Padgett sworn in for the unexpired council seat

A special ceremony was scheduled on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 4:45 p.m. at the American Legion Hall fifteen minutes before the regular monthly city council meeting for Carroll D. Padgett Jr. to take the oath of office.

Padgett and his wife, Sandy, stood before interim city administrator, Dennis Drozdak to take the oath for the unexpired seat on the council. As Padgett placed his left hand on the family Bible held by his wife, Drozdak administered the oath.

Padgett won the seat in the special election held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, bringing with him 35 plus years of experience of service to the Loris area.

He has served as the city attorney for 25 years; Padgett was an independent director at HCSB Financial Corp., held a seat on the Board of Directors (BOD) at Loris Healthcare System, Inc., served on the BOD at Horry County State Bank and was an Horry County probate judge before retiring last year.

Padgett graduated in the class of 1969 from the University of Georgia and received his law degree from the University of South Carolina graduating class of 1972.

Padgett said, “I just want to thank all those who supported me in this campaign.” He continued, “Please rest assured that I will do everything in my power as councilman here in the city of Loris and make sure that Loris continues to be the best little city in the country to live in.” He stated he has every intention to continue with the trust the people of Loris have placed upon him by electing him to this seat.

Present at the meeting were Mayor Todd Harrelson, Drozdak, department heads Brandon Harrelson, Tom Cocke, LPD Chief Gary Buley, Lt. Larry Williams, Samantha Norris with the Loris Chamber of Commerce.  All council members were present, Joan Gause, Lewis Hardee, Terrence Hardee, Mike Suggs and Jan Vescovi.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Padgett’s term ends Dec. 31, 2021.  The city council and residents of the city of Loris welcome him to the council and look forward to having a full council in action.