Local mayor receives highest honor

Posted 11/6/19

West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton received the Order of the Palmetto from Gov. Henry McMaster Monday night.

It was Horton’s last city council meeting. 

The Order of the Palmetto is the …

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Local mayor receives highest honor

Posted

West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton received the Order of the Palmetto from Gov. Henry McMaster Monday night.
It was Horton’s last city council meeting. 
The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian honor awarded in South Carolina. It is presented to persons who make contributions of statewide significance.
Horton, who has served 3 terms as mayor, did not run for re-election Tuesday. 
McMaster said South Carolina is attracting investment from all over the world. He said the state is attractive “because of the people of South Carolina.” 
McMaster said the spirit of determination is certainly reflected by the mayor. McMaster said “no one has had a greater impact” on West Columbia than Horton.
“They say when one door closes, another one opens,” Horton said. “I will do my best to find it.” 
Horton said he has seen the city’s population grow from 10,000 to 18,000. He also said West Columbia is the best place to live, raise a family and have a business.
In the surprise presentation Horton’s daughter, Lynn Horton Shull, came up from Mt. Pleasant to be with her father. “That’s very special,” he said of her presence.
In addition to the Order of the Palmetto, Horton was given the Key to the City, and a resolution chronicling his life of service was read by West Columbia City Clerk Crystal Bouknight.
Horton was first elected to West Columbia City Council in 1977. He served in that capacity until 1988. 
Horton was a lead supporter of West Columbia’s purchase of the Lake Murray Water plant. “I lost my seat on council over the vote to buy the water plant,” Horton now jokes. 
The plant has resulted in millions of dollars in revenue for the city and it’s been invaluable as a tool to attract economic development.
Horton was elected mayor in 2004 and served until 2011. He was re-elected mayor in 2015. 
Horton worked for SCE&G from 1956 until 1993. He has served on countless boards and commissions, much of the time in top leadership roles. Horton has received multiple awards and citations for service and dedication to his community.

mayor, order of the palmetto, Bobby Horton

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