Columbia councilwoman to resign in late November due to move

A Columbia city councilwoman whose term expires in April says she’ll be resigning her seat next month, because she’s moving to a new home outside her second ward.

Councilwoman Andrea Waner tells 939 the Eagle that she’ll resign on November 22, which is the day before Thanksgiving. Councilwoman Waner announced this spring that she wouldn’t be seeking re-election next year, to focus on her health. She was diagnosed with eye cancer.

“To say I am carrying the tension of excitement and sadness in equal measure would be an understatement. I look forward to what can be accomplished in my remaining meetings on this City Council, and am beyond grateful for all the opportunities this position has provided. Serving as your Councilperson has been the honor of my career,” Councilwoman Waner writes on her Facebook page.

Mayor Barbara Buffaloe says the city is reviewing the process to appoint someone to serve the remainder of Waner’s term. Mayor Buffaloe tells the “Columbia Daily Tribune” that the last time this happened was in 1986. She says there will be a process where qualified voters can submit an application.

Ms. Waner is also a former spokeswoman for the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department.