Smithville, MO – In a highly anticipated political event, Kristine Bunch, a local Smithville activist, in a Meet & Greet at the prestigious Marshall Stone Hedge Golf Club. Flanked by notable figures such as Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Kurtis Gregory, who is vying for the Missouri State Senate, Bunch took the opportunity to connect with supporters and address pressing local issues. While the state officials made no comments on Bunch's petition effort, they were certainly looking very friendly with her. Despite this unexpected twist, the gathering maintained a jovial atmosphere, punctuated by laughter and friendly banter.
Auditing Smithville: Bunch's New Initiative
Amidst the social interactions, Bunch unveiled a significant part of her campaign: a drive to audit the city of Smithville. "Please, the Audit City of Smithville!" she proclaimed, highlighting concerns about misallocation of taxpayer funds.
Bunch pointed to recent expenditures, such as the Mayor's initiative for new cement sidewalks and bike paths, which she claims have been prioritized over essential infrastructure needs like roads, water, and sewer systems. She also called attention to a controversial $7 million Certificate of Participation (COP) loan. This loan, Bunch alleges, benefits a commercial development linked to the Mayor, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and financial malfeasance.
John Chevalier Jr., former alderman of Smithville, in a Facebook Post has made a public appeal to Attorney General Andrew Bailey, requesting legal action against Kristine Bunch for allegedly using bankruptcy to evade paying defamation damages. According to Chevalier, Bunch has filed for bankruptcy for the third time, which has allowed her to avoid financial responsibilities, including defamation damages owed to Charles Shane Crees and Kansas City Properties & Investments, LLC (KCPI). Bunch, who claims to be spearheading a petition to audit Smithville's finance books, has not been ordered to pay damages by a court however she is facing a defamation case by Shane Crees, a local land developer.
 |
| Left to Right, Andrew Bailey Kristine Bunch, Gregory Kurtis |
Crees and KCPI filed a detailed Petition for Defamation in court last April against Bunch. The petition, outlines a series of defamatory statements made by Bunch on her Facebook page, "Smithville News," which only allows posts by Bunch herself and restricts comments from others.
The petition claims that Bunch made numerous false and malicious statements, including accusations of public corruption, misuse of public funds, and collusion between Crees, KCPI, and the Smithville Mayor, Damien Boley. Bunch's posts have allegedly damaged the reputations of Crees and KCPI, provoking public contempt and deterring business associations.
Public Outcry and Call for Accountability
Chevalier's appeal underscores the frustration among Smithville residents who believe Bunch is exploiting bankruptcy laws to shirk her debts while maintaining a lavish lifestyle, including driving a BMW. "You would think that someone struggling would simply sell their expensive car and get a beater like the rest of us," Chevalier remarked. "It must just be better to rip people off."
Chevalier has also called on Bailey to assist in ensuring Bunch pays what she owes to the IRS, emphasizing that taxpayers are tired of subsidizing what he described as "deadbeat's bad behavior."
Allegations of Financial Misconduct against Petition Organizer
In addition to the defamation claims, Chevalier and other critics of Bunch argue that her financial dealings, including her bankruptcies, are designed to avoid paying creditors. They believe Bunch’s actions undermine the integrity of the community and the legal system.
The petition details specific defamatory statements made by Bunch, including accusations that Crees and KCPI are involved in public corruption and have misused crowdfunding for the Fairview North development. Bunch has also claimed that public funds were improperly used for sewer system upgrades in collusion with the Mayor.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
As the defamation case proceeds in court, the community remains divided. Supporters of Bunch argue that her criticisms are based on genuine concerns about local governance, while opponents view her actions as reckless and damaging to the town’s reputation.
Chevalier's public plea to the Attorney General highlights the ongoing tensions in Smithville, with residents demanding accountability and transparency. "All of us taxpayers are tired of subsidizing deadbeat's bad behavior," Chevalier stated, reflecting the broader sentiment of frustration within the community.
The legal battle between Kristine Bunch, Charles Shane Crees, and Kansas City Properties & Investments, LLC is set to be a defining moment for Smithville. As the court examines the evidence, the outcome will likely have significant implications for local politics and community trust. Residents are eagerly awaiting the proceedings, hoping for a resolution that upholds justice and accountability.
Political Tensions and Community Divisions
The political climate in Smithville remains tense, with Bunch's campaign stirring significant controversy. Her outspoken nature has led to clashes with other local figures, including former alderman Ann Darr. Bunch accused Darr of engaging in gossip and failing to support her efforts to expose local political biases.
Despite the turbulence, Bunch remains resolute. "People need to be coming together both in person and online," she asserted, emphasizing her commitment to transparency and accountability. "I'm just getting started," she warned, promising further revelations and actions in the audit campaign.
Comments
John Cavalier (like the dog) is not a full wit; I’m guessing he’s about a half wit. John will attempt to bully anyone too, but usually people just laugh in his face and walk away. Were John a fish in a pond, a very small fish in a very small pond, he’d be splashing and blowing bubbles for attention, but all his attention seeking is akin to a poot in a windstorm. The best way to handle John is don’t bother.