Columbia’s city council heard three hours of emotional testimony on Monday evening before voting 6-1 to approve a four-page ordinance expressing support for the LGBTQ community and declaring the city a safe haven for free speech and expression. Residents were literally lined up out the door to testify at city hall. Supporters, including a number of college students, say this is a life-saving measure and is about basic human decency. Opponents like a Columbia grandmother named Bonnie told the council they’re worried about their children and grandchildren in restrooms. The proposal says that the city of Columbia “recognizes the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion when it comes to being a competitive employer, building a strong local economy and enriching the community to be better than the sum of its parts, as well as recognizing LGBTQ people have long contributed to the rich history and social fabric or Columbia and this country.” A new state law bans gender-affirming health care treatments. The new ordinance directs city staff to decline any enforcement of those laws, or if unable to be declined for any reason, “will be the lowest priority within the city.” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” and blasted Columbia’ city council for the vote. He says local governments cannot deprioritize enforcement of state law. General Bailey tells listeners that the new ordinance says the city of Columbia says it’s okay to mutilate children:
Recall election for Columbia’s first ward councilman to take place in April
Columbia’s city council is expected to vote this evening to call an April special election for the recall of first ward city councilman Nick Knoth.
The Columbia city council’s two-page report says the recall petition circulated by resident Pamela Cooper has a sufficient number of signatures from registered voters in the first ward. That means the recall election will take place on April 2, which is a municipal election day. There are two potential outcomes of the recall election, according to the council packet. If a majority of voters cast ballots against the recall, Councilman Knoth remains in office. If a majority of voters cast ballots for the recall, there will be a temporary vacancy in the office.
Tonight’s council meeting begins at 7 at city hall.
Columbia’s new police chief to be introduced this afternoon
Columbia city hall is expected to be packed for this afternoon’s announcement of the city’s new police chief.
City manager De’Carlon Seewood has called a 2 o’clock press conference in the city council chambers to make the announcement, which is open to the general public. Mr. Seewood will brief community members and reporters to discuss the search and to introduce the new chief, who will also speak from the podium.
The four finalists are, in alphabetical order, former Forest Park (Georgia) and Fort Smith (Arkansas) police chief Nathaniel Clark, Kansas City Police Major Dan Haley, Columbia assistant police chief Jill Schlude and Greeley Colorado deputy police chief Michael Zeller. Mr. Seewood’s press conference will be broadcast live on the city channel, which can be viewed on Mediacom 80, Charter Spectrum 992 and CenturyLink 96.
Former Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones retired in August, after serving as chief since 2019. Matt Stephens is currently serving as the interim chief.
Columbia’s next police chief to be named Wednesday afternoon
Columbia officials have called a press conference for Wednesday afternoon to announce the city’s new police chief.
Columbia city manager De’Carlon Seewood will brief reporters and the general public at city hall at 2 pm tomorrow to discuss the search’s process and to introduce the new chief, who will also speak. Mr. Seewood’s press conference will take place in the city hall council chambers.
The city held an October community forum with the four finalists, who shared their vision for the future of policing in Columbia. The four finalists are, in alphabetical order, former Forest Park (Georgia) and Fort Smith (Arkansas) police chief Nathaniel Clark, Kansas City Police Major Dan Haley, Columbia assistant police chief Jill Schlude and Greeley Colorado deputy police chief Michael Zeller.
Former Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones retired in August, after serving as chief since 2019. Matt Stephens is currently serving as the interim chief.
Emotional swearing-in ceremony for Columbia councilman Lovelady
A standing-room only audience packed Columbia’s city hall on Saturday morning to see newly-elected third ward councilman Roy Lovelady’s swearing-in ceremony. The Columbia activist and salon owner upset veteran incumbent Karl Skala in this month’s runoff election. Councilman Lovelady credits a team effort for his victory. “I did it with love and listening and caring …