The Latest on Councilman Livingston
THE STATE
Richland County Councilman Livingston up for re-election. Here’s what he wants to do next term
By Patrick McCreless
Paul Livingston says he has a lot more work he wants to do to help constituents.
Livingston, a Democrat, is running for re-election for the Richland County Council District 4 seat. His only opponent is Booker T. Little. Attempts to reach little to participate in this election survey were unsuccessful.
There are also three Democratic candidates on the June 14 ballot for the county council’s District 11 seat. The candidates include incumbent Chakisse Newton, Eva Young-Prioleau and Norman Jackson.
While there’s only Democrats on the ballot for the two seats, voters can participate in any party’s primary in the state.
If none of the three candidates win more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held on June 28. People who voted in the primary will be eligible to vote in the runoff.
Register to vote, check eligibility, view sample ballots and find polling places at scvotes.gov. Voters must register at least 30 days in advance of an election to vote in it.
The information below was provided by Livingston.
How long have you lived in Richland County?
I am a Lifetime resident of Richland County.
What do you do for a living?
Retired 2021, Midlands Technical College. Psychology instructor, Director of Community Development.
What is your educational background?
Earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of South Carolina. Economic Development School Graduate, College of Charleston.
What is your political background, if any?
Former member and chair of the Richland District 1 School board. Member and past chair of Richland County Council (elected council chair eight times.)
Leadership roles on numerous local, state and regional boards and commissions.
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for re-election to the District 4 Richland County Council seat because there is a lot more work to be done to continue to enhance the quality of life for all the citizens of Richland County. My institutional knowledge and experience have and will continue to play an essential role in helping a young energetic/enthusiastic County Council to navigate the demands and challenges of county government.
I am also inspired to run for election because of the overwhelming encouragement and support I have received from fellow council members, constituents, business leaders and others.
I am keenly aware of what needs to be done and have the motivation, knowledge, desire and time to get it done.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities?
Economic development: Create a business climate to attract and recruit companies that will provide jobs that pay a livable wage, produce significant tax revenue and serve as great corporate citizens.
Safety and security: Continue to provide the necessary resources required for law enforcement to protect the citizens of Richland County. Residents should be confident that they and their families are safe.
Affordable housing: Work with local governments, organizations and agencies to develop a more collaborative effort and focus on affordable housing.
What’s the biggest issue in your district and how would you address it?
Safety and security: Continue to provide the necessary resources required for law enforcement to protect the citizens of Richland County. Engage the community/business more in decisions/discussions reference public safety. Create more jobs and recreational opportunities, particularly for our youth.
Affordable housing: To facilitate the development of more affordable housing, I will urge the county to:
— Work to help identify resources for a sustainable affordable housing trust fund.
— Work with local governments, organizations and agencies to develop a more collaborative effort focused on affordable housing.
— Develop creative measures to incentivize and encourage developers to build more affordable housing in our community.
— Recruit more companies and businesses that will provide Richland County citizens jobs that pay a livable wage, which will allow them to secure housing.
Livingston Files for Re-Election to Richland County Council
Columbia, SC — When candidate filing opened, Paul Livingston’s passion for Richland County drove him to be among the first political candidates to file for office. On Friday, March 16, Paul Livingston officially filed for re-election to Richland County Council representing District Four.
As a lifelong resident of Richland County, Paul Livingston has made significant and long-lasting contributions to residents in the Midlands. Livingston has been a member of Richland County Council, representing District Four, for more than 25 years and has been extremely instrumental in guiding county policy and improving the quality of life for residents in Richland County.
Well versed and trained in the area of economic development, he has played an integral role in attracting 
major industry to South Carolina, Richland County and the Midlands. He is personally committed to the economic future of the state and has taken additional steps to receive training, such as graduating from the South Carolina Economic Developer’s School. Moreover, he serves on several major regional economic development boards. He is former vice chairman of the Central SC Economic Development Alliance and currently chair of the Engenuity SC Board of Directors.
Prior to serving on County Council, Mr. Livingston served as a commissioner on the Richland School District One School Board. He has a passion for education and holds both graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of South Carolina.
Councilman Livingston has spent most of his professional career at Midlands Technical College in several roles, including psychology instructor, program director, and department head, and he currently serves as the college’s Director of Community Development. He was married to the late Deborah Christie Livingston and is the parent of two adult children.
