Hartman unseats Waterman in Columbia’s Ward 5 race
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia's Fifth Ward will have a new representative.
Challenger Christina Hartman defeated incumbent Don Waterman in Tuesday's election 58% to 42%. Hartman brought in 1,332 votes while Waterman got 981 votes, with a total of 2,313 ballots cast.
Waterman expressed his disappointment at the loss, but congratulated Hartman on the win. He said she hopes she can finish the job on a number of important issues to Ward 5 constituents.
"Let's finish the transmission line, let's finish the water tower, let's finish the push for public safety," Waterman said. "That's what she said she was interested in doing, so let's hope that she follows through with it."
Both candidates previously told ABC 17 News that infrastructure projects would be a top priority if they're elected. Long-delayed infrastructure projects, including a water tower in southwest Columbia and an electric transmission line have faced setbacks for nearly a decade.
Hartman said the first issue she planned to address once she is sworn in would be infrastructure.
"Looking at those projects and really trying to make progress happen on them, connecting with the voters to just keep them updated and making sure that their priorities are being represented at council," Hartman said.
Hartman told ABC 17 News Tuesday that more community engagement and education about the proposed projects will help garner community support.
"I think a lot of the backlash cam came before because they felt caught off guard about the design or structure and where things would be," Hartman said.
Waterman said Tuesday that the transmission line project is finally moving forward again after a years long standstill and that city leaders need to keep their foot on the gas to not lose momentum.
"Basically, the transmission line, we got a report back from utilities, that's a preferred route. So now it's just making sure that we just keep keep the pressure on," Waterman said.
Other hot topics city-wide include how the city should manage its budget and addressing staffing vacancies in the police and fire departments. Waterman supports the passing of a Public Safety Sale Tax, while Hartman wants to take a closer look at the city's current spending measures.
At Monday's City Council meeting council members unanimously passed a Downtown Ambassador Program to further support ongoing public safety efforts. Both Waterman and Hartman shared their support for the program.
"It's definitely a step in the right direction, it's an established program," Waterman said. "People think that it's going to be successful and another step in making Columbia a safer place."
"That real, preventative action is definitely something I want to see the city continue to take," Hartman said. "I like that they're going to have a more connectedness to the community and try to build the relationships at an individual level."
The candidates also share different perspectives on the city's role in addressing homelessness. Waterman believes private organizations and local nonprofits are more efficient at administering help than the city. Hartman has advocated for individualized assistance to help people reach their next steps.
Waterman won his election race for Ward 5 over Gregg Bush in 2023 by a margin of fewer than 150 votes out of close to 4,000 cast. This is Hartman's first time running for a City Council seat.
Polls closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Both Hartman and Waterman said they have cast their ballots. Waterman hosted a watch party at Southside Pizza and Pub, while Hartman held hers at Las Margaritas on Southampton Drive.
Boone County voters can visit the Boone County Clerk's website to find voter information and polling locations.
For more information about Boone County ballot issues, the Columbia Board of Education race or the Columbia City Council Ward 5 race, visit ABC 17's Voter Guide.
