After two and a half years as chairman of Orangeburg County Council, Harry Wimberly was ousted from his leadership post Monday by a 4-3 vote of council.

The new chairman for the next two years is Councilman Johnnie Wright, the soft-spoken 14-year veteran representative of the far-eastern District 1.

“You never know what to expect in politics,” Wimberly said after the session. “I knew it was going to be a battle. I didn’t know where I stood until I was walking downstairs” into council chambers minutes before the meeting.

Voting for Wright were council members Willie B. Owens, Johnny Ravenell and Clyde Livingston. Those who supported Wimberly were council members Heyward Livingston and Janie Cooper.

Owens, who nominated Wright for the chairmanship, said after the session that he has no problem with Wimberly, but felt “we need change every now and then to give (other) people a chance to show their leadership. This will provide an opportunity for people on County Council to show leadership.”

Known as a conciliator on council, Wright also serves as chairman of the Lake Marion Regional Water Authority.

Thanking council for its vote, he also asked for, “their prayers and support because I know I’m going to need it. ... Harry, you’ve been in this chair for the last two and a half years. I hope I can call on you for support.”

Wright promised to, “respect all opinions and positions and I expect the same in return. I ask for God’s guidance.”

“I’m open to criticism, both positive and negative,” Wright said. “I’ve always told my constituents -- talk to me, don’t talk about me.”

With 16 living siblings and three step-siblings, Wright recalled that their late father always said, “Unity is our strength. At the end of the day, never stop talking to each other.”

In remarks to council, Wimberly said he also intends to continue his support and work with council. In addition, he cited his appreciation of the public for working with council.

“We’ve accomplished a lot,” he said. “We’ll continue the effort in making economic development our number one issue.”

Council also unanimously re-elected Cooper as vice chairman.

In 2007, a six-member council unanimously elected Wimberly, who was acting chairman, to the top spot and Cooper as vice chairman.

Wimberly, who represents District 3, had served as vice chairman since 2001. He became acting chairman in June 2006 after the suspension of then-Chairman John Rickenbacker following his indictment on federal corruption charges.

Rickenbacker, who was re-elected without opposition in the November 2006 general election, later resigned his council seat and pleaded guilty to bribery and extortion charges.

As vice chairman, Wimberly took the lead on two of the hottest issues before council -- challenging the management of the Regional Medical Center and advocating the rights of farmers during a volatile debate over poultry regulations.

In other business, council:

n After a public hearing during which no one spoke, gave second reading to an ordinance selling real property from the county to Landmark Enterprises. The cost of the land, located in the original Orangeburg County Industrial Park on U.S. Highway 21, is $12,000 an acre or $43,200 for the entire 3.6 acre tract. The company is purchasing the 100,000 square foot facility where EMA is located for additional space.

n Adopted a budget calendar for the 2009/2010 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

n Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, changed the next regularly scheduled meeting of council from Monday, Jan. 19, to Monday, Jan. 26, at 5:30 p.m.

Although the meeting was initially set for rescheduling on Tuesday, Jan. 20, Owens reminded council that is the date of the presidential inauguration.

“I hope we know what the 20th is. I’m scheduled to be in Washington,” he said.

Cooper said that she’s also scheduled to be in Washington, “but by way of my den.”

n After amending the agenda, appointed Paul Rollison to the Santee Fire Commission.

n Recognized Eagle Scout Adam Bidwell, who has worked on projects with the county, with a certificate of achievement.

n Had the swearing in of newly re-elected council members Wimberly, Cooper, Ravenell and H. Livingston, as well as new Clerk of Court Winnifa Clark. Judge Samuel Daily administered the oath of office.

n In closed, executive session, discussed an unspecified economic development issue that Wright said he didn’t “know exactly what it entails.”

n T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

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