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March 30, 2012
My Choice for the District 3 Race for Columbia City Council This Tuesday!
Yesterday I announced my support of Daniel Coble in the election for Columbia City Council next Tuesday. I was joined in this endorsement by former mayoral candidate Steve Morrison and by City Council candidate Mike Miller, who announced that he was withdrawing from the race to support Daniel.Category: Around Town | Read More
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August 24, 2011
My Plans for 2012
I write you regarding my decision not to seek reelection as a member of Columbia City Council upon the completion of my term ending June 30, 2012. In my three years as a member of Council, I have worked to make Columbia a safe, beautiful and vibrant place to live. We have certainly faced our challenges over the last several years, but I feel good about where our City is and where we are heading in the future. As many of you are aware, my family situation has changed significantly since I ...Category: The Issues | Read More
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March 10, 2011
Hospitality Zone Task Force Recommendation
The following recommendation includes the Task Force recommendations preceded by the referenced message to Columbia City Council...Category: Standard News | Read More
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March 10, 2011
Spring 2011 Update
The past few months have been a busy period in the life of our City. Council has been focused on a host of important issues ranging from public safety to public transit. Let me take this opportunity to bring you up to date and to invite your input.Category: The Issues | Read More
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March 9, 2011
Bar Closing Ordinances' Impact on Police Costs
The following are responses from seven jurisdictions to the question about the impact on other cities’ police department budgets as a result of ordinances that require bars to close or to stop serving alcohol in the early morning hours. Of the responses received, with one exception in which there was no change in costs, the jurisdictions report that the ordinances have helped to reduce costs either through requiring less staff after the bars close or through a reduction in calls for service ...Category: Standard News | Read More
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March 8, 2011
Columbia: Join Me with One Book, One Columbia
If you're like me, then you're always on the lookout for a great book to read. Imagine for a moment that you and all your neighbors and friends found such a book and were reading it at the same time. What interesting conversations and discussions might take place in our city!Category: Around Town | Read More
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March 7, 2011
Columbia neighborhood named one of America's best-kept secrets
Melrose Heights in Columbia has been called one of the best neighborhoods in the country. The historic area has made quite an impression on the publishers of This Old House magazine.Category: Standard News | Read More
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March 4, 2011
Rantin: Getting everyone on the same page
Upward of 150 people gathered at the main library Thursday evening for a pep rally of sorts announcing the planned launch of the city's One Book, One Columbia program. Coordinated between the city and the library, the area-wide reading initiative mirrors the Seattle-born effort and seeks to get residents to read the book "Having Our Say" between April 1 and May 15 and share their experiences with friends and neighbors.Category: Standard News | Read More
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March 1, 2011
City of Columbia Receives Positive Bond Rating
Moody's Investors Service has affirmed the City of Columbia's underlying general obligation credit rating of Aa1 and, more significantly, removed the negative outlook it assigned to the City's credit in December of 2009.Category: Standard News | Read More
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February 21, 2011
Police: 'It's how we want to be thought of'
Chief sets out priority values, sends top officers to customer service training school to change department's imageCategory: Standard News | Read More
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October 17, 2010
Hootie: A work of art
Hootie will have a street, Santee Avenue, renamed in their honor on Thursday. And, on the same afternoon, a sculpture commemorating the band's legacy will be unveiled at the corner of Harden Street and Santee.Category: Standard News | Read More
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October 6, 2010
New chief vows support to cops on the street
City manager said he couldn't have found a better candidate with a longer searchCategory: Standard News | Read More
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August 23, 2010
Lott: I pledge to work with city, residents
Recently, an editorial in "The State" talked about how important the public hearings are in Columbia City Council's decision concerning the Police Department.Category: Standard News | Read More
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August 10, 2010
Public meetings to discuss possible police merger
Columbia City Council members have scheduled four public meetings throughout the city's four council districts to discuss the possibility of Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott managing the Columbia Police Department. The meetings are scheduled forCategory: Standard News | Read More
