Daniel Rickenmann was inaugurated as Columbia’s newest mayor in a ceremony on Main Street on Tuesday.
Alongside Rickenmann, three other councilmembers — Tina Herbert, Aditi Bussells and Joe Taylor — were also sworn-in.
"We know you will make many sacrifices as you take these oaths today and commit to making Columbia even greater and everything that we aspire for her to be," City Manager Teresa Wilson said and thanked Rickenmann and the councilmembers for their willingness to serve.
After graduating from the University of South Carolina and working as an entrepreneur in the city, Rickenmann decided to run for council to make a change.
"This showed me that there were opportunities for growth around every corner. It did not discourage me but helped me strengthen my sense of pride, in our city and our people, and it gave me hope that Columbia's bright future is just ahead," Rickenmann said.
Rickenmann said he is excited to work with the universities and colleges to "showcase the talent in our city." He also wants to encourage students to stay in Columbia to grow the local economy.
Each council member expressed their excitement to serve with each other.
"I'm so looking forward to us being able to do the things that I know we can do together and things that we agree on. I'm also looking forward to some great-spirited debates. But what I do know is that each and every one of us are doing this because we care about our city," Herbert said.
Tanisha Brown, a member of One Columbia, said she believes the city of Columbia is in a very promising time.
"I look forward to seeing what all of the newly elected officials have to push us for," Brown said.
One Columbia’s board president, Kristen Morris, said she loved seeing members that represent Columbia's larger community.
"We're excited to work with this new council and continue to see the upward trajectory of Columbia," Morris said.
The inauguration changed venues last minute to accommodate COVID-19 concerns.
"We do not want anyone to have concerns over health or wellbeing, so we will hold the swearing-in outside on Main Street in order to welcome all who wish to attend," Rickenmann said in a statement prior to the ceremony.