David Shorr

The biggest beef I hear from “regular citizens” regarding political campaigns is their negativity and the mean spiritedness. I personally know many of those campaigning for office during...

In the near future, citizens of Boone County and Columbia will be hearing about contract negotiations regarding fire services. As the City of Columbia expands by smart growth,...

Retaliation. It has a very negative connotation. We think of some examples on how the word is used. We have sentences such as, “The enemy will retaliate.” If...

I used to enjoy the sport of politics. It was for me, like many, an art form — the debate, the issues, the future. There are rare occasions...

I recently met with City Manager Bill Watkins. Our visit took place over dinner the day following a Columbia City Council meeting that went until 1:30 a.m. The...

I recently had major heart surgery. I now have more bypasses than the St. Louis metropolitan area. It is one of those experiences that makes you reflect back...

“Christmas came early around these parts this year.” At least that’s how an older gentleman from Chillicothe expressed it after Missouri beat Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium. I really...

This past weekend, Columbia experienced an unprecedented number of incidents that most people would consider threatening and significant. They included gunfire, robbery and assault. Several included drugs, but...

There are many subjects in Columbia that you are not allowed to talk about negatively. If you talk negatively about these subjects, even merely to stimulate a debate,...

Municipal electric utilities are unusual enterprises. They were generally set up at times when there was no ability to gain electrical service. In the true municipal context, communities...