Racist mayor? Alderwoman resigns in wake of shootings

A Marionville Alderwoman has resigned following comments by the mayor about the man accused of shootings outside Jewish centers in Kansas City.

Jessica Wilson, who had been on the board for about a year, gave notice of her resignation Wednesday, three days after Marionville-area resident Frazier Glenn Miller was arrested in connection with three fatal shootings.

"When the media reports starting coming out Monday, I had made a mental decision to stick it out," she said. "I wanted to get Marionville back on the right path."

She heard comments made by Mayor Danny Clevenger that he supported some of Glenn Miller's beliefs. Glenn Miller has been outspoken about racist beliefs.

She said those comments led to divisiveness in the community, with supporters and opponents of the mayor getting more vocal.

"I started getting calls that I needed to ask for impeachment of the mayor," Wilson said. "I'm only one voice on the board. That's easier said than done."

Wilson said the controversy led her to give her resignation and focus on her family and job.

It's a disappointing turn of events for Wilson, who says she started serving on the board to make a difference in Marionville. Specifically, she was hoping to push for a revitalization of the downtown area, to bring more businesses to Marionville.

Clevenger was elected mayor earlier this month. According to unofficial results, he defeated incumbent mayor Bob Duda 180 to 149.

Before that he served on the board of alderman for about seven years. He previously granted interviews to News-Leader reporters, but today said he will give no more interviews.