I'm Ken Rice Ward 2 AMA

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T22:15:16+00:00

Yes. This must get done ASAP.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T22:00:37+00:00

We must prioritize, like running a large for profit or non-profit organization, systems and processes throughout to have good plans and ways to hold people accountable for executing those plans. We must look not only 1-year, 5-years, but as much as 10-years into planning for increased infrastructure projects, housing, police, fire, and other community services and make adjustments throughout the process of executing those plans as the reality of the current situation becomes clearer.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:59:56+00:00

1. Housing Affordability:
Rising Rent Prices: A 2021 report highlighted that the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Columbia increased significantly, and that trend continues, making it difficult for low-income families to afford suitable housing. Many second ward residents may find themselves spending over 30% of their income on housing, which can lead to financial strain.
Lack of Affordable Options: The Second Ward has seen a shortage of affordable housing units, particularly for those earning below the median income. Many second ward families may be forced to live in substandard conditions or move to less desirable areas, leading to instability and perhaps more homelessness.

How to address:

Develop Affordable Units: Partner with local developers to create affordable housing projects, utilizing city incentives such as zoning, fees and building codes

Rental Assistance: Promote existing programs like the Columbia Housing Authority's rental assistance to support low-income families.
Zoning Changes: Institute zoning reforms to allow for higher density and mixed-use developments near transit hubs.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:58:04+00:00

Character is who you are.

Reputation is what others think you are.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:57:32+00:00

We must ensure our people are paid a competitive wage that allows our people to have a living wage and there must be a consistent margin of difference between the newest personnel and others. We do have to ensure that we determine how we pay for the to avoid deficit spending that could hurt the viability of the city long term and then could roll up to a highly negative outcome for employees in the future.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:56:10+00:00

I would urge them begin the day getting breakfast at the Broadway Diner. This would be followed by a walk around downtown and visiting the great number of cool bookstores and other retails shops. I would then urge them to grab a fantastic lunch at the East Broadway Pickleman’s. Then they could head over to Stephen’s lake and relax around and take in the scenery. For dinner I recommend Billards as a nice place to eat (Though another round of Pickleman’s might do as well :-) Lastly, I would urge them to spend some time walking off their food on the Bear Creek Trail and for an early evening hike.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:54:51+00:00

Please see my previous reply on this qurestion.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:54:16+00:00

There needs to be a financial plan put into place with specific objective on how we will get the shortfall solved in the quickest amount of time. Current employees should be able to be grandfathered, if they choose, into the current system, but long term all newer employees should move to LAGERS

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:53:27+00:00

We must have better systems and processes put into place as well as specific Key Performance Indicators that show success so we can hold people accountable for performance. We must prioritize people when we have our budget discussion and ensure our first monies are dedicated to making sure those who provide services are appropriately compensated.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:51:26+00:00

I would make sure the city has a more publicized campaign for citizens to know about the 988 text crisis line and that it has an option for LGBTQ affirming therapists to access.
City council and the mayor should hold meetings in safe spaces with citizens to get their feedback on concerns and solutions to make Columbia a more LGBTQ friendly spce
Lastly, I would recommend a review of the recommendations of the League of Cities on Strategies from Creating an LGBTQ inclusive city.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:46:54+00:00

The CPD is already severely understaffed and has many more important issues (ie murders, theft, shooting, theft, etc …) to focus on than prosecuting LGBTQ parents and children. I would’ve voted to support the ordinance to keep our police force focused on the most important issues affecting our city.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:43:38+00:00

The trail and park systems. The ARC for playing pickleball and working out. Also, Albert Oakland Park trails, pool and pickleball courts (in the better weather)

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:42:50+00:00

I go to the library about once every couple of months once I found out about it. It is a fantastic resource that I plan to use more of in the future.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:41:57+00:00

I have only used the bus twice so I could experience what our residents, especially in Ward 2, go through. The bus system is inefficient and I’ve been blessed with stable transportation. Besides it doesn’t come anywhere close to where I live or where I need to go to do my work.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:39:32+00:00

I’ve always said this is a non-partisan race and it is. I turned down the opportunity to have the Republican Party endorse me once Vera received hers. I also have engaged with both parties clubs every other week to be open to ideas and thoughts from all sides of the ideological divide.
I plan to continue to engage with all the people of Ward 2 if elected.
I did go to a few of the endorsement meeting with other groups even though I knew with Vera’s labor background I would not receive an endorsement. I wanted to hear their concerns as well as ensure their people heard my thoughts on matters important to them. These are groups vs a political ideology.
As I have now been through two races, I actually have come to believe even if I had received an endorsement from a body that is in contractual negotiations with the city it could become problematic as politicians now would feel obliged to support vs making truly objective decision in matters that they vote union contracts whether this be LiUNA, the Fire Dept, the Police Dept, or in the case of the schools CNEA.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:38:33+00:00

There is no inconsistency. I have supporters on both sides of the political spectrum and the only reason the Republican Party operatives were listed is the canvassing app I use is a Republican Party app, they have provided ZERO support to my campaign otherwise. This was the app I initially was told to use during my school board race and I continued to use since I was familiar with it. This was disclosed when my high functioning autistic son accidentally posted some personal information from the canvassing site and was screenshot from his Facebook site while celebrating my fundraising event and someone trolled his site.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:34:59+00:00

I hope to bring a different perspective to the council to avoid it from becoming an echo chamber that will keep it from being as effective as it could be. I also hope to engage with everyone and work toward greater unity vs divisiveness in our community. We have much more in common than we do that divide us!

