County officials rally against proposed government overhaul

During a recent Newberry County council meeting, auditor Donna Lomenick voiced strong opposition to a proposal by the Republican party to change the county's governance structure from a county administrator to a county manager system. This shift would require the county auditor to be appointed rather than elected, a move Lomenick argues undermines democratic rights and the qualifications of elected officials.

Lomenick highlighted that only two counties in South Carolina currently operate under a county manager system, and she recalled a similar proposal that was rejected in 2006 due to concerns about its viability. She emphasized her commitment to serving the citizens of Newberry County, asserting that her office operates independently of political influence and is governed by state law. Lomenick expressed pride in her qualifications and experience, noting that she has run for office five times and has consistently been asked to switch political parties, which she declined.

In her remarks, Lomenick also addressed a petition circulating that claims the current system allows for unqualified individuals to hold the auditor position. She refuted this assertion, stating that the citizens of Newberry County are capable of electing qualified candidates. She underscored the historical significance of the elected auditor position, which has been in place since 1868, and expressed her belief that removing elected officials would disenfranchise the community.

Following Lomenick, Newberry County Treasurer Karen Lindler Smith echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing her long tenure in the treasurer's office and her desire to remain an elected official. She argued that a county manager system would centralize too much power in one individual and reiterated that the current system is functioning well, stating, \"If it's not broken, don't fix it.\"

The discussions reflect a broader concern among county officials about maintaining elected positions and the potential implications of shifting to a more centralized governance model. The council's deliberations on this matter will likely continue as community members weigh in on the proposed changes.