Strong Mayor Vote Gets Special Election

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C.,–

City Council members called a special meeting to change the current form of government and allow citizens to vote on during the November election. Instead Councilwoman, Tameika Issac-Devine introduced a substitute motion to set a special election for December 3rd.

Issac-Devine says the extra time would give the election commissions more time to certify the 12 thousand 6 hundred petitions signed by Columbia citizens demanding a vote. It would also give council members more time to educate people on the different forms of government so they could make an educated vote when they head to the polls. 

The measure passed 4 to 3 in favor of a special election Mayor Steve Benjamin says is a waste of taxpayers money. According to him the special date is going to cost upwards of 150 thousand dollars. The Mayor also accused some of his colleagues of delaying the vote on this issue to suppress the vote.

“this Council has been dragged to this point kicking and screaming and now we have a motion on the floor that calls only for an election now if the petitions are certified, not the will of this council. If the petitions are certified that the special election be held during the holiday season… last year we decided on November in hopes of maximizing voter turn out”    

The mayor says he is confident however the voters will still have a chance to vote on the issue during the upcoming election November 5th.

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