West Columbia Mayor Stripped of Power

(WOLO) WEST COLUMBIA,S.C.,– It was a close vote, but not close enough to keep West Columbia Mayor Joe Owens from having to hand over the gavel. A special city council meeting was held with only one item on the agenda, taking up recommendations made by the grievance committee to strip Mayor Owens of some of his executive power. The move comes on the heels of allegations from West Columbia councilman, Tem Miles who first proposed the amendment, that passed Monday night in a 5 to 4 vote in favor of creating a new position of council chairman who will now preside over proceedings. Councilman B.J.Unthank was voted to take over that position. A move that left residents who voiced their concerns over the change feeling like their vote meant nothing. ” We voted Mayor Owens into office, he had 836 votes and now all it takes is 5 council members to undue what we voted for.” Owens says he did nothing wrong and does not deserve this after 25 years of service, but graciously passed over the gavel to the new presiding officer. He did however tell ABC Columbia News, he plans to fight this decision in court.