Candidates Vie for Columbia City Council Seats

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Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — Four candidates who all have big plans for the City of Columbia. “The whole reason I’m in this race is about the future of our city,” says Andy Smith, candidate for the council’s at-large seat. Smith’s opponent for the seat Howard Duvall says, “My experience is what’s needed right now in the City of Columbia.” District 2 candidate Aaron Bishop says he wants to, “Inspire this community with a sense of hope hope while bringing in some tangible results.” While Ed McDowell, the other vying for the seat says, “Give to the community not only a voice but a presence.” Tight general election races for the district two and at-large City council seats lead to candidate runoffs for both positions. Ed McDowell and Aaron Bishop, each have differing ideas on bettering District 2. “We want to make sure there is fairness and equity. Not only in these 23 communities but also in this general areas,” says McDowell. “Create a strategic plan for District 2 to follow as well as assess our growth going forward,” explains Bishop. Candidates for the at large seat are also at odds on the city’s main priorities. While Smith plans to zero in on downtown expansion, opponent Duvall says the focus should be on neighborhoods. Smith tells ABC Columbia, “I think what we have to focus on first is flood relief and then focus on downtown and what we can do to encourage more development there.” But Duvall explains, “We’ve got some wonderful parks that are under utilized and could be used for at risk youth, I think the neighborhoods need attention.” Regardless of their stance on the issues or the outcome of the elections all candidates agree they’ll continue work to improve the city.