Edited by Brice McCuiston
LIBERTY, MO – March 6, 2025 – In the wake of allegations that the administration of Liberty Mayor Greg Canuteson has bullied concerned citizens, City Administrator Curt Wenson took to the neighborhood social media platform Nextdoor this week to defend the city’s transparency practices, responding to criticism from what he described as a “small group” questioning the openness of the Liberty City Council and staff. His post can be viewed here: https://nextdoor.com/p/Tjcz5bMqwmhr?view=detail
At issue was the fact that the 2025 budget was not made public on the city website until last week rather than the first week in January. In his post, Wenson insisted that city officials actively respond to public inquiries on multiple platforms, including Nextdoor and the city’s Facebook page. He acknowledged that some questions are asked repeatedly by the same individuals but maintained that officials continue to engage while balancing their daily responsibilities. “We are human and fallible, but we work every day to be professional and transparent in our service to the Liberty community,” Wenson wrote.
Mayor Canuteson's opponent, Liberty Mayoral Candidate Gieselle Fest had this to say:
[T]hank you (to those who speak up) for being brave enough to post…certain people go on the attack…. Scaring off a new voices. It’s surprising to see a government entity complaining about taxpayers so openly. I didn’t expect them to put this out there... After last year’s overwhelming 77% rejection of the Taj Mahal Tournament Community Center, I’m hearing that taxpayers have had enough. They’re asking questions and demanding transparency. I’ve also heard from a few residents who feel “threatened” simply for asking questions—facing unexpected costs, delays, or other barriers. That’s a serious concern...there seems to be confusion about social media’s role in public discourse. That said, I do want to acknowledge the hard-working daily employees I’ve encountered recently. Special thanks to Councilman Mike Hagan for his efforts in making the 2025 budget available online for all taxpayers! I also appreciate the finance director (Wenson) for taking the time to answer detailed questions—it’s not easy to do that on social media "
Wenson pushed back against accusations that the city limits discussions or censors critics, taking an apparent swipe at a vocal participant on the platform who he suggested engages in such practices. We are not naming this participant because there are indicators that they may have been subjected to online bullying. “Unlike a regular participant on this platform (NextDoor) who is also active on Facebook, we don’t delete comments, even if they contain falsehoods or are disrespectful,” Wenson stated. “We will never close a thread to prevent additional commentary, even if we disagree with that commentary. We will never block someone from our social media platforms. As public servants, to take any of these actions would be unethical.” We are not naming this participant Wenson referenced because there are indicators that they may have been subjected to online bullying. A second accuser has alleged the Mayor Canuteson bullied her in person by publicly berating her in a city hall meeting.
Wenson further emphasized that he has invited concerned residents to reach out to him directly but noted that “no one has taken me up on that offer.” The assertion subtly suggests that critics prefer public complaints over direct engagement, though some may argue that residents prefer to keep discussions in a public forum for greater accountability.
Criticism and Community Response
Wenson’s post comes amid ongoing debates over the city’s transparency and responsiveness to public concerns. While his statement aimed to reassure residents, some critics viewed it as dismissive, particularly in its characterization of dissenting voices as a “small group.”
“This is a classic move—minimizing public concern by labeling it as coming from just a few people,” said one Liberty resident who has been involved in local government discussions. “If they’re really transparent, they should address specific issues instead of just saying they answer questions.”
Others questioned the suggestion that private communication is the best avenue for engagement. “Transparency means keeping conversations public so everyone can see the responses,” another resident noted. “Going private just avoids public scrutiny.”
Shifting the Narrative?
Wenson’s post also appears to draw a contrast between city officials and a particular Nextdoor user, possibly aiming to discredit a vocal critic. While not naming the individual, the reference to someone who allegedly deletes comments and limits discussion suggests an attempt to shift the focus from city policies to personal behavior of citizens.
This happy little rock's take? We believe Wenson’s post is a calculated effort to defend the city’s transparency while subtly undermining critics. It seems to us that Liberty's Mayor and other city officials have fallen into the trap of a siege mentality with their various instances of fact-checking, and pointing out perceived inaccuracies in statements that citizens make at city council meetings. Wenson’s post, a masterpiece in calculated charm, skillfully paints Liberty leaders as paragons of virtue, gently suggesting that any critics must surely be delusional or allergic to real conversation. It portrays city officials as ethical and engaged while implying that certain opponents are repetitive, misleading, or unwilling to have genuine discussions. While this approach may reassure some residents, it risks deepening skepticism among those already concerned about transparency. Such a tactic might soothe the trusting souls among us, but for the skeptics already side-eyeing the transparency facade, it's just more fuel for the fire.
As discussions continue online, Wenson’s comments highlight the ongoing tension between city officials and residents over government openness. Whether his post reassures Liberty citizens or further fuels skepticism remains to be seen.
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