Foster wins Fourth Ward seat; Third Ward candidates currently in a tie
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ.)
Tonight one seat was filled in the Columbia City Council fourth ward, but the third ward has not been selected after a tie between two candidates.
Nick Foster won the fourth ward seat, while Roy Lovelady and Karl Skala came in with a tie.
Earlier this evening Skala told Abc 17 he'd never experienced anything quite like this in an election and he wasn't sure what the next steps were. On the other hand, Lovelady denied comment at this time until he has more information about what happened next.
Nick Foster: Fourth Ward
Foster is originally from Alabama but he and his family have called Columbia "home" for more than 11 years. Nick served as an executive director of the Voluntary Action Center where he served community members for nine years before his retirement in 2021. Nick hopes to bring over 40 years of leadership experience, an understanding of city processes, and a deep appreciation for diversity to the city.
Erica Pefferman: Fourth Ward
Pefferman is the owner of COMO magazine and the Columbia Marketing group. Pefferman's been a Columbia resident since 2005. Pefferman also is a member of the Crime stoppers Board. Currently, Erica is a Heart of Missouri CASA board member and Greater Alzheimer's chairwoman. Pefferman hopes to build a strong Columbia workforce, ensure affordable housing and maintain the city's infrastructure.
Roy Lovelady: Third Ward
Lovelady has been a Columbia resident for 25 years and a small business owner for 17 years. He's owned the 360-star styling studio on Business Loop 70 for 16 years. Roy is the founder of People's Defense, a nonprofit organization working to right injustices. One thing the group prioritizes is banning chokeholds. Lovelady also believes one-on-one connections with the community are necessary steps the city needs to take to make any progress.
Karl Skala: Third Ward
Skala is hoping to hold onto his seat in the fourth ward. Skala is a former researcher in experimental psychology. Skla feels that his group dynamics of local governments and the institutional knowledge he brings will keep him coming back to the third ward. Karl has served on the council for 12 years. Skala's vision for public safety includes adding more officers and officer training's to the Columbia Police Department.
Tonight, each candidate will host a watch party in several different locations around Columbia.
