Report: Strong Mayor Petition Underway in Columbia

A petition drive to put a referendum on a new form of government in the city of Columbia on the November ballot is underway.

Supporters were out in full force Saturday at the Main Street Latin Festival to collect signatures for a proposed referendum for a strong mayor form of government in Columbia, according to a report from The State. 


Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin has pushed for a strong mayor form of government saying the  "the present system of governance in Columbia is outdated and structurally flawed."

The majority of Columbia City Council disagreed and voted against the referendum. 

A website was created calling on council to allow citizens to vote on whether they want to have a strong mayor system or continue with a weak mayor system. 

Signatures from 15 percent of Columbia's voters are needed before the referendum can be placed on the ballot.