Mayor Darwin Hindman announces retirement

Hindman has served as mayor since 1995.

By Pierce Courchaine

Published Aug. 27, 2009, last updated 6:32 p.m., Nov. 13, 2010

After 15 years serving as Columbia's mayor, Darwin Hindman will retire and not seek re-election.

"I have decided, that at age 76, to try a little flexibility and freedom of private life," Hindman said at a news conference Thursday morning. "I know there has been speculation about my health. It is excellent, and that's because of exercise I do believe."

Hindman said he would continue to serve vigorously until the end of his term. He has been mayor since 1995 and is the longest-serving mayor in the city's history.

Hindman said he wanted to make his decision public seven months before the next election in order to give candidates adequate time to organize their own campaigns.

"I want to make it clear I had never planned to run for re-election," Hindman said.

When recounting his time as mayor, Hindman listed his implementation of city parks, pushing for an improved downtown and his progress in making Columbia more bike-friendly as some of his proudest accomplishments.

Hindman, who can be seen biking around Columbia, is a strong advocate of exercise, and he said he has worked hard to make Columbia a greener city throughout his career.

"I am proud of my record as mayor," Hindman said. "I am firmly convinced that Columbia is a better place than it ever has been to live, to work, to do business."

Axie Hindman, his wife of more than 45 years, said she is proud of her husband's work with recreational projects, and he doesn't receive enough credit for his other accomplishments.

"I must say I think his work with trails and parks is very good, but I do not think he gets due credit for all the other things that he has done," she said.

Hindman thanked his wife Axie, the city staff, his supporters, his law partner Jean Goldstein and the citizens of Columbia for his success.

Third Ward Councilman Karl Skala spoke highly of Hindman and his career, and he said the mayor has a remarkable ability to have a relaxed attitude in decision-making.

"I think the thing I learned the most from him was his general attitude on how he approached difference of opinion on the council," he said.

Fourth Ward Councilman Jerry Wade said the mayor has a deep belief in the city.

"He's always had a strong commitment to growing Columbia and he's provided leadership in that direction," he said.

Axie Hindman said she is pleased because her husband's retirement will allow them flexibility in their lives.

"When you make your plans around council meetings, work sessions and ribbon cutting, it's very hard to plan," she said.

Although her husband's time as mayor was busy, Axie Hindman said she liked the opportunities the office provided, such as meeting a wide range of people.

"I must say we have thoroughly enjoyed his terms as mayor," she said. "It has been a privilege for both of us to be a part of it."

It is unclear who will fill the mayor's empty seat, but both Skala and Wade have terms that expire in April.

Skala said he would not run for the position, but Wade said he is keeping his options open, and will announce his decision later in the year.