Defense Contractor Attorney Near Mullins, SC

MULLINS, S.C. (WPDE) — Five members of Mullins City Council Friday morning, suspended the ceremonial privileges of Mullins Mayor Miko Pickett pending an internal investigation into whether she acted beyond the scope of her mayoral duties.

The vote was unanimous.

ABC 15 is to Mayor Pickett and Councilwoman Terry Davis, who didn't attend the meeting due to other obligations.

The city's attorney clarified the council's motion as to how it impacts Pickett.

"The temporary suspension of ceremonial privileges does not in any way infringe upon the statutory powers of the mayor. Right. It does not infringe upon the fact that she was elected to the office of mayor, that she still holds a seat on council, and as a full council. This simply is the ceremonial privileges that are granted to the office of mayor by council through the municipal code, and those are temporarily suspended pending completion of this investigation and further action with council," said Attorney Jim Bain.

Council members said they had to take action because Pickett was doing things without their knowledge or approval as a unified council.

"We have a strong city council, weak mayor form of government in Mullins. And for the past year and longer, that has not been allowed because our mayor has taken actions without consulting the council. At different times when things have happened, it has gotten back to me, as the administrator did she ask you to do the mayor? I asked you to do these things. And the answer was no. So, I feel that it is time to take action. And I make a motion to temporarily suspend the ceremonial privileges of Mayor Miko Pickard until an investigation is complete, " said Councilman Malcom E. Kitchen.

"This, along with some other things that maybe addressed here today, needs to come through council. And, I mean, that's our form of government. Our municipal handbook states that, the form, council form of government, is considered government by committee because the council exercises all legislative and administrative functions. And that means the Council needs to be consulted and aware of what's going on when we're not. So that's not a primary concern," said Councilman Luke Gasque.

"I'm not going to say much, but, I, I also think that the mayor should have identified and notified all the city council of what's going on in the city. Which he hasn't done on some occasions," said Councilman Albert Woodberry.

"Any activity that's in question that may have a major impact or harm to the city, it needs to be addressed. We will have ordinances, and we have rules that are implemented. And in place that we, that we all took an oath to go by and so far, things are not being handled the way according to our ordinances," said Councilwoman Kindra Brewton-Pompey.

"My concern is the public receiving misinformation and information that is not correct," said Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn Wilson.

Several of Pickett's supporters attended the special-called council meeting, including her husband and son.

"Like anything she does, they look to vote against it. I know she had an event coming up where she was going to present something at the Jesse Jackson memorial that they were having in Columbia. So maybe they got wind of that, because anytime she tries to do anything on Black History Month or for black people, that council is normally against that," said Dominic Pickett, Mayor's Husband.

Pickett's son, Darius Pickett, said her mother learned of the special meeting on Thursday, less than 24 hours before it was called.

"She had a prior engagement, and she even told council members that she could meet them after 1:00. There was really no attempt to make sure that she was here. And Councilwoman Terri Davis also, my understanding, said that she had other engagements. So it's a shame that we couldn't have waited at least until everybody's district could have been represented, including the mayor," said Darius Pickett, the mayor's son.

Edla Vaughn and Mary White came out for the special-called meeting to support Pickett.

They don't think council members are treating Pickett fairly in working to move the city forward.

"I think it's totally, totally inappropriate. There's no justification for it. People who will look at the video of the city council meeting will see no violations. It was everything was ambiguous. And they said no codes, no anything. They just sat there and talked off the top of their head. And they've been doing this for months. I call them the lame duck City Council. They've been after her for months," said Vaughn.

"I don't agree with a lot of things that they've done today, especially with the comments that they made saying that they don't know her moves. I don't believe that the mayor will make a move that they don't know about, especially having this meeting today, knowing that she was not going to be here. So there's nothing that she does that they don't already know about," said White.

Mayor Pickett has called a news conference for later Friday afternoon to address an effort to move the City of Mullins' municipal elections from November of even-numbered years to April of odd-numbered years, according to a news release.

The release further states:

"The City of Mullins has conducted its elections in November for at least 28 years.

This proposed change is reportedly being spearheaded and supported by high-level elected officials and other government representatives. Mullins is a community of approximately 4,000 residents, with a population that is approximately 77% African American. More than 25% of its citizens live below the poverty line.

Despite economic hardship, Mullins remains a resilient community with a proud and historic legacy.

Once the leading tobacco market in South Carolina, the citizens of Mullins deserve leadership and governance that honors both that legacy and their constitutional rights.

During the press conference, documented communications will be presented that highlight serious concerns regarding election integrity, transparency, and adherence to lawful procedure. These communications reflect what appears to be a coordinated effort that could disenfranchise citizens of Mullins and undermine the principles of free and fair elections."

ABC 15 will have more from Pickett's conference later Friday evening.