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  • STEPHEN MANOJ THOMPSON LIES TO A JUDGE

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    Cottleville Can’t Afford a Mayor Who Lies to a Judge 

    Meet Stephen Manoj Thompson, candidate for mayor. But before you hand him the keys to City Hall, you deserve to know who you’re really dealing with. 

    Stephen Manoj Thompson isn’t just a political hopeful. He’s a man who took the stand in a courtroom and unraveled under pressure , caught switching stories, contradicting himself, and undermining his own credibility at every turn. 

    Under oath on December 16–17, 2024, in the Circuit Court of St. Charles County, Thompson gave sworn testimony in a civil case that exposed a troubling pattern of deception, manipulation, and self-interest. 

    This is the man who told three different stories, under oath , about a single $11,000 payment: First, he said it was a personal loan. Then, a lease deposit. Finally, a down payment on a house. 

    Three stories. One truth. Zero accountability. And that’s just the beginning. 

    Thompson also admitted under oath that he lied about who owned the house. 

    He told the plaintiffs that the home was in his wife’s name, when it wasn’t. The truth? The house was solely in his name, and he used that lie to gain the trust of a family that believed they were entering into a fair rent-to-own agreement. 

    When the deal went sideways and the Manninos tried to assert their legal rights, Thompson didn’t respond with facts ,he responded with fiction. 

    • He didn’t read the contract he signed, despite having it for weeks

    • He took $11,000 from the plaintiffs, then used that money to close on a brand new home ,while pretending it was never a down payment. 

    • He presented a mysterious, unsigned letter that supposedly waived the plaintiffs’ purchase rights ,a letter that just happened to appear only after he got sued, included a misspelling of the plaintiffs’ son’s name, and was never seen, signed, or acknowledged by the plaintiffs. 

    Under cross-examination, Thompson flip flopped again: 

    • First he said the money was a personal loan. 

    • Then a lease deposit. 

    • Then a down payment he used to qualify for his mortgage and pay off personal debts. 

    And when caught in his lies, what did he say? “It’s all right.” 

    As if lying in court is fine. As if telling three different versions of the same story is no big deal. As if manipulating contracts and exploiting people’s trust is just part of doing business. 

    He even tried to claim the signed purchase price in the contract was never real, it was “just a placeholder,” he said. But the contract says otherwise. There was no mention of a placeholder. No mention of market value. No mention of an appraisal. Just Stephen Thompson trying to rewrite history after the fact, once it no longer served him. 

    Cottleville deserves better than this. Because a man who plays fast and loose with contracts, property ownership, and the truth doesn’t belong in public office, let alone in charge of city finances, development projects, and legal decisions affecting every family in our community. 

    This isn’t just about one deal gone bad. It’s about character. Integrity. Accountability. And Stephen Thompson failed the test. When asked who owned the house, he lied. When asked what the $11,000 was for, he changed his answer again and again. When confronted with the facts, he blamed “trust” and “friendship.” And when it mattered most, he didn’t lead, he lied. December 16–17, 2024: Stephen Manoj Thompson showed us who he really is. Let’s believe him. 

    Vote NO on Stephen Manoj Thompson for Mayor. 

    Cottleville deserves honesty. Cottleville deserves leadership. Cottleville deserves better. 

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  • anonymous messaging and stephen manoj thompson

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    Reminder: All messages sent to us are 100% anonymous. Your identity will never be revealed.

    Because of that trust, we’ve been flooded with submissions — and let’s just say, if the walls of Cottleville could talk, they’d be blushing.

    Here’s a taste of what’s been coming in:

    • Disturbing details about what really went down at 1798 Restaurant — it’s not what the PR spin would have you believe.

    • The crown for Cottleville’s “real bully” seems to be a three-way tie:

    1. The verbal threats made against local business leaders who dared to criticize Stephen Manoj Thompson

    2. A Facebook admin on a power trip, silencing voices and pushing an agenda

    3. A current alderman whose intimidation tactics are earning them a reputation — and not the good kind. Shameful behavior.

    • Multiple sources are coming forward with troubling accounts of Stephen Manoj Thompson — including a long-running pattern of lies, manipulation, and shameless reinvention. Many say this isn’t new behavior… just finally being exposed. Some have even attributed this to cultural tendencies — a controversial claim, but one that’s been repeatedly submitted.

