Chaffee mayor says health problems won't stop her from doing her job

In the time between Chaffee Mayor Loretta Mohorc's resignation announcement and her decision to stay in office, residents wondered why.

Some, including city councilman Bill Dysinger, suggested health reasons. "She's not in good health," he said Thursday. "I think it's stress."

Mohorc said she has enough energy for her mayoral duties despite a series of health problems.

"I want to be here to do my job. I'm waiting for the results of a stress test. I'm just getting over bronchitis, and I was treated [this week] for an infected stitch from last summer's surgery," she said. "I have acute renal failure. I won't live a very long life if I don't get a transplant."

Three days a week, she drives to Cape Girardeau for dialysis treatments.

Mohorc, elected in April, assumed her role despite her illness in the midst of legal turmoil stemming from a September 2006 high-speed police chase that killed two and injured two. Three civil suits are underway in the case, the third filed in June. In July, then-police chief Martin Keys resigned. Jesse Chisum, a Jackson police officer, was named the new chief in August. He threatened to resign in October, but was convinced to stay by the mayor and city council. The four-member Chaffee Police Personnel Board was replaced.

Mohorc's decision to resign and her change of heart came on the heels of a closed meeting Wednesday to sort out complaints about the police department. Residents at Monday's regular council meeting said police officers are making too many investigative stops.

During Wednesday's closed meeting, the eight-member city council voted 5-3 to impeach her, one vote short of the required six.

Mohorc said she's got enough strength and energy do to her job and she's willing to fight to keep it. She said she and Chisum can work out their personal differences.

"I can see it happening, if the council will allow it," she said.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

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