Leader of "No to Strong Mayor" explains his motivations from two different perspectives

Councilman Baddourah had his business in mind when it comes to having a mayor-council form of government  

On November 5th, 2013 Moe Baddourah experienced defeat at the hands of incumbant Steve Benjamen in the mayoral election of Columbia, S.C. but did get a big win over the mayor in another election held last week.

The December 3rd election to change Columbia's style of government from manager-council, which is what it has been for the past 64 years, to mayor-council did not pass as Baddourah was successful in leading the "no" campaign.

 Baddourah explains why the manager-council form

of government is better for Columbia

The motion would have eliminated the position of city manager, currently held by Teresa Wilson, and had the original responsibilities of the city manager given to the mayor. Some of those responsibilities include hiring and firing city employees, conducting investigations within the city's departments, addressing the concerns of council members respective districts and handling Columbia's $250 million dollar budget.

Baddourah represents Columbia's third district, which includes the Rosewood. Shandon and University Hill areas which are homes to hundreds of USC students. In that area is where Baddourah also got his rise to being a public servent.

Baddourah got is start in the small business sector working for Andy's Deli, the famous sub shop located in the Five Points area then owned by his uncle Andy Shlon. It was there he found his passion for the restaurant business and began opening other eating establishments around the Columbia area, including the Eclair Pastry Shop, which he has since sold, and The Mediterranean Tea Room in the Shandon area.

Baddourah talks about the perspective of a small

business owner in regards to having a "strong mayor"