Ask anyone in our community and they’ll probably all say the same thing: “Richland County sometimes forgets about us out here.”

Sure, we have a voice in the County through Richland County Councilmember Bill Malinowski, but oftentimes it seems Richland County focuses more on other areas instead of our corner of the world out here in Northwest Unincorporated Richland County.

I’m pleased to know that we now have a member of our community, Elizabeth Mattos-Ward, on the County Planning Commission.

I first met Mrs. Ward about two years ago when she contacted me about her interest in helping our community. It’s taken some time but she’s finally been appointed (thanks, Bill!) and will certainly help give our area a voice in planning matters.

While Bill and the other Council members hold the final votes on development and zoning, it’s the Planning Commission’s recommendations that generally carry weight in determining what and how things are approved locally in the County.

Mrs. Ward has been active in County Planning issues before when she lived in Horry County. She certainly has the qualifications and I know she’ll serve us and the entire county well.

Congratulations, Mrs. Ward!

* Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI)

* Member of South Carolina Association of Realtors

* Recipent of Realtor Image Award

* Former Planning Commission Horry County

* Planning Commission Richland County

* Former Board Member of Department of Social Service

* Member of Episilon Sigma Alpha National Sorority

* Founder of the Rennie Mattos Martin Nursing Scholarship

* Work on Habitat Homes

* Member of Chapin United Methodist Church