Columbia mayoral candidates on . . . change

QUESTION: Every candidate has talked about "change" in their campaigns. How would your leadership style differ from Mayor Bob Coble?

JOSEPH AZAR

Effective and frequent communication will be a foundation of my administration to create cooperation and unified goals. I have the time to work full time if necessary, and I have the resources and knowledge of business (41 years), low- and high-tech, that allows me, with my national contacts, to start recruiting beneficial jobs to Columbia. But I will first start with our existing resources and businesses, consulting with them as to how they can grow, develop and create more better-paying Columbia jobs.

STEVE BENJAMIN

Mayor Coble will leave a legacy of building citywide consensus, and I applaud him for that. But I believe that when consensus cannot be reached, a mayor has to be willing to step forward and lead. That's the kind of mayor I will be - one who is willing to step up and take a bold stand even if it's unpopular, a leader with vision and the courage to see it through.

SPARKLE CLARK

I admire Bob Coble for his skills as a consensus-builder. However, he has allowed council members to pull the work of the city toward their partisan districts for the benefit of a marginal population. ... I will start with cleaning up the budget. What do we have? What do we need? ... I will establish advisory groups to regularly provide council with information. ... I will be frugal, but I will not expect citizens to suffer at the hands of mismanagement again.

NOTE: Clark's response was edited to meet a 75-word limit.

KIRKMAN FINLAY

As mayor, I will be willing to make the tough decisions necessary to bring Columbia back to a position of economic prosperity.

AARON JOHNSON

Mayor Bob is a great man, a very hard worker, and in a many ways he was the right man for the right time. But we are entering a new era, and the time has come for a bold, creative road map into the 21st century. I will work tirelessly to make Columbia a clean, productive and vibrant center of activity where young people will stay and the divisions of the past are laid to rest.

STEVE MORRISON

I am a fiscal business conservative with an abiding respect for the dignity of every person. We must create a city of opportunity for all, but we cannot spend more than we take in. Our friend "Mayor Bob" is one of a kind. I salute his tireless service and especially admire him for helping to keep Fort Jackson open and growing, bringing a first class convention center to Columbia, and building healthy partnerships with USC.

BONUS: ONLINE-ONLY QUESTION FOR THE CANDIDATES

QUESTION: Would you vote to borrow money under the city's tax increment financing plans?

JOSEPH AZAR

Not at this time with an uncertain financial future. Gambling on the economy may create a loss that increases property tax and other fees to make up a loss. This would punish our citizens for council's failure, again.

STEVE BENJAMIN

The city must exercise fiscal restraint, stabilize its budget, and fund public safety before making any additional financial commitments. We must find ways to invest in North Columbia and develop the riverfront, but it is a mistake for the city to undertake a tax increment financing plan without support from Richland County and the school district.

SPARKLE CLARK

Borrowing in this climate would be a long shot. When the economy recovers, I would support issuing bonds for the north Columbia master plan, but first, I would work with ECDC to see if other solutions exist. North Columbia is a major corridor to our city. It is crucial that it is revitalized. Columbia College, LTSS and CIU attract hundreds of students. I envision North Columbia to be a hub of artists, young executives, with renovated historical homes, community gardens, safe neighborhoods. It will be the next Vista.

NOTE: Clark's response was edited to meet a 75-word limit.

KIRKMAN FINLAY

No, I voted against both TIF plans. I do not believe the city currently has the resources available to finance this level of debt.

AARON JOHNSON

Not with either of the current plans. The Vista TIF worked because we started with an empty warehouse district and transformed it into an entertainment district. The Innovista and the Renaissance plans are not placed in suitable locations for a TIF. The programs outlined in the TIF are poor choices for revitalization of the area, and even if they do work they would raise property taxes, pushing out renters and financially sensitive homeowners.

STEVE MORRISON

No. The city should not "go it alone" without the participation of the school district and Richland County. Borrowing money and hoping to pay it back with future tax growth is too risky in this economy. Any borrowing based on future tax growth must be supported by a clear, compelling financial analysis of return on investment.