Ward 3 councilman Gunn will run for re-election

In just one year, Ward 3 Councilman Victor Gunn has had the opportunity to weigh in on some major issues in Cape Girardeau.

By running for re-election in April, he said he's hoping to continue that work for a few more years.

Gunn took over the position in August 2014. He was selected by ward residents during a special election to fill the unexpired term of Trent Summers, who moved out of the ward.

"Serving the people of Ward 3 has been a great honor in my life," Gunn said.

He already has been involved in the council's support of renewing the fire tax to upgrade fire stations and other equipment. He also has been part of the discussions shaping the projects for Transportation Trust Fund 5 and ongoing discussions about a downtown tax-increment financing district. He voted on the amended city alcohol ordinance to restrict minors from patronizing bars.

With his re-election, Gunn said he would continue to work on such major issues "while ensuring that our city government is efficient with our tax dollars."

Before serving on the council, Gunn was president of the Cape Girardeau Senior Center board of directors, served on the Republican Central Committee and has been an aide to many elected leaders, including Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and state Sen. Wayne Wallingford, both of Cape Girardeau. He also is an endowment life member of the National Rifle Association,

Gunn holds bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and history and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville.

His family has lived in Cape Girardeau for more than six generations, he said. Gunn returned to the city in 1994 after retiring as deputy chief of police in Fairbanks, Alaska. He and his wife, Mary, have been married for 37 years. Their daughter lives in Jackson with her husband and two children.

Voters in wards 4 and 5 also will select council representatives in April. Both seats will be vacant, as current council members Loretta Schneider and Mark Lanzotti are term-limited.

Nominating petitions will be available at city hall Oct. 1. Candidates must be nominated by a petition signed by at least 50 of the respective ward's voters. Nominated candidates may file with the city between Oct. 20 and Nov. 17.

If more than two candidates file for a ward, a primary election will be held Feb. 2. The general election will be April 5.

srinehart@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

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Cape Girardeau, Mo.