Sunset Hills meeting Dec 9th to approve process to impeach Mayor who threatened, struck cyclist

The Call newspaper is reporting that the Sunset Hills City Council is moving forward with creating a process to remove Sunset Hills Mayor Mark Furrer from office.  Furrer is charged with two felonies for his role in a July 29th incident, where he is accused of threatening, then striking cyclist Randy Murdick, then fleeing the scene. 

The Call writes:

The Sunset Hills Board of Aldermen could approve two bills related to the potential impeachment of Mayor Mark Furrer when the board meets next week, but the city will also focus on more routine matters like next year's budget. . . 

Hundreds of cyclists rode in support of Randy in August

Although the bills the board is considering set the stage for Furrer to potentially be impeached, they do not actually impeach him.

The impeachment ordinance proposed for the city code follows state guidelines to outline a process for impeachment of a city official that includes a public hearing with witnesses.

The board will consider final approval of the impeachment-related bills when it meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at City Hall, 3939 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

 

Lawyer Michelle Funkenbusch is asking cyclists to attend the meeting, especially if they are residents of Sunset Hills. On the Bike Life STL Facebook page, Michelle wrote:

I NEED SUNSET HILLS RESIDENTS OR BUSINESSES TO SPEAK or to ask me to speak on their behalf as their lawyer!!!!!! Also.... CALLING ALL CYCLISTS TO SHOW UP AT THE MEETING IN BIKE GEAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As we reported recently, in October Sunset Hills Mayor Mark Furrer was charged with assault and property damage.  Those charges were result of a July 29th incident in Sunset Hills where Furrer first threatened cyclist Randy Murdick, then struck him with his car, and then fled the scene.

As we reported recently, Mayor Furrer apparently has a long history of both threatening behavior and dangerous driving.  Drivers like Furrer who deliberately injure need to face serious consequences.

We don't know for certain what Mayor Furrer did in the incident on July 29th.  But if his actions are anything like what is portrayed by Randy and other witnesses of the July 29th incident, the Mayor should resign or be removed from office, as a simple matter of fairness and equal application of the law.

We urge the St. Louis County Prosecutor's office to proceed with a vigorous prosecution of Furrer for the July 29th incident.

We urge Sunset Hills to make the most of this opportunity to improve the city for cycling, implement the city's bicycle plan, and take proactive action to become a more bicycle friendly city. Earlier this Fall local cyclists and advocacy groups met with Sunset Hills City staff, and representatives of MoBikeFed have also met with staff.  City staff is very open to making changes in support of cycling that are supported by local cyclists, and we encourage the city to move forward with all speed to do so.

• Please sign the petition in support of Randy Murdick, asking for vigorous prosecution of Furrer and for the city to make positive changes to support cycling
   

Creating safer roads for all road users, making our state transportation safer and more accessible for people who walk and bicycle, and seeking justice for pedestrians and cyclists who are injured and killed on our roadways are all important goals of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycing and Walking in Missouri.

Your membership and generous financial support helps make our Vision become reality.