COLUMBIA -- Circuit Court Judge James Barber heard arguments Thursday to postpone a planned April 6 election to replace former Councilman E.W. Cromartie’s seat on city council.

Barber has not reached a decision on when the City of Columbia can hold the District II election.

Barber heard arguments from attorneys representing two District II residents.

The first, Durham Carter, who said he wants the election to be held on April 6.

Carter is 81-years old and said he has lived in District II for more than 70-years.

He’s attorney, Butch Bowers said the district needs representation as quickly as possible.

The second argument came from Paul Denman, who said he wants the city to hold the election after April 6.

Denman’s attorney, Jay Bender, said holding a special election after April 6, will give voters more time to get their message out to voters.

On March 10 Columbia City Council voted to schedule the election for April 6, giving voters 23-days to learn about candidates.

Barber said he would reach a decision before April 6.

Related Links:

Candidates throw hat into the ring for District II  -  Monday, March 15, 2010
Brian Newman joins Alex Furgess, Harold "Puff" Howard and Antonio Williams, who already added their names to the list.
McMaster: court should look into council election  -  Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The city requested feedback from the Attorney General on the April 6 date they picked to fill the District II seat left by Councilman Cromartie.
Candidates lining up for Cromartie's empty seat  -  Yesterday at 3/17/2010 6:59:48 PM
Emma Myers joins Brian Newman, Antonio Williams, Harold "Puff" Howard and Alex Furgess. 
Lawsuit filed to push back council election- Monday, March 15, 2010
City council members scheduled the election last week after Cromartie resigned after pleading guilty to federal tax evasion charges.
Media turned away from Cromartie community meeting  -  Friday, March 12, 2010
There is more fallout Friday after former City Councilman E.W. Cromartie announced his resignation due to the fact he is facing tax evasion charges.
Residents discuss Columbia Council controversy  -  Thursday, March 11, 2010
Up for discussion is everything from the city's finances, to the recent resignation of Councilman E.W. Cromartie earlier this week.
Council selects April 6 to fill vacant seat  -  Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Columbia City Council members met Wednesday morning to discuss when the election should be held to replace disgraced former councilman E.W. Cromartie, who resigned Tuesday.
Councilman resigns from city council  -  Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Just Monday, Cromartie agreed to plead guilty to federal tax evasion charges.
Councilman to plead to tax evasion, resign  -  Monday, March 08, 2010
Columbia City Councilman E.W. Cromartie II has agreed to plead guilty to federal tax evasion charges and could face up to 25 years in prison.
RAW Interview - Finlay on Cromartie tax evasion  -  Monday, March 08, 2010