4531 Briarfield Road
Columbia, SC 29206

Phone:  (803) 787-2896
Term expires:  2012

Jim Manning was elected to Richland County Council in November of 2008 to represent District 8. His District currently runs from Forest Acres to Spring Valley but the recent re-drawing of the Districts resulted in the inclusion of the Northeast as far north as Lake Carolina. Jim’s efforts center on improving the lives of citizens residing in District 8 and all of Richland County by creating a thriving Decker Boulevard, safe communities with stellar schools and empowered neighborhood. Highly thought of by Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike, Jim has the extraordinary ability to work with divergent groups to elevate the standard of living for all citizens in Richland County.

Jim’s wife of 29 years is Dr. Sandra C. Manning, a professional School Psychologist. They have two sons, Jim who is a 1st year student at the University of Virginia School of Law and Luke who is a Junior studying Media Arts at the University of South Carolina. Jim is a member of Shandon Baptist Church where he has co-taught an adult Sunday School Class, is a member of the Gideons International, participates in several Community and Professional Organizations; and serves as the President of the Satchelford Precinct. Finally, as a recreational hobby, he is a long distant runner who exercises for both mental and physical fitness.

A Licensed Independent Social Worker employed by Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services of South Carolina, Inc. (PALSS), he has seen the multifaceted components of our communities and understands the human needs that must be met by a fiscally responsible County Government. Jim also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Human Services Department at Midlands Tech.

Jim received Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Social Work at West Virginia University and attended night school at USC where he earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration while working at Richland County DSS. He also worked for 22 years at Midlands Center on Farrow Road, a residential facility for people with developmental disabilities.

On council, Jim brings his educational and professional experience to balance government budgets against people’s needs to reconcile fiscal responsibility and social programs. Called an affable Social Worker by a local reporter, this is a characteristic that serves the Council well.

Councilman Manning Takes Part in Cinco de Mayo Event

The 3rd Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade & Celebration took place on May 12, 2012 on Decker Blvd, Richland County's International Corridor. The event included a DJ, live music, dancing, rides, petting zoo, food & beverage vendors, and exhibitors. Councilman Jim Manning is shown with Tanya Hodges-Rodriguez, the event organizer and two of his cohorts in the fight against HIV, Carlos Sanders (Lt) and Carlos Harris. Also shown is Vender/Exhibitor Row and parade on-lookers.

Councilman Manning Assists with Scholarship Fundraiser

Councilman Jim Manning joined Evangelist Loretta Coleman, Midlands' Queen of Gospel during her live program Saturday morning, May 12th on WGCV AM 620 to raise money for the Future Leader Scholarship. The scholarship helps a deserving High School Senior to attend College. Jim had a great time sharing both his testimony and accomplishments as a member of Richland County Council over the air ways.

Councilman Manning Joins Tribute to Maurice Sendak

The world of children’s literature and the Richland County Public Library lost a great friend on Tuesday when Maurice Sendak passed away. The Children's’ Room at the Main Library is home to a 46 foot “wild things” mural and freestanding monsters and Max from Sendak’s book “Where the Wild Things Are.” RCPL is the only place that Maurice allowed his illustrations to be used as public art. On May 11, 2012, staff, fans, friends and customers were wearing their “wild things” t-shirt in a special tribute to celebrate Maurice.

Councilman Manning Attends Sparkleberry County Fair

The Sparkleberry Country Fair gives all proceeds to Richland County School District TWO schools in the form of scholarships and grants. On April 28, 2012 Councilman Jim Manning participated in the ceremony recognizing Richland County School District TWO Teachers of the Year from each school and the District's Teacher of the Year Wendy Sherman from Blythewood Middle School. Jim is pictured with Ms. Sherman and School Board Commissioner James Manning. Also shown are the awardees from each school and Dent Middle School Principal Dr. Randall R. Gary (Navy Blue Shirt) talking to the cow prior to the milking contest comprised of District Principals.

Councilman Manning Helps with Recycling Event

On April 26, 2012, Councilman Jim Manning visited the WLTX TV 19 and Richland County Solid Waste and Recycling Department's Annual Earth Day Recycling Event and assisted for a short time at the light bulb exchange booth. He also helped with a live on-site interview with Darcy Strickland. The event was a huge success and far exceeded last year's collections and all preliminary expectations.

Councilman Manning Observes Marker Unveiling

The Curtiss-Wright Hanger Historic Roadside Marker Dedication and Unveiling Ceremony was held April 25, 2012 at the Jim Hamilton - L.B. Owens Airport (CUB) on April 25, 2012. Councilman Jim Manning joined Airport Commissioners, Council colleagues and other dignitaries for the occasion. The ceremony took place on the 82nd Anniversary of the opening of what was then called Owens Field Municipal Airport.