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 runs from Forest Acres to Spring Valley. 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 neighborhoods. 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 Joins Elected Officials for Museum Tour

On January 25, 2012, Councilman Jim Manning was invited to tour the latest exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art entitled Nature and Grand American Vision: Masterpieces of the Hudson River School Painters. Pictured left to right is Jim, State Superintendent Dr. Mick Zais, Chief Curator Dr. Will South, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and West Columbia Councilwoman Casey Hallman. This is the first time this incredible exhibit has ever left New York and it will remain in Columbia until April 1, 2011.

Councilman Manning met with Consul General of Mexico

Councilman Jim Manning, along with other community leaders, met with Consul General of Mexico, Carlos Flores Vizcarra at the 'Nuestra Senor de las montanas' which hosted the Mobile Consulate Program on January 20, 2012. One of the main goals of the event was to provide Mexican immigrants with a high security Matri'cula Consular ID card. Hundreds of folks from Richland County took advantage of the Consular ID program and other services that were made available at the Mobile Consulate program.

Jim is shown with the Consul General (middle) and Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott (Rt), the Consul General is shown providing an excellent facts, figures and statistics presentation to assembled group.

 

Sitting next to Jim at the table is Deputy Ortiz, a CAT Officer for the Decker/Woodfield Park area of Richland County in the heart of District 8.

Councilman Joins Rally for Homeowners

On January 12, 2012, Councilman Jim Manning attended the Rally for Homeowners sponsored by the Homebuilders and Realtors Associations on the Statehouse Grounds (right were Occupy Columbia use to be!)

The Rally focused on the facts that
1) housing and homeownership are critical to a strong and prosperous nation
2) that new home construction spurs productivity, creates jobs for millions of Americans and generates revenues for all levels of government and
3) and that homeownership today is under attack.

Jim is shown pictured with two former Council members, Eddie Weaver 1991-1999 (far right) and John Camp 1979-1982; 1987-1990 (middle).

Councilman Manning Attends King Day at the Dome

On January 16, 2012 at an event on the State Capitol steps which honored the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the late civil rights champion who would have turned 83 Sunday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder decried voting ‘attacks’ which restrict citizen rights. Holder, the nation’s first African-American attorney general gave what the State Newspaper called a professorial explanation of the Justice Department’s recent rejection of South Carolina’s voter ID law. Councilman Jim Manning is shown pictured at the event with friend and Community Social Work colleague Emma McGraw Myers, MSW.

Councilman Manning Attends State of the City Address

Councilman Jim Manning attended Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin's State of the City Address on January 11, 2012. Mayor Benjamin is shown center stage during the Presentation of Arms just prior to his bold, progress and forward reaching speech. Jim is shown with Council Distinct #1 Colleague, Bill Malinowski (Lt) and County Attorney Larry Smith in a lighthearted discussion related to the evening's event.

Councilman Manning Tours Kensington Mansion Decorated for Christmas

On December 30, 2011, Councilman Jim Manning along with his wife Sandra toured the Kensington Mansion in Lower Richland County on McCords Ferry Road (Hwy 601). Kensington Mansion, completed in 1854, is an Italianate Revival structure, furnished with the Scarborough-Hamer Collection of decorative arts from the Victorian Period and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The mansion is owned by International Paper and receives some operational funding from Richland County through SERCO.

Councilman Manning Attends County H-tax Sponsored Basketball Tournament

The 10th Annual Chick-fil-A Classic Holiday Basketball Tournament held December 19-22, 2011 at Richland Northeast High School (just off Decker Blvd.) was ranked as the nation's #2 high school tournament. The tournament featured 16 teams representing the states of South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, California, Virginia and Pennsylvania as well as College Recruiters from across the Country. Seven of the participating teams and 15 of the players were ranked nationally this past season. Councilman Manning (far left) is shown pictured with the Famous Cow Mascot, School Board Member, Commissioner James Manning, and Jim's great niece, Taylor Manning.

Decker International Corridor Gateway Signs Completed

Councilman Jim Manning stands in front of one the beautiful new Decker International Corridor Gateway Signs at the Corner of N. Trenholm Road and Decker Blvd. The signs are another indicator of the revitalization efforts being made on this corridor and they welcome folks to the wonderfully diverse multi-national Boulevard. As Jim says, "You can experience the world just by visiting Decker Blvd., Richland County's International Corridor."

