Voters in Columbia’s vacant second ward have elected Vera Elwood to the city council. Elwood defeats businessman Ken Rice in Tuesday’s special election. The final vote was 1,480 to 1,130, according to the Boone County clerk’s office.
The seat has been vacant since May, when Councilwoman Lisa Meyer resigned for health reasons. 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. Elwood’s campaign also focused on a commitment to support local and small businesses.
Columbia’s second ward includes the Park DeVille, Vanderveen, Parkade and Belwood neighborhoods. Vera Elwood will be sworn-in later this month. The exact date has not been set yet.