Ward 3 hopefuls pick up petitions

Three candidates picked up nomination petitions to become the temporary representative for Ward 3 on the Cape Girardeau City Council.

Victor R. Gunn and Evan Trump are among those candidates, and both have declared their intent to run in the election for the Ward 3 seat as well. Gunn is a political consultant, campaign manager and former police officer who retired to his hometown of Cape Girardeau about 20 years ago. Trump is former Cape Girardeau County Republican chairman and district manager for Bi-State Southern Convenience Stores.

Patrick Koetting, member of the Girardeau Goes Green advisory board and sales and marketing representative for ServiceMaster Professional Cleaning Services, also picked up a petition. He said his interest was just in the temporary position.

Friday was the final day to submit the petitions to the city clerk's office.

Koetting said he was unexpectedly called out of town in the final days of the filing period and missed the deadline, but hoped to work the matter out with City Hall on Monday.

The seat has been vacant since Trent Summers announced his resignation March 31. Council has until May 30 to appoint a temporary replacement.

The nomination petitions will be reviewed by council at Monday's meeting, but Mayor Harry Rediger said there is no guarantee a decision will be made that night.

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.