12/18 Doug Andrew Burlison and Mellony Joy Burlison

This is going to leave a lasting impression, and hopefully some insight will be used so this becomes an individual problem and not one that can be used to hinder others with. Funny thing though because 2531 of these proceedings were filed in December and none garners more attention then this one.

Councilman Burlison files for bankruptcy

Press conference will reveal more details.

Wes Johnson
News-Leader


Springfield City Councilman Doug Burlison plans to hold a press conference next week to talk about why he recently filed for bankruptcy.

Burlison and his wife Mellony filed for personal bankruptcy on Dec. 18 in federal Bankruptcy Court.

Burlison said he has no intention of resigning his council seat, and promised to more fully explain at the press conference why he filed for bankruptcy.

"A lot of this is of a personal nature," Burlison said Thursday.

"It has to deal with a lot of personal and family matters. I think people's fears and concerns are going to be allayed once I get the information out."

He declined to provide details except to say the bankruptcy didn't involve any delinquent or unpaid taxes "that would definitely disqualify my membership on the council."

Burlison acknowledged he was concerned about maintaining his credibility as a councilman who deals with city financial issues and budget matters.

"I know it's going to cause some people some concern," he said.

"The part I'm greatly concerned about is the credibility I will have going forward as a member of the council because of this."

Before he was elected in April, Burlison initiated a petition that succeeded in bringing State Auditor Susan Montee to Springfield to audit the city.

The audit revealed dozens of areas in the city and at City Utilities that Montee said could be improved.

Burlison has yet to schedule the press conference.

"It's not going to be easy for me," he said. "I'm not a veteran on these kinds of things.