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PrintCOLUMBIA — For the first time in 15 years, Mayor Darwin Hindman will hand over his gavel to a new mayor.
Bob McDavid, a physician, was elected Tuesday to be the next mayor of Columbia. He won the election with 54 percent of the votes. He will be sworn in Monday night.
- 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."
McDavid is the only candidate to strongly support downtown surveillance cameras. Columbia residents also voted in favor of Proposition 1 on Tuesday, authorizing the placement of security cameras downtown.
McDavid was also endorsed by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, supported by Columbia firefighters and police officers and received an unprecedented campaign treasury of about $56,000.
McDavid's campaign also focused on increasing economic activity, decreasing crime, promoting neighborhoods and increasing the city's tax base.
A new mayor for the first time in a 15 years presents the opportunity for change and new ideas. McDavid was not previously involved in city government but served on the Boone Hospital Board of Trustees for 12 years. He is currently the board's chairman.
What changes would you like to see made in Columbia following the mayoral election?
Show Me the Errors 
Comments
Here's the rub, Emily.
It doesn't matter "what changes" or improvements I'd like to see in Columbia.
All that matters is what those people behind that unprecedented campaign treasury of $56,000 want.
The campaign was not about any real issues. The campaign was about skewing reality, creating, packaging and selling a few emotionally volatile concerns, (capitalizing on ignorance & fear), and letting folks know that it's money that purchases council seats.
But thanks for asking.