Longtime Columbia businessman Blair “Murph” Murphy has announced that he’s running for mayor in April.
Mr. Murphy, who co-owns Johnston Paint and Decorating on Buttonwood, has served as a CrimeStoppers board member since 2016. His top priorities if elected would be crime prevention, public safety and Columbia’s aging infrastructure. Mr. Murphy says he’s been surprised by the types of crimes being committed in Columbia. He also says he’s committed to addressing the compensation and pension plans of Columbia’s firefighters and police.
Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe is seeking her second term in April, and former mayoral candidate Tanya Heath has announced her candidacy as well.
Johnston Paint and Decorating will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025.
