Jim Manning was originally elected to Richland County Council in November of 2008 to
represent District 8 and was re-elected for a second term in November of 2012.
His District runs from the northern part of Forest Acres and through 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 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 and quality of life for all
citizens in Richland County.
Jim’s wife of 30 years is Dr. Sandra C. Manning,
a professional School Psychologist. They have two sons, Jim who is a student at
the University of Virginia School of Law and Luke who is at University of South
Carolina studying Integrated Technology. 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 Attends Bike Summit
On May 16, 2013, Councilman Jim Manning took part in the Bike Summit Forum held at the Big Apple featuring guest speakers Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. from Memphis, TN along with Wade Walker of Fuss & O'Neill. Mayor Wharton has transformed his City with the commitment to new bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Wade Walker (shown at the podium) shared how other cities have been transformed in terms of Bike Friendly initiatives. Jim is shown pictured with Mayor Wharton and Richland County Planning Director Tracy Hegler and also with City Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine.
Councilman Manning Attends Forest Acres Festival
The Annual City of Forest Acres Festival was held on May 18, 2013 at A. C. Flora High School. Councilman Manning lives in Forest Acres and enjoyed the wide range of family fun activities including a magic act and blue grass music. He is shown with School Board Candidate Pamela Adams and long time friend Kendra Dove.
Councilman Manning Attends Hispanic Briefing
On May 4, 2013, Councilman Jim Manning attended the SC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Congressional Briefing and
Breakfast sponsored by SC Congressman James E. Clyburn at the SCDP Convention. Jim is shown pictured with Chamber President
Evelyn Lugo-Maldonado (Center) and Council Colleague Julie-Ann Dixon. Jim is also shown with Representative Joaquin Castro,
US Congressman from Texas' 20th District who provided the Keynote address. The briefing was insightful in terms of Councilman Manning's
representing Decker Blvd., Richland County's International Corridor.
Councilman Manning Becomes a Savvy Senior
On May 2, 2013, Councilman Jim Manning attended the 2013 Savvy Seniors extravaganza where Richland County Seniors
could visit exhibit booths and attend sessions on how to have healthier and more fulfilling lives.
The event venue was the beautifully renovated Township Auditorium.
Jim is shown pictured with Richland County Council Chairman Kelvin Washington (Lt),
County Probate Judge Amy McCulloch and County Treasurer David Adams.
He is also shown with Megan E. Monts, Abuse in Later Life Coordinator for Sexual Trauma
Services of the Midlands, who was one of the exhibitors.
Councilman Manning Attends Country Fair
Councilman Jim Manning attended the annual Sparkleberry Country Fair at Clemson University’s Sandhill Research & Education Center in Northeast Richland County on April 27, 2013.
The opening ceremony featured “Wounded Warriors of all Wars” who are pictured arriving to music provided by the 282nd Army Band, the Musical Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Center of Excellence from Ft. Jackson.
Jim is shown on stage with Rep. Mia McLeod (Rt) and Councilwoman Julie-Ann Dixon.
Councilman Manning Attends Festival
On April 27, 2013 Councilman Jim Manning was in Hopkins for the Lower Richland community's annual Sweet Potato Festival where Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites performed. Pictured is Jim's scrumptious piece of award winning sweet potato pie, as well as Jim with Rep Joe Neal and the 1st Lady of Richland County Council District 11, Mrs Norman Jackson.
Councilman Manning Goes to the Dogs
Councilman Jim Manning participated in the Bark in the Park fundraiser for Pawmetto lifeline which benefited homeless pets in Columbia, Richland and Lexinton County. The event was held at Finlay Park on April 20, 2013. Jim is shown with Richland Chairman Kelvin Washington (far right) and Lexington Chairman Bill Banning; and Mayor Steve Benjamin holding Snowball.
Councilman Manning Attends Council Meet and Greet
On April 18, 2013, Councilman Jim Manning participated in the County Council Meet and Greet held at the Township Auditorium. Following the Meet and Greet, citizens were provided with a behind the scenes tour of the wonderfully renovated facility. Jim is shown pictured with Township Director Aundrai Holloman.