    • The recent lawsuit Thompson lost has only added fuel to the fire, with more and more people speaking out about his gross incompetence and the mess he’s left behind.

    • And perhaps most eyebrow-raising: a tip involving Stephen Thompson’s closeness to the Mayor of St. Peters — along with a cryptic “what if” scenario involving annexation. If there’s truth to it, it’s nothing short of betrayal.

    We’re digging. We’re watching. And we take every anonymous message seriously.

    Stay tuned — this is just the beginning.

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  • the truth about stephen thompson: a record of deceipt and incompetance

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    The Truth About Stephen Thompson: A Record of Deceit and Incompetence 

    Stephen Thompson has spent far too long trying to rewrite history on his personal website,  taking credit for things he had little or nothing to do with, while deceiving residents about his actual record as alderman. Let’s break down the truth behind his so-called “accomplishments”: 

    1. False Claim: Purple Heart City Designation 

    Stephen Thompson falsely claims he “initiated and obtained” the Purple Heart City designation for Cottleville. This is a complete fabrication. The City Administrator, Rich Francis, was the one who formally submitted the application on behalf of the city. The designation was meant to honor James Ronkoski, the late father of Mayor Bob Ronkoski, a decorated Vietnam veteran wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart. 

    In fact, Sidney “Sid” Staton, Commander of Missouri Purple Heart Chapter 125, was the one who advised and walked the city through the process—not Thompson. There is zero mention of Thompson in any official city announcements, proclamations, or meeting records regarding the designation. Claiming this honor as his own is more than just dishonest—it’s a shameful act of stolen valor and an insult to veterans and their families. 

    2. Hypocrisy About Honoring Public Servants 

    Thompson states that he “ended the practice” of naming streets and parks after mayors or aldermen. But here’s the hypocrisy: he proudly promotes the fact that a day was named after him, calling attention to it as a personal achievement. That recognition was a one-time, kind-hearted gesture by the city to honor his photography—not an ongoing naming tradition. 

    For someone who criticizes symbolic honors for long-serving public officials, Thompson has no problem accepting one for himself and parading it around. It’s blatant hypocrisy, and it’s an insult to the many leaders who genuinely helped shape Cottleville into the vibrant community it is today—without needing to rewrite their contributions for political gain. 

    3. Distorted Narrative on Harmony Pointe Ordinance 

    Thompson claims he “exposed” a shady ordinance change that helped push through the Harmony Pointe development. In reality, the reduction of the minimum lot size from 5 acres to 3 acres was a citywide policy shift, designed to support smart and flexible development for the city’s future—not just Harmony Pointe. 

    The idea that this change was engineered to benefit one developer is a deliberate distortion of facts. Thompson’s “exposé” ignores the broader discussion and planning efforts that went into the ordinance. He either wasn’t paying attention during those public meetings or he’s deliberately spinning the truth for political points. 

    4. Deceptive Voting Record on Harmony Pointe – And the Risk He Created 

    This is where Thompson’s dishonesty really ramps up. He paints himself as the lone warrior who tried to stop Harmony Pointe, highlighting a single “no” vote to position himself as the community’s defender. But that’s not even close to the truth. 

    Thompson voted YES on August 18, 2021 to approve the area plan and rezoning—two of the most critical votes that allowed the project to proceed. He also voted YES on two conditional use permits, further locking in the legal foundation for the development. These votes gave the developer the approvals needed to proceed and left the city exposed to major legal risk if the project was later blocked. 

    His “no” vote came after all those approvals—when it was already too late to stop anything. That vote wasn’t a stand against development—it was political theater, a last-ditch attempt to rewrite his record. 

    He also claims the mayor “approved” the project by casting a vote. That’s false. The mayor only stepped in during a tie vote on site elevation, a separate issue with no bearing on the legality of the project itself. That elevation vote helped avoid a costly lawsuit by ensuring the developer could move forward safely under the already approved conditions—conditions Thompson voted for. 

    He omits this entire sequence of events to deceive residents and cover up the fact that he either didn’t understand the process or willfully misled the public. Either way, it was reckless, uninformed, and dangerous. 

