New Columbia mayor, councilman sworn in
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The new Columbia mayor and fourth ward councilman officially took their places in Columbia's government Monday night.
Former mayor Brian Treece took to the lectern to address city residents and the council for the last time.
"I am so grateful for my colleagues. And to you our community, I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and your elected officials and you're public officials," Treece said.
Barbara Buffaloe replaces Treece as the new mayor. Buffaloe said she looks forward to working hard for the community and is honored to be the second woman to serve as mayor.
"I take that with heart and I take that with conviction to work hard and continue to support our community so that everyone has the ability to live a satisfied life," Buffaloe said.
Nick Foster is taking over the fourth ward after Ian Thomas who held the position for nine years left. Foster said he vows to work towards a more equitable city.
"I also want to give attention to equity in our city, equal opportunity in our city, to make our city become more diverse over time," Foster said.
Thomas left the residents of Columbia with one last message Monday night.
"We have to commit to democracy, build up the public institutions that value everyone equally, and strive for Martin Luther King's vision for a beloved community," Thomas said.
Buffaloe's first action as mayor was to appoint mayor pro tem. Buffaloe nominated second ward council member Andrea Waner for the position and all council members voted in agreement.
