Councilman Says He Didn't Flip Off Constituent

An Ellisville City Councilman is defending himself against accusations he gave a resident the middle finger earlier this week.

At Wednesday's Ellisville City Council meeting, Patti Murphy, a longtime critic of former Mayor and current Ward 1 Councilman Matt Pirrello, suggested the alleged obscene gesture was the result of a sign in Murphy's yard urging him to resign.

Pirrello said he would resign if Mayor Adam Paul was permanently reinstated as a result of a legal appeal after Paul was impeached this spring. When Paul was reinstated, Pirrello backed off the suggestion.

Murphy was joined by others Wednesday in urging Pirrello to resign. She was among a group who threatened a recall initiative against Pirrello and other council members last fall until Pirrello filed suit and successfully challenged the constitutionality of the city's recall provision.

Pirrello was not present for Wednesday's meeting but in a text message told Patch he would "never" resign. He also said "I do not flip off anyone ever and I certainly would not be crass to a lady. It is a bold faced lie."