Following the August resignation of Casey Hallman, who stepped down as she was moving out of town, West Columbia’s District 3 will elect a new representative on City Council Jan. 17.

Three people – Bobby Horton (formerly the city’s mayor), small business owner George Crowe and Ashley Johnson – have filed for the open seat. The winner will serve out the remainder of Hallman’s vacated term, set to expire in November 2025.

Asked about his run, Horton emphasized his 24 years of experience in the city’s government. He told the Chronicle that he was encouraged to vye for city council again just like he was when he ran for mayor.

The main issue Horton looks to face is the continuous need for increased services without increasing taxes. He said expanding the tax base for the city and growing business would help resolve this need.

“If experience matters then I respectfully request [people’s] vote because I feel like experience is a factor that I do offer,” Horton said. “I feel like I have something I can continue to add to city government and representing the citizens in this district.”

Both George Crowe and Ashley Johnson said they are running because of their love of West Columbia, both stating that it is a great place to live, work and raise a family. 

The 34-year-old Johnson said she would also like to be the first to usher in a new generation of young representatives and emphasized the need for the city to keep up with the city’s fast-moving growth and development.

“Our infrastructure needs to be prepared, and our residents need to be informed along the way,” she said. “My hope is that our area will experience the positive business development it needs, while also preserving the property values and quality of life for all residents.”

Johnson said she is also motivated in her run for council by the roots she has planted within the city.

“I want our children to grow up and have both the desire and opportunity to return here as well,” she said. “This city is a part of my heart and who I am.” 

Crowe is hoping to further his involvement within West Columbia, having served on the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals for eight years. If elected, Crowe plans to be a strong advocate for the Carolina Crossroads project to reshape the interstate interchange commonly referred to as “Malfunction Junction,” telling  the Chronicle that its completion would be viewed as a success in the district.

He said the city has become a desirable place and needs to maintain that, adding he hopes to push for new things along U.S. Highway 378, including, but not limited to, more grocery stores, dining and shopping options.

“I want to build trust and integrity in our city council. I will be straightforward and transparent.” he said. “This is how I’ve done business for many years and is how I think public servants should act. I also think public servants should work for the public good and always try to keep the cost to taxpayers as low as possible.”

Early voting in the election began Jan. 3 and will end on Jan. 13. Early ballots can be cast at the Lexington County Registration and Elections Office (605 W. Main St.) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Election day voting will take place at local precincts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.