Police Officers Endorse ‘Strong Mayor’

Columbia, S.C.  (WOLO)  —  A week from tomorrow, registered voters in the City of Columbia will battle on a referendum that could completely change the way the city is governed.

Pushing for a ‘yes’ to a strong mayor form of government are police officers. The local Columbia chapter of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association joined mayor Steve Benjamin this morning in support of the measure.  They claim local police officers’ hands are tied when it comes to truly fighting crime due to what they call red tape cops get caught up in with city government.

However, the opposition says that is a cop out.  those against the measure say the way the police department is run has less to do with any particular form of government and more with whomever is leading the Department. 

Voters head to the polls for the special election December 3rd.