You won’t have Cameron Runyan to kick around any more

32 Replies
File photo: Howard Duvall in July

File photo: Howard Duvall in July

Y’all, I’m about to run into a meeting, but I thought I’d provide a post about the results (so far) of the city election.

Here’s The State‘s story.

Runyan in happier times.

Runyan in happier times.

I wasn’t a bit surprised that Howard Duvall was the big vote-getter in the Columbia at-large council race — his resume beats everyone else’s, hands-down — but I was slightly surprised that incumbent Cameron Runyan didn’t make it into the runoff.

I’ll share other thoughts in the comment thread when I get caught up later, but I figured I’d better put up a post so y’all can get started without me…

32 thoughts on “You won’t have Cameron Runyan to kick around any more”

  1. Kathryn Fenner

    Cameron boxed himself in: he burned bridges with his previous (misguided) supporters and appealed only to the members of a few, albeit large, black churches. John Adams had the “Kirkman Finlay” vote of prosperous fiscal conservatives, Andy Smith appealed to the arty crowd, and may have picked up a few votes from the mayor’s blessing (and may have lost just as many). Howard Duvall appealed to sentient voters who appreciate his integrity, experience, knowledge and apparent ability to function politically in the current faction-ridden city council. Duvall could appeal to religious conservatives and liberal alike, since he is publicly fairly opaque on the divisive social issues that are largely irrelevant to city government.

    Reply ↓
    1. Brad Warthen Post author

      If you were a manager empowered to hire for this position, Howard is the guy you would hire. Based on resumes, you might not even bother to interview the rest. Except for the black guy — you know, to at least make the effort. Then you’d hire Howard.

      Reply ↓
      1. Mark Stewart

        Not so fast. Duvall’s recent record of finding a way to thwart the will of the general voting public would be exactly the kind of tell that would make an empowered manager think twice. The analogy to his action is the guy who slammed through a deal and made himself look good, at the expense of the greater company’s reputation and goals.

        I have no objection to his or his group’s objections to, and campaigning against, a strong mayor system; but the subversion of a “fair” election to get their way was a black ball against his candidacy to be a Council member. Benjamin got the Council votes to pass his (probably misguided) actions. He did not twist parliamentary procedures to negate Council votes. The difference is stark.

        Reply ↓
        1. Kathryn Fenner

          Right, because we know that if the tables were turned, Steve Benjamin would have never ever done anything like that. No sirree–he’s all about the will of the general voting public…

          Reply ↓
    2. Phillip

      “Andy Smith appealed to the arty crowd.” Hey, with Andy finishing second in a citywide election, that shows you how big the “arty” crowd is in Columbia!

      But, anyway, as per Richard Florida, we prefer “creative class.” 😉

      I’m very proud of Andy Smith’s strong showing—but I think he’s topped out here. He’s not getting Runyan voters or many Adams voters, so I don’t see a big challenge to Duvall. 62-38 Duvall in the runoff.

      Reply ↓
      1. Mark Stewart

        I think that the run-off in District 2 may help Andy Smith.

        Notwithstanding what I wrote above, Andy Smith does appear to be the better candidate for the future of Columbia.

        Reply ↓
          1. Mark Stewart

            Please sketch out for me how the mayor’s endorsement of Smith’s candidacy is more damning than Duvall thwarting the will of the voters across the city?

            I would like to hear that one…

            Reply ↓
            1. Kathryn Fenner

              Because poor Andy is a neophyte and is lined up to be Benjamin’s next mini-me, since Cameron went rogue. We need council members who know as much as the very skillful mayor in how to achieve the best-practices results.
              Now, you are all hung up on the strong mayor vote–but in the event, we *did* vote, and we did not want a strong mayor. Those of us who actually reside here, like Howard and I. We sort of ended up getting one, and that’s why I support Howard–an effective counterweight to the strong mayor….

              Reply ↓
              2. Kathryn Fenner

                Look, I understand how much easier it would be for folks from out of the city to get things done here if a strong mayor had passed. We agree on this. That’s why i opposed it.

                Reply ↓
                1. Mark Stewart

                  I know you know that makes no sense at all, Kathryn.

                  The future is not something to be feared. Embrace the possibilities.

                  Reply ↓
      2. Kathryn Fenner

        Phillip, honey, I love you, mwah, but “creative class”? You improvise much? Compose?
        While you are no doubt are a true master of the art of playing the piano, teaching the piano, and directing chamber musicians, Professor Fenner actually *creates* more–although the market for theorem performances is limited.

        Reply ↓
        1. Bubbles

          Thanx Kat — UR forever on the edge of what’s trending *MWAH*

          I learned a new communique. And I don’t begrudge learning it from a lib. >little*mwah<

          Reply ↓
  11. Bubbles

    Donna — welcome to the jungle. I.e. outside of your propped-up fairy land bubble there in Ashleyville, Mississippi.

    “You can have anything you like but you better not take it from me…”

    CAPISHE?

    Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *