Columbia pastor announces candidacy for city council

A local pastor has announced his candidacy for Columbia City Council.

Tom Leuther announced he is running for the third ward council seat Tuesday.

Leuther is a pastor and founder of family worship center and academy.

He has been a Columbia resident for 18 years. He said the race isn’t about politics, but about playing a positive, active role in the community.

So far, Leuther is the only person to announce a run against incumbent third ward councilman Karl Skala.

Columbia residents will vote on the position in April.