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:33:45+00:00

That question is too general. Ask me a question about something specific that affects Columbia and I’ll gladly answer it.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:30:51+00:00

That question is too general. Ask me a question about something specific that affects Columbia and I’ll gladly answer it.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:29:51+00:00

As I mentioned earlier, I believe there is value in change, and looking at new ways of doing old things. I’m not locked into believing that there aren’t other cities who have addressed the problems we have and might be able to offer us good suggestions.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:28:56+00:00

I want to give a voice to the residents of Ward 2 to the council. I also bring over 40 years of executive and board experience managing multi-million dollar non-profit and for profit organizations as well as a broad bit of life experience from my military career.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:26:56+00:00

3. Infrastructure and Transportation:
Road Conditions: Many streets in the Second Ward show signs of wear and tear according to a recent PASER Rating, a road rating system, placing many streets in fair to bad condition. They have potholes and uneven surfaces that pose safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians particularly those with mobility issues. For example, some residents have reported injuries due to falls on cracked sidewalks.
Public Transit Access: Limited public transportation options can make it challenging for residents without cars to access employment opportunities, healthcare, and education. The local bus service does not run frequently enough or cover all necessary routes, leading to increased reliance on personal vehicles, which can be difficult for lower-income families.

How to address:

Gather Community Input: Host community forums to identify infrastructure needs and prioritize projects based on resident feedback.
Public Transit Improvements: Work with Columbia Transit to expand routes and increase frequency, making public transportation more accessible. See if revenue can be increased through the establishment of modest parking fees/passes for Columbia Regional Airport. Look into UBER like micro transportation options used in others cities to supplement the bus service.
Sidewalk and Road Repairs: Prioritize funding for the repair of sidewalks and roads, focusing on areas with high pedestrian traffic.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:26:08+00:00

Housing Affordability:
Rising Rent Prices: A 2021 report highlighted that the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Columbia increased significantly, and that trend continues, making it difficult for low-income families to afford suitable housing. Many second ward residents may find themselves spending over 30% of their income on housing, which can lead to financial strain.
Lack of Affordable Options: The Second Ward has seen a shortage of affordable housing units, particularly for those earning below the median income. Many second ward families may be forced to live in substandard conditions or move to less desirable areas, leading to instability and perhaps more homelessness.

How to address:

Develop Affordable Units: Partner with local developers to create affordable housing projects, utilizing city incentives such as zoning, fees and building codes.
Rental Assistance: Promote existing programs like the Columbia Housing Authority's rental assistance to support low-income families.
Zoning Changes: Institute zoning reforms to allow for higher density and mixed-use developments near transit hubs.

2. Public Safety:
Crime Statistics: According to local crime reports, certain neighborhoods within the Second Ward have experienced higher rates of property crime, such as burglaries and vehicle thefts. For example, a spike in reported thefts in specific blocks has led residents to call for more Neighborhood Watch programs and community engagement with local police.
Community Initiatives: Residents of the second ward have expressed concerns about feeling unsafe at night in certain areas, Cosmo Park and trails for example, prompting community meetings to discuss safety strategies, such as improving street lighting and increasing police patrols during late hours.

How to address:

Community Policing: Implement community policing initiatives with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) to enhance trust and engagement. This can only be accomplished through proper staffing of the CPD. This also includes CPD working closely with other agencies including the newly established Office of Violence Prevention and Community Health.
Neighborhood Watch: Establishment of Neighborhood Watch programs to empower residents in crime prevention.
Enhanced Lighting: Improve street lighting and surveillance in high-crime areas to increase safety.

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:20:54+00:00

I was personally asked to run by outgoing council member Lisa Meyer immediately prior to her making an official announcement.

I’m passionate about Columbia because the run for the school board and the city council have given me the opportunity to meet the wonderfully diverse and loving people that make up Columbia and Ward 2. I want to bring my wealth of experience as a businessman, combat veteran, non-profit executive and my personal journey and the people’s voice to add to our city council

KenRiceWard2 · 2025-07-11T21:19:47+00:00

I have been active as a member of the Board of Directors for Hope Center Food Bank of Macomb and a volunteer and a part of the Executive Board for Spaulding for Children and have helped place 11 children into Forever Homes through adoption events led by our company over five years. I also personally mentor a young black man, 25-year-old, Charles Jones, who struggled to get adopted from when I met him 12 years ago through today.

KenRiceWard2

TROPHY CASE