Kirkwood council’s first meeting since shooting turns hostile

The Associated Press

KIRKWOOD, Mo.| A group of residents in this suburban town is undertaking a petition drive this weekend to delay a mayoral race they say is unfair after a gunman stormed City Hall two weeks ago, killing five people and leaving the current mayor incapacitated.

One of those killed in the rampage was Connie Karr, an alderwoman who was running for mayor. Last week the city had her name removed from the ballot, leaving only alderman Arthur McDonnell in the race.

Dozens attended Thursday’s meeting to criticize the move, saying it undercut the voters’ right to choose their mayor during April’s city election.

Kirkwood resident Karl Unsworth joined dozens of others in passing around the petition sheets to delay the election.

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