Meet the candidates running for seats on Blythewood’s town council
Blythewood already saw one major shift in its government this year. Now, the town leadership is guaranteed to look different after Nov. 4.
On Election Day, the town of nearly 7,000 north of Columbia will cast votes for two open town council seats. With incumbent Rich McKenrick filing to run while current council member Erica Page did not, at least one of the challengers — Patricia Hovis, Corey Mitchell, Ja’maal Mosley, Marcus Taylor and Roberta Young — will win a seat.
The winners will help lead the town as it deals with changes — a recent shift to a mayor-council government from the previous council-manager model, continued growth further stoked by the pending arrival of Scout Motors’ Blythewood manufacturing facility. And they’ll join a council that has been rocked by conflict in recent months.
Early voting in the election started Oct. 20.
The State reached out to the candidates to ask a few questions ahead of the election. Young, a past chair of the Blythewood Planning Commission, didn’t respond to our questionnaire.
Patricia Hovis
Occupation/place of employment: York Technical College
Education/school: Columbus State University M.P.A., Troy State University M.S.F.E., University of South Carolina graduate certificate gerontology
Political or civic experience: 18 years South Carolina Technical College System, budgeting, hiring, strategic planning, teaching, advocacy work for law enforcement, community service projects, fundraising
Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/hovis4blythewood
Why are you running for office in Blythewood?
I’m running for council because Blythewood deserves leadership that is accountable, productive and focused on serving the whole community. For too long, decisions have been made without teamwork or open communication, leaving both residents and council members in the dark.
As a 20-year resident, educator and public safety professional, I care deeply about restoring trust and keeping our town safe. One of my immediate goals is to work with council and the community to approve a security plan that will allow Doko Park to reopen for events. Families and local organizations should once again be able to enjoy the park with confidence that safety has been prioritized.
With the transition to a council-manager system, Blythewood has the opportunity to reset expectations, strengthen accountability and focus on what matters most — responsible growth, public safety and making this town a welcoming place for everyone.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be?
1. Public safety and managed growth
- Ensure growth in Blythewood is paired with smart planning and resources.
- Advocate for better EMS staffing and mutual aid agreements (e.g., Scout Motors fire/EMS).
- Keep safety and infrastructure at the center of all growth decisions.
2. Teamwork in government
- End siloed decision-making by making council’s work open and collaborative.
- Include all council members in key decisions, set shared goals and revisit them regularly.
- Build trust with residents through regular initiative and goal updates.
3. Navigating the transition to council-manager government
- Support a smooth transition by clarifying roles and responsibilities.
- Promote servant leadership — leading by serving the community and empowering others.
- Use the new structure as an opportunity to strengthen accountability and build long-term trust.
Growth is impacting Blythewood in a big way. What’s the most important issue to address when it comes to growth, and how would you go about doing that if elected?
Growth is exciting and brings new opportunities, but it also comes with real challenges — especially for public safety and infrastructure. Our first responders are already stretched thin, and with more people and businesses moving here, the demand will only increase. The most important step is making sure Blythewood has the resources to keep people safe while planning responsibly for the future. That means advocating for better EMS staffing and building strong partnerships, like a mutual aid agreement with Scout Motors once their fire/EMS unit is up and running. Growth can be a positive force if we plan smartly, protect our resources, and keep safety front and center.
Temperatures have run high among Blythewood’s elected leaders lately. If you win election, how would you approach trying to work together with your fellow elected leaders to do what’s best for the town?
Many people see “drama” in Blythewood, but much of the tension comes from frustration, not conflict among council members. The challenge has been a lack of collaboration — with key actions often taken unilaterally by the mayor, particularly around spending. That’s why residents supported a referendum to adopt a council-manager form of government. This model will allow us to hire a qualified professional to oversee day-to-day operations, while council sets policy and direction.
Blythewood is about to shift to a new form of government. How do you feel that impacts the position you’re running to fill? How would you approach navigating that transition?
Any time a town changes its form of government, there’s an adjustment period. For me, the impact is less about titles and more about getting work done. Whether it’s a mayor-council system or a council-manager system, the responsibility stays the same: Serve the community with honesty, transparency and good stewardship. My approach is rooted in servant leadership — leading by lifting others, building trust and focusing on the greater good rather than individual recognition.
I will work to ensure residents understand what’s changing, that council’s role is clear and that we stay focused on Blythewood’s growth, safety and financial responsibility. While change can bring challenges, it’s also an opportunity to reset expectations, strengthen accountability and build lasting trust.
