Mar 12, 2009
by Steve Smith
Now that the filing deadline is past, let’s take a look at how the Mayor and City Council races are shaping up.
MAYOR: Mike Moncrief-i, Clyde Picht, Louis “Mac” McBee. W&C Comment: I still don’t understand why both Picht and McBee are running. Short of a series of gas well explosions, I can’t see Moncrief losing this race.
DISTRICT 2: Salvador “Sal” Espino-i. W&C Comment: Espino’s only opponent, Brooke Amber De La Paz, withdrew before the deadline.
DISTRICT 3: W.B. “Zim” Zimmerman, A. James Nuttall, Eric Fox, Bill Lawson, Elizabeth Jane McCune, Gary Hogan, Matthew Hudson. W&C Comment: Fox is probably considered the frontrunner in this race, although former Gas Drilling Task Force member Hogan could make it interesting.
DISTRICT 4: Danny Scarth-i, Lupe Arriola, Jeffery Harris. W&C Comment: Scarth is considered by some to be the most vulnerable incumbent.
DISTRICT 5: Melinda Hamilton, Frank Moss-i, Carey D. Brown. W&C Comment: Moss should be a shoo-in.
DISTRICT 6: Jungus Jordan-i, Glen Bucy, Jr., Paul Hicks. W&C Comment: Jordan wins easily.
DISTRICT 7: Carter Burdette-i, Charlie Murphy. W&C Comment: Murphy will give Burdette eight kinds of hell over gas drilling, but I don’t see the upset happening.
DISTRICT 8: Suzette Watkins, Kathleen Hicks-i. W&C Comment: Love you, Suzette, but I still can’t see the upset.
DISTRICT 9: Joel Burns-i. W&C Comment: The mythical “Chesapeake candidate” that was allegedly going to face Burns is still riding unicorns with Bigfoot, I guess.
Check the Biz Press to read the candidates in their own words.
Join the Discussion: Most Commented Posts
- March 12, 2009 -- City Council Elections Shape Up
- August 17, 2008 -- A Conversation with Jerry Horton
- June 30, 2008 -- Eighth Avenue Showdown Postponed
- March 7, 2008 -- Stop Drilling on Eighth Avenue, Sign the Petition
- July 29, 2008 -- Discuss: Wendy Davis vs. Kim Brimer
- January 9, 2008 -- Will There Be A Lone Star International Film Festival In 2008?
- May 11, 2009 -- Goodbye To A River
- March 13, 2008 -- More West 7th Tenants Announced
- April 4, 2008 -- Berkeley, Mistletoe, and Ryan Place: Are You ready for this?
- September 25, 2008 -- Fort Worth Weekly Best of 2008 Awards
164 Comments, Comments or Pings
Suzette Watkins
Steve – I understand — thanks for the love anyway. Can I get some $$ with that love? $10 or $5 will do — you can donate here http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/donate.html . If it’s $50 or under your name will not ever appear on any Campaign Finance Report so no need to be scared of the repercussions should Kathleen Hicks keep the seat.
Mar 12th, 2009
Mike Phipps
Galveston had Ike, Brimmer had Mike!!!
The elections could just end up shocking you Steve o. I hope your wrong in MANY of your predictions. Maybe the voters of Fort Worth are as fed up with the irresponsible governing here locally as was the case in the November national elections. Many people said “SENATOR” Wendy Davis wouldn’t win (I think even you) but that is exactly what happened. When things like that happen; it’s a sure sign the people are disgusted and ready for change.
Just because someone wins (example: Mayor Moncrief) doesn’t mean that is the right man for the job. In many cases it just means the crooks have more money and unfortunately it takes a lot of money to campaign.
Under the present leadership, Fort Worth is up against a $100+ MILLION DOLLAR budget shortfall with several BILLION DOLLAR$ of infrastructure needs that are not being met.
Under the present leadership Fort Worth lost its Health Department, along with major cutbacks with our Libraries during a time that they are needed most.
Under the present leadership, At a time when our city is up against HUGE $hortfalls, there was no hesitation to add a big chunk of PORK to the 2008 Street Bond. A question many of us have is where is the Ethics Review Board? Why? Read the article below.
Good Golly Miss Molly! Mayor Moncrief has Milked you DRY!
If Mayor Moncrief couldn’t bring Brimmer a win in the 2008 elections, actually it might have been just what lost it for him; who knows there might just be an unforeseen upset in the 2009 local elections.
It’s time for CHANGE!!
I am hearing so many VOTERS say this year that they are voting against the incumbent. With the number of opponents throwing their hat in the ring this election season is a sure sign that the residents of Fort Worth are NOT HAPPY and are tired of seeing their tax dollars wasted.
Good luck to ALL who are running “AGAINST” the Gasfather and the God Squad!
http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=4398
Mar 13th, 2009
We need new blood
A few articles I bet the Mayor wishes would go away: Shouldn’t there be a “Board of Ethics”? Ethics? Review Board? Please!
Whatever happened with that little problem with The DFW Airport, 2008 Street Bond lies, Budget problems, Gas and Oil, Conflict of Interest? Whatever!
http://cbs11tv.com/investigators/DFW.International.Airport.2.824033.html
http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=7124
http://www.wfaa.com/video/index.html?nvid=243907&she=1
http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=27936@ktvt.dayport.com
Mar 13th, 2009
Johnny Mac
God I miss you guys.
Any high schools in Fort Worth need a rookie social studies teacher?
Mar 13th, 2009
Burleson
I don’t think I would be proud of what you call the “Large-scale housing project in a generation” If that is what Sierra Vista is, Please don’t bring that type of development down to this part of district 8. As far as the “new $75 million development at Masonic Home” isn’t it a little premature to be taking claim? It hasn’t even happened yet. As far as crime reduction, you may want to start telling the truth here too. From what I have heard and seen for myself the district you represent has carried the highest crime every year that you have represented it. Those who have been in office for a while seem to learn how to work those numbers. You claim to do and have done much more then what is really taking place. We haven’t seen anything down this way for a long time from a rep. actually didn’t know we had one.
Mar 13th, 2009
Pete Wann
We made no such prediction that I can find.
Mar 14th, 2009
M. P.
Galveston had Ike, Kim Brimer had Mike!!!
The elections could just end up shocking you Steve O. I hope your wrong in MANY of your predictions. Maybe the voters of Fort Worth are as fed up with the irresponsible governing here locally as was the case in the November national elections. Many people said “SENATOR” Wendy Davis wouldn’t win but that is exactly what happened. When things like that happen; it’s a sure sign the people are disgusted and ready for change.
Just because someone wins (example: Mayor Moncrief) doesn’t mean that is the right man for the job. In many cases it just means the crooks have more money and unfortunately it takes a lot of money to campaign.
Under the present leadership, Fort Worth is up against a $100+ MILLION DOLLAR budget shortfall with several BILLION DOLLAR$ of infrastructure needs that are not being met.
Under the present leadership Fort Worth lost its Health Department, along with major cutbacks with our Libraries during a time that they are needed most.
Under the present leadership, At a time when our city is up against HUGE $hortfalls, there was no hesitation to add a big chunk of PORK to the 2008 Street Bond. A question many of us have is where is the Ethics Review Board? Why? Read the article below.
Good Golly Miss Molly! Mayor Moncrief has Milked you DRY!
If Mayor Moncrief couldn’t bring Brimmer a win in the 2008 elections, actually it might have been just what lost it for him; who knows there might just be an unforeseen upset in the 2009 local elections.
It’s time for CHANGE!!
I am hearing so many VOTERS say this year that they are voting against the incumbent. With the number of opponents throwing their hat in the ring this election season is a sure sign that the residents of Fort Worth are NOT HAPPY and are tired of seeing their tax dollars wasted.
Good luck to ALL who are running “AGAINST” the Gasfather and the God Squad!
http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=4398
Mar 14th, 2009
Marcy Galle
Just wanted to get the word out about Gary Hogan’s web site for Fort Worth City Council, District 3. If you want to vote for someone that won’t “play politics,” vote for this man. I know Gary, and he’s given countell volunteer hours for his community and the City of Fort Worth! Please visit his web site (www.HoganForCityCouncil.com) for more information on everything he’s done from helping out on the Gas Well Drilling Task Force to his time spent with Citizens on Patrol. If you want to vote for the “man of the people,” vote for Gary Hogan, District 3! Thank you.
Mar 21st, 2009
CLYDE PICHT
My friends, we have an Ethics Code and many requirements for conduct of an Ethics Committee. We just don’t have a Mayor that can withstand ethical scrutiny so he has refused to appoint a functioning ethics committee. See my YouTube video; search for Landslideclyde.
Mar 29th, 2009
Jim Wilson
Hey, I know its a Fort Worth Site, and one I really enjoy, but…
… out here on the southwest side in Benbrook we’ve elections too.
I know I’m not the only one from Benbrook, or other smaller towns outside
the Big Brother Fort Worth who read and enjoy West & Clear.
I’m a Candidate for Benbrook City Council Place 5.
I won’t add a long list of reasons, just my web site:
http://www.jimwilsonforbenbrook.com
BTW, even if you don’t live in Benbrook, come out and visit sometime.
Apr 1st, 2009
Suzette Watkins
A friend and supporter tells me that the Star-Telegram won’t allow these remarks about the Money Trail for us local candidates (comments on the blog are moderated and Star-Tele isn’t letting these get through to the public) http://startelegram.typepad.com/politex/2009/04/the-money-game.html :
John Spivey writes:
“A few INTERESTING things… First, I don’t know Eric Fox at all, but I raise an eyebrow to what appears to be corporate sponsorship and major contributions from certain Congresspersons who need a compliant City Council to ensure eminent domain abuse occurs to instal a giant lake near Downtown. Again – don’t know him, so maybe he’s just fine.
Mayor Moncrief has a fat bankroll, and almost all of his campaign expenditures are to men in expensive suits.
In District 8 – Suzette Watkins has conservatively spent her campaign funds (likely all of it from individuals).
Kathleen Hicks, as usual, ‘unavailable’. However, records show she’s raised, in the past, an amount that is almost embarrasing when you consider amounts raised and spent PER vote! AND many contributions to Hicks are by ‘influential people, lobbying groups and corporations’. Uh, folks… you don’t want your elected official being ‘influenced’.
So, in District 8, you have a frugal person spending judiciously and endorsed by INDIVIDUALS – who will be a voice FOR DISTRICT 8 FIRST and not putting the needs of developers and corporations in other parts of the City first. Or, you can have the opposite.
A few other interesting things are candidates who refuse to accept any donations (nice idea, but probably unrealistic); Candidates that are deficit spending (ouch – let’s just hope it’s a ‘record filing anomaly’); Three candidates who apparently couldn’t get their acts together to file on time, And one candidate that just broke the century mark (go man go!).
