Candidates debate TIF (Tax Increment Financing) at Hyatt Park Neighborhood Association meeting

As Election Day, April 6, moves closer, the Hyatt Park Neighborhood Association invited the mayoral candidates to their February 2 meeting for a debate. A hot topic issue was the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) proposal. (See explanation of TIF in article above.) While all of the candidates determined that the current idea was not the solution for Columbia, they all had different takes on the TIF.

“I believe that we need further study into the TIF. I like it, but I believe that some current projects might set back other development,” Sparkle Clark replied.

Kirkman Finlay said he voted against the idea twice as a member on the city council, mainly due to his belief that the city can’t afford the current plan. He believes that the city would be better impacted by smaller projects, such as the Senior Matter Project on Farrow Road. He believes that the public needs to be informed better about future projects.

“We need to focus on the foundation schools, public safety, and economic strategy and focus on fixing those first. Isolating those three parts is irresponsible,” Gar y Myers says.

Joseph Azar attacked the city’s plan by saying “If the city wanted to put money back into their economy there would be no need for a TIF”.

Aaron Johnson believes the city shouldn’t spend money they don’t have. The government’s responsibility is to serve the residents of the city. “Instead of building high rise hotels that will sit empty, we should focus more on building grocery stores in areas where people have a hard time getting to the grocery store now.”

“The city never developed a grand vision for Columbia. If a TIF works it needs to be with the county council and the school system on board,” Steve Benjamin replied.

Steve Mor r ison opposed the idea saying the city didn’t need to borrow money if it was going to come at the cost of the school system, fire/police department, or the future of the city.