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July 29, 2010
25 tips to make your home and neighborhood safer
Read tips collected from local law enforcement agencies and websites that will help you stay safe in your home, your car and neighborhood.Category: Standard News | Read More
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July 12, 2010
Summer 2010 Update
Over the last several months we have seen much that that saddens and disappoints us as well as events which have been inspiring and hopeful. I sense, however, that just like these dog days of summer will evolve into a beautiful and crisp fall, our better days as a city are ahead of us.Category: The Issues | Read More
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July 6, 2010
Columbia, SC's First Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival Debuts on August 8, 2010
On Sunday evening, August 8, 2010, from 6pm to 9pm, the first annual Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival will debut in the capital city.Category: Standard News | Read More
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July 5, 2010
Let's Talk with Basil Garzia: Lose the Baggage
Keep the Midlands Beautiful and the city of Columbia Climate Protection Action Campaign recently launched the Lose the Baggage initiative. The effort is designed to reduce the amount of plastic bags used by Midlands residents. As part of the campaign, residents are being encouraged to reduce the number of plastic bags they consume by taking the Lose the Baggage pledge. The hope is to lower the number of plastic bags used each year by at least 7 million, which would require that roughly one ...Category: Standard News | Read More
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May 17, 2010
Law enforcement merger worth exploring
While this is an opportune time for the city of Columbia to explore merging its Police Department with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, it must carefully weigh the merits of the proposal and not act on impulse.Category: Standard News | Read More
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February 2, 2010
Should Columbia Hear From Our Voters About Form of Government?
I think so and addressed this matter at recent City Council meeting.Category: Around Town | Read More
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February 2, 2010
2010 Update
I hope that 2010 has gotten off to a great start for you. It has been a busy one in our City government, and I am writing to bring you up to date on several matters.Category: The Issues | Read More
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February 1, 2010
Upcoming debates, forums in the Columbia mayor's race
The public is invited to attend these upcoming forums for mayoral candidates.Category: Standard News | Read More
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December 18, 2009
Back in black: Columbia has surplus
The city of Columbia is $4 million under budget so far through Dec. 14, an $11 million swing from last year's budget that likely saved the city's bond rating from a downgrade.Category: Standard News | Read More
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December 17, 2009
Emily Douglas Park: A big dream in neighbors' small park
In 2006, when Columbia City Council was wrangling with a smoking ban, a homeless shelter and the departure of the state's only Fortune 500 company, no one was concerned about a proposed amphitheater at tiny Emily Douglas Park.Category: Standard News | Read More
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November 16, 2009
Turning our face to the river
I returned yesterday from the National League of Cities meeting in San Antonio, Texas. This meeting drew some 3500 city council representatives from around the country for workshops and training sessions on a host of municipal issues.Category: Around Town | Read More
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November 3, 2009
Municipal Finance and Budget Concerns
I am writing to bring several matters to your attention and to update you on my activities as your City Councilwoman.Category: The Issues | Read More
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November 1, 2009
Cultivating Our Community
It's a cool fall day, and Belinda Gergel is surrounded by fragrant flowers in her backyard. She reaches down to gently lift a rosebush stem; at its tip sits a dainty pink and yellow bloom. It's called a Mrs. Dudley Cross.Category: Standard News | Read More
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October 31, 2009
New initiative to nurture a love of reading in Columbia's children
Police Chief Tandy Carter and the Columbia Police Department have launched an exciting new initiative to nurture a love of reading in Columbia's children. This new program, the "Readers Are Leaders So Book 'em Now," is designed to get new and gently used books in the hands of our schoolchildren. It was launched today with a Halloween party and book give away in Earlewood, and I joined Chief Carter for the kickoff event.Category: Around Town | Read More
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October 10, 2009
Columbia police almost at full force
Department reaches goal despite belt tightening in recession.Category: Standard News | Read More
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September 4, 2009
Cameras, emergency call boxes make Five Points safer
