8/23/07
New Horizons
Bruner sworn in as mayor, S'ton Town Council moving forward
By Eric Goold
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Jay Bruner is sworn in as Mayor of Summerton on Monday morning. Daughter Abbie holds the Bible while wife Angie stands next to Bruner. Administering the oath is Circuit Court Judge, the Honorable Judge George C. James Jr. |
The town of Summerton is in good hands.
That was the overwhelming feeling early Monday morning when Jay Bruner was sworn in as Mayor in a brief ceremony at Summerton Town Hall.
“I don’t have any prepared remarks. I’ll just speak from the heart,” said Bruner after he took the oath of office. “I’m embarking on one of the most important and difficult phases of my life, other than being a good husband and father. I’m nervously optimistic.
“Summerton is on the verge of great things,” he said. “We’re poised to take advantage of that. I’m excited to be here but I understand what a challenge we have here.”
Former Summerton Mayor Beth Phillips announced her resignation shortly into her second term and officially left office June 30, citing her desire to pursue out of town business interests. Phillips was at Bruner’s swearing-in ceremony and said that he is an outstanding person to lead Summerton’s Town Council.
“He was my first choice,” said Phillips. “I think (mayor pro-tem) Ken Wells would also have been very good. But I think Jay Bruner has already proven himself to be a family man and a man of great integrity. We’re just thrilled.”
In an unusual situation, Bruner was the only applicant for the job as Mayor. No one other than Bruner filed papers to run for the office and no one signed up to be a write-in.
Since that was the case, no election was needed and Bruner was sworn in by 3rd Circuit Court Judge George C. James Jr. from Sumter.
Town Council members Wells, Ellen Ardis, Henry Lawson and Clerk Mary Johnson were all present for the swearing in, as were Summerton Chief of Police Joe Addison, Clarendon County Fire Department Chief Frances Richburg, members of Bruner’s family and members of the Summerton community.
“Serving with Jay Bruner has been nothing but a pleasure, and I know it will continue to be,” said Wells. “He’s always on an even-keel and he waits to learn all the facts before he makes a decision. He’s made a tremendous commitment to this town and to the County Fire Department. We’re looking forward to great things.”
Bruner has been a volunteer fire fighter for 20 years. He runs Carrigan Insurance at the Bruner Agency Inc. and he is a devoted family man to his wife Angie and their children, daughter Abbie and son Jeb.
After the swearing-in, Bruner spoke about assuming the reins in Summerton.
“I think our Town Council has a good focus on where we need to be and where we’re going,” he said. “I don’t foresee a lot of philosophical changes. We want to continue to pursue the development and growth that has been in and around Summerton.
“I do plan to re-commit ourselves, as a council and as a community, to the current population and it’s needs,” said Bruner. “We’re here as servants. We’re going to move forward humbly and in faith. We’re here to serve all the people of Summerton.”
Expect more changes to come in Summerton. While Bruner will provide a rock of stability, there are three vacancies on the Town Council that should be filled after future elections and job offerings.
Bruner was a member of the Town Council before becoming mayor, and his previous seat is still open. There is a second vacancy on the council as well after Elease Solomon resigned her seat due to health reasons.
Town Administrator Rebecca Rhodes assumed the City Administrator job for Manning this past summer, and her position on the council also needs to be filled.
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