Springfield City Council member Fulnecky resigns

(From the City of Springfield)

Councilwoman Kristi Fulnecky notified Mayor Ken McClure of her resignation as the City’s General Seat C Councilmember, effective today.

She was elected in April 2015. Fulnecky said her family found a house in Nixa, Missouri and plans to move in a few days. The City Charter requires that council members are residents inside the Springfield city limits.

“I thank Kristi for her service to our community and her commitment to public service,” said McClure. “As we have frequently said, both as a Council and individually, Springfield is a community of volunteers and the community’s success is based upon the willingness of its citizens to be a part of the process and to commit their time and resources to making our home a better place to live. I am grateful for her service.”

Fulnecky's term was set to expire in April 2019. She most recently served as a member of the Community Involvement Committee while on City Council.

Her civic involvement includes service to many local organizations including: Mercy Health Foundation Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Town's Child Abuse Prevention Month, Springfield Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, Springfield Symphony Gala, Girl Scouts, American Heart Association, St. John's Clinic Culture Club, the Springfield Ballet Board of Directors, and the University of Missouri System's Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise Advisory Council.

Details about the process to fill Fulnecky’s vacant seat will be announced soon.

The text of Fulnecky's resignation statement is printed below:

Statement from Kristi Fulnecky, Thursday, September 20, 2018 

I have been blessed to have served the City of Springfield for 3 1/2 years. My family recently found a beautiful house in Nixa Missouri and plan to move in a few days. We still own a house in the city limits of Springfield. 

Although the city charter doesn’t define the term “residence” as a “principal place of residence,” I feel it’s only fair to be honest and not try to debate the residency requirement. I really feel like I have been a voice for the people and have given others hope that they are listened to and can make a difference. I’ve always also felt it was important to challenge the status quo, ask questions, not waste taxpayer money, and make an independent decision based upon the facts. Therefore, because my principal place of residence will be Nixa Missouri in a few days, I resign my general city council seat effective today September 20, 2018.”