Change of Leadership in Greenwood

New leadership has taken over in the town of Greenwood. New mayor, David Hanson, says hes looking forward to change. Tuesday was the first day in office for Hanson and four new aldermen. The new mayor says he plans to focus on improving the towns water system and bringing new business to the area. He also wants to open the lines of communication. “One of the problems was lack of communication between administration and citizens. Well improve that by asking questions at meetings and asking district reps to bring concerns and ask people to come to town hall.” New aldermen include, Gary Cook from District 1, Doug Ebey from District 2, Brad Edwards from District 4 and Frank Stawasz, Junior, Member at Large. While a new city council begins their first day, the former mayor of Greenwoods term ends...Former mayor and first black mayor of Greenwood, Ernest Lampkins, says it was the only term he planned to serve and looking back, hes very pleased with his time in office. From his achievements to challenges, Lampkins says he feels good about his administration. Lampkins says when he began his term in July of 2004, the mayors office was in chaos and needed restructuring. “Everything when I came in it was like restructuring from the beginning so we did that in 4 years so Im very happy with that and what I accomplished,” says Lampkins. He also organized the towns water system, created a master plan to attract businesses to Greenwood, and formed "Summer Musicals in the Park". Besides tackling these issues, in January of 2007, someone shot at his house. “That continues to bother me and probably will all my life because Ive never been shot at or accused of something that I should feel someone would try to shoot at me and do it in the presence of my daughter and wife.” Lampkins also commented about a lack of communication during his term. He says his office was open to everyone. He says, “They chose not to for some reason, so if people say they couldnt talk to me thats because they hadnt made the effort to get there." Lampkins says he now plans to spend more time with his family, especially his nine grandchildren. He also plans to write a book about his life which will begin with his time as the mayor of Greenwood.