Cape Girardeau Councilman Pierce resigns after drug arrest

A Cape Girardeau City Council member who was charged with gun and drug crimes on Friday, Sept. 27, has submitted his resignation to the City Council.

A release on Saturday, Sept. 28, by City Clerk Gayle Conrad says council members will appoint a replacement for Ward 5 Representative Rhett Pierce at their regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 7.

Whoever fills the seat must meet several requirements, including having lived in District 5 for at least 90 days (effective July 9) and being at least 21 years old and a registered voter. Anyone who would like to apply for the advertised position can pick up an application at Conrad's office in City Hall. Applicants must submit their documents to Conrad by Friday, October 4th, 3:00 p.m.

“Criminal charges against an elected official can be discouraging and lead to a loss of community trust in their government. It is important to me to emphasize that the Cape City Government is committed to operating in accordance with local, state and federal law,” Conrad said in the news release. “Our employees and elected officials are expected to strive for the ideals set forth in our founding documents, with a strong moral compass and a sense of duty to protect and serve our citizens. We can do this best in collaboration with the public. So please do not hesitate to establish productive, direct communication with the city council and the city administration.”