dramatic rise in violent attacks on small town mayors

Sardinia's mayors attacked as recession-hit citizens vent their anger | World news | The Guardian: "dramatic rise in violent attacks on small town mayors in Sardinia has been linked to soaring job losses due to factory closures and the slump in sheep farming on the island.
Mayor Gian Paolo Marras of Ottana, in central Sardinia, has resigned after a social services office was bombed and a shotgun fired at his home, narrowly missing his newborn son. Days later, the car belonging to a council official in the town of Siniscola was burned out and a horse belonging to the mayor of nearby Illorai was found shot dead with its ears and tongue cut off."