Tem Miles re-elected mayor of West Columbia

Tem Miles soundly won re-election as mayor of West Columbia on Tuesday. 

Miles, who beat challenger Melissa Sprouse Brown, was joined by incumbent candidates for an evening election party at Savage Craft Brewery.

Miles told the crowd every one of the council incumbents at the party won their election.

Joseph Dickey Jr. claimed the seat for District 7 over opponent Ronnie Lindler. 

Jimmy Brooks has represented District 6 for the past eight years and will continue to serve after beating Madison Duncan in a clear win.

David Moye won in District 8, securing his second term. 

“I’m just so thankful that I was reelected,” Miles said. “And the folks that I worked with, the City Council members, were re-elected, and we’re going to get a chance to continue to serve together and move the city forward.” 

Dickey said he and his fellow council members plan to continue the work they started when he was elected four years ago.

Then, “we had a celebration party in an empty room,” he said. “… Now, four years later, that building is where D’s Wings is and we have Savage Craft Brewery, which is anchoring the River District,” Dickey said. “I think in four years, that shows progress.” 

Miles said during his second term he wants to “take the energy and activity” started in the River District and push it to the entire city. 

Dickey said he wants to narrow the roadways throughout the River District and add grassy medians and green spaces. 

Brooks spent time at the merged precincts 21 and 29 at Saluda River Baptist Church, where he said he has always voted. 

“Usually after 6 (p.m.), it’s not a whole lot of people, but you’ll see a pretty good rush,” Brooks said. 

Poll workers said they ran into a few issues with voting machines not turning on or getting jammed.

But voters say the process was quick and easy.

“(It’s) very easy, fast, convenient,” said voter Fred Morrison, who echoed Charles Humphries’ “Easy as pie.”

Poll workers said turnout was average. 

Incumbent Trevor Bedell ran unopposed for the District 2 seat. 

A special election was held for the District 7 seat, won handily by Sarah Mattern.