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COLUMBIA — The NAACP forum Tuesday night might have discovered a topic that Columbia City Council, mayoral and school board candidates can all agree on: if the city supports youth programs, economic and social diversity might grow with it.
Although each candidate had different approaches to issues such as tax revenue, job growth and the Citizens Police Review Board, the forum questions, which were submitted on note cards and read by moderator Virginia Law, seemed to always drift back to focus on support and enrichment of youth programs.
- Columbia Mayor Darwin Hindman casts his ballot Tuesday afternoon at St. Andrews Lutheran Church. "I was excited to vote for the school bond and propositions, as it is truly important for the city," Hindman said. "But when it comes to the vote for mayor, I missed seeing my name there. It was really a final act before becoming fully aware that my tenure as mayor is truly over."
- Steve Calloway, a member of the Columbia Black Round Table, listens intently to candidates from the public office races on the April 6th ballot speak at the forum sponsored by the NAACP on Tuesday evening. While the NAACP does not endorse candidates, the Columbia Black Round Table will announce candidate endorsements prior to election day.
Mayoral candidates were asked to discuss and elaborate on Monday night’s council meeting about the Youth Resolution Program. The question asked what candidates would do to promote a positive, safe atmosphere for a more youth- and family-friendly community.
Candidate Sid Sullivan said creation of a youth services bureau could facilitate cooperation between police and parents. Keeping children out of police custody, unless as a last resort, could keep young people away from crime.
Candidates Sean O’Day, Paul Love and Bob McDavid outlined school and community programs for bolstering a community that supports its youth, such as the Big Brothers and Big Sisters or using school extracurricular activities as incentive to do well in school in order to participate in clubs students enjoy.
Another candidate, Jerry Wade, read from the resolution presented to the City Council on Monday night and said bringing young people to places like the Columbia Black Round Table and letting them speak would give the city a direction for helping disadvantaged youth.
Council Ward candidates also discussed, as one question was posed, ways to "combat, undo and ultimately dismantle racism," balance of power between the city manager and the council and diversity training for city workers and police officers.
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Comments
("Jerry Wade, read from the resolution presented to the City Council on Monday night and said bringing young people to places like the Columbia Black Round Table and letting them speak would give the city a direction for helping disadvantaged youth.")
Inner city black youth have been around in Columbia almost as long as Jerry Wade has been around in Columbia.
And now, we suddenly hear about "his" family-friendly and the bringing of young people to places like the Columbia Black Round Table and letting them speak to give the city a direction for helping disadvantaged youth?
1. What good is allowing young people to vent to deaf ears?
It only frustrates them more and widens the chasm.
2. Sid Sullivan has the courage, knowledge, ability, skill and desire to truly bring all kinds of people together. He's already lived it in New York City and Chicago.
If you want the same old, same old, Vote Wade or McDavid.
If you desire a more cohesive, truly united Columbia, vote for Sid Sullivan.