Earlier today Steve issued the following statement on the racial graffiti found on City Hall this morning:

“I was disgusted this morning to learn that what should be a symbol of inclusion in our representative democracy had been vandalized with bigotry and intolerance.

This incident was clearly designed to frighten and intimidate but it has had the opposite result.

This is exactly why we need a new leader who can unify all of us behind a new vision for Columbia, and I am now more than ever dedicated to that cause.

I have absolute faith that our city’s police force will identify and apprehend those responsible but, more importantly, I have faith that the people of Columbia will come together to reject this kind of illegal and unacceptable activity.

The challenges facing our city are as serious as the stakes are high. We cannot address them distracted by ignorance. We cannot overcome them if we are divided by hate.
We are one people. We are one Columbia. Only by coming together can we make this a city of vision, opportunity, and hope for all.”

Be sure to check out Steve's blog post on putting first responders first.  We urge you to join Steve in calling on Columbia City Council to fully restore funding for our first responders by signing our petition.

Hello, and welcome to the new Steve Benjamin for Mayor website!  My name is Joey Oppermann, and I'm the campaign manager for Steve's campaign for mayor of Columbia.

I've known Steve since I worked for him as a college student at USC back in 2002. His guidance at that time helped lead me to choose a career of public service to my state and community, and he's been a role model of mine ever since. I'm excited and humbled to be part of his campaign to bring real, positive change to Columbia.