Councilman Manning Attends One Book, One Columbia Announcement

SAINTS AT THE RIVER by Ron Rash was announced as the One Book, One Columbia selection for 2012 at a reception held at the Richland County Public Library on December 13, 2011.

Jim is pictured at the event with Cayce Mayor Elise Partin, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, City Councilwoman Belinda Gergel (The One Book, One Columbia Coordinator) and Melanie Huggins, RCPL Director.



He is also shown with Daniel Coble, Candidate for City Council.

Councilman Manning Participates in Choir Showcase at Mills House

On December 10, 2011, Councilman Jim Manning introduced Richland School District TWO's L.W. Conder Arts Elementary Integrated Magnet School's Singing Stars. Local elementary schools helped the Historic Columbia Foundation celebrate the season by demonstrating their talent and providing musical entertainment for the community. The Singing Stars performed at the Robert Mills House and Gardens under the Direction of Music Teacher Linda M. Steffey, MME (Pictured with Jim).

Councilman Manning Attends Tree Lighting

The 8^th Annual Forest Acres Sweet Seasons was held on December 8, 2011 and included the lighting of the City's Christmas Tree. This year the tree was decorated with LED "green" bulbs purchased by a grant from Richland County Government. Jim is pictured in front of the tree with Anna Lange, Richland County's Energy Sustainability Director.

Councilman Manning Learns About BikeParc Columbia Campaign

Councilman Jim Manning visited the Main Street Mingle and Jingle event on December 1, 2011 and learned about the BikeParc Columbia Campaign. BikeParc will support the cultural arts' impact and healthy lifestyles through design and implementation of functional artistic bike racks throughout the Columbia/Richland County area. Jim is pictured with Sustainable Midlands' Director Ryan Nevius who explained that when streets are bike friendly and visually aesthetic, they create vibrant places that encourage residents and visitors alike to visit and spend time and money in the Midlands.

Councilman Manning Attends High School Ribbon Cutting

On December 2, 2011, Councilman Jim Manning went to Ridge View High School for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony commemorating the school's complete make over. The Ridge View Drama Program performed a skit entitled "Oh! The Many Places You'll Go" and the ribbon was cut by the superintendent, School Board members, Student Body President Rahsaan Perry and Blazer.





Jim is shown pictured with Principal Sherrill "Marty" Martin, Ed.D. (Rt) who moved to Ridge View from A. C. Flora High School.

Councilman Manning Presents Recycling Day Proclamation

Councilman Jim Manning presented a Council Proclamation to Paul Alcantar at the 5th Annual Richland Recycles Day event held at the Clemson Sandhill Research and Education Center held on November 5, 2011. Mr. Alcantar is the Director of the Richland County Solid Waste Department. The free recycling event featured free food, carnival rides, games, prizes and live entertainment from national recording group “Vocal Trash”! America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products.

Councilman Manning Attends SCDWC Annual Meeting

Councilman Jim Manning participated in the 2011 Annual South Carolina Democratic Women's Council Fall Forum held in Richland County on November 5, 2011. The Honorable Elizabeth (Liz) Johnson Paterson was recognized as the 2011 Hall of Fame Honoree. Jim is shown pictured SCDWC President Cherie Abee Mabrey (far right) and Keynote Speaker Katherine Archuleta who was the Chief of Staff for Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis prior to joining Obama 2012 in July as National Political Director. Ms. Archuleta is the first Latina to hold that position on a major presidential campaign.

Councilman Manning Attends Neighborhood Halloween Event

Councilman Jim Manning attended the Brookfield Neighborhood Association's Halloween Picnic Event on October 29, 2011. He is shown with Officers James Manning, Chuck Cornwall and Brenda Baker as well as neighborhood resident, Taylor Manning (Jim's niece). Neighbors enjoyed hot dogs, Cotton Candy, a live DJ and time with old and new acquaintances.

Councilman Manning Attends CFA Ribbon Cutting

On October 21, 2011, Councilman Jim Manning attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Richland School District TWO's Center for Achievement (CFA). The mission statement for the CFA Lions is: In cooperation with our entire community, will provide a safe nurturing environment in which instruction will be adapted to meet the diverse needs of each individual student to ensure their success, encourage positive self-esteem and promote respect for others.

