Columbia’s newest council member will receive a ceremonial oath of office at the start of Monday night’s meeting at city hall.
Vera Elwood was sworn-in last week. She defeated businessman Ken Rice in August’s election by more than 300 votes. Elwood and Rice campaigned door-to-door throughout the ward this summer and raised thousands of dollars.
Vera Elwood says she wants to help build a Columbia for all. She is also concerned about outsourcing. 939 the Eagle News reported in July that a labor union that represents the city of Columbia’s snowplow drivers, bus drivers and garbage collectors says the city paid at least $5.1-million in outsourcing and overtime in fiscal year 2024.
Columbia’s second ward includes the Park DeVille, Vanderveen and Parkade neighborhoods.