Gunn sworn in as Ward 3 Cape Girardeau councilman

The Cape Girardeau City Council's newest member and Ward 3 representative was sworn in Tuesday morning.

Victor Gunn took his oath of office when the council adjourned, replacing Patrick Koetting, who temporarily filled the position that's been vacant since Trent Summers resigned March 31. Summers announced at the time that he chose to step down after deciding to move out of the ward.

The council gathered in a brief meeting Tuesday to adopt and certify the Aug. 5 election results.

Gunn, a retired police officer and political consultant, said after last week's election that he looked forward to working with the council members on some of the city's biggest issues. Based on communication with voters and Ward 3 residents, he said public safety was at the top of his list.

Gunn said he feels prepared to be immediately effective when he participates in his first council meeting next week. Part of that assuredness comes from the help he's received from officials such as the city manager and city attorney, who have met with him to discuss the many details of the job.

"They've been giving me little briefs here at city hall about the duties, so I look forward to participating in the meetings," Gunn said.

But he's also been doing work of his own to be prepared. Gunn said he's spent many months learning for himself how the city's government works and what issues face the council.

"When I realized I was interested in the position and made the decision to run, I started attending faithfully all the meetings and study sessions to get a feel for the council and how it operates," he said. "So I'm not walking in cold."

The council will gather for its next meeting on Monday.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO