Richland County Council member Greg Pearce, who has represented some of the most upscale neighborhoods in the Columbia area for two decades, will not seek another term at the end of this year.
Pearce, one of two Republicans on the 11-member council, says he plans to “take a little time off” before seeking a volunteer position working with mental health advocacy. Pearce was employed for twenty-six years with the S.C. Department of Mental Health prior to running for County Council in 1998.
“Making this decision not to seek re-election was not easy for me since there are many challenges that continue to face our region,” Pearce noted. “But I feel that it is time for me to step aside so someone with fresh ideas can have the opportunity to serve. County Council District 6 is loaded with talented individuals; so I am hoping someone with a passion for public service will step up to run for this seat.”
Pearce is second in seniority on the council to District 4 council member Paul Livingston. Pearce’s interests range from the arts and historic preservation to programs that impact on the physical and mental health of county residents.
Pearce said he is most proud of his support for the arts and historic preservation, particularly the renovation of Township Auditorium, the rehabilitation of the Hamilton-Owens Downtown Airport and helping to save the Woodrow Wilson boyhood home.
“And the work we’ve done in health care areas, which is my real love,” he said.
Pearce is known for his thoughtfulness, tenacity and ability to work across party lines. He faced no election challenges since first taking office in 1999.
“Greg Pearce is one of the the finest public servants I’ve had the honor of working with,” said former Columbia Mayor Bob Coble, a Democrat. “He is smart. He is dedicated. He doesn’t take political positions. His impact on Richland County will be felt for generations. Plus he is one of the nicest guys I ever met.”
During his tenure on County Council, Pearce served as vice chairman four times. He has also chaired numerous council committees and has served as a council liaison to organizations either directly affiliated with or supported by Richland County.
Pearce’s district includes neighborhoods in southeast Columbia including Heathwood, Melrose Heights, Forest Hills, Greenbriar, Forest Lake, Springlake, Lake Katherine, Gregg Park, Cedar Terrace, Sherwood Forest and most of the Hampton estate neighborhoods behind the Dorn Veterans Administration Hospital.
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