93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
The publisher of Comobuz.com says there is some stress between Boone County Commissioners and Boone Hospital involving American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Mike Murphy tells 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Round Table” that the hospital is seeking $7-million in ARPA funds, while the county is moving slowly. He says the hospital could be an issue in the November race for Boone County’s presiding commissioner.
“I think it become a campaign issue during that race, where exactly they stand on the county’s relationship with the hospital and what they would like to see done there,” Murphy tells listeners.
Former three-term State Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) faces Quality Drywall Construction owner Connie Leipard in November. The winner will replace incumbent Dan Atwill, who’s served in that role since 2011. Mr. Atwill was elected to the post in 2012, before being re-elected in 2014 and in 2018.
During Saturday’s interview with host Fred Parry, Murphy also addressed the race for Columbia’s third ward council seat and the upcoming special election. He says northeast Columbia’s third ward has contrasts.
“You know that area has some very, very nice residential developments and it also has our worst part of town a couple of blocks away. It’s where most of our violent crime takes place,” says Murphy.
Incumbent Karl Skala and challenger Roy Lovelady tied in April with 1,102 votes. The special election is on August 2.
