Victor Gunn, Evan Trump to face off for Ward 3 council seat

Residents of Ward 3 in Cape Girardeau will select their next city council representative Aug. 5.

When the filing period closed at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Victor R. Gunn and Evan Trump were the only candidates to apply for the position. To become qualified candidates, each had to gather signatures from 50 registered voters in the ward, all verified by the city clerk.

Both men announced their intention to run for the position in April. The seat has been vacant since the March 31 resignation of Trent Summers, who moved out of the district.

As a political consultant and campaign manager for campaigns in Missouri and Alaska, Gunn is no stranger to the game.

"I've done a few campaigns, not for myself, but I know what needs to be done," he said. "Now that we know it's a two-man race ... it's time to start campaigning."

Evan Trump

He's already received endorsements from Ward 3 residents Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and state Sen. Wayne Wallingford, as well as former state representative Mary Kasten.

Gunn plans to begin door-to-door visits to meet with the residents of the ward and share information about his background and experience. The former chief of police for the Fairbanks (Alaska) Police Department has touted his experience in public safety. During his time with the Alaskan police department, Gunn previously said he dealt with funding shortfalls and outdated facilities, much like the Cape Girardeau Police Department is experiencing now.

Trump, the former Cape Girardeau County Republican chairman, is no stranger to the political world either. Like Gunn, he's already started making a few introductions around town and sharing his story.

In previous interviews, he said that if he is elected, he plans to focus on promoting local business and addressing public safety needs. Trump was recently endorsed by the Cape Girardeau Firefighters Association, which consists of more than 50 of the city's firefighters, master firefighters and captains.

But he said the true campaign work begins now.

"The biggest part is going to be the block walking and going door to door and talking to as many people as I can," Trump said.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.