    5. Misleading Claim About Halting Another Apartment Project 

    Thompson brags about “halting” an apartment project near Babylon. But that’s not how city government works. No single alderman can stop a development project. City decisions require majority votes. In this case, the board and the public were already united in opposition—Thompson was just one of many voices. 

    What’s worse, he acts like he single-handedly changed the outcome, erasing the work of residents, other board members, and community advocates who were just as involved—if not more. It’s another example of his obsession with personal credit and his willingness to bend the truth to inflate his role. 

    Bottom Line: Stephen Thompson Is Not Honest, Not Capable, and No Leader 

    Thompson’s track record is riddled with misinformation, half-truths, and outright lies. He claims credit for work he didn’t do, downplays critical votes he cast, and spins narratives that serve his ego—not the truth. 

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  • STEPHEN THOMPSON FOR MAYOR-THAT IS A HARD NO FROM COTTELVILLE

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    If you can’t handle a lease, a budget, a contract, or the truth — you’re not ready to lead a city. Let’s Start With the Basics: What Does a Real Mayor Do?

    A real mayor is responsible for:

    • Overseeing city finances and taxpayer dollars
    • Signing and enforcing contracts
    • Making decisions in crises and emergencies
    • Following legal procedures and representing the city in court or public hearings
    • Serving with integrity, stability, and clarity
    The mayor of Cottleville earns $1,000 a month — not a salary, but a public service commitment. Now ask yourself... Let’s Be Honest — Can Stephen Thompson Handle Any of That?

    A mayor has to manage money, honor contracts, lead during emergencies, follow procedures, and make decisions under pressure — all while serving the public with transparency and integrity.

    So ask yourself:
Can Stephen Thompson handle any of that? 
Let’s not speculate. 
Let’s look at Stephen Thompson’s own sworn testimony — from a lawsuit he lost.
Under oath, with everything on the line, Thompson showed Cottleville exactly who he is.
Let’s break it down.

    A. FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT

    “It was a lease deposit… no, a loan… or maybe a down payment.”
— Stephen Thompson, trying to explain the same $11,000 under oath
    What a Mayor Must Do: 
Manage a multi-million-dollar city budget. Handle tax revenue, public works funding, employee salaries, and grant funds.
    What Stephen Did:
• Took $11,000 from a tenant.
• Used it to close on his own house.
• Couldn’t explain what it was for — flip-flopping three different ways.
• Claimed financial hardship as justification for spending it.
    Why It’s a Problem: 
If he misused $11,000 and lied about it, how can he be trusted with millions? He’s already shown he’ll serve his own interests — not the city’s.

    B. LEGAL MISMANAGEMENT

    “I didn’t really read the contract. I just trusted them.”
— Thompson, after signing a 5-year lease-purchase agreement
    What a Mayor Must Do:
Sign and enforce contracts with developers, vendors, and agencies — contracts that affect infrastructure, jobs, and public safety.
    What Stephen Did:
• Held a contract for over a month.
• Signed it without reading it.
• Later claimed the clearly listed purchase price was just a “placeholder.”
• Claimed verbal conversations overrode the signed agreement.
    Why It’s a Problem:
You don’t get to play dumb after signing binding legal documents — especially not as a mayor. If he’s this careless with personal deals, what happens when it’s a multimillion dollar city contract?

    C. PROCEDURAL VIOLATIONS

    “He’s looking at his phone.”
— Opposing counsel, catching Thompson checking his notes while testifying
    What a Mayor Must Do:
Respect process. Follow laws. Lead city council meetings, handle records requests, represent the city in legal matters.
    What Stephen Did:
• Used his phone on the witness stand — a direct courtroom violation.
• Needed the judge to remind him of basic testimony procedure.
• Provided no documentation for his claims — only shifting verbal stories.
    Why It’s a Problem:
Courtroom decorum is Public Office 101. If he can’t follow protocol in court, how can he run a city hall?

