Haley Endorses Stronger Mayoral Powers in Columbia

Governor Nikki Haley has come out in support of Columbia mayor Steve Benjamin's initiative to change the way the City of Columbia governs, Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey told WIS late Friday.

"After talking to Mayor Benjamin, Governor Haley was happy to lend her support - the governor has long believed in restructuring government to produce accountability and efficiency for the people it serves - not just in state government, but at every level of government," Godfrey said.

Voters will decide if they want a new strong mayor form of government during a special election Dec. 3.  

If voters approve the change, the mayor would have the right to exercise administrative authority and would still be a voting member of the city council.  

Right now, Columbia, along with a majority of municipalities in the state governs with a council-mayor form in which the mayor has no power when it comes to the hiring and firing of city employees.

"While I respect Nikki Haley as our governor, I wholeheartedly disagree with her on this position," said former Columbia City Councilor Daniel Rickenmann. "The fact of the matter is she is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the City of Columbia nor has she ever served in a municipal office."

Rickenmann, who is also part of a group who opposes the strong mayor change, Communities United for a Great Columbia, said he doesn't expect the endorsement to carry much weight.