WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Attorney Steve Morrison to run for Columbia mayor

Attorney Steve Morrison to run for Columbia mayor

By Jack Kuenzie - bio | email

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Columbia attorney Steve Morrison says he's joining an already crowded field of candidates for mayor of Columbia.

"Change seems to be in the air," said Morrison. "Leadership seems to be desired. And if we can take this foundation that we've got that's started to crack and crumble on the financial side, stabilize it. Make it firm. Then the progress forward seems to me to be right at our grasp."

In addition to nearly 35 years of legal experience, Morrison brings an impressive resume to what is now a five-candidate contest.

His service includes roles with a wide range of civic, business, charitable and education groups.

In recent years, he made headlines as a lead attorney for three dozen poor and rural school districts as they sued to obtain better state funding.

Now he wants to help the capital city focus on economic development and sound financial management.

"If you're not transparent and accountable and forthright, step by step. And you know where the people's money is and where it's being spent, then you really have difficulty attracting great businesses in. Because they look at you and say, something's wrong with your business," said Morrison.

Another major issue for Morrison, a city where people right now do not feel safe.

"Those people that run toward the gunfire, or run into the fire -- the burning fire. They need to understand that their mayor and their council is behind them and will take care of them and their family when they're in need," said Morrison.

Mayor Bob Coble has opted not to run for re-election after 17 years of holding the position. Morrison joins other contenders Gary Myers, Jr., Steve Benjamin, Kirkman Finlay, Joe Azar, Grant Robertson and Aaron Johnson.

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