Candidates running for Columbia City Council faced questions in a forum hosted Thursday by the Columbia Board of Realtors.
Three candidates took part in the forum. In Ward 2, incumbent Michael Trapp is seeking a third term but will face opposition from Paul Love. Council member Betsy Peters is running unopposed in Ward 6.
A point of contention was when Love said Trapp had a conflict of interest in developments in the city based on the business Trapp owns.
“That is one of the prime reasons I am running. I am not a huge fan of crony-councilmen,” Love said.
Trapp said the accusations leveled against him are false and he is not benefiting on business deals from his elected office.
“There is no conflict of interest between my vote on the TIF District and my work for the downtown community improvement district,” said Trapp. “I am deeply offended by my opponent’s rash accusation without looking at any of the facts…”
Public safety funding, community development projects, and morale of the police force were a few of the many other issues discussed at the forum.
The election for city council will be held on April 3.
