Profiles of Public Servants: This is a continuing series of human interest stories profiling employees of Richland County Government.
When Richland County’s Public Information Office was considering who could be the face of a video to promote recycling, the choice was easy.
Omah McClinton, a collections inspector with the Solid Waste & Recycling division of Public Works, had the personality, the comic chops and the knowledge base. In short, he was a natural – and YouTube viewers enthusiastically agreed. “Talking Trash: The Richland Recycle Song" was produced in 2004 and is by far the County’s most popular video posting to date.
Even before he became the County’s YouTube sensation, McClinton’s outgoing personality led him to the public stage as a warm-up comedian at local venues. He sat down for a quick Q&A about his background, service to the County, and love of comedy.
Who is Omah McClinton?
I’m originally from Columbia, born right here at the former Columbia Hospital where the current County Administration Building is located on Hampton and Harden Streets. I joined the Marine Corps after graduating from W.J. Keenan High School when it was located on Pine Belt Road. ‘Omah’ is my grandmother’s name. Growing up, she told me it means “wisdom and understanding.”
How long have you worked for Richland County?
I was first hired as a temporary employee in 2011 as a technician assigned to Solid Waste & Recycling. I’ve always been interested in the outdoors and how organizations can better serve people. I’ve worked in the industry since 2003; first with a sanitation company contracted by Lexington and Richland Counties. The company asked me how to improve service in the Blythewood area, and after studying routes and the coverage mapping system, I suggested new ideas. Soon after, complaints decreased and service quality increased. That experience led me to work for Richland County. I love going out and engaging with the public.
What is it about your personality that makes you a natural in front of a camera?
My family has always supported me, my outgoing personality, and my goal of making people feel comfortable. I’m just an easy-going guy. I loved laying the rap down for the “Talking Trash” video. We wrote it because many people confuse what’s trash and what’s recyclable. We delivered the main message in this lyric: “Your knowledge is what we’re raising, so don’t think about it as waste.” The two-minute video was seen by over 140,000 people on YouTube and who knows how many more on social media shares after it was posted.
Why are you interested in the bright lights of the stage?
I’m a big fan of (entertainer) Martin Lawrence. I would watch his show on television every Thursday night and study his talent. People have always told me I make them feel better, especially after telling jokes. Around 2005, I was at a local comedy show here in Columbia and heckled a comedian on stage. The manager approached me with a challenge: why don’t you come back, get up on stage, and see how good you are? So I took a deep breath and just did it. After some open mics, I’ve developed a niche opening up for national acts coming through town. I really enjoy warming up a crowd, encouraging them to have a good time.
Is your interest in comedy more than a hobby? Can you see it becoming a career?
It’s a real tough business. Right now I view comedy as being an extension of my personality. I enjoy promoting shows by appearing on local radio stations and doing social media posts – things like that. I take a lot of pride preparing for the shows, because I know people are showing up expecting to have a good time and be entertained.