Forest Acres City Council Choose 2
The Forest Acres General Election will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Your address indicates you live within the city limits of Forest Acres.POSITION DESCRIPTION: The City of Forest Acres has a non-partisan council form of government, including the mayor and 4 council members who serve 4-year terms. The mayor and council members have equal votes and are responsible for making policy, enacting laws, and appointing the city administrator to manage the day-to-day operations of the city. To serve as Mayor or Council Member a person must be a resident of the town or city, at least 18 years of age and registered to vote. EARLY VOTING: If you prefer to vote prior to May 13th, you can vote during a two-week early voting period, beginning Monday, April 28 and ending Friday, May 9 from 8:30 to 5:00 at the Richland County Voter Registration and Elections Office: 2020 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29204ABSENTEE VOTING: Or you may be eligible to vote absentee by mail. For details on eligibility and how to submit your request, see this SC Election Commission Voting Absentee page: https://www.scvotes.gov/absentee-voting
Biographical Information
1. What prompted you to run for Forest Acres City Council?
Candidate has not yet responded.
2. What opportunities do you see for the City in the redevelopment of the Richland Mall site?
Candidate has not yet responded.
3. What are your top priorities for action by City Council?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Campaign Address
Columbia, SC 29206
Campaign Email
davidblackfa@gmail.com
Campaign Website
http://davidforestacres.com
Education
The Citadel
1. What prompted you to run for Forest Acres City Council?
I have had the honor of serving on Forest Acres City Council since 2021. As a third-generation resident of Forest Acres I want to give back to the community where I was raised and continue to ensure it is a city that our residents can be proud to live, work, and play in. During my nearly four years on Council, Forest Acres has continued to prosper by attracting dozens of new businesses; making investments in public safety; increasing park space; remaining fiscally responsible; improving relationships with county and infrastructure partners; and starting the redevelopment of Richland Mall. I’m seeking another term on City Council to continue to represent this great city and keep moving Forest Acres in the right direction.
2. What opportunities do you see for the City in the redevelopment of the Richland Mall site?
I am very excited for the redevelopment of the Richland Mall site. When I campaigned in 2021, this was a top priority for me. I am proud of the work we accomplished on City Council over the last four years to secure a developer, develop and finalize a design plan, and begin demolition. The new plan for the mall will become one of South Carolina’s largest infill redevelopment projects in generations. Our public-private partnership will transform one of the entryways into our city. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a new, six-acre park that will be used by all ages, along with retail and residential spaces, such as a new grocery store. The 32-acre site has the potential economic impact of $100 million for our city.
3. What are your top priorities for action by City Council?
I want to ensure our city continues being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. We received another independent clean audit for our last fiscal year. We also should work with our FAPD to provide them with the proper resources to ensure the safety of our officers and residents. In addition, focusing on reducing speeding in our neighborhoods should be a top priority. We need to continue our campaign to reduce the “doughnut holes,” which are the houses within our city limits that are unannexed to Richland County. Reducing these means a more accurate census count, which affects state funding and grants. It would also enhance our ability to provide even better amenities, improve walkability, and increase efficiency with city services.
Biographical Information
Campaign Address
1721 Dalloz Rd
Columbia, SC 29204
Columbia, SC 29204
Campaign Phone
(803) 250-1275
Campaign Email
ellis@creelforcouncil.com
Campaign Website
http://www.creelforcouncil.com
Education
Associate in Arts; Multiple IT certifications
Qualifications
Served on Forest Acres Planning Commission for almost a decade (currently operating as Chair), Consultant at Palmetto Computer Consulting for ~15 years
1. What prompted you to run for Forest Acres City Council?
I have a deep attachment to the city. Having lived in SC all my life, I chose Forest Acres to put down roots and establish a family. I have been active in the city and have served on the Planning Commission for nearly a decade. My sister-in-law, Leigh Ann, a beloved city employee, encouraged me to run for office after her retirement. She died unexpectedly last year. I want to serve the city we love so much, and honor her legacy of service to Forest Acres.
2. What opportunities do you see for the City in the redevelopment of the Richland Mall site?
Forest Acres has a unique opportunity to honor the original open-air concept of Richland Mall while incorporating modern amenities, beautiful greenspace and a unique mixed-use environment. The mall space can help to connect Forest Acres as a pedestrian-friendly municipality with family-friendly retail and residential spaces.
This former mall property could be the new "heart" of Forest Acres. I would endeavor to unite Forest Acres residents with a city center offering events, leisure and shopping experiences to be a welcome center for everyone.
