Columbia City Councilman Moe Baddourah plans to run for Columbia Mayor.
 / FILE
COLUMBIA (WACH) - Columbia City Councilman Moe Baddourah plans to run for Columbia mayor.
Baddourah announced his candidacy on Tuesday. He owns Moe's Grapevine Italian Restaurant on Rosewood Drive and says his "business background gives him the experience necessary to lead."
“My philosophy is simple: I believe public service should be about serving the community and improving the lives of ordinary citizens,” said Baddourah. “The people’s interests aren’t well-served when politicians award important jobs to friends or create new government positions for campaign workers.”
A source close to Mayor Steve Benjamin says Benjamin will also seek a second term.
Benjamin was elected in 2010 "in a record turnout," according to City officials.
The election will be held the first Tuesday of November.