Steve and Rita Hunter have announced their intention to file a lawsuit against the Joplin Globe for defaming Rita Hunter in her capacity as Jasper County Public Administrator.

In a letter sent to Dan Chiodo, president and publisher of The Joplin Globe, by attorney Robert Mayer of the Mayer Law Office in Dexter, Mo., the Hunters claim that several articles regarding Rita Hunter in her role as guardian/conservator for Emma France, “grossly misrepresent Ms. Hunter’s role.

Also according to the letter, “…after reviewing copies of the court transcripts, I believe the stories were written with actual malice towards Ms. Hunter and that your reporter and newspaper had knowledge of their falsity,” wrote Mayer. “Additionally, Ms. Hunter has related to me that several quotes she gave to your reporter were changed and certain words not included. These material changes have a negative effect on the reader in contrast to what the true and accurate statements would have produced.”

The stories were written by reporter Susan Redden and Mayer said he is considering including her in the suit.

In the final paragraph in the letter, Mayer wrote, “I am pursuing further evidence and witnesses with the intentions of filing a lawsuit against your newspaper for the defamation of Ms. Rita Hunter in her capacity as Jasper County Public Administrator.”

“I believe there is an actual smear campaign here,” said Rita Hunter. “They (The Globe) have absolute power to ruin anyone in local government with their unethical reporting. What is the personal vendetta this paper has against me to allow this type of reporting?”

Mayer said today that he doesn’t expect to file the suit until after the Aug. 5 election. In that election, Rita Hunter is seeking re-election against two other Republican candidates – Angie Casaveccia Ashens and J.L. “Monty” Morgan.