Sixth Ward challenger officially launches campaign
City Council candidate Rod Robison seeks to represent more of the ward.
Published March 13, 2009
Sixth Ward City Council candidate Rod Robison held a fundraiser Tuesday in the Reichmann Pavilion at Stephens Lake Park, formally beginning his campaign to unseat incumbent councilwoman Barbara Hoppe.
"I've never run for office before," Robison told his supporters. "This is quite an experience, and I'm really enjoying it."
The candidates disagree on several issues, including how to address crime in Columbia and the possible appointment of a sustainability director for the city. Hoppe favors community policing, while Robison wants to increase the size and financing of the Columbia Police Department.
"The last thing we need to do is to tell the new police chief how to do his job," Robison said.
Former Sixth Ward Councilwoman Sharon Lynch supports Robison because she believes he is interested in a wider variety of issues than Hoppe.
"Rod has the best chance to win, because of his recognition of the threat of crime and the need to improve infrastructure and monitor growth," she said. "He's not only concerned about a single issue."
A 36-year resident of Columbia, Robison cites his tenure in the city and his abilities to listen to and consider the opinions of the Sixth Ward's diverse population as qualifications for him to serve on the council. Members of the candidate's family echoed his feelings.
"My father will represent a larger portion of the Sixth Ward," said Luke Robison, Rod's son. "Barbara Hoppe always wants to change the community, rather than enjoy what we have. The way Columbia has shifted recently, her ideas will not work in our present system."
Despite the negative campaigning that has is common in many elections, many observers believe each candidate will focus on his or her own positive attributes, rather than criticizing the opponent's flaws.
"For the most part, everyone will be civil," said Allan Sharrock, who is running to replace outgoing Second Ward Councilman Chris Janku. "Everyone can have disagreements."
Sharrock's opponent, Jason Thornhill, agrees that the campaign should run smoothly. He likes Robison's ideas, and would enjoy working with him if both get the chance to serve on the council.
"I hope it will focus on what each candidate can do best," Thornhill said. He also said he reached an agreement with Sharrock to remain positive in their race. In addition, he put his support behind Robison in the Sixth Ward race.
"I didn't know Rod before the campaign began, and the more I learn, the more impressed I am," he said. "I support him, and feel comfortable knowing what Rod Robison will do as a member of council."
History is against Robison. Incumbents rarely lose in municipal elections, as evidenced in Columbia by the ongoing 14-year tenure of Mayor Darwin Hindman and Janku's 18 years of service. But last year, Paul Sturtz unseated three-term incumbent Almeta Crayton in the First Ward.
Despite the long odds, supporters feel optimistic about Robison's chances to defeat Hoppe because of his ability to communicate and consider the needs of the city as a whole.
"Rod is a classier person," Rose Sweeney, a Columbia resident, said. "He listens well, makes good judgments and doesn't have his own pet projects."
