LETTER: Wade needs no on-the-job training

Jerry Wade is the best qualified candidate for mayor of Columbia. He has a great deal of experience in city government, and he understands the complexity of running a rapidly growing, diverse city such ours.

Jerry has served on the Columbia City Council as Fourth Ward councilman for the past three years. Prior to that, he was a member of Columbia's Planning and Zoning Commission from 1995 to 2007 and served as its chair from 2001 to 2007. He has also been an active member of the Smart Growth group and is very knowledgeable about environmental and development issues in Columbia.

Jerry has a B.A. in Sociology, an M.S. in Community Development and a Ph.D. in rural Sociology from MU. From 1979 to 2000, he was Associate Professor of Community Development. As a University Extension Community Development Specialist, he assisted towns and cities throughout Missouri and elsewhere in their economic development.

Jerry has respect for the environment. He knows that a first-class city needs the kind of development which respects the environment. A quality city will attract quality economic development with good jobs. He also supports home-grown businesses, which will keep dollars in the community. Jerry has no special interests with deep pockets supporting him. He has no large signs on commercial property. The umbrella on his small signs, located mostly on neighborhood properties, stands for equal and inclusive representation of everyone in the community.

Jerry Wade has the experience, the education and the ability to be mayor of Columbia. Jerry Wade will need no on-the-job training. Jerry Wade will be able to take hold immediately to help lead our city through these difficult economic times.