This is an interesting race for sure!” (end quote)
We wonder why the turn out for City elections is only about 5%…our local media doesn’t help much. Should they? Yes, I think it is their “duty.” The people who buy their papers should be informed about more of the political happenings around the City every two years. They selectively choose the facts to expose and by doing so, lead the public in the direction they want them to go. This is the principle upon which bailouts were created.
Apr 11th, 2009
Mike Phipps
It is obvious the ST is VERY protective of the current mayor and council. They wont post anything that makes a hint of objectivity of anyone actively seated. Trying to speak the truth in the ST is like being at City Hall and must follow Mayor Mikey’s chamber rules or risk having your Constitutional Rights revoked. You make one sly remark you are shut down immediately and by doing so they nor the general population will NEVER know the truth or how people really feel. Whatever happened to “Freedom of Speech”? I have followed the ST for years and it has always been the mayors platform. I feel all comments posted should be provided for other readers to see as long as there is no lies or profanity. I know there are many comments waxed from the ST but no one other then the person who sent the comment and the editor knows. This type of action tells the people how the ST works and is pretty insulting to its readers. Let the messages flow! Thanks West and Clear!
Apr 11th, 2009
The Whited Sepulchre
Pete Wann,
It’s been a while. Good to see you’re still going at it !
On Fort Worth’s East side, we have great neighborhoods and great neighbors.
We also streets with potholes that rival the bomb craters of Baghdad.
Overcoming an entrenched incumbent is never easy, but we have incredibly poor representation in our district. It’s bad enough that I think we can get a groundswell movement going. That’s why I’m supporting Suzette Watkins in her run for City Council.
Apr 12th, 2009
MeLinda Hamilton
We are at count now about three more weeks until the Early Voting starts. I am hoping Voters want to see a Change in the way that the City of Fort Worth is being run. I have attended numerous of meetings and answered questions concerning the problems we are having here, and people are so concerned they know that there needs to be CHANGE. I have noticed that most of my signs have been removed from different locations and that I have been getting nasty calls at my office. In District 5 there has always been a problem during the elections and this needs to be addressed with the State. We have had problems with absentee voters, signs being removed etc; (I would consider this a part of organized crime that needs to be dealt with)…I wish all the canidates in all Districts Good Luck …….To see a fresh Council that is going to take the City forward..
Apr 12th, 2009
Aberdean
Let us remember that the ST Opinion pages (to include the blogs) have never been user friendly, in that they have always promoted the incumbent by refusing to print editorial about the mayor and council members that might be the slightest bit critical. They will never print anything about the unethical behavior of the mayor and Danny Scarth.
I am certainly happy that the ST has some competition on the information highway (like West and Clear) that will allow and assist challengers to an out of touch city council…get their word out to the public. Electronically at least. Don’t discount the ability to conduct an election campaign without much money. Doing so electronically is almost free, and can reach a huge number of voters when they will not even read those expensive mailers.
I would also like to commend Louis McBee and Clyde Picht for having the courage to challenge a corrupt mayor’s office and city council members who always support him. I know both individuals running against “Mickey the Mouth” and either would make a great mayor for our city. Louis is right. “Talk is cheap” and that is all we are getting from our current leadership.
Apr 12th, 2009
Eastsider
After a calling out, the Star-Telegram has allowed the public to view the comments! That’s mighty big of them. Thank you West & Clear. You’re the best!
Apr 12th, 2009
karen
Run Suzette RUN! First, city council, then mayor…..Mayor Watkins….I like that! May God and FW voters save us from the incumbents.
Apr 12th, 2009
Mike Phipps
I would surely pay attention to those with the big campaign bank rolls. Most always the large $$$ are in the hands of the incumbent but pay close attention also to the candidates who have a huge amount of money such as Eric Fox. By reviewing his contributors it is clear who he will be working for, NOT THE PEOPLE!
If you truly are looking to vote for someone who is running for the people, look at who has the most money at hand, and RUN, don’t walk, RUN to the other candidate!!!! If you do that you will have voted for someone who is actually going to work for the PEOPLE and a vote will be made for the candidate who is running “For the RIGHT REASONS” Take a look for yourself, you’ll see what I mean.
As far as Eastside, we have three incumbents who seem like that can’t work together or eastside’s needs would be getting met.
I don’t understand why the eastside has to FIGHT for ever damn thing it NEEDS. Other areas of town get its needs and all its wants and that’s where the buck stops. You would think with Districts 4, 5 and 8 all connecting together in the eastside there would be great support for anything the eastside needs but we can’t get three council members who can work together long enough to work for the people.
You would think with the Cowboy Stadium almost finished we would have no problem getting some QUALITY development on the eastside, several years back before the stadium construction ever begun we were sending letters to downtown suggesting that it was a great opportunity for the eastside to gain some quality growth. We pleaded that attention be given to East Lancaster from the Arlington line to downtown since those areas will be first seen by tourist heading in to Fort Worth from Arlington.
East Lancaster will be used by tourist as an alternant route other then Hwy 30 when there may be traffic issues due to large events taking place at the new stadium. And it would be a great opportunity to build the area, but still TOTALLY neglected.
Downtown has failed deeply when it comes to working for the people. Moncrief is about working for his people and his projects such as the Trinity Uptown and his Bridges to No Where! And his plane trips around the world on our dollars.
http://cbs11tv.com/investigators/DFW.International.Airport.2.824033.html
Some people I’ve heard say that we don’t have time for “On the job training” That is total BS, That just means they are willing to continue accepting that our hard earned tax dollars continue to be wasted on PORK and special projects, continue to allow our sitting council to continue to grow HUGE budget shortages and failing to meet the BILLIONS of $$$$ in infrastructure needs. We are in a time when we ALL need to make some cut-backs and why we are the only one doing so is reckless for this city. Why should anyone be willing to take MORE OF THE SAME when the same is not healthy for our neighborhoods or this city?!!
Mayor Moncrief made last year alone over $633,000.00 dollars JUST from “Oil and Gas” not including the earnings of Ms. Moncrief for the same type investments. He has no idea what the real people are in need of. It’s not hard to read between the lines; you have a State Senator step down to become a city mayor just in the nick of time for gas drilling to take over F.W. If someone is making that much money from an industry why should he even be allowed to vote on ordinances for the industry with-in the city on our behalf? That is by all means called a special interest and to him, he will earn thousands if not hitting close to a million (PER YEAR) from the same industry by permitting that industry to come in to this city and do all it wants no matter what may be at danger. He is walking an industry by the hand to make sure it can do all it wants and needs no matter what it is doing to our neighborhoods, our city, our health, our investments and most of all the two resources we need to survive our water and air. Most of them are too old to even care what the generations down the road will need to survive, it won’t affect them.
VOTE MAY 9th, 2009 FOR CHANGE!
“If Dreams Come True”
Wouldn’t it be great if on May 10th, 2009 we learned that Fort Worth spoke out LOUD and we would FINALLY have a Mayor and Council working and working together for the right reason “The People”?
Apr 12th, 2009
Marcy Galle
Gary Hogan for District 3! http://GaryHogan.org/ Vote for fiscally conservative spending for Fort Worth and our communities! Vote Clyde Picht for Mayor! Vote in candidates that will focus on the increasing infrastructure needs of our City and candidates who uphold value for our police and fire department personnel! Gary Hogan and Clyde Picht – CHANGE WE NEED!
Glad to see more people finding this outlet to voice comments on the Fort Worth City Elections. Sadly, there aren’t many!
Apr 12th, 2009
Mike Phipps
I am shocked to see that the ST finally has allowed some postings take place.
http://startelegram.typepad.com/politex/2009/04/the-money-game.html
Apr 12th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
They pretty much had to — they were found guilty. All of us challengers have interviews coming up this Saturday with the Star-Telegram. I think we should boycott the interviews and do them with W&C or the Ft. Worth Weekly if these other media outlets would be so kind to do them. I don’t feel that the ST has any genuine interest in our campaigns and certainly not an endorsement thereof, and I’ve heard they will turn the truth around, so what would be the point in allowing them to interview us?
Apr 12th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
I think Gary Hogan is the front runner in District 3. And here’s why he should be.
Chuck Silcox wasn’t just another councilman. He was a man of the people, a man who stood up to Moncrief and told him who he represented. Chuck was in office for 17 years because of what he stood for. Why would anyone think that expensive 4×4 signs everywhere are going make people forget who Fox represents? Fox represents Chesapeake and downtown interests. He’s the antithesis of what the majority in District 3 want.
No candidate but Gary Hogan will actually represent the electorate in District 3. They all say they will, but it doesn’t take a genius to know that’s what the people want. So what wou;d you expect them to say?
Apr 12th, 2009
Steve Smith
A couple of points:
@ Suzette. As much as you may have some legitimate gripes with the way the Star-Telegram approaches coverage of council elections, I think it is only fair to point out that the reporting I referenced in this story — the reporting that showed that no campaign finance report was available for Kathleen Hicks — that came from the Star-Telegram. I wish I had the time to dig like that, but I don’t. Let’s give credit where credit is due.
Second point, regarding interviews. As I pointed out, time is an issue for me. However, I will offer this to any candidate who wants to take me up on the offer. I will send out a boilerplate interview with the same questions to all candidates. You want a West and Clear interview? Email me at steve (at) westandclear DOT com. Deadline is midnight, April 19. I will post the interviews ASAP after I receive them. You want a photo? Send it along. This is limited time offer. Operators are standing by. You want it, contact me. It’s that simple.
Apr 12th, 2009
Voter
I hope that all the voters keep one thing in mind. You owe nothing to the incumbents or any of the campaign runners for that matter. Whoever it may be that wins, we don’t owe you one thing. It is you that has asked for the job the job is YOUR to do. So when you are elected and those neighborhoods that supported you, you better finally step up to the plate and pay the voters back by getting those neighborhoods built up in every way. Enough of this divide between rich and poor. It isn’t about color anymore, its about the dollar. Don’t forget, we don’t owe them a vote they owe us a job WELL done. Not half ass as some have been getting away with over the past couple years some even longer.
Apr 12th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Thanks Steve. I know your time is limited. It’s difficult to dig for free. I fully understand. I feel like I do give credit where credit is due and I don’t feel like credit is due to the ST for covering the Ft. Worth elections.
BTW, one can find reports here http://www.fortworthgov.org/citysecretary/info/default.aspx?id=970. I hope everyone digs around on their own before they vote. Campaign Finance Reports are always very interesting to peruse if one is interested in the money trail and the candidate.
Apr 12th, 2009
Matthew Hudson
the difficulty ina crowded Dsitrict 3 election is getting the message out. That is why we created matthewhudsonDOTorg. We wnated a place to have a dialogue with members of District 3. We wanted a tool to show the years of expereince in serving neighborhoods we have. People bring up a very intersting point in these comments – who is really for the neighborhoods? Well, my question back is, “Who has been in more than 300 neighborhood meetings across the city in the last 5 years alone?” “Who has been in more council, pre-council and transportation infrastructure commitee meetings than al other canidates combined?” The answer to both is Matthew Hudson. They say that “the candidate with the most money wins.” And if that is true, then our odds are 500 to 1. However, with services like this blog and its readers, perhaps we can prove that theory wrong this time.
