CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – Tensions have recently risen in Horry County Council, but Thursday night’s meeting went smoothly, as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigates an extortion claim involving the new council chair.
Some Horry County residents are upset with how county council members have conducted themselves recently.
“I’m going to make some people mad tonight and I brought some pacifiers,” Horry County resident Drexel Drew said to council. “If you need them, I got more in my pocket. If you can’t work together, it’s time to get out of the way and let somebody do the serving they were elected to do.”
The first regular council meeting of 2019 was much calmer than the specially called one just a week ago.
“Everybody was willing to work together,” said council chair Johnny Gardner. “Everybody was moving forward and everyone was very professional.”
What wasn’t discussed this time was the controversy over a claim of an extortion attempt by one of Gardner’s associates. That caused several council members at last Friday’s special meeting to criticize how county administrator Chris Eldridge and county attorney Arrigo Carotti handled the claim.
Council avoided those tense fights Thursday and conducted its business. Gardner appointed council members to committees.
Some were happy with where they were picked.
“I’m excited about it because there’s a lot of growth in the county, a lot of needs and a lot money to be spent through the Ride III (program),” said Al Allen, a council member representing Aynor and the new chair of the infrastructure and regulation committee. “All of that comes through the I&R committee.”
Dennis DiSabato, a council member representing Myrtle Beach, wasn’t happy after Gardner didn’t pick him to chair the public safety committee, saying he’s the most passionate council member for improving public safety.
“Sir, it appears that this is precisely the type of go-along-to-get-along politics that you and your supporters campaigned against,” DiSabato said to Gardner during the meeting. “I am concerned that this is a sign of things to come and an alarming indictment of how you plan to lead.”
Gardner’s first meeting stayed civil as council appears to let SLED finish its investigation first.
“As soon as that comes back, I would like to see Horry County Council conduct its own personnel investigation,” said Allen.
In emails obtained by News 13, council members had debated over changes to where they physically sit during meetings.
There were no complaints during Thursday’s meeting as the council members sat in their new positions.