Rich McKenrick
Age: 59
Occupation/place of employment: Homes By Clayton of Columbia / General Manager
Education/school: Northwestern High School / Clemson University
Political or civic experience: Running for a second term on Town Council, Past Chairman of the Blythewood Planning Commission
Why are you running for office in Blythewood?
Consistent leadership is important as we change the form of government, work with the planning commission on establishing a smart approach to development in light of the town’s partnership with Scout Motors.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be?
Smart development
Community space (continued park development)
Transparency
Growth is impacting Blythewood in a big way. What’s the most important issue to address when it comes to growth, and how would you go about doing that if elected?
Growth never stops, as we move forward, it is important that we look at the big picture. We must strive to protect our TC (town center) district.
Blythewood has fewer and fewer tracts of land that can or will be developed for residential developments, so it is important to work with Richland County on what they are approving for residential developments just outside the town limits.
Temperatures have run high among Blythewood’s elected leaders lately. If you win election, how would you approach trying to work together with your fellow elected leaders to do what’s best for the town?
I believe the citizens of Blythewood had their voices heard this past July when they voted to change the form of government that Blythewood operates under from a “strong mayor” to a council-manager. This change will ease the tension on the part-time council members by utilizing a full-time Town Manager for our day-to-day financial and HR issues.
Blythewood is about to shift to a new form of government. How do you feel that impacts the position you’re running to fill? How would you approach navigating that transition?
We have worked with our interim Town Administrator and our attorney in order to have our town ordinances updated and ready for the November transition date. This change of government will take effect in November and greatly improve the day-to-day operations of the town.
Corey Mitchell
Age: 46
Occupation/place of employment: Police associate for the City of Columbia
Education/school: Computer Information Science Bachelor’s Degree, & a Masters in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University
Political or civic experience: Senate page while in college.
Campaign website: http://www.coreyforblythewood.com/
Why are you running for office in Blythewood?
I have always been a community servant at heart and in action. Public Sservice has always been both a calling and a responsibility in my life. When the opportunity came to serve the town I have called home for several years, I realized that my life’s challenges, much like those faced by many others, were not obstacles but preparation. They have granted me with empathy, perspective and determination. I believe those experiences prepared me to be a voice for people who may feel overwhelmed, overlooked or unheard. If I am blessed with this seat, Blythewood’s residents will always have a serious advocate and a voice in public office.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be?
First, I will focus on managing rapid growth through active community engagement. Growth begins with listening. I plan to work closely with residents, businesses and community partners to fully understand their concerns, needs and goals.
Second, I will prioritize the well-being and safety of every resident. That means collaborating with local leaders and organizations to strengthen public safety, health access and essential services so our town remains a safe, vibrant, healthy and family-oriented community.
Third and finally, I will advocate for accessibility and inclusion by ensuring Blythewood is ADA-compliant and welcoming to all. Every resident, regardless of age or ability, should be able to enjoy and participate fully in the life of our town. My commitment is to preserve Blythewood’s charm while preparing it to thrive responsibly and sustainably for current times and beyond.
Growth is impacting Blythewood in a big way. What’s the most important issue to address when it comes to growth, and how would you go about doing that if elected?
The most important issue to address as Blythewood grows is ensuring that development happens in a way that sustainable and in a manner that is unobtrusive to residents of Blythewood.
If elected, I will work to strengthen the town’s infrastructure to keep pace with our growth. This includes supporting our first responders, improving traffic flow, enhancing public-safety-related resources and planning responsibly for future needs.
Growth should enhance our quality of life in a way that will not compromise it beyond reason and logic. I’m committed to preserving the character and safety that make Blythewood a great place to call home
Temperatures have run high among Blythewood’s elected leaders lately. If you win election, how would you approach trying to work together with your fellow elected leaders to do what’s best for the town?
If elected, my approach would be to encourage healthy collaboration with my fellow leaders by exercising a spirit of service, respect and shared purpose. I believe effective leadership begins with listening, logic and a genuine desire to serve others without creating personal agendas.
Every decision should reflect what’s best for Blythewood and its residents.
Blythewood is about to shift to a new form of government. How do you feel that impacts the position you’re running to fill? How would you approach navigating that transition?
I believe this transition presents an opportunity for us to educate residents about how the new form of government will serve them. If elected, I will approach my scope of services, serving as a Blythewood Town Council member, will be to ensure every decision reflects what is best for Blythewood. Change can be constructive when guided by unity and purpose, and I am committed to helping our community move forward with a shared understanding.
The change of Blythewood’s form of governance will not affect my commitment to the Town of Blythewood as a council member.
Ja’maal Mosely
Age: 48
Occupation/place of employment: Military
Education/school: American Military University
Political or civic experience: Blythewood Planning Commission, chairman
Campaign website: http://www.blythewoodforward.com/
Why are you running for office in Blythewood?
