EARLY BIRD CANDIDATE SURVEY: Sid Sullivan for Columbia Mayor, Pt. 1

SullivanIntroducing the Columbia Heart Beat's Early Bird Candidate Survey from local journalists.   Survey questions went out to early filers only, for mayor and city council.  We won't be repeating the survey with any subsequent filers. 

 

Mayoral candidate Sid Sullivan (left) answers questions from:

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

 

Answers may be reprinted or broadcast in any of these publications/formats.

KOPN radio's Tyree Byndom asks

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

The main task will be to help steer the city through this economic crisis that has signs of worsening over the next few years.  

 

A second and equally important priority is governance.  In order to achieve a more responsive government, council need to have advice and consent for the appointment of all department heads.   There is a delicate balance between the City manager running the city and department heads providing the unvarnished truth to Council. 

 

Justice and safety for all is important.   It’s important for the city to treat all our inhabitants with civility.

 

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

 

My vision for Columbia is intertwined with the update of the City Charter.  

 

I visualize a city where all citizens are treated equally.  Planning is key to how we grow and I intend to engage City Council in a proactive role. 

 

My background in finance, criminal justice and urban problems should serve the citizens as your spokesperson. We have a well educated community many of whom are engaged in city commissions or in an advisory capacity.  We have a well trained city staff who, in this economic downturn may need to assume more of the work farmed out to consultants.

 

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

Since I am not trying to build my resume as I am retired, my desire as mentioned is to leave the city with power centralized in the council.  These are tough times with budget constraints looming. I think my steady hand would be of benefit.

 

I will urge transparency each step of the way and take counsel from all who wish our city to prosper.  My legacy should be to help guide us through these times and in the process strengthen our city for all of us.


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

As mayor it would be my duty to embrace all those who work, live and go to school in Columbia. I recognize that students too are being affected deeply by the economic downturn in the country.  Students feel the anxiety of their parents coupled with worries of future job prospects.

 

Sullivan's responses, Part 2