Columbia's Five Points is taking the phrase "a good place to be" and making it better. New measures being taken in the neighborhood mean better safety for merchants and their customers.Category: Standard News | Read More
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September 4, 2009
A Gift to Five Points and Our City
A few months ago Wales Garden neighborhood resident Carey Shealy, owner of Statewide Security Systems (SSS), contacted me to discuss his interest in making a special gift to Five Points and our City.Category: Around Town | Read More
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August 27, 2009
City boosts spraying for mosquitoes
A possible human case of West Nile virus in Columbia has prompted city officials to ramp up mosquito eradication efforts this week.Category: Standard News | Read More
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July 23, 2009
Alert: Increase in Residential Crime
I am writing to alert you to an increase in residential crime, especially in the Heathwood and Rosewood areas of District 3.Category: The Issues | Read More
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July 11, 2009
All Local Farmer's Market has a new location at 711 Whaley Street
It's Saturday morning, so I headed over to Emile De Felice's All Local Farmer's Market to get some fresh vegetables. The interest in buying local produce grows daily in our city, and I saw numerous District 3 residents shopping this morning.Category: Around Town | Read More
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July 4, 2009
America's Birthday in District 3
Across our nation today friends and neighbors, young and old, gathered for July 4th celebrations for America’s 233rd birthday! I attended programs hosted by the Hollywood/Rose Hill Neighborhood Association and the Melrose Heights Association.Category: Around Town | Read More
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June 29, 2009
An Eventful First Year on City Council
A year ago today I was preparing to assume my seat on Columbia City Council. It has indeed been a year of dramatic changes in our nation, state, and city. We have experienced traumatic economic shocks that have shattered the dreams of millions, witnessed an historic national moment with the election of our dynamic new President, and have seen our state now hold the dubious distinction of having the 3rd highest unemployment rate in the country.Category: The Issues | Read More
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June 27, 2009
A New Park in Edisto Court
What better way to cool the children off on a 100-plus degree Saturday than at the new Edisto Court Discovery Park with its fabulous splash pad!Category: Around Town | Read More
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June 26, 2009
A Dynamic Leadership Duo at the CCN
Districts 3's Edisto Court neighborhood president, Bessie Watson, is the new president of the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods (CCN), an umbrella organization for leadership and coordination of the city's 80 neighborhood associations. I attended her "Swearing In" ceremony last night along with Mayor Coble and other city representatives.Category: Around Town | Read More
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June 19, 2009
Marking Our History At Bethel AME
I was indeed deeply honored with an invitation to speak at the Historic Marker dedication today for Bethel AME Church and join church and civic leaders in the celebration of this remarkable religious institution.Category: Around Town | Read More
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April 22, 2009
April Update from Your City Councilwoman
In the spring of 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression, Columbians paused from their routine activities for a joyous celebration of the city's 150th birthday, its Sesquicentennial. During a spectacular week of events local residents enjoyed various parades, parties, pageants, concerts, and a dramatic theatrical production, with a cast of almost a thousand, that showcased the city's unique history and development.Category: The Issues | Read More
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April 16, 2009
Principal For A Day
I served as "Principal for the Day" at AC Moore Elementary School today. This is a new initiative, launched by Superintendent Percy Mack, that brought a host of business and community leaders into District One schools to learn more about the educational experiences of our children and the administrators and teachers that serve them.Category: Around Town | Read More
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February 26, 2009
Palmetto Trust Announces Winners of State Preservation Awards
The Palmetto Trust in partnership with the S.C. Department of Archives and History, and the Office of the Governor announced this week winners of the 15th Annual 2009 Historic Preservation Awards. Honorees represent some of the most significant preservation, rehabilitation, interpretation and restoration of architectural and cultural heritage that have taken place over the past year around the state.Category: Standard News | Read More
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February 3, 2009
An Update on City Issues
The challenges of financial reporting that have plagued our city for the last few years have been at center stage over the last weeks and months. As many of you are aware, our city has been unable to produce monthly financial reports since 2005...Category: The Issues | Read More
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January 6, 2009
2009: A Year Of Challenges and Opportunities
