Columbia mayoral candidates forum on racial discrimination, privacy rights

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia's Mayoral candidates are all set to take part in a forum, hosted by the Mid-Missouri Civil Liberties Association.

The forum, is set to take place on zoom on Saturday, beginning at 1:30 p.m. It comes just 10 days out from the April 5 election that will elect a new mayor to the city of Columbia.

The four remaining mayoral candidates are Barbara Buffaloe, Tanya Heath, Randy Minchew and David Seamon.

Prior fifth candidate Maria Oropallo dropped out of the mayoral race due to lack of funding.

According to a release, questions at the forum will surround civil liberties. Categories include racial discrimination, privacy rights and freedom of expression.

The Civil Liberties Association said it would ask specifically about, "how they would address the ongoing issue of stark racial disparities in law enforcement, in particular, in regard to traffic stops and, especially, the searches that often ensue after a traffic stop."

The group also stated candidates will be asked about a ban on no knock warrants, claiming the warrants are dangerous both to residents and law enforcement officers.

Marijuana is also expected to be discussed Saturday, with organizers set to ask candidates on the likelihood on the legalization of non-medical marijuana for adult use in November's election.

Additionally, candidates will be asked their thoughts on *downtown, marijuana dispensaries, as well as an ordinance that would end the testing for marijuana on prospective city employees.

Tune into ABC 17 News This Morning starting at 6 a.m. for a live report.