Former councilman Cromartie considered, denied place on local governments board

Former Columbia City Councilman E.W. Cromartie II, whose 28-year council tenure ended with a tax evasion conviction and 10 months in federal prison, was considered for a Richland County appointment to the Central Midlands Council of Governments board.

Cromartie was the only applicant for the sole vacancy among the county’s appointments. But County Council voted Tuesday to readvertise the position to the public with the hope that it can appoint someone from unincorporated Richland County.

Cromartie lives within the city limits; the city of Columbia has its own appointments to the Central Midlands board.

The Council of Governments helps 14 Midlands governments coordinate local and regional plans, providing a regional forum for local officials to seek out common goals and address regional concerns.

Richland County Councilman Jim Manning recommended Cromartie for the position. He and Councilman Paul Livingston were the only two to vote in favor of Cromartie’s appointment.

This story was originally published December 7, 2016 at 11:07 AM with the headline "Former councilman Cromartie considered, denied place on local governments board."