Without question 2009 presents unprecedented challenges for Columbia. Please know that in this uncertain financial climate, I am ever mindful of the dramatic impact of the declining economy on the residents, local businesses, and every facet of life in our city. I know that we will weather this storm, confront our challenges, and create dynamic opportunities that will enable Columbia to reach her full potential as one of this country's great cities.Category: The Issues | Read More
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January 5, 2009
Shandon Neighborhood Flooding
Since assuming office in July I have been contacted by several residents in the Shandon neighborhood about serious flooding issues as the result of heavy and intense rain storms.Category: Standard News | Read More
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January 3, 2009
Rosewood Skate Park
Skate park plans gain momentum - Columbia wins Tony Hawk grant.Category: Standard News | Read More
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December 20, 2008
Mike Miller and Fiction Writing in Columbia
Rosewood resident Mike Miller is one of the most creative and interesting folks that I know. He has authored a new collection of short stories...Category: Around Town | Read More
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December 12, 2008
An Appointment With The Obama Transition Team
The first order of business for President-Elect Obama and congressional leaders in January will be an economic stimulus bill designed to jumpstart our staggering economy and put increasing numbers of unemployed Americans back to work.Category: Around Town | Read More
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December 5, 2008
Upcoming Holiday Events in Columbia
In Columbia, December 5, 6, and 7 will be filled with some fun holiday events that will not only help us enjoy the holidays, but also enjoy our wonderful city.Category: Standard News | Read More
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December 3, 2008
Great Neighborhoods Define Great Cities
Great neighborhoods, a defining characteristic of all vibrant and prospering cities, do not happen by accident. They are the result of conscious, ongoing activities by residents and city officials to create quality residential experiences.Category: The Issues | Read More
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October 31, 2008
Columbia launches crime-prevention plan
Initiative gives city departments more proactive role in protecting cityCategory: Standard News | Read More
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October 21, 2008
An Update From Your City Councilwoman
I have heard from many of you over the past several weeks about public safety and homelessness. Let me take this opportunity to bring you up-to-date on these and other issues.Category: The Issues | Read More
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October 20, 2008
Second Report of the Code Enforcement Task Force to City Council
Executive Summary - Items ready for action by City Council...Category: Standard News | Read More
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October 18, 2008
Community Gardens in Rosewood
It is that time of the year again - cool enough to enjoy a beautiful fall workday in the garden! As one who treasures gardens, it was with great interest that I attended the special "Gardening and Compost Demonstration" at the Rosewood Community Garden.Category: Around Town | Read More
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September 23, 2008
Property crimes rise in Midlands
Reports of burglaries and larcenies are up across the area this year compared to the same period in 2007. They said thefts generally increase in times of rising unemployment or inflation.Category: Standard News | Read More
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August 23, 2008
Celebrating Columbia's African American Heritage - The 2008 Jubilee Festival
What a treat to attend and participate in the Historic Columbia Foundation's (HCF) 30th annual Jubilee Festival.Category: Around Town | Read More
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August 20, 2008
City Council Appoints Five Points Parking Committee
At its August 6th meeting, Columbia City Council approved the appointment of a special citizens committee to address parking needs in the Five Points area to ensure that this important shopping village has the necessary parking to serve existing and future development.Category: Standard News | Read More
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August 8, 2008
A Historical Buzz Around Five Points Village
From its inception in the 1920s, Columbia's Five Points district has proved a popular destination for locals and visitors in search of services, food, drink, and socializing. The historic village of Five Points, formed by the intersection of Devine, Harden, Santee, and Saluda streets, is prized for its eclectic blend of restaurants, watering holes, specialty retail stores, and businesses.Category: Standard News | Read More
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August 5, 2008
National Night Out
Join your neighbors for on Tuesday, August 5th for National Night Out a special neighborhood crime prevention program. Now in its 25th year, the program will be highlighted in communities across the country and here in neighborhoods around our city.Category: Standard News | Read More
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August 4, 2008
A Communication From Your City Councilwoman...
