W. Columbia council members apologize for Mayor’s remarks

WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — During the West Columbia City Council meeting Monday, council members began by apologizing to minority members of the community. City council chairman BJ Unthank spoke with ABC Columbia and said that he could not comment on the contents of the voice recording that allegedly captures West Columbia Mayor Joe Ownes using a “racial and derogatory slur” to reference council member Boyd Jones. The call is part of the Mayor’s lawsuit against six council members for defamation of character, Unthank said. Unthank said “Racist remarks have no place in our society, that’s not who were are.” Mayor Ownes did not show up for last night’s meeting. Unthank and councilman Dale Harley decided to speak out on the alleged remarks saying, “We felt it was important to apologize in the mayor’s absence and let the citizens of West Columbia know we do not talk like that amongst ourselves or in City Hall.” “The comments in now way reflect our attitude or moral standing. We are above that,” Unthank said. ABC Columbia reached our to Mayor Owens and his attorney, but have not received response.