    D. EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY UNDER PRESSURE

    “I was sweating… brain frozen… I couldn’t unlock the door.”
— Thompson, describing being handed a cashier’s check to complete a legal purchase
    What a Mayor Must Do:
Stay calm and decisive during emergencies — natural disasters, school threats, infrastructure failures.
    What Stephen Did:
• Panicked when a buyer tried to exercise a legal option he agreed to.
• Claimed emotional distress for failing to show up to a closing.
• Said being handed a check left him “locked in” and unable to function.
    Why It’s a Problem:
This man froze during a routine real estate closing. Imagine him during an actual emergency. Cottleville doesn’t need a breakdown at the podium.

    E. LEADERSHIP FAILURE & BLAME-SHIFTING

    “They should’ve known we needed to talk.”
— Thompson, excusing his no-show at the closing date he was legally required to attend
    What a Mayor Must Do:
Lead negotiations. Resolve conflicts. Stand accountable to the public and city council.
    What Stephen Did:
• Refused to show up to a scheduled closing.
• Gave no written objection.
• Later claimed the plaintiffs were “too aggressive” for following the agreement.
• Never took responsibility for his role in escalating the dispute to a lawsuit.
    Why It’s a Problem:
Cottleville needs a mayor who leads — not one who hides, blames others, and ghosts when it gets tough.

    F. FINANCIAL DESPERATION + PUBLIC OFFICE = A BAD MIX

    “I was money crunched… I needed the funds.”
— Thompson, explaining why he used the plaintiffs’ money to buy his house
    Real Talk:
• The mayor of Cottleville is paid $1,000/month.
• Aldermen take home less than $200.
• This is not a high-paying gig.
• It requires people who are financially stable and beyond temptation.
    What Stephen’s Testimony Tells Us:
• He couldn’t close on a house without other people’s money.
• He never clarified the deal, never returned the money, and changed his story multiple times.
• He was financially desperate — and made someone else pay the price.
    Why It’s a Problem:
Desperate people in power are dangerous.
Thompson has already shown how far he’ll go when the money’s tight. Now imagine what he’ll do with influence, contracts, and developer access.

    FINAL VERDICT: COTTLEVILLE DESERVES BETTER

    Stephen Thompson:
• Took the money
• Denied the deal
• Panicked under pressure
• Violated court rules
• Blamed others
• Admitted financial strain
• And now wants power

    Cottleville doesn’t need drama. It doesn’t need confusion, chaos, or cover-ups.
    It needs a mayor who reads contracts, tells the truth, respects the law, and keeps their cool when the pressure hits.

    It can not be Stephen Thompson. We will be so screwed! 

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  • sham neutral debate in cottelville: candice leslie’s censorship exposed

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    Forum Admin Blocks Officials While Promoting a “Fair” Candidate Q&A

    Cottleville residents should be outraged. A so-called “neutral” election debate being organized on Facebook is anything but impartial. Candice Leslie – the administrator of the private Cottleville Forum Facebook group – is touting a candidates’ Q&A session as a fair, unbiased event, even as she actively censors and blocks current elected officials from participating in or even viewing her forum. In short, the very people this debate purports to include have been silenced by its organizer, turning the event into a sham.

    Leslie has blocked several candidates – including current Mayor Bob Ronkoski and Alderwoman Emily Colombatto – from the Cottleville Forum group. That means these sitting officials (and likely many of their supporters) are barred from seeing posts or engaging with constituents there. Yet, incredibly, Leslie is hosting a debate between these blocked incumbents and their challengers, claiming it will be a neutral, “old-fashioned” Q&A for the benefit of voters. The hypocrisy is staggering.

    In a public announcement post on the forum, Leslie painted the event in idealistic terms. She wrote that “in an effort to reduce political mudslinging,” the forum admins have decided to hold a “neutral, old fashioned Q&A for candidates running for Mayor and Alderwoman”. She assured readers it would be civil and fair – all “smiles, fair questions and handshakes” instead of anonymous mudslinging – and even directly invited the community, asking “Will you join us?”. Leslie also claimed that “invitations have been sent to the 4 candidates”, implying that both the incumbents and their challengers were welcome to participate.

