This statement criticizes a commissioner for making official commission business out of naming a specific resident and alleging their Facebook posts on Senate Bill 190 contained “lies and misinformation.” OCRC argues this erodes trust in local institutions and chills free speech. The statement links to the commission’s September 16, 2025 meeting minutes and notes the UD article’s front-page coverage amplified the disparagement.
OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz spoke with the commissioner by phone and requested an apology. The statement explains SB 190 (property tax freeze for seniors 65+), clarifies the commission’s role (implementing the law, not deciding it), notes citizens can petition for referendum (391 signatures needed, 5% of November 2024 voters), and announces OCRC’s upcoming position statement and informational meeting with Dennis Ganahl from Missouri Tax Relief Now on October 7, 2025.