Apr 13th, 2009
MeLinda Hamilton
Matt you are so right in ref to your your questions, you have to look who has been apart of certain things. Yes you been there done that…Yes and most of the time its who have the fattest pockets…But I feel like this old saying can Change..This is what everyone say they want I feel like they (The Public) should get out and VOTE..Yes half the people on Council and others running for office have NOT been out there like some of us have…
I have never seen some of elected officials out in the communtiy until there is a ELECTION..We need people on the council that is going to look out for the residents….
Apr 13th, 2009
MeLinda Hamilton
When the plan came out about the Dallas Cowboys coming to Arlington, if we had Council members 4,5, & 8 that were together we could have had projects already in motion. No but everything is surrounded by Downtown, the east Fort Worth area should have been first on the list for upgrading etc;.
Apr 13th, 2009
MeLinda Hamilton
I would like to know if any of the other canidates are having problems with their signs being removed or getting nasty phone calls? Anyway that has not stopped me they going to have a run for there money any way….I was told that is just how the game is played
Apr 13th, 2009
Matthew Hudson
Yes, our signs are “disappearing” There is even a couple of candiates who have people driving around and causing this havoc. Now, they may not have been coached or asked to do this by the candidate, but it is real. There is one candidate who has been very professional with us and has warned us if they see a sign in the wrong spot. Sometimes with volunteers, they get excited and start putting signs out where they shuld not be. For us, every sign counts. So when we lose one, it hurts.
This is the part I was hoping to avoid. I guess the closer it gets the more peronal it gets. Lets stay true to ourselves and not get pulled into these shanigans, agreed?
Apr 13th, 2009
MeLinda Hamilton
S, what you dont want us to interview with the ST? Well the Ft Weekly and the W&C have not got with some of us to do a interview..Yes I know that the ST has been known to turn the truth around…Where ever we can fit in I am game, we just need to let the people know what they are in store for if they dont get out and Vote..You know some people say he/she been there and lets just keep them cause wer are not going to see a change anyway…Put our information and pictures out to let them know this is me and this is what I have done and this is what I planning on during for YOUR Neighborhood
Apr 13th, 2009
Don Young
I challenge Matthew’s assertion that just by attending hundreds of meetings makes him or anyone else good for neighborhoods. Mike Moncrief is Exhibit A of my challenge. It matters very little if the result of such attendance and leadership fails to protect neighborhoods adequately. What matters most is that neighborhoods and the people in them are valued more highly than the developers, gas drillers and other good ol’ boys who really pull the strings.
Just because the FW League of Neighborhoods Assoc. hosted lots of meetings does not make them good guys. Debate at their meetings at the height of the drilling craze was restricted and carefully controlled. Gas drillers were allowed unfair advantage at most meetings, as well. It was very sickening and frustrating to watch the FWLNA cave-in to drilling interests, but we now have them smoked out.
I fault the FWLNA leadership, DIRECTLY, for much of the mess caused by drilling. They refused to act in a timely manner when their support would have made a big difference in the drilling ordinance. They failed the neighborhoods they had vowed to defend. The organization is politically corrupted and has lost all credibility. Not even their friend, Mike Moncrief can undo the damage.
Gary Hogan is the superior candidate by far. Being a really nice guy is just icing on the cake.
Apr 13th, 2009
Matthew Hudson
Don –
You were there when I was in council chamber pleading for 1000 feet setbacks. So you know that I have been engaged. But my purpose in the post was not to illustrate gas drilling. Your criticism about the FWLNA is always welcome. And since I was its leader for a time, then I am accountable.
But, please understand, we never caved-in. The FWLNA is an edcuational group first. It tells neighborhoods what to think about, not what to think. The public rarely sees all the communication between the FWLNA and the city council and mayor. Perhaps this is a shorcomig they should address in the future. In fact, we put so much pressure to reconvene the gas drilling task force and complete an envrionmental study that the mayor stopped open communication with the FWLNA.
Perhaps the point is that the FWLNA was shunned as much as everyone else. The “controlled” debates as you described them, were as prescribed by our member neighborhoods. And the opinions and communicatiosn rendered from these meetings were always highlly critical of the city council and mayor on this issue. It actually hurts that you say the FWLNA caved into the energy companies. We brought them into the room so people could ask them very direct questions. And when they did not answer them, we pointed this out.
And what other group in the city sponsored (sometimes with Board member’s own money) meetings on gas drilling? While its fair to say that you might have handled the meetings differently, isn’t the real point the fact that meetings and infomration was actually shared? Isn’t there a link to your organization in the FWLNA website as a resource for gas drilling?
If anyone visits our website or has heard me speak at a forum, they would read about my plans to appoint a gas drilling czar for the city and to make the gas drilling task force a permanent commitee with more balance for the neighborhood voice. I first brought the idea of the czar to the mayor a few years ago. he agreed that it was a good idea, but he thought the energy companies shuld pay for it. This was the genesis of the Barnett Shale Energy Education Council. Unfortunately, this resource is really mouthpiece for the energy comanies and not meeting the need I outlined at all. So, I want to go back and fix this when I am in council. And by the way, you have already met my choice for appointee to this position. You correctly identified him as a really nice guy. Which he is.
I beleive most of our problems in our city stem from the fact that we have spent so much time embroiled over one issue that we have let other items slip off the table.
I am glad that we have Don Young as a constant watchdog on gas drilling. You have spent countless hours on this issue and I hope you will stay engaged. Beleive it or not, I have read everything you have every written and always listen to you and FWCANDO. Your job is to call attention to the issues. And you do that very well. And yes, I agree with you that the day of the “accident” is coming and you will be able to stand up and say that you tried your best to warn us all.
My concern (and purpose of my post) is the other issues. We need more people like you to rise up and challenge the city on other issues. Where is the “Don Young” of Zoning or Balanced Growth and Development? Where is the “Don Young” of eminent domain for development?
My point is simply that I have been involved in all of these issues. I have no learning curve. I can represent neighborhoods in all issues and not just gas drilling. And while you have not always agreed with me or my thoughts, I have always listened.
I hope that people out there deciding on whom to vote for are considering the fact that there are multiple issues in our city and not just gas drilling. But I look forward to working with you on this issue when I am in a place to actually do something about it.
Apr 13th, 2009
Mike Phipps
AS FAR AS CAMPAIGN SIGNS! If signs are placed between the curb and sidewalks they are illegally placed and F.W. City Code Compliance will pull them, ALTHOUGH I was informed be a code officer Friday that if they pull a candidates signs they will contact their campaign headquarters and inform them that they have signs of theirs and will give them time to pick them up. Not saying that this actually happens but that is what I was told.
As far as incumbents out walking the neighborhoods, I think Melinda is correct on this one, I have NEVER seen Kathleen Hicks out walking neighborhoods, NEVER!! But I have seen her in MANY photos but heck photo opts are endless.
Ms Hicks did come out for Cowtown clean-up on March 28th but it wasn’t to pick-up trash, again it was for that photo moment. When I saw her she was dressed up and wearing heels, I told her “I know your not out here to actually pick-up trash dressed like that” and she replied “She had three other places to appear”, APPEAR, what kind of help to the neighborhood is appearing? It was actually a day to come out to the neighborhoods to WORK!!!! not just appear. She did drop off a few campaign signs though!! Remember SIGNS PLACED ALL OVER THE NEIGHBORHOODS MEANS NOTHING!!
Some ask me why am I not supporting KH, I am supporting Suzette Watkins for D8 because SHE has never lied to me and her energy is endless. She has opened her own business in the heart of the shelter district and placed endless efforts into the area trying to address the homeless issues. She will walk right down the middle of Persideo Street in the shelter district and talk to the homeless people and actually has employed homeless persons at her business. That tells me that she is for all the people not just the rich.
I have tried to address several issues with my current rep with replies of attitude and I am done supporting that type of representation. I have been trying to address major issues that plague our city such as Uninsured motorist and the need to increase the FWPD auto pound to tow uninsured motorist, decaying streets, code compliance, ethics or lack of, gas drilling and pipelines…. did I receive help, NO.
On Jan 20th, I actually started receiving e-mails from Ashley Baker who is on Kathleen Hicks campaign financial reports as her web-site designer and maintainer as well as a campaign coordinator, she began asking me “what did I expect from my council rep., she is only one person” and that if I wanted the respect of Kathleen that “I needed to address her as The Honorable Ms. Hicks, Mayor Pro-Tem Ms Hicks, Council Rep, Ms Hicks, Ms Kathleen Hicks….. not Kathleen! After I personally sent Kathleen another e-mail asking to personally meet to clear the air I received an e-mail from her asst. not her. I have since seen her at several events, I even went to a Hicks event in Meadowbrook to hear of her “Accomplishments” (not my words) and she NEVER even spoke to me or my partner, what kind of Representative does that to a constituent even if they don’t like you.
Don’t ever believe a public official when she tells you “You need to get involved in your neighborhood” because I have heard that so many time from KH and others in office and everyone who knows me I am involved!! Now that I have become involved and I am asking for real issues to be addressed, asking for help I am considered a thorn in her side.
Good luck to all who are running against the incumbents!!!
Apr 13th, 2009
Mike Phipps
As far as the FWLNA, my first experience with the league was two years ago just before the elections, the league displayed poor judgment in timing and hosted a “Coffee with the Mayor” it was obvious there was support for the mayor for doing such a event at such time. We turned several questions on postcards that were not asked to the mayor in person but were to be handed to him to answer at a later date and were to be posted to the leagues web-site but after months of never appearing I made contact with the league. After time past I received a reply and was told that the questions had been lost and therefore would not be posted. I never had faith that our neighborhoods were being represented favorably from that event forward. Again we had a chance to see how the neighborhoods were being represented with the leagues input of the recent past gas drilling task force and ordinance and I feel we as neighborhoods failed fair representation once again.
I hope we have better luck May 9th, 2009 GO VOTE! it is your civic duty and right!
Apr 13th, 2009
Matthew Hudson
Mike –
Again another active voice in our city. Thanks for that.
The coffee with the mayor was an annual event for FWLNA always held in the same manner each year. When it was brought to my attention that it was close to the election, it was too late to change the meeting. We had done tons of communication with the date and time. I got a call from 3 NA’s that expressed this same concern. It was a coincidence, I assure you and this had not been a concern for earlier year’s meetings.
I will say that I asked the mayor if he would mind if we gave other candidates time during the meeting his repsonse was that we had not prepared him for a forum therefore he would have to decline. Since it is hard for NA’s to get time with the mayor, we decided to move ahead. NA’s reps did get the chance to aks questions that night that they would not have otherwise been able to.
As for the questions, I gave them to the mayor’s aide to get them filled out and answered. Again, this is the same process we had followed in years prior. In hindsight, I wish I had typed the questions up and then delivered them to the mayor. Then I would have had a record of the questions and could have dealt with the “lost” isse. This was upsetting and does leave everyone to wonder if it was an “acciddent” or not.