I have previously communicated with you in a variety of capacities--as a prospective candidate for City Council, as an active candidate for the District 3 Council position and as your councilwoman-elect. It is my distinctive honor now to communicate with you as your City Councilwoman.Category: The Issues | Read More
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July 28, 2008
The Seventh Annual Columbia Choice Awards
The seventh annual Columbia Choice Awards, which honors individuals, neighborhoods, schools and organizations whose landscaping has enhanced the quality of life in Columbia, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26 at the Big Apple on Hampton Street.Category: Standard News | Read More
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July 28, 2008
Columbia Green Neighborhood Beautification Grant
The Columbia Green Neighborhood Beautification Grant program puts money directly into the hands of Columbia neighborhoods for beautification projects. Organized neighborhood associations and garden clubs can apply for a competitive grant to fund greening projects in public spaces.Category: Standard News | Read More
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July 21, 2008
Cities Mean Business: The Municipal Association Meeting in Charleston
I traveled to Charleston July 17-20th to attend the 68th annual meeting of the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC). The Conference theme was "Cities Mean Business" and various topics explored the ways in which South Carolina cities and towns serve as engines for our state's economic development.Category: Around Town | Read More
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July 15, 2008
Learning More About Our City
I am an advocate for strong neighborhood leadership that can address issues of concern with appropriate staff at Columbia City Hall. To this end I arranged a workshop for District 3 neighborhood presidents to make certain that our local leaders know about our various city programs and staff.Category: Around Town | Read More
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July 15, 2008
A Ride Through Rosewood
I joined Rosewood Community Council President Travis Wheeler and longtime neighborhood advocate Bob Amundson for a ride through Rosewood to learn more about the challenges and opportunities in this important city neighborhood.Category: Around Town | Read More
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July 1, 2008
Gergel sworn in to City Council
Belinda Gergel was sworn in Monday as the newest member of Columbia City Council. Gergel replaces Anne Sinclair, who served as the District 3 representative for 20 years.Category: Standard News | Read More
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June 30, 2008
Swearing-In Ceremony Planned for City Council Members
The Swearing-In Ceremony for returning and new City Council members will be held on June 30, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall (1737 Main Street). Elections were held in April 2008 and the term of service begins July 1, 2008.Category: Standard News | Read More
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June 30, 2008
A Center For Our Homeless
My good friend Dean Guess from the Rosewood neighborhood emailed me last week to urge my attendance at the June 26 press conference at the Salvation Army Center on Main Street. Dean shared the concerns of thousands in our city that it is now time for Columbia to address the issue of homelessness in a significant and compelling manner.Category: Around Town | Read More
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June 30, 2008
Where Belinda Stands
During the campaign, I said that Columbia must be a city of "Choice, not Chance." We must, as a city, have the courage and political will to address the tough issues. We must recognize that at times the right decision may not be the most popular one. Now that I assume my role as a member of City Council, I pledge that I will continue the dialog with you on the issues we discussed in the campaign. In the coming month I will outline for you more specific ideas in each of these areas, and ...Category: The Issues | Read More
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June 29, 2008
Our Wonderful Congaree River
I recently attended the June 27th announcement of the one-year anniversary of the Congaree River Blue Trails initiative and learned that this great river has received the prestigious federal designation as a National Recreation Trail. We are now on the map of important tourist destinations!Category: Around Town | Read More
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June 27, 2008
Improving Safety in Our Capital City
Public safety is the fundamental responsibility of local government. As your City Council representative, strengthening the Columbia Police Department is my top priority.Category: The Issues | Read More
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June 26, 2008
The city Columbia can become!
What kind of 21st century city will our Columbia become? This is one of the central questions I raised during our recent campaign.Category: The Issues | Read More
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April 2, 2008
Neighborhoods power Gergel to big win
Belinda Gergel was elected to Columbia City Council on Tuesday, offering a resounding victory to neighborhood leaders concerned about developers' influence in downtown growth.Category: Standard News | Read More
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April 1, 2008
Final Columbia City Council election results
Here are the final results from the Columbia City Council election, held April 1. A city-wide referendum was also on the ballot to allow alcohol sales in Columbia on Sundays.Category: Standard News | Read More
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March 22, 2008
The State Paper Endorses Belinda Gergel
Gergel better choice for Columbia City Council District 3Category: Standard News | Read More
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March 13, 2008
Brad Warthen's Blog features Belinda Gergel
When Belinda Gergel was an 18-year-old freshman at Columbia College, she first saw a house that she decided she must live in one day. Now, retired from chairing the history and political science departments at that college, she does.Category: Standard News | Read More