Jim is shown with Lead Teacher Stephanie Courtney and longtime Education Consultant Charlene Herring (middle).



Also shown is the student body singing the CFA Alma Mater written by the CFA Chorus Director and District School Psychologist Dr. Sarah Bassin.

Councilman Manning Attends NIP Conference

Councilman Jim Manning attended the 7th Annual Neighborhood Planning Conference coordinated by the Richland County government. In addition to Richland County, sponsors included Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Keep the Midlands Beautiful, and City Year of Columbia.

Jim is shown pictured with Keynote Speaker Joseph Minicozzi who addressed "The Economics of Land Use Development: A Case Study of Richland County."

Councilman Manning Attends Annual Italian Festival

Councilman Jim Manning attended the 4th Annual Italian Festival and Bocce Tournament held on Columbia's Main Street on October 22, 2011. Sponsored by Columbia's Sons of Italy Bella Italia Lodge 2808, the festival highlighted Italian heritage, culture, food and traditions.

Jim is shown with Emcee Arielle Riposta. Also pictured performing on stage is EuroRhythms - heralded as best Italian-American band performing Italian music contemporary and classic familiar songs.

Council Manning Manning Attends Columbia Green Fair

On October 22, 2011, Councilman Jim Manning attended the 1st Annual Columbia Green Fair held in Finlay Park. The goal of the Green Fair was to be provide education and enlightenment to the residents of the Richland County area while promoting local green businesses and non-profits in South Carolina.

Jim is shown pictured with Vanessa Driscoll, Columbia Director for the South Carolina Green Fair and Richland County's Coordinator for a sustainability energy grant Anna Lange (the light bulb lady in the yellow top) and the Director of Sustainable Midlands, Ryan Nevius.

Councilman Manning Provides Invocation for Ray Tanner Home Run

Councilman Jim Manning gave the Invocation for the the 6th Annual Ray Tanner Home Run 12K, 5K and Kids Fun Run on October 15, 2011. The Ray Tanner Home Run is a premier annual running and walking event bringing together people of all levels to help raise funds for the Ray and Karen Tanner Foundation, a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of economically and medically disadvantaged children and their families. This year over 1,600 participants and 200 volunteers made the event a "Grand Slam."

Jim is shown with Coach Tanner (Garnet Jacket), Race Director Ken Lowden, and Mrs. Karen Tanner, the Tanner children and Emcee, WIS Sports Anchor Rick Henry.

Councilman Manning Attends Regional Sustainability Workshop

On October 12-13, 2011, Councilman Jim Manning was in Atlanta for the ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability's Southeast Regional Workshop. The workshop provided an opportunity for Jim to learn from and network with leading local government colleagues in the Southeast, and from the City of Heidelberg Germany for a transatlantic bridge.

Jim is pictured with ICLEI CFO/COO Mr. KC Boyce and Ms. Kim Brokhof, ICLEI Green Business Challenge Project Manager. Finally, Jim is shown with Dr. Raino Winker from the City of Heidelberg.

Councilman Manning Judges Scarecrows for HCF

Councilman Jim Manning served as a judge for the 2011 Scarecrows in the Garden Exhibit and Contest at Historic Columbia Foundation. Thirty-three scarecrows are on display showcasing a wide variety of themes. Overall Winner as well as a Runner-Ups were awarded for the Business/ Organization Division and Family Division category.

Jim is shown pictured with Director of Programs and Event Coordinator Sarah Blackwell.



Also pictured are winners Headless Horseman by the Friends of the Library and Christopher Tower's Geisha Girl.

 

Finally, Jim's favorite, World's Laziest Scarecrow.

Councilman Manning Attends 1st Annual Children's Cultural and Arts Festival

On October 1, 2011, Councilman Jim Manning visited the Children's Cultural and Arts Festival which was organized by BeCo Productions. BeCo Productions is an arts and cultural enrichment company. Our mission is to provide access to African Dancing and Drumming that serves to educate the community about the complexities of the various rhythms and dances from the Senegambia areas in Africa.



Jim is shown with BeCo Productions' Founder Renee Coltrain and the Eau Claire Community Council President Reggie McKnight. Also shown speaking to the crowd is Mr. Al Griffin, Booker T. Washington Foundation President.