But, just to call to everyone’s attention who think the FWLNA is a “puppet” for the mayor. There was no Coffee with the Mayor in 2008. He declined to particpate. He was not happy with the pressure from the FWLNA on gas drilling.
Keep in mind the FWLNA is a volunteer oranization with no paid Executive Director like Barnett Shale Energy Education Council or the Energy Companies themselves. Sometmes knowing the whole story and all the details helps. I can see where someone might interpret that night as they did. But with all the facts on the table, hopefully, they will see that a group of volunteers did the best they could.
Apr 13th, 2009
Mike Phipps
Dist. 3, Chuck Silcox, Gary Hogan! I think the confidence and respect that Chuck Silcox had in Gary Hogan speaks heavily in how he viewed Gary. Chuck knew what he was doing from day one when he first met Gary. Go get-um Gary!!
Apr 13th, 2009
MeLinda Hamilton
Mike, commenting in reference to you about the ELECTED OFFICIALS. Yes some of them act like that. I know I have been supporting and walking, phone calling and even putting out soigns for them in District 5, you think when they get in office they will be back to say what can I DO FOR YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? No you dont see them until next election and during this time we (The Neighborhood Associations) have to struggle to do it ourselves or some just plan give up. We have to make our neighborhoods strong in number and get them out of the House to Vote and make a Difference in where you live and how you want your neighborhood to look and develope. Yes some want their pictures in the paper but the photographer is the one to blame for that if he during a specific article why would he take pictures of someone that is not apart (dressed for the occasion). District 5 is no different if anything we have the worst representation. My hat gose off to all the canidates that are taking apart and wanting to make a real change in Fort Worth as said the most livable city in the “US”
Apr 13th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
Gee, Matt…your recollections about the FWLNA and its relationship to the Mayor and gas drilling don’t seem quite right.
I have been involved in the gas drilling issues almost 24/7 for the last two years, and I can’t recall a single event I attended where you were there. Also, in November 2008 Libby Willis, VP of FWLNA gave a presentation to the Pipeline Safety Trust annual conference in New Orleans that could have been prepared by a CHK PR person. It is available on-line to view at http://www.pstrust.org.
I could be wrong about your participation, but the timing seems wrong. Could you be more specific about dates and events?
Apr 13th, 2009
Mike Phipps
They must think we are blind or don’t give a damn. Now, I am not going to say they are not doing their job somewhere with-in their districts but I am going to speak out and say that the eastside portions of District 5 (Moss) and District 8 (Hicks) are in POOR condition in so many ways. Code Compliance and Enforcement, Streets conditions, Quality Development, Building Std, Animal Control, Schools, Entertainment, Grocery Stores, Eateries just to mention a few things, they are not just in POOR condition but VERY POOR condition. It is all in our hands. VOTE out those who are not working for ALL in their districts, black, white, hispanic, asian, gay, straight, rich AND POOR!!
If it wasn’t for the little local news paper we wouldn’t see a thing done for eastside. They know how it works. Do a little bit, get mentioned in the paper. Funny how the Masonic development all of a sudden was approved in D8 just before elections, Oversight? Yeah right. Its not about a need for development. Don’t fall for it, It was done for votes. Moncrief knew that there was opposition in D8 and he wants to keep his council as it is, he has them all trained already.
Take a ride around eastside and you decide. If everyone that lives between Hwy 30, Hwy 287, Loop 820 and Hwy 35 would stop voting the same two people back in to serve another term, downtown might get the message that WE ARE FED UP and WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANY LONGER if we sent that message. It would change! It is not about black and white it is all about the green….. Race doesn’t mean a thing any more. They think we don’t have the money and we are not worth doing for.
If everyone would come together, show up in council chambers and speak your voice change WOULD have to happen. STOP accepting and STOP allowing the same old crap to happen….. PERIOD
There is not a chance that you have not notice that there has not been such a great job done by either council rep (Moss or Hicks). Rather the opposite, there is a hell of a lot of Council Representative neglect.
Downtown needs to stop playing games with our money and our neighborhoods! The moon hung over eastside long before McCloud, Webber even Bagsby so don’t think that it just happened over the past couple years. District 5 and 8 as far as eastside goes is LACKING IMMENSELY, stop acting as if it doesn’t.
Apr 13th, 2009
Bud Kennedy
Hi folks,
I just saw some of the complaints above about our PoliTex blog.
Comments don’t get posted until somebody approves them. I’m not the person who usually does that, but this morning I saw that several had gone unposted all weekend. So I went in and posted them myself.
We all want the PoliTex discussion to be open. We’re just slow sometimes at posting replies.
I’m not the blog editor, or even a regular contributor, but I’ll always try to help — bud@budkennedy.com or 817-390-7538 –
–Bud
Apr 13th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
Re Don Young’s post about FWLNA, and also about the history revision job that seems to be going on among District 3 candidates who were never seen at Council speaking against CHK excesses in 2007 and 2008, I noticed yesterday that the FWLNA website now show Matt Hudson as 2008 president. Everybody knows that is wrong. The 2008 President was Shirley Gannser and the VP was Libby Willis.
Also, check out Libby’s presentation to the Pipeline Safety Trust conference last November at http://www.pstrust.org. It was probably prepared by the CHK PR department.
The FWLNA programs on gas drilling were controlled so that they conveyed the impression that there was much that people needed to know about gas drilling before deciding whether it is a good or bad thing. This continued throughout their entire series– even after the Carter Avenue eminent domain caper was in full swing.
The FWLNA is a front organization for Moncrief et al. Though it was originally founded for the right reasons–to show neighborhood solidarity against the Downtown pickpockets, it has become a propaganda arm of that crowd. It is being used as a stepping stone to elected office by its leaders and a minor league for City positions.
Apr 14th, 2009
Matthew Hudson
I am sad, Jerry, that you feel this way. First, the FWLNA year starts March 1. So I was the president in 2007/2008. Shirley was the president 2008/2009. So there is no error.
Second, there is no re-writing of history. I am sorry that you were not able to be in the room the mutliple times that I sat with council members (and city staff) one on one to plead the 1000 foot setback or that you were not in the room with the mayor and I on multiple occassions trying to get the gas drilling task force reconvened and an environmental study completed.
I know you personally have spent countless hours on this topic. You used to supply a report to me that I would post on the FWLNA website – a report that you created on your own, manually. Just like no one has seen all the work you have done (whch is a lot), please give the same consideration to others.
The rules of the FWLNA non-profit organziation preculde it from engaging in political conversations or endorsements. The FWLNA has always taken a position of edcuation. This is why it was founded and why it exists today. It is always the struggle to please everyone, but we always tried our best. Just like the comments about the coffee with the mayor, only 3 of 78 member NA’s complained about the timing, yet we stressed over it and made sure that the minutes relfected for future Boards to move the coffee with the mayor out of the May time frame.
If the FWLNA is a front organization for Moncrief, it would be much appreciated if you could supply some factual eveidence of this claim. As the Presdient of this organization and a Baord member for 6 years, I can assure you that it will be impossible to prove such a claim. We tried to keep an open dialogue with the mayor, but we never took direction from him or followed his instructions. It just didn’t happen.
Finally, I never served on the League as a stepping stone and I am bothered by this comment. As long as Chuck Silcox was in the District 3 seat, we were very well served. Had Chuck not passed away, I would still be working with neighbrohoods around the city the same way I have for the last 6 years. I only got involved at this level when I felt that no one was running who would fill Chuck’s seat in a manner that upheld his legacy. These were the phone calls I was getting from neighborhoods asking me to run. Granted, I am not the ony one who can carry on Chuck’s legacy, but I am the only one who has the full breadth of experience in all issues impacting our quality of life.
Lastly, Libby Willis completed a presentation on her own accord, not representing the FWLNA. That is whay it is not on the FWLNA website. I think you should talk to her about your comments directly.
I have posted comments to 3 strong voices in our neighborhoods the last two days. I hope people reading this understand that passionate people show up, and speak out. I have great respect for each of the people posting here. While most people in our city are not even aware we have an election (wondering what are all the signs for), the people here are engaged and should be commended.
Apr 14th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
Don’t be sad, my friend. What’s there to be sad about? When, in August 2007, the landmen came to call on our neighborhood, you were nowhere to be seen, though you do, and did, live in our neighborhood. You didn’t help me get the word out to those 800 homes I flyered then. You didn’t attend or speak out at the meeting at the elementary school where Gary Hogan and I spoke to our neighbors about the gas drilling dangers. You didn’t say a word.
I’m sorry that neither I, nor anyone else reading this, apparently, was there for those private sessions with council members, staff, and the mayor too. It’s too bad, because your public appearances in this regard were nonexistent. What was it that gave you this access that none of the rest of us got? Why did you not tell everyone about these meetings at the time?
The problem is that what you are saying now, Matt, conflicts with the publicly available evidence of what happened then, and it is creating an impression that is unwarranted.
Perhaps others who were there will have something to say about the event where you, as Pres of the FWLNA, are said to have denied candidates the opportunity to speak.
I don’t know what happened in those one-on-one meetings you have had with the council, staff, and mayor, but it is generally believed by those who oppose the city’s gas drilling philosophy and policies that the FWLNA is a propaganda arm of the Mayor and his cabal.
Your problem, Matt, is that your story of deep involvement doesn’t fly with those of us who were there and engaged in the fight.
Oh, believe me, I spoke to Libby about her presentation eyeball to eyeball. Libby was the MC of those presentations the FWLNA fed to the public. She was very bland about any aspect of drilling that she may have disagreed with. The presentation speaks for itself. Anyone can view it at http://www.pstrust.org.
Now, if we can avoid the need to correct more misstatements, maybe we can talk about the needs of the people. I apologize to anyone who feels that we’ve gone off topic here, and I’ll be pleased to change the subject.
Apr 14th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Matthew Hudson writes, “While most people in our city are not even aware we have an election (wondering what are all the signs for)…” That’s pretty pathetic isn’t it? How many of your Neighborhood Associations are holding any sort of forum/debate, etc. for the residents in the Neighborhood? Only one in District 8 — Historic Southside has stepped up to the plate and is holding a candidate forum between Kathleen Hicks and me this coming Monday, April 20th at Southside Community Center, 959 E. Rosedale, 6:15pm. Why more NAs don’t do this is beyond my understanding. It would only serve the people who’s minds aren’t made up, to see & hear for themselves the candidates views and reactions on the hot seat, BEFORE they vote.
Melinda – no problem with my signs that I know of in District 8. The fact that yours are coming down as fast as you can get them up is something I would think the Star-Telegram would be reporting. It is against the law to remove a sign placed w/in the limits (to my understanding). I hope the offender is caught and prosecuted accordingly. Best to you.
