West Columbia could see as many as five new council members after the November election.

In addition to Mayor Tem Miles, who faces a challenge from Melissa Sprouse Browne, four incumbents are running for re-election in Trevor Bedell, Joseph Dickey Jr., Jimmy Brooks and David Moye to City Council, while the city will also hold a special election to replace Erin Porter, who vacated her seat earlier this year after moving out of town.

Bedell, who covers District 2, is the only council member running unopposed.

Dickey, who covers District 4, faces a challenger in Ronnie Lindler. Brooks, who covers District 6, faces a challenger in Madison Duncan, a returning candidate who previously ran for mayor against Miles in 2019. Moye, who covers District 8, will face Pete Fisher, another familiar face who ran for council against Mike Green in 2021.

Ronnie Lindler

Lindler has been a West Columbia resident his entire life and chose to run for city council so that residents can have a voice, he said, claiming that residents in the area are only told what will happen.

The candidate’s priorities center around public safety with them wanting to see walking and biking safety, four-way stops being implemented where needed, and more speed bumps and handicap accessible areas.

When it comes to what he brings to council, Lindler told the Chronicle that he has no personal agenda, adding that he values common sense solutions. To him his role would include speaking to residents regarding town plans, adding that their input will play a part when he is weighing the pros and cons of council decisions.

Madison Duncan

Duncan is lifelong resident of West Columbia and is active within the community having served as vice president of the Westover Acres Community Crime Watch, executive committeeman  and East District chair for the Lexington County Republican Party.

He told the Chronicle that his priorities include coordinating future road paving projects, emphasizing that construction traffic on McSwain Drive is prematurely tearing apart the road. He would also like to take a deeper look into funding to see where it is needed most.

“An example is the newly proposed pedestrian bridge near Riverbanks Zoo that many community members have questions and concerns about,” he said “I want to be a voice for them.”

Duncan has already advocated for changes in the town, having petitioned for a “Jake Brake” noise ordinance for Rivers Edge, Saluda Hills, and parts of Westover Acres, which was recently passed.

Pete Fisher

While he was not born in the city, Fisher considers himself a life-long resident given how long he has lived in the area. 

Fisher previously ran for council in 2021 against Mike Green in District 1. His district is changed this year due to the city’s recent redistricting.

His reasoning for running came via his mentor Dale Harley, also known as Big D, who is a former council member.

“I learned a lot from him,” he said “ I believe my experience along with the knowledge imparted working with state, county, and local officials will serve the city well.”

Fisher said he learned more about campaigning after he went through the experience, stating that his team has been analyzing voting analytics, data and trends.

If elected, he said his priorities include budget, public infrastructure, economic vitality, housing, and community engagement. Fisher told the Chronicle he would like to see more implementation of green initiatives, local business development, smart health options for residents, accessibility and mobility options, parks and recreation venues, and city operations with new technology. 

Joseph Dickey

“I am running for re-election for the same reasons I ran four years ago,” Dickey said. “West Columbia is the place my wife and I chose to call home and to raise our family.”

He added that within the last four years, council has taken significant steps in moving the city into a positive direction.

The incumbent told the Chronicle that his goal for a new term would be to ensure responsible growth in the city’s development while maintaining its unique character and identity, adding that the city’s community continues to attract families and businesses.

He added that one of his biggest goals is to recruit additional retail to the River District, one of these being a top-tier grocery story. Other goals include increasing first responder compensation and creatively engaging in public-private partnerships to develop the historic buildings and areas of the city.

Jimmy Brooks

Brooks told the Chronicle there are two main reasons why he is seeking reelection – to see the development of the Highway 378 corridor to the finish line and interacting with citizens.

“I also enjoy the interactions I have with the residents of my district and all residents of West Columbia,” he said. “I answer or return every call I get. I also answer all emails. I am accessible at all times. It is an honor to serve the residents of my district.”

He said he also would like to develop a code of conduct for council, review ordinances to make sure the city is up to date on them and to continue doing what’s best for residents.

Brooks said the town does not need a mayoral shift, stating that even if he isn’t re-elected, he’d like to see council continue the vision and priorities they have laid out.

David Moye

Moye told the Chronicle that when he originally ran for council it was to keep taxes low and advocate for common sense reforms that would spread revitalization further into the city, he added that while progress has been made there is still so much left to do.

According to the incumbent, he would like to see multiple projects to the finish line including the U.S. Highway 1/Meeting Street corridor improvements and the Colite redevelopment.

Moye told the Chronicle that while councils often come together in the end they can be divided on issues that should not be controversial, making an example of some areas with special considerations that could benefit from zoning reforms.

When asked if he believes the city needs a mayoral shift, Moye said that while he has an opinion on the matter, he is committed to working together with the next mayor.