As a newcomer to politics, Kyzer was sworn in to office in 1990 in what is now the Opera House, which was then the city hall and held the council chambers.
Kyzer says during his two decades of service that he has seen many changes in Newberry.
A few changes he’s seen: the revitalization of the historic downtown area, he construction of the Newberry Safety Complex on Nance Street that houses Newberry’s second fire station and police department. The old Newberry Federal Bank building on College Street was purchased and renovated into our new city hall. The Newberry Opera House underwent a major renovation and reopened. A Hampton Inn opening in the historic downtown area.
He adds he helped with acquiring the West End Mill property for the Westview Behavioral Center and the property for the One Stop Employment office.
Other changes include the renovation of the Fire House Conference Center and getting the I-26 and Main Street area into the city limits.
“Council worked with economic developers to capitalize on the assets we have in Newberry,” said Kyzer.
“Without the investments of local business leaders the revitalization of our downtown area would not have been possible,” he said. “I will continue to work with two Main Street projects that are ongoing at this time.”
During his service, Kyzer served on the Clinton-Newberry Natural Gas Association board and was its chairman for 15 years, Central Midlands Regional Planning Council and the State Board of the Municipal Association.
In 2007, he was selected as Citizen of the Year by the Boy Scouts.
During his tenure as mayor, he worked with three city administrators.
The Newberry native says he will use his retirement spending more time with his family.
“(My) years of service have been very rewarding,” said Kyzer, who considers himself a problem solver and people person.
He adds he has enjoyed serving the people, but feels it is time to turn the mayor’s reigns over.
Filing for the mayoral office will be from July 7 through 16.
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