Mayoral Race: From the Voter’s Eyes

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “I hope to see continued growth take place in our city, and I like to see a lot of work done that pertains to stopping so much crime in our city,’ says Leon Corley, voter 

Crime reform, it’s arguably the biggest issue facing the upcoming Mayoral election.

Mayoral candidate and City Councilman, Moe Baddourah has repeatedly spoken out to say that Columbia needs a permanent police chief. 

“Hiring a police chief going and discussing public safety issues is further away from the Mayor’s number one priority,” says Baddourah 

And while current Mayor Steve Benjamin has touted successes of the police department…

“More officers on the street, a gang unit that has quadrupled in size,” says Benjamin

Monday he announced a committee that would take your concerns and put them on the table as part of the “Blue Ribbon Citizen’s Task Force for Crime Reform.” 

“We have a lot of good input. I’m seeing some really high quality ideas,” says Benjamin. 

The Chairman of that committee, Larry Sypolt has dropped out of the race for Mayor. 

“I think this is the best way for me to serve the City of Columbia,” says Sypolt. 

Back to the voters, those we spoke with say they want to see change. 

“We would like to see more police presence in our neighborhoods. Stop and visit, don’t just ride through,” says Corley

“We need to get together as a people and do what’s best for everyone, not just one set of persons,” says Maxine Freeman, voter.

The Mayoral election will be held next Tuesday, November 5th. ABC Columbia will have full coverage that day.