    But Leslie’s actions behind the scenes tell a very different story. In reality, the deck has been unmistakably stacked. Because Mayor Ronkoski and Alderwoman Colombatto are blocked from Leslie’s group, they had to be invited through back-channels – if at all. Leslie even had to ask a third party to deliver the invitation on her behalf, writing, “Please invite Mayor Ronkoski and Alderwoman Colombatto” in an email to an intermediary. It’s an absurd situation: Leslie publicly pretends to welcome all candidates, while privately ensuring the candidates she disfavors are kept at arm’s length.

    Even more troubling is how Leslie is filtering the debate questions to her advantage. According to her own correspondence, “the questions will come from the people of the forum” – i.e. from the members of her Facebook group, which conveniently consists only of people she hasn’t blocked. Leslie explained that she and her team will “compile the questions and they will be asked anonymously to the candidates”. In other words, Leslie alone gets to decide which questions make the cut, and the candidates won’t even know which citizen is asking. By excluding voices she doesn’t like (including the current administration and its supporters) and cherry-picking questions from an echo chamber of her own making, Leslie is effectively rigging the Q&A. This is not an open forum; it’s a scripted performance where she controls the script.

    Current officials in Cottleville see right through this charade. They know a set-up when they smell one. Alderwoman Emily Colombatto – whom Leslie barred from the forum – didn’t mince words about Leslie’s debate. In a message to a constituent, Colombatto reportedly called it “the latest stunt”, and pointed out that “since I am effectively banned or blocked from communicating with all entities involved, this is simply designed to make Bob and I look bad”. Being shut out of a community forum under the pretense of “neutrality” isn’t just personally insulting – it’s an affront to democratic principles. How can a debate be fair when one side isn’t even allowed in the room until the day of the event?

    The outrage here isn’t about a single Facebook group’s internal drama – it’s about transparency and fairness in our local elections. Cottleville voters deserve better than a Potemkin debate orchestrated by a biased moderator who silences those she disagrees with. A truly neutral debate would invite questions from all residents, not just a filtered subset. It would allow every candidate equal access to the discussion leading up to the event, without fear of posts being deleted or users being exiled for political reasons. What Leslie is doing instead is hijacking the public discourse and misleading voters with a false pretense of fairness.

    Cottleville, don’t be fooled. This upcoming “neutral” Q&A is neutral in name only – a stacked deck that insults the intelligence of our community. We should all be asking: What kind of fair debate censors the sitting Mayor and Alderwoman? The answer is simple: none that deserves our trust.

    Call to Action: It’s time for Cottleville voters to stand up for real transparency and fair play. Do not silently accept this charade. Demand true open forums where no candidate or citizen is silenced. Insist that any public debate be hosted on genuinely neutral ground – moderated by someone without an axe to grind, and open to questions from the entire public, not just a gated Facebook clique. Our community’s future is too important to allow one biased administrator to control the narrative. Let Candice Leslie – and any would-be power brokers – know that Cottleville will not tolerate these underhanded tactics. We deserve a fair, democratic process, and nothing less.

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  • stephen thompson: a candidate for mayor who can’t manage his own finances, his own words, or even speak our language fluently?

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    Cottleville needs a leader who is clear, competent, and trustworthy—someone who can communicate effectively, uphold the law, and manage the city’s affairs with transparency. Unfortunately, Stephen Thompson is none of these things.

    • Tied up in lawsuits over shady financial dealings.

    • Caught in contradictions under oath about contracts he signed.

    • And—shockingly—admitting that English is NOT his first language, but Tamil, a language spoken primarily in South Asia.

    How can we trust a mayor who struggles to keep his own story straight in English while trying to run our town’s government?

    A Man Who Doesn’t Even Speak the Language of the Law?

    Thompson’s own sworn testimony raises serious concerns about whether he fully comprehends the legal and financial complexities of running a city like Cottleville.

    • During his deposition, Thompson admitted that English is NOT his first language—his native language is Tamil, spoken mainly in India and Sri Lanka.

    • If he has trouble understanding legal documents, government contracts, and financial records, how can we trust him to lead?

    • City ordinances, tax policies, and development deals require precise comprehension. Can Cottleville afford a mayor who may not fully grasp the fine print?

    Legal Trouble, Financial Lies, and a Web of Contradictions

    Beyond the language barrier, Thompson’s personal and financial history makes him completely unfit to serve as mayor:

    • A legal battle exposing his dishonesty: Thompson is embroiled in a lawsuit over a failed lease-to-own agreement, where he tried to rewrite the facts after signing a contract. If he can’t be trusted in a business deal, how can we trust him to negotiate for our city?

