Columbia mayoral candidate Steve Benjamin said Saturday he would support a
change in the city's form of government to a strong mayor system.

"One of the cornerstones of our campaign has been making city government more
accountable," Benjamin said in a written statement. "Having a strong mayor who
can say, 'The buck stops here' is the best way to do that, and I think the
people of Columbia deserve the chance to say so."

State Sen. Darrell Jackson, D-Richland, says he plans to introduce a resolution
Tuesday in the General Assembly that would urge Columbia City Council members
to place a referendum on the April ballot to change the city's form of
government.