West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton will not run in 2019.

The 81-year-old mayor was part of a group that held a fundraiser April 30 for District 4 Councilman Tem Miles at Grecian Gardens.

Miles is West Columbia’s mayor pro tem and an attorney.

“As you can see from who is here tonight, Tem has the support of a cross section of people from the world of business, the legal profession and he is a Citadel graduate,” said Horton.

“They are all here to back him.”

“Steve Cohen owner of Home Concepts Too and Something Borrowed, and Bill Mooneyhan of Mooneyhan’s Auto Repair were also sponsors.

Although filing for the November election is not open until August, Miles said he has already been meeting as many people as he can.

“It’s been great to get out and go door-to-door to talk to people,” said Miles. He said he feels there is a lot of progress being made in West Columbia, with lots of new business, new parks and a feeling of excitement.

“I want to see that continue and I want to be a part of it. We are making great progress, especially with the projects that have been started in my district. I want the whole city to have the same level of positive growth.”

Cohen said he believes Miles is the best candidate to keep the city moving forward.

“I own a business in West Columbia. If I’m considering a plumber, and there is a choice between two, I’m going to take the one with experience.

“Tem has the experience from his time on council during a period of growth,” said Cohen.

Mooneyhan also said he believes West Columbia is in a healthy growth and prosperity mode.

“I support Tem because he is the right person to continue the progress that is going on,” said Mooneyhan. “There are a lot of good things happening. From the Beautification Foundation to the Kinetic Derby Day, there is a feeling of unity. We cannot afford to let that slip.”