Council Manning Attends Columbia World Affairs Luncheon
On April 8, 2013, the Columbia World Affairs organization hosted a luncheon in which Lord Mayor Dr. Klaus Weichel, Kaiserslautern Germany (Columbia's Sister City) was the guest speaker. Jim is shown with Richland County Chairman Kelvin Washington, Mayor Weichel and Richland County Councilman Paul Livingston.
Councilman Manning Participates in Decker Blvd. Area Event
Councilman Jim Manning helped sponsor the award metals for the 3rd annual Mats 2 Men (M2M) wrestling competition as part of the Games on Decker held March 29, 2013 at Richland Northeast High School in Richland County District 8. The event was coordinated by Scott Szalwinski, founder and Director of M2M. Scott is shown standing with Jim in the group shot of the metal recipients' group picture.
Councilman Manning Participates in “Together We Can Read”
On March 21, 2013 Councilman Jim Manning took part in the 5th annual “Together We Can Read” initiative which is a collaborative effort by the City of Columbia and Richland School District One that engages community leaders to include elected officials from local government agencies to read to all third grade students in Richland School District One. Jim is shown reading to Ms. Kim Cope and Ms. Virginia Arrington's 3rd grade classes at Satchelford Elementary School where his two Sons attended school. The chosen book selection this year was “Dave the Potter” by Laban Carrick Hill about a slave who lived in South Carolina during the 1800’s. Jim is also shown pictured with County Councilwoman Julie-Ann Dixon, another reader, standing behind one of the signed “Dave” pots found during an archaeological dig in Edgefield, South Carolina. The "Together We Can Read" program was initiated by and continues to be driven by Columbia City Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine.
Councilman Manning Attends Home & Garden Show
Councilman Jim Manning attended the 47th annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show 2013 at the State Fair Grounds on March 7, 2013 with his wife Doc. The event was sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia. Jim and Doc are shown with HBA of GC Executive Director Ear McLeod. The place was pact and with the improving economy, the 2013 is on track to be a great success.
Councilman Manning Judges Science Fair Projects
On March 7, 2013, Councilman Jim Manning served as a judge at the Excelsior! Academy’s annual Science Fair. Excelsior! Academy, in tandem with home schooling parents, is committed to raising a generation of students who can positively influence their culture for Christ. Jim is shown judging the winning project with Richland School District ONE’s Board Member Beatrice King and SC Interactive Achievment Inc.'s State Manager (and Niece) Donna Manning (far Lt.) He is also shown with colleague Councilman Torrey Rush who also served as a Judge. Finally, Jim is shown with 2nd Place Winner Ms. Grace Treadaway beside her remarkable project display.

Councilman Manning Attends Luncheon with Consul General
Consul General, Consulate of the Republic of Korea Mr. He Beom Kim addressed the Midlands International Trade Association at a Luncheon in Richland County on March 5, 2013. Councilman Jim Manning is shown with Consul General Kim (Rt), and friends Mr. Chung Ho Yi and Mr. Sok Myan Yun. Jim is also shown with Korean Association President Ms. Young-Sil Kim. The meeting discussed improving trade relations.
Councilman Manning Participates in Heart Association Fundraiser
On March 2, 2013, Councilman Jim Manning participated in Richland County Sheriff's Department's Region Two Captain Porter's annual American Heart Association fundraiser. Captain Porter, along with family and friends, cooked Spaghetti Dinners for delivery, take out or eat-in at Pastor Scott's Dentsville Baptist Church. Jim is shown pictured with Captain Porter and the head cook. Funds raised support in the fight against heart disease.
Councilman Manning Attends SC Cornbread Festival
The 1st SC Cornbread Festival sponsored by Richland County was held on March 1-2, 2013. Councilman Jim Manning is pictured with fellow Councilmember Paul Livingston and the Festival mascot, CornEar. Additionally, Jim is shown with the Cornbread Cook-off Contest winners (Left to Right - 1st Place Ms. Sylvia Davis; 2nd Mr. Edmund H. Day Sr. and 3rd Ms. Mary Ann Burgess). The event was coordinated by the North Columbia Business Association with the mission “To raise diabetes awareness throughout our community while celebrating a South Carolina tradition...with a healthy twist!”
