Kirkman Finlay and Steve Benjamin now have another major player to contend with in the Mayoral race for Columbia, SC. Steve Morrison, a prominent attorney with lots of contacts, announced his intention to run for Mayor.
In an interview with WIS, Morrison directly addressed public safety workers in Columbia:
"Those people that run toward the gunfire, or run into the fire -- the burning fire. They need to understand that their mayor and their council is behind them and will take care of them and their family when they're in need," said Morrison.
Both Finlay and Benjamin have reached out to firefighters though Benjamin has been much more vocal. However Morrison is starting his campaign off with an appeal to the very groups that will have a significant effect on the election.
Finlay is a current city council member but is likely to feel the effects of growing public discontent over the way council has forced two engines to be shut down. As a vocal player in the moves he may get some blowback
Benjamin is running an energetic campaign but may carry baggage with voters who want a fiscal conservative in office.
Morrison is getting a late start and will have to overcome the money raised by the other candidates.
Jay, Mr. Morrison is a legitimate and viable candidate for mayor. While the above referenced quote brings much needed hope to those serving in public safety, you have stated (rightfully so) that a politician can say anything, the question is what will they do, or what have they done to date. The headline in today's State Newspaper reads "Morrison running on downtown development." Um, we have seen the many sucesses of our city in the real estate development arena. I am glad to hear that the mayor and city council will be behind us, just as long as they are not behind us continuing to push us further into the abyss. Remember to vote in April.
Posted by: Steve | November 20, 2009 at 06:00 AM
My 2 cents from California.
Where does he stand on:
A. Applying for SAFER Grant Money.
B. The Pork and Featherbedding that seems to be entrenched in City Hall.
Eliminate the "Redundant" civilian personnel and their is a Big Fat Cost Savings.
C. The Fire Inspection "Fiasco" that has
beend discussed. Underworked and overpaid personnel.
D. The City of Columbia "Feasibility Study".
E. Other issues that need serious consideration.
Posted by: uk-fb-buff | November 20, 2009 at 10:06 PM