Belinda!
Dear Friends and Fellow Columbians:
I have decided to become a candidate for Columbia City Council District
No. 3 in next April's election, because at this critical moment in our
city's history, I believe that I can offer the leadership, independence
and vision to help Columbia achieve its great potential.
Columbia is poised for greatness, which can be sensed in the
cutting edge plans for Innovista, the development of the State
Hospital grounds, the vibrancy of our intown neighborhoods and the
creative energy of our arts community. We will not achieve greatness
as a city, however, unless we deliver basic public services well, such
as public safety, preservation of our neighborhoods, management of
growth and fiscal responsibility and transparency.
We must be passionate advocates and protectors of our neighborhoods and
the extraordinary natural beauty of our city. This is a special
responsibility of the District 3 Council member because the district
includes some of the most beautiful and civically active neighborhoods
in the city, extending from the Bradley and Midland Terrace communities
to Forest Hills and Melrose Heights to Shandon, Rosewood and the
University. We must appreciate that these intown neighborhoods are
attractive locations for developers, and there will be constant
stresses on our neighborhoods as new commercial and residential
projects are proposed in proximity to our homes. We must, as part of
thoughtful managed growth, carefully scrutinize all development
proposals that may threaten the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
As immediate past president of Historic Columbia Foundation and a
longtime civic activist, I have been at the front line in battles over
the preservation and protection of our neighborhoods and, if elected,
intend to be an effective voice on City Council for our intown
communities.
We must, as a city, have the courage and political will to address
the tough issues-most notably our city's crisis with homelessness. We
must recognize that at times the right decision may not be the popular
one. I want to help our City Council develop a comprehensive plan for
homelessness and bring other private and public agencies to the table
to address the underlying causes of homelessness. I also want the City
to become an active partner of Richland School District One in
developing quality after school and enrichment programs for our kids,
drawing upon the resources of the city's park system, museums, historic
homes and volunteers.
I plan to give this campaign and, if elected, service on City Council
everything I have. I am at a wonderful point in my life, with my
retirement from Columbia College and my children in college and beyond,
to give public service my full, unqualified attention. If my friends
in District 3 choose me as their Council member, this will be my full
time responsibility.
As we proceed in this campaign, I seek your advice, guidance and
support. I welcome your active engagement in this great effort. Let us
work together, in common purpose, to make Columbia the great city it
can and should be.
Belinda Friedman Gergel