Apr 14th, 2009
Jim Ashford
I too question those who have had one on one conversations with the City leaders. How did that happen? I was told by the Mayor at a council meeting to meet with city staff about a compressor issue near me. When I saw Susan Alanis the current planning director after the meeting and requested to meet with her, she told me she would not meet with me without speaking to my home owners association first.
At another Council meeting, I requested their help in preventing an unnecessary gas well be drilled in a location very detracting and potentially dangerous for my neighborhood of Riverbend Estates and another neighborhood of Sunset Oaks in District 4 (Danny Scarth). That well site could have contributed to the flooding of an entire neighborhood at the time.
A meeting was set up with Danny Scarth (District 4), Susan Alanis (Planning Director) and CHK. Susan Alanis informed me the meeting would not be until four weeks later.
Three weeks later, CHK received their permit from the planning department to drill the site and started grading immediately. That was one week BEFORE my scheduled meeting.
The current City Council and City leaders do not respect the Citizens.
THE CITY LEADERSHIP NEEDS CHANGE.
Apr 14th, 2009
Gary Hogan
I have in good respect for others stayed out of this debate,but I must now respond and set some facts as i know them straight. Mat Hudson is somewhat agrogant to say without knowing my background accurately that he alone is the candidate representing neighborhoods. My experience goes back 4 years longer than Mr Hudson’s to 1999. I have been to as many City Council meetings representing city issues. I have been to many public hearings and presntations on all the issues over the years that have faced our city. I too have weighed in on these. When gas drilling encroached on the inner city in 2004 with wells on the far West side, i brought concern to Councilman Silcox who with Sal Espino who was hearing from his constituents also pushed for the Task Force of 2005 -2006. In fact ALL of the TF hearings that year HAD public input sessions. They where all preficed by comments that we where here because of complaints from the so called ” Hogan Well ” location ( no not my well just the one that brought the 2nd TF out ) I was the member of that TF that pushed for and proposed the 1,000 ft setback for wells. I and 3 others where the strong voices of concern regarding neigghborhood protections. Eva Bonilla Mayor Moncrief’s appointee and then President of the FWLNA was also a member of that minority voice. The FWLNA as a group did not voice a strong public opinion on the issue. From 2006 through 2008 I remained a strong voice on the issues of Urban Gas Drilling.I made my time available to over 60 neighborhood, homeowner and civic associations to educate and discuss the issues of Urban Gas Drilling and the leasing process in the hieght of the Gas leasing juggernaut. I traverled all over North Texas communities from Flower Mound Texas to Parker County. I was proud yet humbled by The Fort Worth Weekly voting me Best of Fort Worth in 2007 as ” Most Grits and Gumption ” for my presistence on this issue. I am not a one subject candidate either I take on all issues with the same determination to learn the issue and represent the people of my neighborhood and speak out on all issues facing our city. I decided to run for this position because in July of last year Mr Silcox asked me if I was ready to run for his seat. I had to do long sole searching to that commitment. The fact that he had the confidence in me on 2 Task Forces and had asked me finally made me realize I had to step out of myself. I will serve with the same dedication is the only way to do it. I hope people consider neighborhood leadership over smooth politicians. I ask for your confidense. Gary Hogan
Apr 14th, 2009
Matthew Hudson
I do need to say this. Gary Hogan has done a lot for our city with the Gas Drilling issue. And he has given selflessly of himself on this issue. I have never denied this or represented it otherwise.
While we do try and draw comparison and contrast between each other as candidates, I admire and respect Gary for what he has done (and is still doing) on the issue of gas driling. And I am thankful that there are people in our city like Gary and myself who do these things not because we have an agenda, but becaseu it is the right thing to do.
I have made it a practice to never speak about individual candidates, but in this case, I want to make sure the record is straight with my thoughts on this topic. Gary deserves the credit for his service.
Apr 14th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
We all (except the Mayor) filmed question & answer sessions with our opponents at the City Cable studios last week. What’s taking them so long in getting them posted here http://www.fortworthgov.org/citymanager/cable/default.aspx?id=340 and broadcast on television? The public deserves to be able to see & study these informative clips ASAP. Some insiders have seen them and, I’m sure, are using them to their advantage — so I say, come on with it to whomever has control of the tapes. What’s the hold up?
Apr 17th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Below is the cable schedule for the candidate forums:
4/19 8:00:00 pm
League of Women Voters District 3,4,5,6
4/19 9:30:00 pm
League of Women Voters District 7, 8, Mayor
4/20 3:00:00 pm
League of Women Voters District 7, 8, Mayor
4/20 4:00:00 pm
League of Women Voters District 3,4,5,6
4/21 1:00:00 pm
League of Women Voters District 3,4,5,6
4/21 2:30:00 pm
League of Women Voters District 7, 8, Mayor
4/24 8:30:00 pm
League of Women Voters District 7, 8, Mayor
4/24 9:30:00 pm
League of Women Voters District 3,4,5,6
Apr 17th, 2009
dan o
“sole searching?” “confidense?” “traverled?” “…we where here…?”
gary hogan needs a dictionary, friends.
Apr 18th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
A lot of people wouldn’t win a spelling bee, but is that a qualification for City Council? And who is your favored candidate?
Apr 18th, 2009
Marcy Galle
DAN O – Seriously? That’s all you have to say? I can see why you didn’t show your full name in your comment, which made you look like a total jerk by the way. If you don’t have a constructive comment to make about the elections, quit wasting server space! Oh, and your post wasn’t grammatically correct either, DAN O, so you’re really in no position to nitpick.
Apr 18th, 2009
Don Young
I’ll take a “spelling-challenged” rep over an “ethically-challenged” rep any day. Anyhoo, Gary just types fast because he’s got a battle for justice to fight. Let’s talk real issues like, why Mike Moncrief needs a frontal lobotomy and Zim and the rest are just more of the same ol’ same ol’ and Danny is part of the problem and Matt has been looking in the mirror too long and where Carter is hiding his kick back $ from CHK and why Tea Parties are nothing but racism in disguise. Uh-oh, did I hit a nerve? or is that noive?
Apr 18th, 2009
Jeff Galle
“Tea Parties are nothing but racism in disguise.”
Don, you had me with ya until right about here, and then you went all Anderson Cooper on me, which is a shame. My family went to the Fort Worth Tea Party with Governor Perry. Had we the luxury of doing so, I would have taken the 15th off entirely and gone down with my family to San Antonio. The Tea Parties had nothing to do with partisan smarminess, nothing to do with (D) vs. (R), and absolutely nothing to do with the skin color of our President. The Tea Parties were all about fiscal responsibility, and were the response of every American citizen that feels that their voice is being ignored by the select few in the Federal Government who feel that they know what is best for us.
My grievances with Congress and the President are both colorblind and gender-neutral, but this is really not the right venue to comment on the matter. And in all honesty, it may surprise you to know that my attendance at one of the Tea Parties lines up quite nicely with one of the reasons why you and I happen to support the same City Council 3 candidate. From what I have seen, and what I know of the man, Gary Hogan is very prudent when it comes to spending money that is not his. And regardless of what letter you tack in parens at the end of your name when holding public office, I am sure that everyone can agree that this is a positive trait.
Did you hit a nerve? No. Did you insult my intelligence by lumping everyone who attended Tea Parties into stereotypical “right-wing conspiracy theorists and bigots?” Yes.
Apr 18th, 2009
MeadowbrookToday
Jeff,
Be very careful …
You have to realize that whenever someone from the left makes a statement like Don’s (“tea parties are nothing but racisim”) YOU are supposed to just grin and bear it.
Now if YOU respond to their conservative baiting tactics, YOU are roundly condemned as a “right wing extremist” who is obsessed with bringing up politics, doesn’t know how to get along with others and you better cease and desist or you will be banished from the sandbox ..
Did I get that right, Jerry Lobdill?
Brooke
How about those cowboys ….
Apr 19th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
Not really, Brooke.
I think it is very myopic to cast every issue into a right or left pigeonhole. In this case is suicidal to do so. What is left or right about the issue of your right to be safe and secure in your home and to have a home that no one can take away from you?
There are people whose politics are all over the political spectrum who are on our side of this issue. When we insist on discussing right vs. left with them before they can play in our sandbox we kick ourselves in the shins. (And as I saw it, that is what you once tried to do with me.)
I regret that Don went off the reservation in his remarks. You can see from the result how it has defocused this thread.
It seems to me that the one thing that this issue has proved is that whether we are right or left in our general politics, we still have areas in which we are in passionate agreement. Shouldn’t we celebrate that rather surprising fact and capitalize on it?
Apr 20th, 2009
MeadowbrookToday
Jerry,
Then Don should APOLOGIZE to those of us who have been insulted by his inappropriate and off-topic cheap shot….
(And by the way, I’m still donating tables and time to Prariefest ..)
How about it Don?
(So yes… let’s refocus on the upcoming elections and skip the polarizing statements because if we don’t get some POSITIVE change at Citiy Hall, we are all in big trouble…)
Apr 20th, 2009
Don Young
Give me a break. The wheels were off this topic before I mentioned Tea Parties. That’s why I chimed in. My 4/18 post was not meant as conservative baiting. Besides, I’m told that Tea Parties and racism are non-partisan issues.
Of the 99 words I typed about 92 of them were put there in an attempt to get back on the topic of city council election issues and not Gary Hogan’s creative spelling. The “off the reservation” comments were just my sick way of getting people to pay attention. It’s called sarcasm and it’s not always pretty.
So about those other 92 words?
Apr 20th, 2009
chinese boomerang
Don says -
“Tea Parties are nothing but racism in disguise.”
Sorry Don, you shouldn’t get off that easy. Tell everyone what you really think.
Do you really think the Tea Parties were “racism in disguise?” Because if so, it may start to seem that your “unassailable” devotion to nature etc. “living lightly” on this earth is really just a pretty disguise for your vicious, repugnant, loathing of humanity.
Apr 20th, 2009
MeadowbrookToday
Don,
You might want to figure out a better way of getting people’s attention.
We need real dialogue about the elections, not “sick” insults.
Still waiting for that apology. .
Brooke
Apr 20th, 2009
Steve Smith
I would like to take a moment to remind everyone about the “no personal attacks” portion of the West and Clear comment policy. I understand that politics ignite everyone’s passions, but please disagree respectfully and self moderate your comments accordingly.
This is the friendly warning. Be cool everybody.
Thanks
Steve
Apr 20th, 2009
Me Linda Hamilton
Good evening WC, I have not seen anyone speaking on the incident that happen on
Saturday..I say this because this is very close to my heart…My friend lives around the corner from me and it was her son that got killed by the taser incident…..We are having a candle light visual at 6pm at Ramey Street and Hwy 820 South pn Tuesday 21st….by me being the neighborhood president have had a alot of calls from residents, organizations, radio stations as far as California…..This went nation wide this morning….This was a very tragic thing to happen….All the family want is justice to be served…Our motto for this is TOSS OUT TASERS…Not going to be another Cowtown Cover up
Apr 20th, 2009
Me Linda Hamilton
Did anyone hear how the debate went between Suzette and Kathleene for District 8?
Apr 21st, 2009
Katy Beckwith
District 3 Council Candidates are ALL without standard knowledge that they need for the job. Several have done a little studying, but none have a clear picture of the famous FW Way to do things OR not do things depending upon which side of the fence you are on. Yes, it’s not just politics, it is a full time job with very little pay and lots of grief along the way. Take taxes from the $25,000 per year and see what your true hourly pay is.
Begin with the most arrogant of them all – Eric Fox. He has the big downtown money with Moncreep and his bride behind him 100%. Mrs. even hosted a fundraiser to help him fill his coffers – they collected $15,000 at it. Remember that his full time day job is head lobbyist for Lockheed and that job requires a series of bribes and trade-offs with politicians and the politically well connected, so don’t be fooled with his smooth talk of wanting to be “the little bulldog” filling the Silcox shoes. Since he’s the first one listed on the ballot, he believes he will be a shoo in. We don’t need a Fox in the City Hall Coop.
Move on to Gary Hogan who was Silcoxs appointee to the Fort Worth Gas Well Advisory Task Force. He started off with a strong fight for neighborhoods and citizens in 2006, but Moncreep busted that up when he insisted that the Task Force include some of his oil & gas buddies. Lots of luck to you Gary, but you’ve been busted on the deathbed request you made in FW Weekly’s last issue. Silcox had several others in mind for his council slot who were much better versed in most of city hall problems. They didn’t want the hassles that go with the job and refuse to deal with the current Mayor. One of them was even a former councilman and another a judge.
Former FWLNA president Matthew Hudson talks – alot about little. That group supported many things that were back door ways to support Moncreep policies and wants. Never did they have the guts to stand toe to toe with him on the important issues of zoning and overlays. So what if Hudson spent many hours at meetings, at 3 minutes per speech that means most of his hours were sitting on his butt waiting to be called to the podium! No one pays any attention to him because his appearance is sooooo distracting. Please get a haircut and wear less rumpled clothing – you say you work as a consultant but you ALWAYS look like you just woke up. Go back to sleep, you don’t stand a chance. His “all you have to do attitude” about giving 1 hour to the city makes no sense. We taxpayers already pay the city to do the job.
Bill Lawson has the cahoneys to stand up to the mayor and fellow councilmembers but since he’s not raising or taking any contributions, he will have a hard time reaching many of the district 3 voters. By being an air force general, he has at least managed a large group of people and is well versed in adhering to a budget, even when your feet get knocked out from under you. When the time comes, he would be able to stand up to lies and set records straight because time is money and this city is very deep in the hole. No Barnett Shale money floating around in the halls at city hall, but a part of that picture is correct – there is lots of B.S. up there and the citizens got the shaft.
Zim Zimmerman also has what it will take to stand up and not fall in step with the crowd, but he had to play lots of politics when he worked at Lockheed and many people still remember that. Could hurt him in the long run because there were ties to the downtown crowd and those ties are still uncut. How about it Zim, can you cut the cord? You have a very tough act to follow and even though Silcox could be arrogant, he was man enough to shake hands and agree to disagree. If he gave you his word, he kept it – despite threats and side comments from the mayor.
Elizabeth Jane McCune is passionate about running for city council, but she’s too young to stand up to the kind of pressure this job takes. Other councilmembers quickly fell into Moncreeps clutches and there’s no reason to believe she would be any different. Come into my web said the spider to the fly. If you want something in your council district than vote my way on this item and you shall be rewarded later. Come back in about 20 years when you have more experience, Liz.
James Nuttall has not bothered to show up at any of the candidate forums. Must be too busy trying to round up business since he is an oil and gas attorney and that industry is hitting the rocks again. He claims he is not involved in the Barnett Shale but who ever believed an attorney? His being elected to this seat would make a trio of attorneys on the city council. They could get together, call their firm BEN and charge for their advice to the group. Hell, taxpayers already pay millions for outside advice for everything we do anyway. That’s the ticket, let the majority of staff go and run the city by outsourcing everything. Just fixed your $50M budget shortfall for you mr. mayor.
To all you citizens in District 3 – get off your butts and vote for someone who won’t be another clone.
Apr 21st, 2009
Ready for Change
One question was asked about “Are you in favor of Term Limits?” Suzette answered by all means she is in favor of and Kathleen said the same and went further by saying that she even voted for term limits but once again (AS ALWAYS) no on voted with her. I say since you said you are so much for term limits, even if it is not city law voluntarily say I have served my time and move on.
Apr 21st, 2009
Ready for Change
Something to remember, When Hicks brags about having the endorsements of the Policeman and Fireman keep this in mind…. you, me and all the tax payers are who actually paid and will pay for those endorsements. Those endorsements are not free to the tax payers by no means. The Policeman’s endorsement cost us 5% in pay raises across the board for the next 5 years. Its yet to be seen what we will end up paying for the firemens endorsement. It is because of the firemen why there are so many HICKS signs on Oakland Blvd it wasn’t Kathleen who walked the neighborhood. When has that last happened in Meadowbrook. Maybe SOUTHEAST F.W. but not Meadowbrook. All I hear her talk about is the southeast. There is more to District 8 then the southeast. Why is southeast all we ever hear. Why are there large areas in District 8 where there are people who have never seen their rep? Why are there large areas in District 8 where the people have never heard of or from their rep? Why are there large areas of District 8 where the people don’t even know who their district rep is? Until now! It’s ELECTION TIME…… GO VOTE MAY 9th, 2009
Apr 21st, 2009
Ready for Change
WITH THE HUGE DEBTS THIS COUNCIL HAS CREATED, EVERYONE SHOULD ASK!! “BEFORE VOTING” Can we the tax payers of the city of Fort Worth afford another term with these same people at the table. STOP THE BLEEDING! VOTE for change MAY 9th, 2009
What has Mayor Moncrief done for you lately? Go Picht or Go McBee! Either is better then what we have today
What will Eric Fox (District 3) do for you? Lets pray we don’t find out, Go Gary Hogan!
What has Danny Scarth (District 4) done for you lately? Go Lupe Arriola!!!
What has Frank Moss (District 5) done for you lately? Go Malinda Hamilton
What has Jungus Jordon (District 6) done for you lately? GO GLEN BUCY
What has Carter Burdette (District 7) done for you lately? Go Charlie Murphy
What has Erin Kathryn (Kathleen) Hicks ( District 8 ) done for you lately? GO SUZETTE
Apr 21st, 2009
Kalli Whittier
OMG – I just found out that Eric Fox got money from several sources that he frequently deals with on his day job as a lobbyist. Look it up for yourself on the city web page. He may talk a good game of being another conservative like Chuck Silcox, but people shouldn’t believe a word he says. He is just as slick as the top of his shiny head. My sister worked with him at Lockheed and he is a very arrogant man. He is not what we need in local politics because there are already people on the Council and decision making boards who have that trait. Remember when you go to vote, he lies for a living – do you think he will change if he is elected?
Apr 22nd, 2009
David AKA Rico
It appears that City Cable has pulled the Candidate Forums from it’s website and possibly from air.
http://startelegram.typepad.com/politex/2009/04/tuning-out-.html
Apr 22nd, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Edith Jones, who moderated the forums, said she was “appalled.”
“We’ve never had anything like,” she said. “That is just censorship in the worst way.”
(same link as the one David posted above!)
Apr 22nd, 2009
Ginny
Actually, Carter Burdette has done quite a bit for me. His office is the one place where someone will do something about problems I have had with home builders dumping stuff on my street and leaving phone cables lying in my yard but still attached to the pole.
Those are just what I can remember off the top of my head. The previous occupant of that council position never responded to a concern of mine at all. These aren’t big things, but they matter to me and everybody else I contacted responded with “Not my job.”
Apr 22nd, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Perfect example of poor leadership at City Hall. All of us candidates, (including incumbents which includes Mayor Mike Moncrief) knew of the taping sessions that the League of Women Voters were doing in conjunction with City Cable Channel weeks before the forums took place. Someone at City Hall decides to not allow the public to see & hear the candidate’s answers to questions on topics the public might find interesting — stating that there might be some prohibitive legal reason for the City to not be involved in politics. What? So here we have any many hours of personnel wasted on this project? How many hours of citizen volunteer hours wasted on trying to bring transparency and accountability to our local government? Why didn’t the leaders at City Hall think of this excuse BEFORE wasting people’s time & money? Perfect example of waste, lack of proactivitiy and out of touch leaders at City Hall; not to mention the abuse of power, secretive, game playing, closed governmental ways that our local government continues to practice. Absolutely disgusting! Vote for Change in your local politics!
http://startelegram.typepad.com/politex/2009/04/tuning-out-.html
Apr 23rd, 2009
Me Linda Hamilton
Yes, Suzette I do agree with you. The questions were not answered the way they thought they should have been answered. The City of Ft Worth has been run by the Good OL Boys and it is time that Fort Worth wake up times have changed and we need to keep up with the CHANGES…There need to be new leadership of people that want to help THE ENTIRE CITY not just certain areas. We need to get rid of the puppets that are on a string and when they pull that string it means you BETTER do this YES SIR…We need a board that can speak there own minds and then if we do not agree we all come to an agreement that will work for all of us..The City is not working together so how can they work with the communities? Yesterday at the meeting I attended the Cheif of Police was there and he spoke of CHANGE at least he is moving in the right direction..I Hope after the May 9th Election there is a City Council/Mayor board that will lead us to the Future of FORT WORTH…
Apr 23rd, 2009
Me Linda Hamilton
W&C you made the comment that Frank Moss is a shoo in, have any of your comments changed?
Apr 23rd, 2009
Steve Smith
Nope. But if you prove me wrong, you won’t hurt my feelings.
Apr 23rd, 2009
CLYDE PICHT
Webster: “Ethics: the study of standards of conduct and moral judgement.”
Moncrief: Ethics: “just not something I spend a lot of time on.”
Picht: No kidding, Mike, who would have thought anything different? You apparently don’t understand the difference in having knowledge of a subject, such as gas drilling, and profiting from the companies you are voting to regulate. You apprently don’t understand the city code regarding appointment and conduct of an Ethics Committee. Your disdain for standards of conduct and lack of moral compass make me wonder whether I can believe anything you say, anywhere, any time.
Apr 23rd, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Credit is due to reporter Mike Lee for his article on Ethics theme with local elections. Thank you Mike for this thorough & informative report.
http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1334146.html
Apr 23rd, 2009
Mike Phipps
District 5: Moss has done NOTHING where change and attention is greatly needed. I have tried several times to address the massive decline of the district and he accused me of criticizing him. He climbed over chairs in chambers one night to approach me and asked if I had a problem with him and I informed him that I didn’t have a problem with him but his actions and performance I had no praise to give. He harshly expressed to me that he would “Shut me Down” if I ever “Criticized” him again. Now how can one work with someone who acts like that? All I wanted was to see some positive change to the neighborhoods and to have something done about the HUGE amount of boarded up structures and the never ending code violations that cover the areas. Basically asking that some pride be given to his district, it is owed to his constituents, after all that is what is owed and deserved. He asked for the job and said he could do the job, we didn’t ask for him to take the job. Same goes for the other incumbents.
