The swearing in of Wanda Weaver
Submitted
BENNETTSVILLE —Three new Bennettsville town council members were sworn in earlier this month; Caraline Harpe, Wanda Weaver, and Cy’Heim Mcrae, and the Herald-Advocate was given the opportunity to speak with each of them about their personal goals for the city as well as the needs they hope to focus on collectively moving forward as a board.
Winning by write-in challenge, Caraline Harpe says she is thrilled to have carried her district in the votes.
“It really does mean so much to me to know the citizens of District 3 are behind me and trust me in this office. I know the significance of this office and having the people behind me gives me the confidence to continue moving forward. It is very gratifying to be given the opportunity to serve this community, and I am proud to play even a small part in helping to foster economic growth and development in our city.”
Harpe acknowledges Bennettsville has a lot of work ahead, but says she is confident this newly elected town council can work cohesively together to right the ship.
“We are a small town and like a lot of small towns we have some big city type needs to deal with- sometimes it can feel overwhelming for citizens and council members — I know we have a lot to do. I hope that as a council we can continue achieving by tackling one need at a time.”
One need of personal interest to Harpe is of economic growth and development.
“Growth and economic development will always be a personal focus of mine. We have so much potential here in Bennettsville and we want our residents to experience all I know that we can offer them. I want to see our city continue to improve on the interior level,” said Harpe, adding she believes this can be accomplished through encouraging the development of amenities and fostering a thriving small business community locally.
“I want to see our downtown continuing to become a place where residents who live here choose to conduct their business and fulfill their shopping needs.”
Harpe says she knows the city stretches beyond its historic district and economic opportunities need to be supported beyond city limits as well. Working towards accomplishing this, she announced the creation of a public service committee she is participating in with Mayor Tyron Abraham and fellow council member Wanda Weaver. She says the committee welcomes input and ideas from city employees and residents alike.
Representing District 5, Cy’Heim McRae says he is very excited to be elected to the Bennettsville town council, and he is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work alongside his fellow council members.
“Being on council means a lot to me. It’s even more meaningful that I have the opportunity to serve in the same community that I grew up in. Many of the people in my district are like family to me, and I have the opportunity to give back to them and make our community what it should be. In other words, it’s a dream come true because I now have a seat at the table,” shared McRae.
He says his focus over the next year will be on improvement.
“This year, I hope Council can focus on improving things for the better of the community. Many times, [in the past] we focused on minor things instead of things that will truly help our citizens. We need to find ways to engage members of the community more. I am hoping this year the city can explore ways to get at least two new businesses into our downtown area,” said McRae.
Agriculture is an area of improvement McRae is not only passionate about but hopes to cultivate meaningful change for citizens city wide in. The councilman says he has always been enthusiastic about agriculture, leading him to pursue and attain a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the subject.
“One thing I love is agriculture. What I am hoping is to find ways to target food insecurity in the city of Bennettsville. We are in the food desert with limited options for healthy eating. I’m hoping that I can get the city on board so we can start more initiatives to promote healthy eating in our community,” said McRae, adding, “Council meets on January 20th, 2026, at the Bennettsville Public Safety Complex at 6:30 p.m. I am hoping to have many in attendance. Please encourage your neighbors to come.”
Still shocked, Wanda Weaver says the immense honor of being elected as councilwoman for District 1 is still hard for her to put into words.
“Being elected as a council member for the City of Bennettsville is an honor for me. It lets me know that the citizens of District 1 have put their trust in me to be their voice in the decisions that are being made concerning Bennettsville,” said Weaver.
She hopes the council will work towards catching up with the times as they move into the new year.
“Bennettsville has been in a “holding pattern” for years. In order for us to grow into our potential as a community and advance into a community that thrives, we must evolve into the time in which we live and utilize the novel technology and opportunities that will truly redirect our course and create a Bennettsville where people WANT to live, work, start a family, and grow and raise their children in our community,” she explained.
Weaver says particular focus for her will be on reaching across aisles, communicating with the public, and repairing resident’s trust in their local government.
“I will commit to specifically focus on rebuilding any broken trust, lack of faith or confidence with our city government and public servants. Furthermore, to do this, it is paramount that I promote transparency. I am committed to creating a level of openness within the City Council and the citizens of Bennettsville. I want to build trust and promote communication and nurture relationships, so the community feels valued, heard, and supported,” said Weaver, adding, “I want to invite all citizens to come to our City Council meetings every third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.”