Residents campaign for City Council seats
Published Jan. 19, 2007
Gary Kespohl has lived in Columbia all his life. He's owned and operated Central Missouri Computer Center for 25 years, worked with Little League Baseball for 30 years and now, he's running for a spot on the Columbia City Council.
"I have always been interested in city government," Kespohl said. "I wanted to get a feel for the time commitment that it takes to serve on the council, so I talked to (Fourth Ward Councilman) Jim Loveless. Jim got the word out that I had inquired, and soon I got some calls encouraging me to throw my hat in the pot. My wife and I were up until two in the morning discussing the pros and cons of running, but I decided that I would."
Two council seats will be up for election on April 3 along with Mayor Darwin Hindman's seat. Hindman announced on Jan. 5 that he would seek a fifth term. Kespohl is running against Karl Skala in the third ward, and Jerry Wade is running against Mike Holden in the fourth ward. City Council candidates must have received 50 signatures by Jan. 18 to be in the election.
"I'm running for City Council because I believe Columbia is at a key turning point," Wade, the current chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, said. "The decisions that are made over the next couple of years will have a huge impact on the kind of community we will become."
Skala also believes Columbia is at a crucial point of development. After serving six years on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Skala is very interested in the future development of Columbia.
"There's a huge debate going on right now between those who support growth and those who oppose it," he said. "It's just not a 'for-or-against' issue. It's about how much the folks of Columbia have to pay for it."
Mike Holden, who has also served on the Planning and Zoning Commission, believes that Columbia's infrastructure is the biggest problem the city faces. Citing the problems Columbia has had with snow removal, Holden said the city's growth has far surpassed its infrastructure and has been talking about the problems during his campaign.
"I feel that public service is something I do well," Holden said. "Bringing fresh ideas to the city government will benefit all citizens."
Hindman will also run for reelection this spring against challenger John Clark, who ran against Hindman in 2004. Hindman won the 2004 election with 70.8 percent of the vote, to Clark's 25.9 percent.
Clark collected the 100 signatures required to run for mayor on Thursday, which was also the last day to file for candidacy.
Hindman, who was not sure whether he would have an opponent in April until Thursday, already has plans for his fifth term if he is elected.
"There are really exciting things going on that I would like to be a part of," Hindman said.
Among the projects Hindman looks forward to working on is the construction of the new city hall, the $25 million grant to build a non-motorized transportation system and the plan to build a small industrial park somewhere in Columbia, he said.
"I never try to list accomplishments by order of importance," Hindman said. "But I think a lot of people would point to the expansion of the city's parks and trails, the (Activities and Recreation Center) and the higher interest in beautification. I feel like I've created an atmosphere where these things have become possible."
Among other accomplishments of the city during his time as mayor, Hindman cites the steady improvement in race relations, the economy and building standards. But Hindman said there are still things he would like to accomplish, including affordable downtown housing, acquiring undisturbed land and developing the Hinkson Creek area.
Clark said he does not like the way city government is run and would like to restructure the way the city is run.
"I'm running to lead the council in fixing the currently broken implementation of the current council-manager form of government," he said. "For Columbia to thrive going into the future, the council needs to step up and be a strong, equal partner with the (city) staff."
Clark said he thinks many people feel they cannot affect city government, and they do not think they are being represented effectively.
"I have a whole bunch of ideas that, if the council goes along with them, would substantially change the way this government works," he said.
Clark said he feels Hindman has been in office for long enough, and it is time for new leadership.
"Whatever good Mayor Hindman can do for Columbia, he has done," Clark said.
Hindman said the things he has accomplished as mayor have come as a result of cooperation with the City Council and Columbia residents.
"I think you have to realize that any accomplishments have come from working with people of the city and the wonderful City Council," he said. "The mayor is only one of the factors."
— Staff Writer James Patrick Schmidt contributed to this report