Tyler Bailey, at-large Columbia City Council candidate
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Columbia City Council, At-large Candidates
Who are the candidates running for an at-large seat with Columbia City Council? Read these candidates questionnaires to learn more about their stance on issues in your community with our Voter Guide, exclusive to The State subscribers.
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Tyler Bailey is one of seven candidates running for an at-large seat on Columbia City Council.
The at-large seat is elected citywide. The seven hopefuls are vying for the seat currently held by Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine, who is running for mayor this year. Devine has held the seat for 19 years.
The election is on Nov. 2, with runoffs on Nov. 16, if necessary.
Bailey recently responded to a candidate questionnaire from The State.
Name: Tyler Bailey
Age: 32
Occupation: Lawyer, small business owner
Education: Hampton University, B.S., Business Management; Southern University Law Center, J.D.
Political or civic experience: Sistercare, board of directors; Greater Columbia Community Relations Council, board of directors; Vital Connections of the Midlands, board of directors; South Carolina Bar Association Young Lawyer Division, Military Support Committee, former co-chair; Right Direction Church International, board of directors
Campaign website: http://www.tylerforcolumbia.com
Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for city council to help lead our city to its next chapter so we can finally realize our full potential. I believe in Columbia and recognize how great our city can be. When people think of South Carolina, they shouldn’t think of Columbia after thinking about Charleston and Greenville. Columbia has the talent and resources to outshine any other city in our state.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
1. Supporting law enforcement, promoting community safety and protecting neighborhoods.
2. Ensuring that no neighborhoods are left behind due to lack of opportunity, poor infrastructure, lack of investment, lack of affordable housing and disappearing grocery stores.
3. Supporting “business friendly” policies to attract new industry so we can retain our best and brightest talent here in Columbia and empower small businesses.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
I was raised by parents who are pastors dedicated to serving others. Being there for people in need and fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves are principles I learned from my parents that I will carry with me as I serve the people of Columbia on city council. My training as an attorney will help me ask the right questions as the council considers various policies and issues. In addition, starting my own law firm helped me understand the needs and challenges of small business owners, something I will lean on when dealing with economic development issues, particularly when it comes to small business.
What current practice or policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
Although Columbia has seen encouraging signs of growth, far too many of our neighborhoods have been left behind by lack of opportunity, poor infrastructure, lack of investment, lack of affordable housing, and disappearing grocery stores that make living and raising a family tough. I would work to address these disparities as part of the effort to take our city to the next level. If Columbia is going to reach its full potential, all its residents must have an opportunity to improve their quality of life.
This story was originally published October 8, 2021 at 2:15 PM.
