Local Government

Voters will elect a mayor, fill the Third and Fourth ward seats on the Columbia City Council and cast ballots on a charter amendment. Here's what voters need to know before they go to the polls.

The three-eighths-cent sales tax would generate about $9.3 million per year and would be used to finance a new building for 911 and emergency management operations as well as staffing and equipment upgrades.

Proposition 1 would prohibit the use of eminent domain to promote private redevelopment. It also would preclude the use of blight designations as a rationale for the city to condemn and acquire property.

Candidates for the City Council debated a host of issues Thursday evening at the last public forum before Tuesday's election.

Missourian reporters asked candidates for the Columbia City Council nine standardized questions on city government issues. Here are their verbatim answers to a question about city and ward priorities beyond those addressed in previous questions.

Mayor Bob McDavid leads all candidate fundraisers, while Citizens for Effective Emergency Response reports raising more than $17,000 to campaign for the 911 and emergency management sales tax.

Missourian reporters asked candidates for seats on the Columbia City Council nine standardized questions on city government issues. Here are their verbatim answers to a question about streets, sidewalks and trails.

Missourian reporters asked candidates for seats on the Columbia City Council nine standardized questions on city government issues. Here are their verbatim answers to a question about MU's increasing enrollment.

Missourian reporters asked candidates for seats on the Columbia City Council nine standardized questions on city government issues. Here are their verbatim answers to a question about the Police Department.

Missourian reporters asked candidates for seats on the Columbia City Council nine standardized questions on city government issues. Here are their verbatim answers to a question about crime.

Despite the surprises of council service, Fourth Ward incumbent Daryl Dudley is enthusiastic about seeking a second three-year term.

Ian Thomas has studied physics, been a substitute teacher, worked in the media and is most well known in Columbia for his involvement in the PedNet Coalition.

The longtime superintendent of the city's sewer division said dissatisfaction with city leadership prompted his bid for City Council.

The charter amendment would prevent the city from using eminent domain to acquire property for economic development with the intention of transferring seized property to private entities.

Missourian reporters asked candidates for seats on the Columbia City Council nine standardized questions on city government issues. Here are their verbatim answers to a question about Columbia Regional Airport.

Missourian reporters asked candidates for seats on the Columbia City Council nine standardized questions on city government issues. Here are their verbatim answers to a question about the Columbia bus system.

Changes would begin immediately if voters approve Proposition 1 on the April 2 ballot, officials say.

Gary Kespohl, the one-term incumbent running for re-election in the Third Ward, cites fiscal responsibility, job growth as priorities in his campaign.

The former council member has remained active in city government since he lost his seat three years ago, and shows persistence and resiliency on the campaign trail.

Missourian reporters asked candidates for seats on the Columbia City Council nine standardized questions on city government issues. Here are their verbatim answers to a question about incentives for development.