Richland County Councilman Kelvin Washington has been removed from from his position as vice chairman of the Central Midlands Transit Authority board effective today, The Nerve has learned.
Washington had served as acting chairman last week in the wake of the resignation of former chairman Brian DeQuincey Newman, an ex-City of Columbia council member who, along with Washington, was arrested in January for failure to file tax returns.
Washington could have succeeded Newman as chair had he kept his position on the board, but he was removed at the prerogative of Richland County Council chairman Torrey Rush who appoints committees, sources tell The Nerve.
Neither Rush nor Washington, who represents District 10, could immediately be reached for comment.
Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson, who represents District 2, has been named as his replacement.
When asked for comment Thursday, CMRTA forwarded the email sent from Richland County Clerk of Council Monique Daniels to the COMET Board of Directors stating, “Mr. Rush appointed Ms. Dickerson. That appointment was made this morning. This is our annual appointment.”
A copy of the committee assignments reflecting the change is below.
Reach Aiken at 803-254-4411. Email him at ron@thenerve.org. Follow him on Twitter @RonAiken and @TheNerveSC.