I am still waiting for him to call me to go have coffee like he said he would do to discuss the issues, Does he really even care? The area that I was trying to address was near the 820, 287, 35 and East Lancaster areas.
Much of the same area is the responsibility of Kathleen Hicks (District
why the two council reps can’t work to get many of the issues addressed I have no idea.
I would like to know if each were to win their district in the elections May 9th, 2009 what would they, Ms. Melinda Hamilton (D5), Ms. Suzette Watkins (D8) and Ms. Lupe Arriola (D4) do in the area (between Hwy 30, Loop 820, Hwy 287 and Hwy 35) where each district comes together on the eastside, could they work together and would they support each other to bring quality change to these neighborhoods.
With the Cowboy Stadium opening soon you would have thought they (Moss, Scarth and Hicks) would have had the prime opportunity to make substantial change and quality growth to this area but that totally ignored the opportunity. WHY?
Apr 23rd, 2009
Clara Miles
Mr. Phipps,
It all boils down to money. The city spends tons of it on travel for elected officials who have overstepped their bounds and duties for years. Most of those offices are fancied up at taxpayer expense. Apparently, none of the elected officials know what it means to live within a budget. After retiring from the city, I decided to move away. Taxes and fees were way too high and the famous Fort Worth Way slogan is very easy to turn around to say Fort Worth Pay. This council has added so many fees, taxes and increases while they cut employee pay and benefits through the years that it has cost many years of employee experience to just walk away. Examples like Mark Ott and Robert Goode who tried to tell them where the problems exist were punished for exposing them to the citizens. I understand that both of them now work for the city of Austin. The last two city managers lost or wasted tons of money that was never accounted for and no one did anything about it. This is no way to run a city. Toss the bums out and start over.
Apr 23rd, 2009
Mike Phipps
Please take the opportunity to watch each of the links below to hear from those “who showed up” If you don’t have time to view them all please take the opportunity to listen to those that pertain to you, your council district candidates and the mayor candidates. I think the needed change that Fort Worth needs will come if you vote for one of the mayor candidates who appeared for the League of Women Voters to interview.
For some reason Mayor Moncrief does not feel that it is important for you to hear what he is about (I think we all already know) and would not (has never) put himself out in front of the public to be interviewed without knowing what is going to be asked before hand. Pop some popcorn and pour a coke and have a good time.
Fort Worth’s City Manager actually pulled the plug on these interviews from the city’s web site and also pulled them from Charter’s City Channel for our viewing http://www.star-telegram.com/metro_news/story/1334152.html
BUT after a huge out cry accusing them of extreme sensorship of needed information from the voters it was put back on-line. By the decision to pull this from public view should tell you something about our downtown leadership. WE NEED CHANGE!!
Vote May 9th, 2009
League of Women Voters City Council Candidate Forums: Districts 3,4,5,6
http://fortworthgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=375
I wish I lived in Dist. 6 because I sure would like to give my vote to Mr. Bucy, I was REALLY impressed with his interview. Best of Luck Mr Bucy!!
League of Women Voters City Council Candidate Forums: Districts 7, 8 and Mayor
http://fortworthgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=377
Apr 23rd, 2009
Mike Phipps
ELECTIONS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER
I would surely pay attention to those with the big campaign bank rolls. Most always the large $$$ are in the hands of the incumbent but pay close attention also to the candidates; one who has a huge amount of money is Eric Fox. D3, By reviewing his contributors it is clear who he will be working for, NOT THE PEOPLE!
If you truly are looking to vote for someone who is running for the people, look at who has the most money at hand, and RUN, don’t walk, RUN to the other candidate!!!! If you do so; great chances are, you voted for someone who is actually going to work for the PEOPLE and a vote for the candidate who is running “For the RIGHT REASONS” Take a look for yourself, you’ll see what I mean.
As far as Eastside, we have three incumbents who seem like they can’t work together or eastside’s needs would be getting met. I don’t understand why the eastside has to FIGHT for ever damn thing it NEEDS. Other areas of town get its needs and all its wants and that’s where the buck stops. You would think with Districts 4, 5 and 8 all connecting together in the eastside there would be great support for anything the eastside needs but we can’t get three council members who can work together long enough to work for the people.
You would think with the Cowboy Stadium almost finished we would have no problem getting some QUALITY development on the eastside. Several years back before the stadium construction ever begun we were sending letters to downtown suggesting that it was a great opportunity for the eastside to gain some quality growth. We pleaded that attention be given to East Lancaster from the Arlington line to downtown since those areas will be first seen by tourist heading in to Fort Worth from Arlington.
East Lancaster will be used by tourist as an alternate route other then Hwy 30 when there may be traffic issues due to large events taking place at the new stadium. And it would be a great opportunity to build the area, but still TOTALLY neglected.
Downtown has failed deeply when it comes to working for the people. Moncrief is about working for his people and his projects such as the Trinity Uptown, it has nothing to do with flood control and his Bridges to No Where! And his plane trips around the world on our dollars.
http://cbs11tv.com/investigators/DFW.International.Airport.2.824033.html
Some people I’ve heard say that we don’t have time for “On the job training” That just means some are willing to continue accepting that our hard earned tax dollars continue to be wasted on PORK and special projects, continue to allow our sitting council to continue to grow HUGE budget shortages and failing to meet the BILLIONS of $$$$ in infrastructure needs.
We are in a time when we ALL need to make cut-backs but we are the only ones doing so. Our city leaders are being reckless at the moment and it is not good for this city. Why should anyone be willing to take MORE OF THE SAME, when the same is not healthy for our neighborhoods or this city?!!
Mayor Moncrief made last year alone over $633,000.00 dollars JUST from “Oil and Gas” investments alone not including the earnings of Ms. Moncrief for the same type investments. He has no idea what the real people are in need of. It’s not hard to read between the lines; you have a State Senator step down to become a city mayor just in the nick of time for gas drilling to take over F.W. If someone is making that much money from an industry why should he even be allowed to vote on ordinances that involve the industry with-in the city on our behalf? That is by all means called a special interest and to him, he will earn thousands if not hitting close to a million (PER YEAR) from the same industry by permitting that industry to come in to this city and do all it wants no matter what may be at danger. He is walking an industry by the hand to make sure it can do all it wants and needs no matter what it is doing to our neighborhoods, our city, our health, our investments and most of all the two resources we need to survive our water and air. Most of them are too old to even care what the generations down the road will need to survive, it won’t affect them.
Good luck to ALL who are running “AGAINST” the Gasfather and the God Squad!
http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=4398
Apr 24th, 2009
Mike Phipps
VOTE MAY 9th, 2009 FOR CHANGE!
“If Dreams Come True”
Wouldn’t it be great if on May 10th, 2009 we learned that Fort Worth spoke out LOUD and we would FINALLY have a Mayor and Council working and working together for the right reason “The People”?
http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=7124
http://www.wfaa.com/video/index.html?nvid=243907&she=1
http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=27936@ktvt.dayport.com http://westandclear.com/2009/03/12/city-council-elections-shape-up/comment-page-1/#comment-14651
Apr 24th, 2009
TXChick
KALLI-
I read a couple of things after I saw your post, I thought you might want to see them.
http://startelegraph.blogspot.com/2009/04/fox-in-silcox-seat.html
http://startelegraph.blogspot.com/2009/04/show-me-money.html
Apr 24th, 2009
DB
TXCHICK – Articles your gave links for were interesting. Living in Dist. 4, I well remember our former bubble-headed Council Rep. – Becky Haskin and her CAVE people. Her problem was that she couldn’t take criticism and if you didn’t agree with her on everything, you were immediately her enemy. The citizens need to take back this city from the current Council and Mayor and run it like a business. Where is another Chuck Silcox when you need him the most? Eric Fox is merely another Moncrief clone, just like all the younger members on the current Council. Voting for him will give us a firm 6 votes instead of the current 5. If the downtown click wants everything built for them, then let them hit their own back ass pockets! How about voters doing their civic duty and casting a ballot against every current elected official at City Hall?
Apr 26th, 2009
Marcy Galle
If people want another ‘Chuck Silcox’ – the closest you’ll get is Gary Hogan, and others like him. Gary Hogan will put the interests of neighborhoods before any corporate interests. As I’ve stated before, Gary Hogan was working tirelessly for the citizens of Fort Worth for years to establish stricter gas drilling ordinances. Gary will put the taxpayer first when it comes to the Trinity River Vision…and not just hand out TIFs (tax incentive financing) to the corporate interests involved in the project, which ends up hurting every taxpayer in the end. Gary Hogan wants Fort Worth to become more eco-friendly, like most of us do for ourselves and our children. My point is, Gary Hogan will honestly do what is right for us, the citizens of Fort Worth, when it comes to any business put before city council. Gary will be straight forward and he won’t hold back telling the truth. I don’t think that someone living in a 400K house will necessarily have my best interests in mind – just my opinion..
Apr 26th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
District 3: An earlier post here took Gary Hogan to task for Moncrief’s packing the gas drilling task force with industry people. Sorry, but that’s faulty thinking. Also, the cryptic accusation that Gary falsified his conversation with Chuck Silcox in which he said that Chuck asked him to run for the office will require more detail before I’m sure what is being alleged. However, I happen to know that conversation took place.
I’d also like to comment on those who think that Gary might not have, or be willing to take the time to do the job. Chuck Silcox did the job for his constituents better than any currently sitting council member, and he had a janitorial service business to run. If you think that if you’re the boss you have more time or more flexible time than those who are not the boss, then you’re not a boss yourself, or you’re not a good one. Gary has the full backing of LM management if he should be elected. And he has the drive and the will to get the job done for the citizens of District 3. That’s the crtitcal thing.
What you really need to ask is why do Kay Bailey Hutchison, Kay Granger, Rosie Moncrief, and the Austin Board of Realtors think that Eric Fox will do the best job for District 3 constituents (or is that what they’re really interested in)?
Apr 26th, 2009
Voter
I am not sure if this is appropriate to ask this question in this forum but I am.
Mayor Moncrief and Mayoral candidates Louis McBee and Clyde Picht, what would you first do to address the HUGE budget shortfalls as well to reduce the outlandish debt you and your current council have put on us the tax payers?
Apr 27th, 2009
WE NEED NEW BLOOD DOWNTOWN
A few articles I bet the Mayor wishes would go away: Shouldn’t there be a “Board of Ethics”? Ethics? Review Board? Please! Mayor Moncrief thinks an ethics review board get in the way of business.
Whatever happened with that little problem with The DFW Airport, 2008 Street Bond lies, Budget problems, Gas and Oil, Not a Conflict of Interest? Whatever!