I’m running because I care about the direction our town is heading — how we grow, how we plan and how we treat one another in the process. Blythewood deserves leadership rooted in service, preparation and respect.
As chairman of the Planning Commission, I’ve seen both the promise and the pressure that growth brings. I believe we can manage that growth with foresight and fairness, protecting what we love about Blythewood while improving what needs attention. My goal is simple: keep our roads safe, our economy local, and our community united.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be?
My priorities center on safety, smart growth and community development. Before adding more neighborhoods, we must ensure our roads, intersections and emergency routes can safely handle current demand, with better traffic planning and pedestrian safety around our schools and neighborhoods. Growth should be guided by thoughtful planning and community input — not rushed decisions — so that new development aligns with our comprehensive plan, protects green space and adds real value for residents. Finally, I want to strengthen Blythewood’s local economy by attracting small businesses, restaurants and services that keep our dollars circulating here at home, building a stronger and more self-sustaining town.
Growth is impacting Blythewood in a big way. What’s the most important issue to address when it comes to growth, and how would you go about doing that if elected?
The most pressing issue isn’t growth itself — it’s the pace and coordination of it. When infrastructure lags behind development, residents pay the price in congestion, flooding and diminished quality of life.
As a Planning commissioner, I’ve worked to ensure that our policies require the right studies, safeguards and accountability before projects move forward. As a councilman, I’ll build on that by insisting that growth decisions align with infrastructure readiness and environmental stewardship. We can welcome progress without losing our sense of place.
Temperatures have run high among Blythewood’s elected leaders lately. If you win election, how would you approach trying to work together with your fellow elected leaders to do what’s best for the town?
Teamwork isn’t about agreeing on everything — it’s about agreeing that the community comes first. The lack of respect between some members of Council and the mayor’s office has become both embarrassing and unacceptable, and it’s sending the wrong message to our residents.
When our leaders can’t model basic professionalism, it encourages the same behavior among the public and breeds distrust in town leadership as a whole. I’ve spent my career in environments where unity and discipline were non-negotiable, and I’ll bring that same mindset to council.
I lead with respect, I listen before I respond and I believe healthy debate can be productive when handled professionally. My focus will always be on outcomes that move Blythewood forward — not personalities or politics.
Blythewood is about to shift to a new form of government. How do you feel that impacts the position you’re running to fill? How would you approach navigating that transition?
This transition is a chance to modernize how we serve residents and restore faith in local government. The move to a council–manager form emphasizes professional management and collaboration between Council and the Town Manager — something our community can truly benefit from.
During my tenure, I’ve initiated dialogue with both of Blythewood’s previous Town Administrators — sometimes with success, and other times only to be ignored. Those experiences taught me the importance of accessibility, accountability and consistent communication in leadership.
The referendum results and the addition of new Council members present a real opportunity for Blythewood to get it right — to build a more professional, responsive, and people-focused government that reflects the priorities of our citizens.
Marcus Taylor
Occupation/place of employment: Owner Blythewood Surveillance Services
Education/school: Attended Richland County public schools, South University
Political or civic experience: Serving on the Blythewood Planning Board since 2005 and currently serving as vice chairman of the Blythewood Planning Board
Why are you running for office in Blythewood?
I am running because I’m invested in the Town of Blythewood’s future. Blythewood isn’t just where I live, it’s where I plan and where I see a future full of promises. It is my hope to ensure that growth is manifested, opportunities are abundant and that every voice is heard.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be? If elected, my emphasis will be to enrich the community of Blythewood with smart planning and vibrant local businesses. If elected, I hope to build a future for the town of Blythewood that reflects the community values.
Growth is impacting Blythewood in a big way. What’s the most important issue to address when it comes to growth, and how would you go about doing that if elected?
Yes, growth is a challenge. I would focus on responsible and sustainable development. I would promote a balanced approach that nurtures economic growth without compromising Blythewood’s town’s community character. I would emphasize engaging with residents and local businesses to create a shared vision for Blythewood’s future.
Temperatures have run high among Blythewood’s elected leaders lately. If you win election, how would you approach trying to work together with your fellow elected leaders to do what’s best for the town?
I believe collaboration and open dialogue are key. My approach would be to actively listen, find common ground, and work towards solutions that benefit all of Blythewood. Set aside differences and focus on what’s best for our town’s future.
Blythewood is about to shift to a new form of government. How do you feel that impacts the position you’re running to fill? How would you approach navigating that transition?
My focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition, fostering unity and advocating for the needs of our residents.
.jpg)