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Natural Resources

One of Steve's goals is for Columbia to be known as much for the green of its parks and forests and for the rush of its rivers as it is for the concrete and bustle of its city streets.

Over the years, the natural splendor of our city has oftentimes been compromised -- whether it's been to turn a quick profit or, in other cases, simply because we've been careless.

Steve understands that economic development and environmental conservation do not stand at odds.  Rather, they are complementary. 

Education

We can't build a great city without great schools.  The health of our local economy is intrinsically tied to having a well-educated workforce.  Our schools must be schools that any business executive looking to move her business to Columbia would want not only her employees but also her children to attend.

Stronger schools also lead to a safer community.  The more our children are able to learn, and -- down the road -- able to earn, the less likely they are to be involved in crime.

As mayor, Steve will work with local school boards, administrators, and teachers to ensure that city government in Columbia is supportive of all local schools.

Fiscal Responsibility

If the recent economic upheaval has taught us anything, it is that any institution lacking a strong tradition of fiscal responsibility is risking more than embarrassment and bad press – it’s flirting with bankruptcy.

The City of Columbia has learned this lesson the hard way, having to make some hard choices.  One thing is for certain, though; it’s time for this city to be more responsible with your tax dollars.

Transparency in Government

Across the nation high-ranking corruption and well-publicized scandals have made us increasingly cynical and wary of our public institutions. The City of Columbia has not been exempt from this trend and, as a result, the growing movement for additional government transparency has reached a fever pitch.

For some politicians, talk of transparency has been a way to score quick political points through hollow promises and empty gestures. For Steve, government transparency is about living up to that most fundamental commitment: any institution engaged on the public’s behalf must be open to public participation and scrutiny, and people deserve the truth.

Job Creation


Columbia is ripe for substantial economic development and job creation. Steve Benjamin’s top priority as mayor will be leveraging the assets – both natural and manmade – of South Carolina’s capital city to create new, well-paying jobs.
 
The city’s assets are plentiful. The convergence of our Saluda, Broad, and Congaree Rivers offers a bounty of natural and recreational resources. The intersection of three major Interstates provides valuable infrastructure for business. As home to many colleges and universities, Columbia enjoys a wide variety of educational experience among its citizens, a talented labor pool, and a foundation for creativity and innovation. Additionally, as the seat of South Carolina’s state government, the base of Richland’s County government, and home to Fort Jackson – a three billion dollar a year operation – Columbia has nearly limitless potential for economic development.

Public Safety

The most basic, yet indispensable duty of a municipal leader is to protect the citizens of the city.

As mayor, Steve will ensure that the men and women who serve Columbia as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders have the resources and the training they need to do their jobs.

Steve has extensive experience managing and working closely with members of law enforcement. He was appointed to Governor Jim Hodges' Cabinet in 1999, serving as director of South Carolina’s Department of Probation, Pardon and Parole Services.  In that capacity, Steve served as chief executive of the 950-employee, $43 million state law enforcement agency, overseeing all functions of the Department and ensuring that all state laws, policies and procedures were followed.

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