Safety important in Fourth Ward race

By Brad Fischer

Published Feb. 23, 2007

The race to replace Fourth Ward Councilman Jim Loveless on the Columbia City Council is about to heat up with municipal elections scheduled for April 3.

Because Loveless decided not to run again, voters will choose between Michael Holden and Jerry Wade.

"It was time for me to take a break," Loveless said.

Loveless said he would not endorse either candidate, but he supports anyone who desires to serve the city. He did see some characteristics as important to being a successful councilman.

"They must be open-minded and possess a vision for the city of Columbia, not just one year from now, but five and 10 years down the road as well," Loveless said.

He said he sees maintaining the quality of life for citizens as Columbia grows to be the most important issue of the election. Keeping Columbia's character intact as it continues to grow is important to Loveless as well.

Holden is a small business owner who has lived in Columbia since 1985. He has served as a Columbia Planning and Zoning commissioner since 2000.

Wade retired in 2000 from his position at MU as a professor of community development and state community and economic development specialist for university extension. He has been a member of the Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission since 1992 and was named its chairman in 1999. He has lived in Columbia since 1979.

Holden sees safety and city infrastructure as the election's key issues.

"The city needs to prioritize street improvements," Holden said.

He cited a two-lane stretch of Scott Boulevard between the MKT Nature/Fitness Trail and Brookfield Terrace. Holden said when the road is expanded to four lanes in 2008, the city should implement extensive safety measures. He also said by some estimates, the city of Columbia is 30 years behind where it should be in community infrastructure.

Wade said more sidewalks and safety measures are needed along Scott Boulevard. He also said revamping how the City Council deals with community development is an important concern.

Wade also stated in an e-mail that the City Council needs to take a leading role in devising a new economic development plan, which must include attracting a new major employer and putting an emphasis on downtown vitalization.

Holden said he supports the city's growth and agrees that the City Council must play an active role.

"I support growth that is intelligent, thoughtful and right-sized," he stated in an e-mail. "I want to see development on a similar scale and size with the neighboring community at large."

Wade cited the Wal-Mart on West Broadway as an example of responsible growth. He said the City Council limited the size of the Wal-Mart to keep it from "overwhelming" its surroundings.

The Fourth Ward is in west Columbia, south of Broadway.

On April 3, Columbia residents will also cast votes in the mayoral and Third Ward City Council races. Mayor Darwin Hindman for a fifth term against John Clark. In the Third Ward, Gary Kespohl and Karl Skala are running to replace retiring councilman Bob Hutton.