Scott Winburn is making it a race for a downtown seat on Richland County Council.
Winburn, a 31-year-old lawyer, held his first fundraiser this week as he joins candidate Seth Rose in the District 5 contest. Both are Democrats.
The seat has been filled for nearly 20 years by Councilwoman Kit Smith, who is stepping down at year's end.
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Affected voters live in neighborhoods from Shandon and Hollywood-Rose Hill to parts of the Olympia and Granby mill villages and on to suburban St. Andrews.
In an interview this week, Winburn emphasized his experience in public service, including as an advocate for the environment.
His knowledge of issues affecting water quality and wetlands protection, he said, would give him "a leg up" as a policymaker in fast-growing Richland County.
Winburn said his focus will be on neighborhood needs. He also expressed interest in economic development and in helping develop "a viable transportation system."
He offered no specifics.
One of his supporters is former Councilwoman Bernice Scott. The two worked together in former Gov. Jim Hodges' administration.
"When I asked him what his issues are, he said, 'Bernice, you know, I have to go talk to the people,'" Scott said.
"I know he's going to listen to the people."
Scott characterized him as sincere and compassionate.
The former governor threw in "hard-working."
Hodges said Winburn worked in his legislative program, including to develop environmental policy issues, before going on to law school. He graduated in 2004 from the Charleston School of Law's inaugural class.
"He knows his way around state and local government," Hodges said.
"He's a terrific guy ... grew up in a diverse community," he said. "You look at the demographics of this district, and it fits Scott like a glove."
Winburn grew up in Bennettsville and has lived in Columbia since 2001.
He and his wife, Lara, who owns a yarn shop on Devine Street called In The Loop, live in Shandon.
Filing for the seat, one of five available on the council this year, opens March 16. The primary is June 8.
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