The Missouri attorney general’s office will investigate Texas County government after a judge signed an order asking for the review. A Cabool man filed a petition seeking the examination late last year.
Court records show that on June 27 Circuit Judge Mary Sheffield signed an order asking the attorney general’s office to examine the matter since the judge believed the county prosecuting attorney would have a conflict in the matter.
On July 13, a letter was sent to Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon, along with an order and the petition filed in mid-December by Cabool resident Forrest “Doc” Pugh. Originally, Pugh asked the 25th Circuit Court, which includes Texas County, to review the actions of the county commission and impanel a grand jury and special prosecutor to investigate county government.
Included in the request is review of a pay increase that went into effect Jan. 1 for the county prosecutor. County voters approved in April 2006 making the job full time. Pugh wants to know whether state law requires candidates to have the opportunity to file for the full-time slot. When filings closed in March, the office was part-time. The petition doesn’t challenge the results of the election, but the procedure. “While we respect the will of the people as expressed by their vote, citizens are still entitled to know if the procedures used during the election were conducted properly and not manipu lated to give special favors to any one individual or in a manner that prevented a fair and open election.”
Pugh also called on an investigation of county government. He said it is hard to convince citizens to respect the law when they see how some of those elected to follow it are making it a mockery of the whole system. “We have set back too long and let this get out hand,” he said.
Scott Holste, a spokesman for Attorney General Jay Nixon, said the office is reviewing the appointment.
Original petition filed with court