Who is Brian Newman and What Does He Bring to New Columbia CIty Council?

Who is Brian DeQuincey Newman? For one thing, he is the new City Council representative for Columbia District 2. With only about 10% of registered voters, Newman won the run-off of the Special election that was held on July 13, to replace outgoing and disgraced Council member E. W. Cromartie II.

But who is he, what will he bring to City Council and how will he represent District 2?

Hopefully, his campaign promises will not fall to the wayside now that he has won the seat. He ran on a campaign of open governing, fiscal responsibility, providing law enforcement with the tools they need to effectively serve and protect and attracting business to provide economic growth without having to raise taxes.

These are all well and noble proposals, and one that the city most certainly needs. But he will be facing a City Council that has for too long acted as if it was their own private playground instead of the body responsible for the well being of the citizens of Columbia. Back door deals, closed sessions, cronyism, favoritism and too much concern with their own pockets and special interests have kept the city of Columbia from maturing and growing with the times.

It would be nice to have a governing body in South Carolina not riddled with such stupidity and ridiculousness that could be an example to the nation not fodder for evening news and late night jokes.

At only 27 years old, Newman brings to the Council business savvy as well as a background in legal prosecution. He also brings a youthful energy that, if not lost in the mire of political muck, can help Columbia move forward. He will have a tough challenge ahead. Will he succeed in making needed changes to the soul of the city council? Only time will tell.