Two Kirkwood groups seek Justice Department mediation

KIRKWOOD, Mo. (AP) -- Two groups from the St. Louis suburb of Kirkwood are asking the U.S. Department of Justice to mediate a dispute concerning the city's mayoral election.

The groups seeking mediation are the Coalition for Unity and Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association.

A shooting rampage at Kirkwood City Hall in February left five city officials dead before police killed the shooter, Charles "Cookie" Thornton, a disgruntled resident.

Among those killed was councilwoman Connie Karr, who was running for mayor. Her death left just one candidate on the ballot.

Since then, some have asked that the election be postponed so others can run. But city officials decided to go on with the election next Tuesday.

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Information from: Alex Fees/KSDK-TV, http://www.ksdk.com