Get To Know Barbara Blain-Bellamy, Mayor of The City of Conway | Conway South Carolina | Conway Living

Our editor, Joey O'Connor, had a chance to ask The Mayor a few serious questions and many not-so-serious questions! Thank you Mayor for allowing the Conway Community to "Get To Know" you a little better!

What do you love most about Conway?

I love the spirit of Conway - its people, its resilience, its strong sense of community, and its ‘calm.

What made you move here initially (or did you grow up here)?

I was born in Conway, but lived in many places on the east and west coasts. Like everyone, I have always had a choice- here or there. As much as I enjoy exploring through travel, I cannot imagine not maintaining Conway as ‘home’ for the very reasons above.

If you could change just one thing in Conway, what would it be?

I would improve its infrastructure- we are choked by a limiting highway system, and threatened when (frequent) storms and floods occur.

What’s your vision of Conway in 20 years?

Conway will still be known for its calm, its historic qualities, its trees, and its people. The heart of the city will mirror what a true college town is... filled with activity, art, and culture. Movement in and through the city will be improved with a passenger rail system and better highways.

If there is something that you don't think the public knows about you but you would like for them to know, what would that be?

(question unanswered)

Who is your role model or hero?

Marjorie McIver, Dr. Sally Hare, Dr. Willa Dewitt, The first name on my list of heroes is my dad, Jobe Abraham Blain. He taught me an incredible array of important human qualities and personal skills- most importantly, how to gain the trust and friendship of people whose life experiences have disallowed them to understand my own.

Where did you grow up? Where did you go to High School? Where did you go to College? Etc.

This Air Force brat grew up in Conway, SC, Fallon, Nevada, Point Arena, California, and Mesa, Arizona. I graduated from the racially segregated Whittemore High School in the final year of its existence. I earned an associates degree from Coastal Carolina (then a regional campus of the U. of SC), bachelors and master's degrees from USC, and a juris doctorate from the USC School of Law.

HOW ABOUT SOME FUN AND NOT SO SERIOUS QUESTIONS!

What CD is in your CD Player right now? Or, if you use an MP3 Player, what's the last song that played?

I am listening to Journey's 'Faithfully'. I love all genres of music; the few exceptions are heavy metal, gangsta wrap, and deep opera.

Are you musical? Do you play an instrument(s)?

I played a flute in my high school band, and I sing.

Which do you prefer - Golf or Tennis?

Golf

If you could have any superpower for a day, what would you like to have?

I'd make everyone kind and gentle, with themselves, other humans, animals and the earth.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I'm not the best at it, but I love to dance. I'd dance all day if I could, and if others wouldn't find me odd. For me, dancing is a very personal expression of gratefulness to God for life and health.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

No restaurant stands out well enough. If I ever get 'hooked', I later get disappointed.

What's your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is 'Crash', starring Terrance Howard and a fantastic, award-winning cast.

What's your favorite tv show/series?

'Queen Sugar' is the only series I have made time to be able to see.

Biggest regret in life?

My only regret is that as a single adult, I never lived in a huge city, found work, friends, a church and a cause to prove that I could, indeed, make it anywhere.

Best decision you’ve ever made?

I have learned to recognize God's urgings. My best decisions have been to follow that guidance without justification or means or fear.

Do you have any hobbies / What do you do in your spare time?

I love travel and discovery, in Horry County, the Carolinas, the nation and worldwide. I write, I read, I swim and bike, and I enjoy bargain-hunting. I'm learning to garden a bit.

If you could interview (or meet) anyone dead or alive, who would it be?

I have a tie... Mother Theresa, Ghandi and Mohammed Ali.

If you had to start a new career, what would you do?

I know I would be a public school teacher, a third grade teacher. It is a work that brings out the best in me, and would allow me to positively impact large numbers of people over time. It is the work I've run from my entire life. My students could not escape knowing they are capable, worthy and loved.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

I despise attitudes and behavior in people that speak to a "poor, pitiful me", hopeless, irresponsible view on life.

What’s your “home” page set to on your computer?

My desktop screen shows my husband sitting with three 'Minnie Mouse' characters. He is smiling because I had just accused him of having found new friends.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

Funny, embarrassing things happen 'with' me so often, it's hard to choose one. The most recent, perhaps, is my seriously underdressed appearance for a luncheon that I believed to be a cook-out. Once I realized my mistake, I stealthily entered through a back door, crouched down in a seat the entire time, and was able to eat only because a good soul made a plate for me. I stayed only because it was important to me that the host know I honored the invitation.

Wine, Beer, or Liquor?

I drink very little and infrequently. I prefer fruity mixed drinks, but want to enjoy red wine. It is a real journey! I haven't found a way to like the taste of beer.