Stotts City mayor demands to be allowed to respond to Board of Aldermen's censure

(From Stotts City Mayor Tracy Knight)

Stotts City Mayor Tracy Knight is formally responding to the censure resolution adopted by the Stotts City Board of Aldermen on July 17, 2026, stating that while she respects the Board's ability to express its disapproval through censure, she disputes the resolution's characterization of events and rejects provisions she believes attempt to restrict duties and authority assigned to the Mayor under Missouri law.

Since the censure was adopted, Knight has requested that her formal response be placed on the agenda for recent Board meetings. To date, she has not been afforded the opportunity to present that response during a Board meeting.

“The Board has the right to express its disapproval through a censure, and I respect that process,” Knight said. “What I do not accept is the use of a censure resolution to attempt to restrict responsibilities and authority that Missouri law assigns to the office of Mayor.”

Missouri law assigns mayors of fourth-class cities responsibilities involving the supervision of municipal officers and the examination of complaints concerning alleged misconduct or neglect of duty.

“A censure does not rewrite Missouri law, amend City ordinances, or remove statutory responsibilities from the Mayor,” Knight said. “Those responsibilities are established by law, and I will continue to perform them.”

Knight said some allegations contained in the resolution involve confidential personnel matters that she will not publicly disclose.

“I will not compromise employee confidentiality simply to defend myself publicly,” Knight said. “That should not be interpreted as agreement with the allegations or acceptance of the version of events presented in the resolution.”

Knight said she has preserved documentation concerning the disputed matters and will continue addressing them through appropriate channels.

“The citizens of Stotts City elected me to perform the duties of Mayor—not merely those duties that are convenient or agreeable to other elected officials,” Knight said. “I will continue asking questions, requesting records, addressing concerns involving municipal operations, demanding accountability, and pursuing opportunities to move Stotts City forward.”

Knight emphasized that disagreement between elected officials does not alter the responsibilities of their respective offices.

“I respect the Board's right to disagree with me. I do not accept that a censure resolution can be used to prevent the Mayor from exercising authority or fulfilling responsibilities established by Missouri law.”