Morrison announces for Columbia mayor

Damn, it seems like everyone and their mom is running for Columbia mayor. The latest entrant is local attorney and Nelson Mullins partner Steve Morrison. It was assumed that he would be battling with front-runner Steve Benjamin for the same votes. That’s now a for-sure assumption.

Per his announcement, Morrison said:

I am announcing today that I will be a candidate in next April’s city election for Mayor of Columbia.

Columbia has been my home since finishing law school here in 1975. I have spent years of my life contributing to our community, the way many people do who want their neighborhood and city to be a good, safe place to raise a family, enjoy life, and earn a living. Gail and Gregory and I have found a special home with you here in Columbia.

That is why we have spent so much of our personal time giving back to Columbia. My service as board chairman of the Columbia Urban League, the Columbia Museum of Art and the presidency of the Historic Columbia Foundation and board service at Benedict College, Allen University, Edventure and the Central Carolina Community Foundation and chairing the United Way Campaign has enabled me to learn about the needs of citizens in all our neighborhoods.

While I have not been involved in traditional politics at the local or state level, I have spent years in public service. I approach the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Columbia from that vantage point, one of public service over politics as usual.

Morrison will find himself in a considerable hole. Most power brokers and grassroots activists in Columbia have already committed to Steve Benjamin, the odds-on favorite to win the race. But, with Morrison in the mix, it will become a lot more interesting.