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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 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
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 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
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 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 1, 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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March 31, 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 21, 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 12, 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