Monday, April 23, 2018

CITY COUNCILMAN BARD COMPLETED PROBATION 6+ YEARS AGO


CITY COUNCILMAN BARD COMPLETED PROBATION 6+ YEARS AGO
• Each side cites MO law saying felons can/can't serve in office
• JasCo Prosecutor, Theresa Kenny, will decide fate
• Feb 1 Bard shared past misdeeds openly at MSSU in a Criminology class
(64804/64801) -- Joshua Bard received 80% YES - he should serve - on our little straw poll over the weekend. On Sunday he told Joplin News First, "The amount of support is absolutely heartwarming!"
Bard ran for one of 3 general election seats on the Joplin City Council and won. However it wasn't until after the election that Joplin City Attorney, Peter Edwards, brought Bard's past misdeeds to light noting, state law prohibits those convicted of felonies from holding public office. And he cited section 115.306 of Missouri law.
Bard in turn has noted section 561.021 of Missouri law, "A person convicted of a felony...forfeits any office he may then hold, and is ineligible to hold office until completion of his sentence or probation." Bard completed his 5 year probation January 1, 2012, that was 6+ years ago.
In a February 1 MSSU class broadcast on the internet and visible to the public, Bard admitted his past in depth. He engaged in a 24 minute discussion with MSSU Professor of Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement, Jackie J Spurlin, regarding Redemption in the Criminal Justice System (https://www.facebook.com/jj.spurlin/videos/10100495033681408/)
WHAT ARE BARD'S SINS?
"Court records show that Bard, 44, pleaded guilty June 2, 2006, to a charge of manufacturing a controlled substance and was placed on supervised probation for five years by Judge Timothy Perigo in Newton County Circuit Court.
On July 9, 2010, Bard was cited for a probation violation in that case after he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. The judge extended Bard's probation to Jan. 1, 2012, on the special condition that Bard successfully complete addiction treatment." - The Joplin Globe, Debby Woodin, April 18, 2018
WHERE DO WE GO NOW?
Friday it was determined that Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney, Theresa Kenny, will decide if Bard is eligible to serve. And in peeling back the onion further he did resign - however the resignation was rescinded by Bard. But it was not presented and accepted in a council meeting yet.
It's not known when Kenny will make a decision but Bard told Joplin News First yesterday. "We have an opportunity to step and make the change we desire as a community. I may get bad news this week. But I will not be defeated. Your support, kind words and generosity have given me a huge amount of faith in our community."
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