Claflin professor ‘steps up’ to serve on city council

Annette Dees Grevious, second from left, is sworn into the Orangeburg City Council District 4 seat previously held by Bernard Haire, who did not run for re-election. (The Times and Democrat)

A Claflin professor was elected in September 2023 to Orangeburg City Council and is looking forward to making a difference for the city.

Annette Grevious met with Panther reporters on March 21 to talk about her new position and goals for the City of Orangeburg. She has taught speech and drama for over 21 years at Claflin.

Before becoming a council member, Grevious saw the potential in Orangeburg. “I could see that Orangeburg was so much more than was it was when I arrived in 2002,” she said.

Grevious said she realized during COVID that she wanted to make a difference but was not familiar then with city government.

”I didn't see myself as a politician, I just saw myself as someone who was passionate about Orangeburg,” she said.

This did not, however, stop her. “It was time for the next generation to step up and do their part,” she said.

So she did exactly that, “putting my name in a hat” to become a council member.

Looking forward, Grevious said, “I'm passionate about the growth in Orangeburg.”

But being fairly new to politics, she is patient. She made it known that she wants to learn more before putting forth initiatives.

 “The first year is just take it all in and learn,” she said. “Then the second year I can really have an  effective voice on what's going on.”

Making Orangeburg a better and safer place to live is one of the issues Grevious wishes to bring  to light. Tax reduction is something else she hopes to accomplish.

“I want to try, in any way, to cut taxes,” she said, acknowledging it will be difficult.

Grevious invites anybody interested in making a difference to attend the public Orangeburg City Council meetings.