© 2024 University of Missouri - KBIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Columbia's New City Councilmembers Take Their Seats

Melanie Gibson
/
KBIA

Helen Anthony and Fred Schmidt were sworn into office at a special city council meeting Monday.

At a special city council meeting Monday night, Fred Schmidt and Helen Anthony, of the First and Fifth Wards, respectively, were sworn in to office.
 
Anthony says she looks forward to serving her constituents as a member of the council.
 
Listening to the outgoing speeches by Paul Sturtz and Lauren Hauser were very moving, I would have to say. You know, they put a lot of their time and effort into the governance of this city so it’s humbling. It’s humbling and its going to be a lot of work but I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
 
Sixth Ward Councilmember Barbara Hoppe was appointed as Mayor Pro-tem during the meeting. She says that she is looking forward to working with the new council members.
 
Oh I’m very pleased. They are bright people, they’ll be hard working, they’ll be very dedicated and concerned about representing the citizens so that’s all you can ask for in good representatives.
 
In response to low voter turnout in the April 5th election, Schmidt says he hopes to voters are less disenfranchised during his time on the council.
 
Many people aren’t involved and I want to change that.
 
He went on to say that although he plans to reach out to voters and get them more involved, he doesn’t know exactly how he will do that.