3. What are your top priorities for action by City Council?
1. Ensure that the Richland Mall redevelopment remains true to the spirit and heritage of Forest Acres while opening space for thoughtful development and growth.
2. To serve as an honest steward of city finances. Prioritizing smart spending on core city services while eliminating pork spending is key to the ongoing success of our city. I want to make sure we're getting the most for our dollars that we can.
3. To be a listener. So many politicians talk - I want to listen and understand the problems and needs of our residents. Listening and translating needs of our residents will inform my steps, especially regarding complex issues in Forest Acres; IE related to SCDOT rpot holes, and City of Columbia Water issues.
Biographical Information
Campaign Address
4710 Oakwood Dr
Columbia, SC 29206
Columbia, SC 29206
Campaign Email
paige@paigegeorge.com
Campaign Website
http://www.paigegeorge.com
Education
B.S. in Computer Science, Furman University, 2001; Master's of Engineering in Computer Science, University of South Carolina, 2003; Juris Doctor, Charleston School of Law, 2007
Qualifications
Previous candidate for both South Carolina House of Representative and Forest Acres City Council
1. What prompted you to run for Forest Acres City Council?
I love Forest Acres and have lived here all my life. Forest Acres' beauty and the people that live in Forest Acres truly inspire me. While our city may be small, I know it can achieve great things. I want to be a part of Forest Acres continued growth - building a Forest Acres that’s safer, stronger, and more connected — not just for some, but for everyone.
2. What opportunities do you see for the City in the redevelopment of the Richland Mall site?
I see an opportunity to bring more visitors to our City which will in turn bring revenue to our City. The slated park will enhance the visitor experience and I hope to be a part of its continued design. I want to make sure we develop this area with a thoughtful, careful and measured mind. This would allow us to ensure that the City of Forest Acres continues to remain the city we know and love.
3. What are your top priorities for action by City Council?
I feel that Forest Acres could be better served by stronger communication with those that provide Forest Acres with its utilities and roads - specifically the City of Columbia and the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Fostering those relationships to benefit the citizens of Forest Acres would be my top priority.
Parks and public spaces should reflect the pride we have in our community. Forest Acres is family friendly. I would like to see more sidewalks so that families can safely travel to the beautiful parks in our city. I would also like to explore the possibility of adding bathroom facilities at these smaller parks to accommodate those citizens that are not closely situated to one of our parks.
Biographical Information
Campaign Address
4838 Carter Hill Dr
Columbia, SC 29206
Columbia, SC 29206
Campaign Phone
8032384688
Campaign Email
HHKibler@gmail.com
Facebook
http://@votehaskellkibler
Campaign Website
http://www.votekibler.com
Education
Hampden-Sydney College
Qualifications
Incumbent
1. What prompted you to run for Forest Acres City Council?
My impetus for running for re-election is for the love for our city and the pride that I feel calling Forest Acres home. We have the best parks, schools, and services. We also have low crime and thriving businesses that support our popular residental neighborhoods. I am committed to preserving Forest Acres' unique charm while addressing the evolving needs of our community. During my tenure, I have championed initiatives to enhance public safety, advocated for local businesses, and secured grant funding to study our primary roads—all while ensuring that the city remains fiscally responsible. I want my boys and their children to enjoy our small town feel in the future with the the same amenities of a larger city as we see today.
2. What opportunities do you see for the City in the redevelopment of the Richland Mall site?
The redevelopment of Richland Mall is a generational project that removes a blighted area and elevates this corner of Forest Acres. The mall site is 36 acres in the heart of South Carolina and I envision this development being our cities' town center. A place where families and friends can meet to shop, dine and spend time together. Also, the new five acre city park to be built behind the development that will offer different styles of enjoyment for all ages throughout the year. This enjoyment includes walking paths beside a scenic creek, amphitheater for live music and local productions as well as a playground; amongst other amenities. Finally, the city will also benefit from the added tax revenue generated from the property.
3. What are your top priorities for action by City Council?
My top priorties are smart growth, connectivity, traffic calming and strenghening relationships. On Smart Growth, we must continue to provide strict oversight on zoning and commercial uses within our city limits and not lose site of our character. On Connectivtiy, as your representative on the Midlands Council of Governments, I will continue to seek out grant funding for projects to improve traffic congestion and make our roads safer. On Traffic Calming, this includes adding more security cameras and lighting where necessary as well as being more diligent policing our neighborhoods to correct reckless driving behavior. We must Strenghen our Relationships with neighboring stakeholders for the betterment of our community.