Mizzell best choice in council District 4

CANDIDATES IN the District 4 race for Columbia City Council all say the winner needs to serve as a voice of reason and fiscal responsibility.

While they don't all profess to be fiscal conservatives, they do all emphasize the need to be better stewards of the public's tax dollars. Seeking to replace Councilman Kirkman Finlay III, who is running for mayor, are Kevin Fisher, an advertising executive; former Richland County Councilman Tony Mizzell; Leona Plaugh, a former Columbia city manager; Walter Powell Jr., a commercial Realtor; and Mary Waters, co-president of the Heathwood Neighborhood Association.

Mr. Powell and Ms. Waters are well-meaning and have some admirable goals. But they lack the understanding and wherewithal to help lead Columbia at this critical juncture. The next mayor and council must be quick studies who possess the knowledge, temperament and judgment to confront the challenges - stabilizing its finances is No. 1 - the city faces.

The three remaining candidates agree on a number of issues, including the need to address homelessness, transit and city/county and regional cooperation.

Mr. Fisher, who ran a compelling but unsuccessful race against Mayor Bob Coble in 2006, speaks the most forcefully for fiscal responsibility and would push to repeal special tax districts for USC's research campus and North Columbia, which would siphon money from the general fund. While he has laudable ideas, we question how Mr. Fisher's abrasive approach would impact the seven-member council. In a body that size, temperament and demeanor can determine a member's ability to get things done.

Ms. Plaugh, who worked in city government for nearly 30 years, possesses a wealth of knowledge and a keen understanding of city government. As city manager, she built budgets, carried out policies and directives from the council and ran day-to-day affairs. She said she knows what it will take for the city to overcome its financial mess, and would declare a moratorium on new programs and shore up fire and police "very gradually" as funds allow.

But Ms. Plaugh also carries considerable baggage. Several missteps as city manager during her tenure - not all of her making - give us pause. She came under fire for handling an Empowerment Zone loan for a youth home (it should have been denied); developing a document detailing plans to "destroy" several high-ranking city employees (at the time she said it was a management tool); proposing a massive restructuring of city government without the council's input; and promoting a policy that would have muzzled council members.

It's difficult to endorse Ms. Plaugh when there is another candidate who, while not perfect, has the background and capability to serve effectively. During an eight-year stint on County Council, Mr. Mizzell pushed to get Columbia and Richland to consolidate services. He is a proponent of economic development and helped develop a master plan for Lower Richland. He remains committed to helping USC develop its research campus and Columbia improve downtown.

Mr. Mizzell would use his County Council experience to help the city rebuild its reserves. He would push for a strategic budgeting plan, making basic services such as police and fire a priority. He would demand financial accountability, approach the budget "with a scalpel" to limit harm and yet not hesitate to turn down questionable funding requests. He believes in consensus building as a way not only to improve council operations but also to promote cooperation with Richland County and other area governments.

Voters should elect Tony Mizzell on April 6.