul Brawley was elected the Auditor of Richland County in November 2006. A Columbia businessman, Brawley is a graduate of Limestone College, earned dual master’s degrees in business and management from Webster University and is a graduate of the S.C. Executive Institute. Brawley is a lifelong resident of Richland County and an active community advocate in Lower Richland where he and his family reside.

He serves on numerous professional and community boards in the Midlands. In 1995 he was the recipient of the Order of the Palmetto from Governor Carroll A. Campbell. He is also the recipient of the Smithsonian Institute Computerworld Medal for Innovation in Technology in the Public Sector. Brawley’s previous public service includes a senior staff member in the Governor’s Office, an executive staff member at the Department of Social Services and an adjunct professor in the business department at Midlands Technical College.

Brawley says his focus as the new county auditor is to work with organizations within the county to ensure citizens understand their entitlements regarding their taxes and to provide a citizen-friendly environment within the auditor’s office for the people of Richland County.

Clerk of Court: Jeanette McBride

Coroner: Gary Watts

Gary Watts, the Richland County Coroner, is no stranger to public service. Prior to being elected as Coroner, he served as the Deputy Coroner in Richland County for more than 15 years and was involved in over 7,500 death investigations. His professional experience also includes having served as a police officer, an Emergency Medical Technician, and an investigator with the Richland County Public Defender’s Office.

Gary Watts’ education prepared him for a career in public service. He is a graduate of the Institute of Police Technology and Management, University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. (This included traffic, homicide, investigations, advanced traffic and traffic accident reconstruction). He also attended the SC Criminal Justice Academy.

In addition to his experience and education, Gary Watts is also active in professional organizations, providing another avenue for supporting his community. He is a member of the SC Division of the International Association for Identification. He also serves as the President for the SC Coroner’s Association and as Chairman for the Richland County Child Health and Safety Council Child Fatality Review Committee. Gary Watts also served as the former Chairman for Midlands Safe Kids.

Gary Watts’ objective for his tenure as Richland County’s Coroner is to create the most experienced and modern office to work with law enforcement, the legal system, and our citizens. This will ensure that each case is quickly and fairly resolved, and always with respect to those involved. He also endeavors to develop a proactive approach to help reduce injuries and deaths by using new and innovative ideas in the community, with special attention to traffic and other accidental causes.

Probate: Judge Amy McCulloch

Judge Amy McCulloch graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1987. She attended the University of South Carolina School of Law, graduating in May of 1990.

She was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in November of 1990. Judge McCulloch began her legal career clerking for Judge Tom Ervin, State Circuit Judge and Judge William Catoe, Federal Magistrate. In 1991, she became an Assistant Solicitor for Richland County. She remained at the Richland County Solicitor's Office, supervising other attorneys and prosecuting cases, until December of 1996.

Prior to her election as the Probate Judge for Richland County in November of 1998, Judge McCulloch had been in private practice with her husband, Joe McCulloch. During this time, she handled a general practice, including probate matters, personal injury, and worker's compensation while managing the firm. Judge McCulloch was also an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College teaching courses in business law, civil law, criminal law, and ethics.

Judge McCulloch was sworn in as the Richland County Probate Judge in January of 1999. Since that time, she has created a web site for the Richland County Probate Court allowing public access to information and forms needed to probate estates through the Internet. She served as President of the South Carolina Association of Probate Judges from October of 2003 through 2004. She is also a member of the South Carolina Association of Counties and the National College of Probate Judges.

Judge McCulloch has been an instructor for the South Carolina Court Administration, Mandatory School for Magistrates and for the South Carolina Bar Bridge the Gap mandatory sessions for new lawyers. She serves on the Board for Midlands Technical College Legal Division.

Sheriff: Leon Lott

Born in Aiken, South Carolina, in 1953, Sheriff Leon Lott attended the University of South Carolina - Aiken, earning an Associate Degree in Police Administration. He went on to attend the University of South Carolina - Columbia, earning a Bachelor Degree in Sociology and continued with graduate study for a Masters in Criminal Justice. Later, Sheriff Lott graduated from the FBI National Academy, FBI National Executive Institute, and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Sheriff Lott came to the Richland County Sheriff's Department in 1975 as a patrol officer. He advanced thereafter to various positions, including Criminal Investigator, Narcotics Agent, Lieutenant and Captain of Narcotics Division, Administrative Captain, Uniform Patrol Captain, and Watch Commander. In 1993, Sheriff Lott took the position of Chief of Police of St. Matthews, SC.

In 1996, he made a successful run for Sheriff of Richland County. Upon taking office, Sheriff Lott turned the direction of the Department to Community Oriented Policing.

Treasurer: David Adams

Richland County Treasurer David Adams was first elected in November 2002. He was sworn in to service on July 1, 2003.

As Treasurer, his priorities are to shorten lines and response times for our citizens, increase payment options, and to work toward instituting a system of installment tax payments. The ultimate goal is to allow citizens choices in how to best meet their tax obligations. He is working to ensure appropriate and prudent checks, balances and internal controls for Richland County government’s finances. Finally, David is intent on creating office policies that treat each taxpayer equally.

Prior to being elected Richland County Treasurer, David was the Director of Information for the South Carolina State Treasurer’s Office. In that role, he was responsible for interaction on treasury issues with citizens, media, state and local government agencies, and the General Assembly. He was on the committee that created the college savings program, FutureScholar, with Bank of America. And, he helped create Big Money Monday with WLTX-TV in Columbia to return money held by the state to its rightful owners around South Carolina.