Columbia mayoral candidates on . . . what kinds of jobs should the city try to attract?

Through Saturday, April 3, we will run mayoral candidates' responses on some key city issues in our daily Metro section, and here at thestate.com/elections.

Candidate Nammu Muhammad did not respond.

NOTE: A "bonus" online-only question with candidates follows at the bottom.

JOSEPH AZAR

Jobs I advocated in the mid-'90s, small- to medium-sized mid-technology companies, as they create a fertile environment for more mid- and high-tech. Whatever we do, we must bring in companies that create goods/services they export and import wealth. Companies that just bring in merchandise, send cash out of state and cannibalize our local companies do not create wealth in our city.

STEVE BENJAMIN

High-paying industries recognize the need for a talented workforce. So whether it's building a new knowledge economy or leveraging our history and cultural landscape to benefit tourism, we have such a wealth of talent and natural resources that our job creation potential is limitless. What's important is that we finally realize Regionalism is the key and that Columbia's economic development plan must be in sync with Richland County, Irmo, Cayce and West Columbia.

SPARKLE CLARK

Tourism-related jobs that attract not only tourists but conventions and relatives of students and military personnel - hotels, entertainment, etc. I would also put emphasis on small business opportunities by providing incentives for new businesses and start-up small companies. High- and low-tech jobs can employ hundreds of trainable, unskilled workers. We should be looking at more medical tech positions and more skilled IT positions.

NOTE: Clark's response was edited toward meeting a 75-word limit.

KIRKMAN FINLAY

I think we need to attract a diversity of employers to the city - small businesses, entrepreneurs, as well as large firms.

AARON JOHNSON

I would never turn down a good business opportunity, but the future of America is small business. We need to grow small- and mid-sized businesses, especially "creative class" jobs that can't be automated. That means developing a vibrant spectrum of arts and culture, maintaining our natural beauty and attractions, and encouraging entrepreneurship through business-friendly policy. Council should work with and develop programs like the Small Business Development Center and Retired Executives volunteers.

STEVE MORRISON

All kinds. Small business is the single largest generator of job growth in America. Our city must become more friendly to small business with fast, friendly, flexible service at City Hall. We should attract green energy jobs, knowledge workers and technology jobs based on existing clusters of excellence.

Online-only question: Should the city turn off a residential or commercial customer's water if they do not petition the city for annexation?

JOSEPH AZAR

No.

STEVE BENJAMIN

The fact is that the "donut holes" speckling Columbia are serious obstacles to running a unified and efficient city. This is a problem that must be remedied and, having laid out this ultimatum, the city cannot afford to back down now.

SPARKLE CLARK

Of course not. However, the donut holes, which is the apparent source of this question, need to be filled. State laws need to be revised.

KIRKMAN FINLAY

Yes.

AARON JOHNSON

I would rather work out a system where nonannexed customers pay their due share and maybe provide the city with a little extra. In my business I do everything I can to keep profitable clients coming back. I'm not in the habit of firing paying customers, though I have occasionally had to raise prices when the cost of doing business goes up.

STEVE MORRISON

No, that seems Draconian. Columbia's next mayor should join with other mayors across the state to demand modernization of South Carolina's archaic annexation laws. When an area using city water reaches a certain urban population density, annexation should be virtually automatic. Columbia must be allowed to grow to ease the burden on existing taxpayers. Over 60 percent of the land currently within the city is nontaxable government, university, church or school property.