Tuesday night's run-off elections saw greater voter participation than the general election. But that was still just one-third of registered voters. Some city officials hope a tight mayoral race could spur more political activism in the city.
Columbia resident Bill Manley says he's concerned with city changes.
"Are we going to have fees with the water and sewer? Are they thinking about parking fees going up? That's what I'm interested in," said Manley. "What are we going to do? What is the city council going to do for the citizens of Columbia."
The 81-year-old Midlands man has a list of council concerns. He says open forums like Wednesday's at Pontiac Elementary, allow him to stay on top of changes in the Capital City.
"I just feel like we need to know more about what's going on in our government, particularly city government," said Manley.
He has been actively involved with understanding the local government for more than a decade. Manley says creating a more balanced budget is an issue the city must focus on.
"There are a lot of problems going on with financial and trying to get things done," said Manley.
"It's an excellent opportunity for the voters and the continuants to have some first hand experiences with the process," said Columbia City Councilman Sam Davis.The Councilman supports government transparency. He says the city is looking to get its long-ailing finance system back on track.
"We need to stay focused as we go through the budgeting process," said Davis.
"I come out to find out what is going on," said Manley. "I want to keep up with it."
It's an ongoing effort to demand government accountability.
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