 

Councilman Manning Cuts Ribbon at Decker Goodwill Grand Opening

On September 14, 2011, Councilman Jim Manning helped cut the ribbon marking the grand opening of the new Goodwill Store and Job Connection located on Decker Boulevard.



 

Jim is shown with Patrick Michaels, President and CEO and the Job Connection Director, Melanie Gearhart of Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina, Inc. Manning says, "This new store; and particularly the Job Connection facility will be a wonderful resource for citizens in this part of the County to receive education, training and employment leading to job placement."

Councilman Jim Manning Attends Memorial Unveiling

On 9/11/2011, Councilman Jim Manning attended the ceremony to unveil the Midlands First Responders Memorial held in front of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Families placed pictures and flowers at the base of the monument which includes two steel beams from the Twin Towers in New York. Councilman Manning is pictured with County Council Chairman Paul Livingston. Richland County provided partial funding for the monument at the Famously Hot Visitors' Bureau and Convention Center.

Councilman Manning Attends Community Cycling Promotion Program

On September 8, 2011, Councilman Manning attended a meeting coordinated by The Palmetto Conservation Foundation and Palmetto Cycling Coalition which featured national advocate and author, Mia Birk. Community transportation policy and business leaders learned the many ways in which increased bicycle usage can make Richland County more livable, economically developed and thus more sustainable. Jim is pictured with Mia (on his Right) and Ryan Nevius, Executive Director of Sustainable Midlands. Councilman Manning fully supports this initiative

Councilman Manning Attends Black Belt Qualification

Councilman Jim Manning was invited to the Black Belt Qualification Test for future Constituent and Campaign Security Detail Consultant Jacari Julious. The Councilman is shown with Jacari, along with his remarkable instructor Master Yim following his successful completion the requirements. Yim's Tiger Tae Kwon Do Academy is one of the many thriving businesses along Decker Blvd., Richland County's International Corridor. August 27, 2011 was a great day for Jacari, his proud parents and Master Yim.

Councilman Manning Attends 33rd Annual Jubilee: Festival of Heritage

On August 27, 2011, Councilman Jim Manning attended the Annual Jubilee: Festival of Heritage. The festival celebrates culture and the contributions of Celia Mann and her descendants, a family whose roots began with the work of a freed slave to the entrepreneurial spirit of her descendants.

Jim is shown with Council Chairman Paul Livingston and long time friend Beverly Washington who was an exhibitor with AARP.



Also shown is vendor Chef Jack making the Councilman's extraordinary Philly Cheese Steak sandwich and the world renowned Double Dutch Forces jump rope exhibition. The Annual Festival is coordinated by the Columbia Historic Foundation.

Councilman Manning Celebrates Sustainable Schools

On August 24, 2011, Councilman Manning joined other Hosts for an Evening of Celebrating Sustainable Schools to raise funds for this new program under the auspices of Sustainable Midlands. The program works with Middle Schools using a State Department approved educational curriculum to teach students about the importance of sustainable communities.

Jim is shown pictured with Sustainable Midlands Executive Director Ryan Nevious (middle) and his appointee to the Richland County Conservation Commission, Carol Kososki.



Also pictured is Ms. Nevious speechifying and the Event Chairman, Cameron Runyan (left) and Mary Roe, the program’s Director.

Councilman Manning Meets with Obama Staff Member

On August 23, 2011, Councilman Jim Manning, along with other local elected officials, met with President Obama's Director of Public Engagement Jon Carson. Jim is shown pictured with Mr. Carson and Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin (far left). The meeting allowed for Mr. Carson to hear about local needs requiring federal attention and for him to share programs that are currently available and some insights into Obama's forthcoming aggressive Jobs Program.

Councilman Manning Attends Leadership Summit

Councilman Jim Manning attended the 1st Annual Richland County Appearance Commission's Leadership Summit held August 13, 2011 at Midlands Technical College's Northeast Campus. The Summit brought together various sustainable and beautification groups to network and collaborate on ways to improve the County for residents and visitors.


Nancy Stone-Collum from the Soil and Water Commission is shown addressing the group and Jim is pictured with Appearance Commission Chair Kim Murphy (to his right) and Ryan Nevious, Executive Director of Sustainable Midlands.