Columbia Police Officers Association endorses Blair Murphy in mayoral race

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Officer Association announced in a Thursday press release that it is endorsing Blair Murphy in Columbia’s mayoral race.

The election is in April. Murphy is one-of-two candidates who is running against incumbent Barbara Buffaloe, with the other being Tanya Heath.

The CPOA cites Murphy’s work with nonprofits that were listed in his press release that announced his run. The organization also stated its supporting Murphy because of focuses of his campaign, which include crime prevention, public safety and improving infrastructure. Murphy stated those were focuses of his campaign in his October press release.

Three races will occur in the April 8 election: Mayor, Ward 3 and Ward 4. The deadline to file is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14. Candidate election packets can be picked up at the City Clerk’s office.

Candidates running for mayor must obtain at least 100 signatures from residents and registered voters of the City of Columbia. Candidates for Ward 3 and Ward 4 must obtain at least 50 signatures from residents who reside in and are registered voters of that same ward, according to a previous release from the city.

Ron Graves and incumbent Nick Foster have filed for the Ward 4 race, while Jacque Sample filed for the Ward 3 race.