Meet the Columbia City Council District 1 candidates
For the first time in nearly a quarter-century, there is set to be a new Columbia City Council member in District 1.
Earlier this year, District 1 Councilman Sam Davis announced he would not seek re-election. Davis has held the District 1 seat in north Columbia for 23 years.
Two challengers have stepped forward to seek the post: Attorney Tina Herbert, who once ran the city’s Office of Business Opportunities, and state Department of Corrections officer Christa Williams, who also serves in the South Carolina Army National Guard.
The election is set for Nov. 2. The State asked each of the hopefuls about their candidacies and some of their plans if elected.
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Name: Tina Herbert
Age: 47
Occupation: Attorney
Education: BA in Accounting, 1996 - St. Augustine’s University; JD/MBA, 2000 - North Carolina Central University
Political or civic experience: City of Columbia Design Development and Review Commission, Richland County Election Commission
Campaign website: http://www.tinaherbert.com
Why are you running for this office?
I am seeking public office because I want to help the city of Columbia continue to grow in a way that benefits all its citizens, regardless of where they live. While progress has been made, there is more work to be done. I’m also running because I believe my background of community and public service gives me a unique perspective on community and economic development needs and internal operations that is needed on city council.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
We should ensure that COVID-19 recovery funds are invested in basic vaccine and testing efforts, healthy initiatives that will decrease or prevent the impact of COVID-19 on higher risk communities over the long term, and businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. As crime rates continue to increase, the city must have a well-trained law enforcement equipped to protect all citizens without violating the civil rights of any. The immediate need is to help recruit officers to fill vacancies that are significantly impacting the number of patrol officers that we have on a day-to-day basis. The city must invest resources in economic development to increase job opportunities. We should immediately work to grow and develop youth workforce development programs that help interrupt violence, and strengthen programs and policies that help create and sustain our local small minority women owned businesses that contribute to the city’s economy.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
I have served on the Design Development and Review Commission (DDRC). Service on DDRC helped me appreciate all of our historical districts and overlays, as well as the frustrations of every day citizens who often had no clue about them. I also worked as the deputy director of community development and director of the Office of Business Opportunities. Working as staff for the city has given me a good understanding of many of the city’s processes, such as hiring, customer service, budgeting, the leveraging of federal and general funds to attract private sector funds, and, most importantly, how to effectively address citizens’ concerns on a daily basis.
What current practice or policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
The city currently has several programs that have set aspirational goals for funds spent with minority and women owned contractors and suppliers. Depending upon the results of the disparity study that the city is undertaking, I’d like to ensure that the city moves to mandatory goals. I would also like to enhance the landlord ordinance to make it more effective. The city must preserve its capacity building programs for its small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.
Name: Christa Williams
Age: 37
Occupation: Captain, SC Department of Corrections; First Lieutenant, South Carolina Army National Guard
Education: Columbia College: Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, Political Science; Masters of Arts, Organizational Leadership
Political or civic experience: Led the nonprofit Rural South Carolina Project that seeks to enhance voter engagement in rural and underserved areas; hosted food drives, voter registration drives and trash pick-ups; interned for U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn; performed outreach for the 2020 census.
Campaign website: http://www.christawilliams.com
Why are you running for this office?
Too often individuals running for public office have self serving interests and do not put the people first in their decision-making. Hence, that’s why I am running for office, to change this negative to a positive by putting our communities first. Being a long-term state government employee and a soldier in the South Carolina Army National Guard has given me the opportunities to serve the citizens of South Carolina as a servant leader. I am overwhelmed with joy at the thought of representing District 1 within the City of Columbia. I bring lots of energy and look forward to working with community members to accomplish goals and work towards solutions that have been long overdue.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
There are several challenges for District 1. First, crime within the 29203 zip code is a big concern for many residents within the city of Columbia. I am proposing that we begin positively engaging our youth as a community and not look to police officers as the sole problem solvers. I plan to advocate for more community programming in churches and establish a trade school within District 1 to ensure that our ex-offenders and youth without jobs have the necessary tools to enter into the workforce. Second, encouraging residents to embrace community beautification by taking pride and taking the initiative to do routine community trash pickups, and report violators who are illegally dumping trash. Third, connecting our small businesses to the resources and business opportunities that the city of Columbia offers. Fourth, promoting access to healthy food in the 29203 and 29201 zip codes by creating opportunities for a small business owner to start a community food co-operative.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
Working in the state correctional system has given me a unique perspective of the social justice issues that are prevalent in District 1. My goal is turn the negatives that we see into positives by bridging the gap between the people of District 1. Together, we should create opportunities where we utilize our talents and strengths to building a foundation of longevity for those in need through education, skill development, career, and business opportunities.
What current practice or policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
Finding ways to minimize the spread of COVID-19 has been a way of life for us for the past year and a half. As councilwoman for District 1, I would support the current city requirements and utilize the community meetings to encourage residents to get vaccinated and give tips for social distancing at community gatherings. I would organize and continue to support community COVID-19 testing/vaccination drives, especially in areas where many residents do not have transportation. Minimizing the spread is a must for the safety, health, and progression of our communities, city, and society.
This story was originally published October 5, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