    • Shady money and backroom deals: Thompson accepted a mysterious $10,000 check from a “friend” under unclear circumstances—a financial red flag for someone asking to control city funds.

    • Misleading statements under oath: He contradicted himself multiple times about property ownership, rent agreements, and who was responsible for paying city utilities. Does Cottleville really want a mayor who can’t keep his story straight?

    Already Tied to Cottleville’s Political Machine?

    Even before running for mayor, Thompson has used city-affiliated legal resources for his own personal lawsuit. If he’s already pulling favors, imagine the corruption if he’s in office.

    Cottleville Needs a Mayor Who Speaks the Truth—And Speaks the Language.

    A leader must be able to understand laws, negotiate contracts, and communicate clearly with the people he serves. Thompson’s troubling financial history, legal entanglements, and admitted language struggles make him a clear liability for Cottleville.

    If Stephen Thompson can’t be trusted with his own affairs, how can we trust him with our city’s future?

    Tell Stephen Thompson: Cottleville Deserves a Mayor Who Can Read the Laws, Speak the Language, and Tell the Truth.

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  • JSAC Holdings LLC: business, litigation and political influence in cottleville

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    Cottleville’s business landscape is filled with familiar names, but few have their hands in as many ventures as JSAC Holdings LLC, registered under Wade Brewer. This entity is tied to several well-known local businesses, including Blooming Daisy Market Place, Cottleville Cookies & Cream, Plank Road Pizza, and the now-defunct 1798 BBQ. Wade Brewer is also the registered agent for JAAC Holdings LLC entity is tied to Susan Brewer’s Service First Real Estate and a couple of others. 

    At first glance, this sounds like the success story of a dedicated business owner and real estate investor. However, behind the scenes, Brewer and his entities remain entangled in ongoing litigation with the City of Cottleville. Despite claims of deep community ties, their legal battles against the city raise questions about their real priorities.

    Litigation and Power Plays

    Rumors suggest that JSAC Holdings’ attorney recently retired, prompting them to bring in new legal counsel—yet another chapter in their long-standing courtroom disputes. While litigation is sometimes necessary in business, the continuous nature of these legal fights suggests a more aggressive stance. For a couple who claim to love this city, Wade and Susan Brewer seem to enjoy throwing their legal weight around.

    But their influence doesn’t stop at business and legal battles. The Brewers are also strong supporters of Stephen Thompson and Elizabeth Holt, figures whose leadership has drawn criticism.  Thompson has been accused of being deceptive and incompetent—a concerning endorsement for someone who would wield influence in city decisions. Does this mean Wade and Susan are strategically backing politicians who will cater to their interests? 

    Wade Brewer’s Temper: A Hothead with Power

    One thing locals seem to agree on is that Wade Brewer isn’t exactly known for his diplomacy. His temper is legendary, with many describing him as a hothead who doesn’t take well to opposition. This isn’t just speculation—people who have interacted with him in business settings have witnessed his outbursts and aggressive demeanor firsthand. It’s one thing to be passionate about business, but when that passion spills over into bullying and intimidation, it’s a problem.

    Susan Brewer, on the other hand, is no stranger to confrontation herself, with reports of her threatening locals becoming all too common. Perhaps this is why legal battles seem to follow them wherever they go. For two people who think they wield so much influence in Cottleville, their approach to community relations seems more like a scorched-earth strategy than true leadership.

    Public Perception & Reputation

    The Brewer name carries weight in Cottleville, but not always for the right reasons. One online reviewer even called Wade a toxic person to be around, reinforcing the narrative that the Brewers prefer control over collaboration. If their goal is to create a thriving, community-driven Cottleville, their actions certainly suggest otherwise.

    As their lawsuit against the city drags on, the real question is: Are the Brewers truly invested in Cottleville’s future, or are they simply out to protect their own interests—at any cost?

