Columbia Standard

Richland County Council members Overture Walker and Jesica Mackey have been elected to serve as chair and vice chair, respectively, for 2022.

Walker and Mackey were nominated and elected by fellow County Council members during the council's first meeting of the new year Jan. 4.

"I'd like to just thank Council for their vote of confidence and support. I am honored and humbled by your decision," Walker said in a press release on the county's website. "I understand the gravity and importance of the chair's role, and I look forward to working closely with every member of this distinguished body as we set priorities together for County government and build on our successes from 2021."

Walker and Mackey are both entering the second year of their first term on the council. Both were sworn in at the beginning of last year, after winning their seats during the 2020 election. 

Mackey called her first year on the council a "great experience" working with each of its members. She went on to add that she "looks forward to all we're going to accomplish together in 2022."

Walker represents the northern part of Forest Acres through Arcadia Lakes and northeast Richland, which encompasses District 8.  

Mackey serves the areas in northeast Richland, including the community of Pontiac in District 9. 

Eleven members make up the Richland County Council, according to the release. Each member is elected by their district to serve a four-year term that commences on the first day of the new year following their election. 

Each January, members of council decide who will serve as the council's chair and vice chair for that calendar year.