Opinion

Rev. Mel West believes that wherever and whenever the Spirit of Jesus Christ is present, no matter what place or space, resurrection will occur.

An MU study found that expanding and strengthening Medicaid will create 24,000 new jobs in Missouri in 2014 alone. That means more nurses will be available to provide care to you and your loved ones.

Wild weather — from flooding to drought — has created havoc on the river the last two years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has acknowledged management practices need to be reconsidered to account for these events.

Karl Skala lives not far from Clark Lane and knows the effects of the area's growth first hand.

He is highly educated, an experienced Columbia public-policy decision maker, committed to representing his constituents' interests, honest and law-abiding.

Ian Thomas, if elected, will keep citizens informed about how he thinks and how he arrived as his decisions.

Ian Thomas adds new perspective to City Council and will bring passion and vision to office.

Karl Skala will speak on behalf of the city, if elected to council.

Karl Skala has experience in planning and development.

Agencies that Public Safety Joint Communications serves need to pay their part to keep up with growth in our area.

Karl Skala works diligently for community.

It's that time of the year when we place our bets on basketball teams and make choices at the polls. There will be winners and losers, but losses shouldn't be taken personally.

Ian Thomas would not be beholden to any special interest group, if elected.

Ian Thomas has worked tirelessly for the betterment of our community.

If elected, Karl Skala will push for developers to pay their fair share for needs created by the developments, such as roads and sewers, rather than placing an unfair burden on taxpayers.

Karl Skala has the experience and has proven his willingness to serve Third Ward on City Council.

Karl Skala is a progressive thinking about updating development plans and zoning regulations, which include requiring developers to pay for road and sidewalk improvements.

Sid Sullivan will bring a data-driven, planned-growth approach to city governing, ensuring that Columbia remains and outstanding city for everyone well into the future.

Thomas would be a "bridge builder" and uniting force on the City Council, if elected.

Ian Thomas has a strong vision for our community.