Former Columbia mayor criticizes Ward 4 candidate day after filing opens

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A candidate in Columbia’s Fourth Ward race is defending his record following after a former mayor called him out on social media.

Former Columbia Utilities Director Dave Sorrell filed paperwork on Tuesday to run for the open Fourth Ward seat on the City Council.

Former Mayor Brian Treece left a comment on ABC 17 News’ Facebook page that questioned Sorrell’s time as utilities director and brought up delayed or unfinished projects.

“Before asking voters to entrust him with another public role, residents deserve a clear explanation for why so many of these long-promised improvements remain incomplete,” a portion of Treece’s comment says.

Sorrell told ABC 17 News that previous City Councils had delayed the projects and said he wants to make them a priority, if elected.

“It’s not surprising that a political attack is already coming from individuals closely aligned with my potential opponent’s campaign. But I thank them for highlighting one of the many reasons I am running to represent the 4th Ward,” a statement from Sorrell says. “For years, the City Council simply did not make those priorities into reality. It’s a failure of elected leadership, they held the purse, they made the legislation, and they let politics get in the way."

Treece served as Columbia's mayor from 2016-22. Sorrell was the director of utilities from 2020-25 and was the assistant director during the prior five years.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 to file for the election, city documents show. Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The position is open after Councilman Nick Foster announced that he intends to resign from his position on June 12.