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  • Stephen Thompson: A Pattern of Deception, Contradictions, and Shady Business Dealings

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    Stephen Thompson: A Pattern of Deception, Contradictions, and Shady Business Dealings

    As Stephen Thompson campaigns for mayor, his past actions suggest he is a man unfit to lead. His deposition in a recent court case reveals a disturbing pattern of dishonesty, contradictions, and financial manipulation, making him a serious liability for the people of Cottleville. If Thompson is willing to misrepresent finances, backtrack on legally binding agreements, and shift blame for his own mistakes, what does that say about his ability to lead with integrity?

    Caught in Contradictions: A Habitual Liar?

    Throughout his deposition, Thompson was repeatedly caught in contradictions—changing his story when it suited him, often within minutes of being pressed. One glaring example is his conflicting statements about the lease agreement:

    • At first, he claimed the lease did not reflect the actual agreement he had with the tenants.

    • Then, when confronted with the contract, he admitted it clearly stated an option to purchase.

    • Finally, he backtracked again, saying he trusted the other party and signed without fully reading it.

    How can voters trust a man who signs legal documents without reading them, then turns around and files lawsuits claiming he was deceived? If Thompson can’t even keep his story straight under oath, how can Cottleville trust him with the responsibilities of public office?

    Shady Financial Dealings: Where Did the Money Go?

    Thompson’s financial history also raises serious ethical and legal concerns. In his testimony, he admitted:

    • He accepted an $11,000 deposit for a rent-to-own deal but later refused to honor the purchase agreement.

    • He claimed he needed money urgently when accepting the deposit—suggesting financial desperation.

    • When the contract was questioned, he tried to argue it had been altered, despite no evidence supporting his claim.

    This is a clear case of financial opportunism: taking money under agreed-upon terms and later trying to rewrite history when it no longer benefits him. Does Cottleville really want a mayor who treats financial agreements like disposable pieces of paper?

    Blame-Shifting and Dodging Responsibility

    Instead of owning up to his mistakes, Thompson has a clear pattern of blaming others—a terrible trait for someone seeking public trust.

    • When asked why a notary was not present when his lease agreement was signed, he claimed ignorance but still sued the other party for alleged fraud.

    • He admitted under oath that he had been paying a sewer bill for years, but later claimed the tenants owed him money for it—even though it was never specified in the contract.

    • When questioned about his financial situation, he deflected, evaded, and refused to take accountability.

    Thompson’s habit of shifting blame and refusing to take responsibility proves he lacks the character and leadership skills needed to serve as mayor.

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  • stephen thompson: a mayoral candidate with a troubling past of financial misconduct and legal disputes

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    As Stephen Thompson sets his sights on becoming the next mayor, the people of Cottleville have every reason to scrutinize the integrity of a man whose past is riddled with financial misrepresentation, legal inconsistencies, and ethically dubious business dealings. Thompson’s recent deposition paints a damning picture of a candidate who appears to have engaged in deceptive financial practices, questionable notarization disputes, and a history of breaking his own contracts—all red flags for someone seeking public office.

    Mortgage Misrepresentation: A Potential Federal Crime

    A mayor should be a beacon of honesty, but Thompson’s financial history tells a different story. During his deposition under oath he admitted that he borrowed money to use as a down payment for his home but failed to disclose this to his mortgage lender. In the world of finance, this is called mortgage fraud—a federal offense that carries severe penalties, including potential prison time. When confronted with the possibility that his actions were illegal, his response was shockingly dismissive: “So be it. I was not aware.”

    Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and for someone vying for public trust, this cavalier attitude toward legal compliance is deeply alarming. If Thompson is willing to misrepresent his finances for personal gain, what does that say about how he would handle the city’s budget?

    The Notary Scandal: Did Thompson Falsely Cry Forgery?

    Thompson’s credibility takes another major hit when examining his claims that a rental contract he signed had been fraudulently notarized. He swore in court that the notarization was done without his knowledge, attempting to paint himself as a victim. But the details don’t add up. While he insists he was left out of the process, his lawsuit suggests otherwise.

    Why would he claim a document was forged when he had no concrete proof? Was this a strategic lie to back out of an agreement he no longer found convenient? If Thompson is willing to play fast and loose with legal documents, can the citizens of St. Charles trust him to uphold the law as mayor?

