Joseph Azar: Columbia needs … a fighter

This campaign has been a lot of “We should,” yet little substance (read each candidate’s platform). Everyone knows what “We should” do, but what candidate has achievable, fiscally responsible solutions? What candidate has been committed enough to speak out strongly on the issues, as unpopular as they may be?

What candidate has been so concerned with the betterment of the city that he has dedicated himself for more than 25 years to the improvement of the city? What candidate knows the city, its needs and our people from top to bottom, rather than only state and municipal law? Which candidate can walk our city from the troubled areas to the tops of commerce, uniting us in common goals? Which candidate will hold council to the law, even if it means having to take legal action against council to protect our citizens?

I have proven my commitment and care for our city and people, and I am the candidate to best serve us. Besides my proven love and care for our city, my platform speaks of achievable, responsible solutions:

1) Move the water/sewer system into a separate governmental entity with commissioners elected by the people, for the protection of the health and financial well-being of the people. Limit all revenues to use for the water and sewer system, not ballparks, airlines, etc.

2) Hold council’s pay increases to 60 percent of the overall city employees’ increases. No raise for council until all meritorious city employees have been raised. Likewise, council may not receive benefit increases of more than 60 percent of city employees’ increases.

3) Reduce property taxes by charging an annual fee rather than property taxes for fire protection and for police protection. This can bring more revenue for both, since only a third of all city properties pay property taxes, and close the revolving employment door at each department. Property tax rates can then be reduced 10, 20, 50 percent and still bring in more than enough to fund the city general budget.

4) Institute term limits. Many types exist. Let the public vote on the type. But institute them.

These last two proposals may have overriding state authority, so I will work to get state law improved to allow these, at the desire of our citizens.

There are additional responsible solutions, and achieving these four is an excellent start. The future is now. We have heard the cry of “the future” for far too many decades, but until council members choose to address problems for solutions today, there will be no responsible future.

As the lead plaintiff against the city in the winning water/sewer suit, I am the candidate who will create responsible, realistic solutions while taking whatever actions necessary to protect our city, its citizens and our physical and financial health. I invite voters to contact me at either josephazar@upstairsaudio.com or 803-513-3357.

This story was originally published October 28, 2015 at 4:47 PM with the headline "Joseph Azar: Columbia needs … a fighter."