Vera Elwood files for Columbia Ward 2 election
Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Another person has filed to run for the open Ward 2 seat on the Columbia City Council.
Librarian Vera Elwood announced her candidacy Thursday in a press release. City Clerk Sheela Amin wrote in an email that the city received Elwood’s petition on Thursday and is in the process of reviewing it to determine if it’s sufficient.
Elwood wrote that focuses of her campaign include “improving infrastructure, creating a safer and more welcoming city, and ensuring every voice in the community is heard and uplifted.”
“I am running for City Council because I love Columbia. I met my husband here. I started a family here. I found my community here. I believe that my experience in public service, knowledge of Columbia, and dedication to community involvement can help make Columbia a truly safe place for everyone,” Elwood said in the release.
The release says Elwood works as a librarian at the University of Missouri, is a member of LiUNIA Local 955 and served as an organizer for Mizzou Workers United. She first moved to Columbia for college and wrote that she is a graduate of the University of Missouri, according to the release. She earned a Master of Library and Information Science degree in 2019, the release says.
She came back to Columbia in 2019 to raise a family, the release says. She serves as the chair of the Columbia Disabilities Commission and is a member of the Commission on Cultural Affairs, the release says.
She also works as a youth program coordinator at The Center Project and is a volunteer at True/False Film Fest, Unbound Book Festival, Mid-Missouri PrideFest and the Central Missouri Humane Society, the release says.
Ken Rice announced his candidacy last week and his petition was determined to be sufficient, Amin wrote.
The city called for a special election on Aug. 5 after Ward 2 Councilwoman Lisa Meyer announced that she would step down on May 16.
Election packets can be picked up at the city clerk’s office and candidates have until June 3 to file, according to previous reporting.