    Inconsistencies and Deception in Contractual Agreements

    Beyond the notary dispute, Thompson’s handling of business dealings raises serious ethical concerns. He signed a lease-to-own agreement, accepted an $11,000 deposit from the tenants, and later attempted to backtrack on the deal.

    Even worse, he later filed a lawsuit claiming the tenants were in violation of the contract, citing a sewer bill they allegedly failed to pay. Yet, under oath, Thompson couldn’t even point to a clause in the contract stating that they were responsible for that bill. When pressed, he dodged and evaded—an ominous preview of the kind of half-truths and mismanagement the city might expect under his leadership.

    The Character Test: Does Cottleville Deserve Better?

    Leadership is about integrity, but Thompson’s past is marred by financial dishonesty, contradictory legal claims, and an inability to take responsibility for his own actions. He has filed a lawsuit based on flimsy evidence, made false claims about financial transactions, and shrugged off serious legal violations as if they were minor inconveniences.

     Cottleville voters deserve a mayor they can trust—someone who respects the law, honors agreements, and demonstrates financial responsibility. Thompson’s record suggests he is the exact opposite: a man who bends the truth, manipulates legal loopholes, and treats ethical concerns as afterthoughts.

    Before casting their votes, residents should ask themselves: If Thompson can’t be trusted with his own finances, how can he be trusted to manage an entire city?

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  • EXPOSED: the deceipt of stephen thompson-stolen valor of a community effort

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    Stephen Thompson’s False Claim

    Stephen Thompson is attempting to rewrite history by falsely asserting that he was the sole initiator and coordinator of Cottleville’s designation as a Purple Heart City. But the facts tell a different story, and we have the proof.

    The Truth Behind Cottleville’s Purple Heart Designation

    Official city records, public statements, and documented proclamations show that the effort to designate Cottleville as a Purple Heart City was spearheaded by:

    ✅ City Administrator Rich Francis, who formally applied on behalf of the city.

    ✅ Mayor Bob Ronkoski, who supported the initiative in honor of his father, James F. Ronkoski, a decorated Vietnam War veteran who was wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart.

    ✅ Sidney “Sid” Staton, Commander of the Missouri Purple Heart Chapter 125, who advised and guided the city on the process.

    In contrast, nowhere in the official city records or proclamations is Stephen Thompson mentioned as playing any meaningful role in this effort.

    Proof That Stephen Thompson is Lying

    • Official Proclamation Signed by Mayor Ronkoski (May 18, 2022): The official City of Cottleville proclamation naming it a Purple Heart City is signed by Mayor Robert Ronkoski and City Clerk Amy Lewis—not Thompson.

    • City’s Public Announcement (May 30, 2022): The City of Cottleville publicly acknowledged Rich Francis, Mayor Ronkoski, and Sidney Staton—not Thompson—as the key figures in securing this honor.

    • Sgt. James Ronkoski’s Heroic Story: The mayor’s father’s military service and Purple Heart award played a major role in the city’s decision to apply for the designation—again, not Thompson’s work.

    • The General Orders from October 5, 1966, detailing the heroism of Sgt. James Ronkoski, further solidify that this effort was deeply personal to the city leadership.

    Why This Matters

    If Stephen Thompson is willing to falsely claim credit for something he had little to no involvement in, how can the people of Cottleville trust him as mayor?

    ✅ Lying about community efforts is a red flag for dishonesty.

    ✅ Exploiting veterans’ honors for political gain is disgusting and disrespectful.

    ✅ The real heroes behind this initiative—Rich Francis, Mayor Ronkoski, and veterans like Sidney Staton and Sgt. Ronkoski—deserve the credit.

    Cottleville Deserves Honest Leadership—Not a Fraud

    The citizens of Cottleville should not stand for stolen credit and false claims. Stephen Thompson is trying to deceive the community into believing he led an initiative that was actually accomplished by others. This is a slap in the face to the veterans and city officials who truly made it happen.

    When you vote, ask yourself:

    ❌ Do you want a leader who fabricates achievements?

    ❌ Do you trust someone who takes credit for others’ work?

    ✅ Or do you want leadership built on integrity, honesty, and genuine service?

    The choice is clear. Reject deception. Reject deception. Reject Thompson

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