Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Elections topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Carrie Severson elected chair of Richland County Board after election do-over
Summary
After counsel advised a do-over following an earlier voting error, the Richland County Board of Supervisors reconducted officer elections on May 4; Carrie Severson won the chair 13–6 and Larry Engel was elected vice chair 14–5. The board then completed committee assignments and standing-committee officer elections.
Carrie Severson was elected chair of the Richland County Board of Supervisors on May 4 after the board reconducted its officer elections following a procedural error in an earlier vote.
The board met in a special session and, after corporation counsel advised that the previous process left the result legally uncertain, opened nominations and held a secret ballot. County Administrator Clemens announced that Severson received 13 votes and David (Dave) Turk received six, giving Severson the majority needed among 19 supervisors. "I'm here to facilitate you and your work and guide you along the path," Severson told colleagues in her remarks after the vote.
The do-over followed public and internal concerns about whether the earlier tally constituted a legal majority. Corporation counsel Russell David told the board that Roberts Rules and board practice meant a second is not required for nominations and that the board should reconduct the election to ensure the results had standing. At one point counsel clarified the majority threshold for the 19-member board and that the board needed a correct process to avoid potential challenges.
Public commenter Sheila Traxel, who identified herself as a lifelong Richland County resident, had urged the board to prioritize trust in leadership and voiced support for both Severson and Larry Engel before the election. "I know like many of you, Carrie Severson has been on the board for several years," Traxel said, praising Severson's thoroughness and community work.
The vote resolved the immediate leadership question; Severson will serve as chair while the board moves forward with several near-term priorities she and others cited, including the county's ambulance service review, decisions about the former campus property, and the county's capital and budgeting challenges. The board immediately proceeded to elect a vice chair and continue its committee business.
The meeting record shows the board took the step to reconduct nominations after an outside notification and internal review, with counsel and the county administrator present to oversee the corrected procedure. The board did not adjourn immediately after the chair election and went on to complete the remainder of its agenda, including committee assignments and standing-committee officer elections.
