Florence City Councilman Completes Advanced Institute Program
by Matthew Christian
Florence City Councilman Glynn Willis recently received the highest educational certification from the Municipal Association of South Carolina.
Willis, a Democrat who represents the city at-large, graduated from the association’s Advanced Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government. He received his certification during the association’s Hometown Legislative Day. Willis was presented his certificate by Octavia Williams-Blake, a fellow Democratic at-large member of the Florence City Council.
Williams-Blake is president of the association’s board of directors.
Willis said he learned a lot through the courses and added that it was very valuable. He said he believes all municipal elected officials would benefit from the programs.
“The Advanced Institute gives mayors and councilmembers an opportunity to explore topics of interest to cities and towns in greater depth,” said Urica Floyd, staff associate for distance learning for the Municipal Association.
The Advanced Institute is offered for graduates of the association’s Elected Officials Institute of Government. It was established in 2014. To complete the Advanced Institute, elected officials must complete four of six courses in advanced advocacy and intergovernmental relations, advanced budgeting, advanced leadership, advanced economic development, utility policy and administration, and public safety policy and administration.
The Elected Officials Institute was established in 1986 with the first class graduating in 1988. The Elected Officials Institute includes 25 hours of instruction on topics including budgeting, forms of government, the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, economic development, and governance and policy.
Willis said he had completed the Elected Officials Institute before he was defeated in a re-election bid by current Florence City Councilman George Jebaily. He added that he had completed the Advanced Institute after he was re-elected to the council.
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