At least three members of Orangeburg County Council were originally in the running to become chairman until the contest narrowed to two candidates Monday night.

Council replaced former Chairman Harry Wimberly with Johnnie Wright on a 4-3 vote during Monday’s council meeting. But Councilwoman Janie Cooper, who was unanimously re-elected as vice chairman, said she also sought the chairmanship.

Cooper said every member of council should be given a chance to “exercise his or her leadership.”

“I think that council should change council chairmen every two years,” Cooper said. “Harry, Johnnie and I got on council at the same time. Harry and I had a good working relationship, and I plan to continue to do that with Johnnie.”

“I went to the guys to support me as chairman weeks ago,” she added. “Three of them agreed to do so. Another said he had made up his mind, and one committed to the former chairman.”

Wimberly had served as chairman since June 2006, when former Chairman John Ricken-backer was indicted on federal corruption charges. Rickenbacker later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a year in prison.

Councilman Willie B. Owens, who nominated Wright for the chairmanship, said the change will be good for council. But he had nothing but praise for Wimberly’s work.

“I think it’s good to change leadership periodically and not get too complacent because a new leadership style helps the organization,” Owens said. “I think it’s a good change for Harry, too, so he can be in another seat for a while and offer his valuable input from another perspective. Being on county council is really a shared leadership.”

“(Wright) has been on council for a number of years and having his experience with the Jafza project as chairman of the Lake Marion Regional Water Authority will be helpful as council deals with that coming to fruition. I think he is an open-minded and sober-thinking individual who is a good listener and a good decision maker,” he said.

Cooper, who voted to re-elect Wimberly, said, “It was mentioned that since the Jafza project is in Mr. Wright’s district, perhaps he should be considered for the chairman’s position. I think location shouldn’t have anything to do with the chairmanship since it’s about the entire county.

“But he is a good councilman. I’ve worked with former council chairmen, and I will continue to give it everything I have to represent not only my district but the whole county.”

Councilman Clyde Livingston said he has confidence in both Wimberly and Wright, although periodically changing the council chairman has proven to be positive for other counties in the state. Livingston voted for Wright.

“It appears to me, looking statewide in those counties that have a pattern of rotating chairmen, (it) gives other members more input and things don’t tend to stagnate,” Livingston said. “Harry was a good chairman who led us through a very difficult period. I feel (Wright) can do a good job, too.”

Councilman Heyward Livingston, who voted for Wimberly, said Wimberly has done a good job but noted that a difference in leadership can sometimes be good.

“Everyone’s leadership style is a little different and new ideas can help,” Livingston said. “I’ve known and worked with Johnnie for a long time. He is a good councilman and I think he will be a good chairman, too.”

Wimberly did not return phone messages requesting comment.

T&D Staff Writer Phil Sarata can be reached by e-mail at psarata@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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