EARLY BIRD CANDIDATE SURVEY: Jerry Wade for Columbia Mayor

WadeColumbia mayoral candidate Jerry Wade answers the Columbia Heart Beat's Early Bird Candidate Survey from local journalists.   Survey questions went out to early filers for mayor and city council.  

 

Our team of questioning journalists includes:

 

George Kennedy, professor of journalism and columnist, The Columbia Missourian

Tyree Byndom, Host, Kore Issues, KOPN radio

Mary Daly, Managing Editor, The MU Maneater

Jonathan Sessions, columnist/blogger, Columbia Business Times

 

 

George Kennedy asks:

1.  What does “smart growth” mean to you?

Wade:  We want to foster the kind of growth that makes Columbia such a special place.  Smart growth means that we will consider infrastructure as a part of the cost of development, and anticipate the costs of new roads and utilities as well as their maintenance.

 

Smart growth favors building in areas where the infrastructure is already in place rather than paving over the farmland and forests on the outskirts of the city.  In short, it means building up rather than out, and rebuilding aging and obsolete structures where we already have roads and utilities.

 

Such development reduces the need for new infrastructure on the city’s fringes, encourages re-development closer to the city center, and preserves the natural environment.
 

2.  What should be the top 3 priorities for the next council?

Wade:   A healthy economic climate. Council should adopt policies that encourage job creation for all our residents at all skill levels.

 

Public safety. Council should continue to adopt policies that support law enforcement and support the efforts of neighborhoods and organizations that create the kinds of educational and recreational activities that encourage positive behavior.

 

Effective planning and development policies. We must have policies that reflect our community values while providing opportunities for the kind of development that makes Columbia such a special place to live.

3.    Should council members be paid?


Wade:   Yes.  As our city has grown and Council service has become at least a half-time job for all Council members, pay seems quite reasonable.  Compensation for Council service might enlarge the pool of individuals who would be able to serve but are currently unable for financial reasons.                                                            

 

4.  What do you see as the proper relationship between the council and the manager?

Wade:   The Council provides the policies, priorities and direction for the City.  The City Manager is responsible for implementing the policies, priorities and direction set by the Council.   When there is clear, open communication and a close working relationship, the result is a more efficient city government and higher quality city services.

 

Tyree Byndom asks:

 

1. If elected Mayor of Columbia, Missouri what will be your main priorities?

Wade:  Enhancing economic opportunity for all Columbians through new jobs, and opportunities for training for those who need additional skills and employment opportunities.

Improving public safety by continued support of strong law enforcement while working to reduce crime. We must work with families, schools, churches, neighborhoods and other community groups to create strong families and positive opportunities for youth that enables those locked in a cycle of poverty to become successful, productive citizens. 

Creating effective planning and development policies that reflect our community’s values and provide continued opportunities for the kind of development that has made Columbia such a special place. We must emphasize upgrading existing infrastructure.

2. How will you implement your plans/vision to better our city?

Wade:  I listen to all citizens with an interest in bettering our city, to learn their ideas and visions and to ensure that diverse interests are taken into account. It is the responsibility of elected officials to ensure citizens have the opportunity to understand the issues facing our city with accurate information.

The views of concerned citizens, coupled with my experience as a member of the City Council, as chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and as a long-term Columbia resident will form a solid base for assertive leadership to build our future as a progressive, inclusive city.

3. What type of legacy would you like to leave behind?

Wade:  The basis on which I will evaluate my success is simple. 

I’ll ask: Is Columbia a safer, more economically viable community than when I became mayor?  Has progress been made toward eradicating an under culture of poverty through education, job training and economic opportunity?  Has the city grown at a manageable pace, with minimal sprawl and attention to infrastructure needs, while maximizing environmental sustainability?
 

Jonathan Sessions asks:

1.   In this voluntary position, what are your expectations of necessary time commitment?  

Wade:  I am retired. I am available to work as much as the position requires. I understand that being Columbia’s mayor is essentially a full-time job.   

 

2. How do you plan to keep up with a demanding city council?

 

Wade:   I don’t intend to keep up with a demanding city council. I intend to lead the city council.

 

 

Mary Daly asks:  How do you view students living in the city of Columbia as part of your plans for mayor?

 

Wade:  Students living in Columbia are a large and undervalued resource.  I will work with student leaders from Stephens College, Columbia College and the University of Missouri to identify ways to actively engage students in civic affairs and identify how the city can address issues affecting students.