Meet the hopefuls seeking Columbia City Council’s at-large seat in The State’s voter guide
For the first time in nearly two decades, someone new is about to hold one of Columbia City Council’s at-large seats.
Seven people are running for the at-large post that currently is held by Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine. She has been in the seat for 19 years but is running for mayor this year. Unlike district seats, at-large council posts are elected citywide.
The Columbia municipal election is set for Nov. 2. If no candidate in the at-large race gets more than 50% of the vote in the general election, there will be a runoff between the top two candidates on Nov. 16.
The at-large race has drawn a diverse array of candidates who come from a tapestry of professions and backgrounds. The citywide hopefuls range in age from 31 to 81. The State recently sent questionnaires to all seven candidates, and subscribers can click below to read them. They are:
Tyler Bailey, an attorney
Heather Bauer, a business owner and IT professional
Dr. Aditi Bussells, a public health researcher
John Crangle, a professor and attorney
Deitra Stover Matthews, a government relations manager
Aaron Smalls, a photographer and studio owner
John Tyler, a cashier and activist
For more Midlands candidate questionnaires visit thestate.com/voter-guide.
