The State | Chris Trainor
One of the candidates for an at-large seat on Columbia City Council rolled out a pair of endorsements this week.
Dr. Aditi Bussells, a public health researcher and one of five candidates who have formally announced runs for a citywide seat, announced campaign endorsements from former South Carolina Democratic Party Chairwoman Carol Fowler and Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford.
“Dr. Aditi Bussells has dedicated her work to understanding how we create systemic change to prevent adverse circumstances in the most vulnerable populations,” Rutherford said in social media postings from the campaign. “I endorse Aditi because I believe she will bring a fresh perspective to city council.”
Rutherford is in her first term as Richland County’s coroner. She won the Democratic nomination in a landslide against incumbent Gary Watts in June 2020 and was unopposed in the November election. She is the first woman and first African American to be Richland County coroner.
Meanwhile, Fowler said Bussells is “a brilliant young woman who will bring energy and a much needed perspective to city council.”
