Attorney General says courts should look at city election decision

The Columbia City Council?s decision to hold an election April 6 to replace former Councilman E.W. Cromartie is OK, but contradictions in state law should be addressed by a court "as quickly as possible," according to an opinion from state Attorney General Henry McMaster.

The opinion is based primarily on state law 5-7-200, which states:

"A vacancy in the office of mayor or council shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term at the next regular election or at a special election if the vacancy occurs one hundred eighty days or more prior to the next general election."

That contradicts state law 5-15-50, which says:

"Public notice of the elections shall be given at least sixty days prior to such elections."