Three new members of the Latta Town Council were sworn in at a special ceremony at the Ellis Performing Arts Center today, Sunday, January 2nd. Lizzie Crawford, Robert McIntyre, and Marcus McGirt all took the oath. More in Tuesday’s issue of The Dillon Herald.

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By Betsy Finklea
The three new Latta town councilmembers were sworn in on Sunday at a special ceremony held at the Ellis Performing Arts Center.
Councilwoman Melinda Robinson welcomed everyone to the ceremony and recognized local officials in attendance. Pastor Brian McKnight gave the scripture. The scripture was Phillippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He said that God would give those the strength, the knowledge, and wisdom of how to do it. He said Christ is your strength.
Rev. Dr. William Walker gave the prayer and some encouraging words. He said while he was not a politician and did not want to be that he had worked with politicians. He directed his remarks at the incoming councilmembers. “It’s not about you; it’s about the Town of Latta. As long as you keep the Town of Latta first, and move away from yourself first, you will be all right,” Walker said. He encouraged them to pray and ask God to lead you in the right way.
Walker told them to not get involved in groups. He said they were elected to govern the Town of Latta and that means everybody. He said in their discussions they can be disagreeing, but not disagreeable. He said not to worry about being re-elected. He said to let God lead you and guide you, and work the works and everything will be alright.
The Honorable Alesha Lewis administered the oath of office to Lizzie Crawford, Robert McIntyre, and Marcus McGirt.
Mullins Mayor Robert L. Woodbury offered remarks. He said during his time as a councilman and mayor he has learned that there has to be a vision, but every person has to get on the same page with the vision. He said if not, the people who suffer will be the people who elected you. He said what is most important is that the vision is at the forefront and is what drives us. He congratulated the council.
Former Mayor Pro-Tem Trudy Drawhorn said council is elected for the people and by the people and they are there to represent the people. The council members are their voice. It is the people’s seat not your seat. If you work diligently for the people of Latta, they will work with you. He encouraged them to pray, pray, pray. He offered his help to the new council. “Give us the best you have,” Drawhorn said.
Dillon County Council Chairman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr., who represents Latta, said. “You have taken on a big responsibility. The life of a public servant is not easy and often the decisions you will have to make may not always by popular, but I know you will all work hard and do your best to help the Town of Latta grow and prosper.”
Finklea said he served on the Latta Town Council for 16 years and was mayor for six years. “While I was on council, working together we built the community center, got a PARD grant for the tennis courts, built the gazebo, and started Springfest. The first funds raised by Springfest built the addition for the fire department. We also raised funds to build the BBQ building behind the community center. We ran the sewer line to the interstate, which brought Flying J and started the development there. When you work together, you can accomplish great things, and I look forward to seeing what great things this council can accomplish working together.”
Councilwoman Robinson concluded the ceremony. She thanked everyone for coming and said as a council they are always available.