This is the real Mike Moncrief, You have my statement…….
http://cbs11tv.com/investigators/DFW.International.Airport.2.824033.html
http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=7124
http://www.wfaa.com/video/index.html?nvid=243907&she=1
http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=27936@ktvt.dayport.com
Apr 27th, 2009
Louis McBee
VOTER….
I would love to discuss the issue of the city budget and just how we can get out of this mess created by the current leadership, unfortunately Mayor Moncrief has not responded to one single invitation to come out and talk to the citizen of Fort Worth, stating in the Star Telegram that he was “just to busy.”
If elected mayor, I would first begin by reassigning the body guards back to positions helping the community….and canning the chauffeur. Don’t need the limo, and perhaps a police officer could use the body armor.
Apr 27th, 2009
Michelle
For those of you who would like to attend a forum with the candidates, here’s your chance (copied from my email). Does anyone know if they’ll take questions from attendees?
Dear Neighborhood Leaders:
You are cordially invited to attend the Fort Worth Neighborhoods and Public Safety 2009 Municipal Candidate Forum on Wednesday May 6, 2009 in the Rose Room at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens from 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
All candidates for Mayor and City Council have been invited and all will be given an equal opportunity to speak on neighborhood and public safety issues.
This forum is being co-hosted by individual neighborhood leaders and the Fort Worth Police and Fire Associations.
We wish to include all neighborhoods in this event, so please feel free to forward this invitation to all residents in your neighborhood.
For any questions, please feel free to contact me via email or phone (817) 733-5293.
I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday May 6th so that we may hear all of the candidates speak on the issues that are important to our neighborhoods.
Sincerely-
Brenda Sanders-Wise
Apr 27th, 2009
CLYDE PICHT
Dear voter,
Actually I have answered that question in some of the many questionnaires that the candidates get from various interests.
First, we don’t increase hiring and spending over the previous year beyond what may have been contracted already, e.g. police salary increase. Second, we look at possibly cutting those areas that are not the core responsibilities of government, e.g, neighborhood activities and labor center. Third, we start with a single department and introduce zero-based budgeting to see if such an approach is feasible. I think it probably would be and the intent would be to use zero-based budgeting throughout city government. Fourth, we look to outsource those activities that can be done better by the private sector, such as vehicle maintenance. Fifth, we hire a good contract lawyer to make sure we don’t lose our shirts on such things as IT equipment procurement and maintenance, including CADS used by police and fire.
That’s for starters and there’s still more that could be done to save both the city and the taxpayers money.
Thanks for asking that question.
Apr 27th, 2009
Matthew Hudson
Here are 2 good resources in making your decision for whom to vote for in any race in the city. These questionairres were presented to all candidates to respond by two groups that are non-partisan and make no endorsements. Reading through them helps you truly see the differences in the candidates.
Review and look for the one who responds the way you believe and that is the right choice for you. Hopefully, we can make this about ideas and plans and issues and not all the other stuff. There are some good, talented people running in these races.
League of Women Voters Guide http://lwvtarrantcounty.org/MayElections.html
Fort Worth League of Neighborhoods http://www.fwlna.org/elections.htm
Apr 27th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
RE: My April 26th post—
Re my last paragraph, I was mistaken about Kay Bailey Hutchison. She hasn’t contributed to Eric Fox’s campaign so far. Also my mention of the Austin Board of Realtors was about 200 miles off the mark.
I guess I was drifting into a reverie of a former life. Of course, I meant the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors.
The point, which apparently most readers got, was that the big money funding Eric Fox’s campaign comes from sources outside of District 3.
Apr 28th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
RE: My April 26th post–last paragraph
I was mistaken about Kay Bailey Hutchison. She has not contributed to Eric Fox’s campaign yet. Also my reference to the Austin Board of Realtors was about 200 miles off the mark.
I meant to say the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors. I guess I was slipping into a reverie of a former life and another similar situation. The point, which apparently most readers got, was that the big money financing Eric’s campaign comes from outside District 3, a very telling fact.
Apr 28th, 2009
TXChick
DB-
That would be great, if we could just get the ST to stop promoting all incumbents.
Apr 28th, 2009
Steve Smith
Please note: allegations of sign theft come along with every election. Unless you have a photo or video of a candidate actually removing a sign, please do not make accusations. These are difficult, if not impossible to prove and result in the conversation going downhill fast.
Thanks
Apr 28th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Thanks to Mike Lee on his article in today’s paper on D8 race. No promoting the incumbent, just the facts. I love it!! Thank you Mike Lee. http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1343066.html
Apr 28th, 2009
The Money Game Update
http://startelegram.typepad.com/politex/2009/04/the-money-game.html
Apr 28th, 2009
Early Voting
How safe is early voting? I was told that 1000 Throckmorton (City Hall) is an Early Voting location, after looking up “Black Box Voting” I would think everyone would want to wait until May 9th to vote. I guess the better question is “How safe is early voting at City Hall?” Does anyone know?
Apr 28th, 2009
Mail in ballot Patrol
Please post a copy of the mailer (mail in ballot?) that Moncrief has mailed to Sr. Citizens with all the incumbents printed in bold and the challengers so small you can’t see them. Can we get a picture of it posted right here at W&C?
Apr 29th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
District 8 (Hicks) and D5 (Moss) are notorious Council Districts for high number of mail in ballots. They call it the “greased machine” in these districts. The campaigns request the mail in ballots for the elderly, disabled, etc. then show up at their doorstep, tell them who to vote for or have them sign the ballot and the operative will vote and mail in the ballot for them. They tell me I will be about 800 votes behind before early voting starts!
Check out this site http://tcweb.tarrantcounty.com/evote/cwp/view.asp?a=770&q=471950 scroll down near the bottom of the page, click on each District and check out the number of mail in ballots (person, address & zip code) that have been received already. District 8 looks to be #1 and District 5 looks to be #2. Surprise, surprise.
Apr 29th, 2009
Glen Bucy
My name is Glen Bucy, Let me start by stating that I am 27 years old and I am finishing my degree. I would not be able to afford college if I wasn’t in the military and had the help of the GIBILL. I am not a straight A student and I have made my fare share of mistakes in life. In fact you might say I’m unlucky as I usually find myself in the wrong place at the wrong time as in the case of the Wedgwood Baptist Church Shooting back in 1999 or the multiple IEDs that I experienced during combat. I have three younger brothers: Benji who is 25 and a Fort Worth Police Officer, Judah 21, just got married and is a student at TCC, and my youngest brother Joshua 16, who is still in high school. My father is a preacher and respiratory therapist at Harris Methodist Hospital HEB. My mother has always stayed at home and raised us boys. My family is not made of money and at times when I was a child my family even went on government assistance to get by. I know what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck and if my wife or I lost our job, we would lose our home.
Nothing in life is free, and through a lot of work and good decisions I have achieved everything I have wanted so far in life. I am proud to call myself a man of God, I am married to my high school sweetheart, I own my own new home, I have the car I’ve always wanted , two great dogs, and I am finishing my degree at TCU. I am a goal oriented problem solving person, when I set my mind to something I always follow through and never quit. When I decided to run for City Council, I was volunteering at Congresswoman Kay Granger’s office. I truly enjoyed the work and speaking with constituents who had real problems and needed real help. I was amazed by how the staff at Grangers office would go out of their way in order to help with these problems. Well, I saw a problem here in district 6. There has been road construction since my wife and I moved into our home years ago. I decided to stop complaining and do something about it. I started studying the issues here in Fort Worth and after much research, I decided a change was needed in leadership. I love Fort Worth, this is where I am going to raise my children and right now, I see Fort Worth heading in the wrong direction.
I have learned a lot since I started down this journey to City Council. The day after I filed my candidacy for city council, I received a phone call from Kay Grangers office. First they told me they were proud of me and wished me luck, secondly they said since I was running for public office that I could no longer volunteer at Granger’s office. I was disappointed because I truly enjoyed my time there, but I understood and tried to take it in good stride. About a week after I was let go from Granger’s office I asked about her endorsement of Jungus Jordan in the 2007 city council election, I was told that Granger does not endorse local candidates. After further research, I found out that not only did Granger endorse Jungus Jordan for city council but she also donated to his campaign. This made me wonder the true reason I was let go from working at her office. The next thing I found out is that it takes a lot of money to run a campaign even at the city level. Well looking at Mr. Jordan’s finance report, I noticed that he receives money from many different special interests. One of which stood out to me was Chesapeake Energy. Mr. Jordan receives royalties from Chesapeake Energy because he and his wife own mineral rights to a piece of property. Because Mr. Jordan is a good man, he steps out so he would not be bias on issues concerning this company at city council. Isn’t that funny that Chesapeake donated to a man who can’t even vote on decisions concerning their company? The final thing I have learned since I have started running for city council is that local government is not immune to corruption and dirty politics. About two weeks after my filing, I was confronted by an associate of Mr. Jordan, I was basically told that I was going to lose the election and that I shouldn’t run into the spear but make the best of the situation. I was told that if I would back off in the election and start supporting Mr. Jordan that he could arrange a face to face meeting where we would talk about the issues I was concerned about and then I would be nominated to a city committee to work on those issues after the election. Of course I cannot prove this because it occurred through a face to face conversation and by an associate of Mr. Jordan to give him deniability.
The next thing I noticed was the stereo typical political speeches that Mr. Jordan gives, though they are eloquent in words, they are lacking in any form of detail of any kind. Mr. Jordan will talk about running on his record and how since he’s been in office the city has had a balanced budget. Well I don’t know if Mr. Jordan has looked at his record lately but last time I checked the city of Fort Worth was facing a $50 million dollar shortfall. Also Mr. Jordan will talk about how he balanced the budget when he worked in the pentagon for the Air Force. Well if you do any research at all, you will notice that the budgets are never balanced at the pentagon but only closed out. Ever heard of $600.00 toilet seat or a $300.00 hammer? These all have been recorded in military budgets. Mr. Jordan also talks about being in charge of billion dollar budgets for over 40 years, Well Mr. Jordan is 61 and that would make him 21 when he was working on billion dollar budgets for the military. That is just a little hard to believe. Another thing Mr. Jordan talks about is being a LTC at the pentagon, and though I respect his rank, any of us who have been in the military know that at the pentagon LTC’s are a dime a dozen. This is like looking for a private in basic training they are everywhere.
Fort Worth is a great city, but has real problems. Our roads and infrastructure have been ignored for too long and not enough is being done to fix this problem. We have known for a long time that our county has been facing an economic downturn and sooner or later we would be affected here in Fort Worth. With a possible 50 million dollar shortfall, the city is looking at the layoff of city employees and cutting the hours at our public libraries. Now I believe the layoff of city personnel is ok as long as we truly do not need their services. However, if the city is just laying off people to balance the budget, then is wrong. Our cities leadership is passing the buck and then wrong people are paying the price for their poor decisions. We need to save as many jobs as possible, especially in this economy. Right now our city is looking into huge expansion projects. For example the “modern street car” program for downtown. The price for this program is between 30-90 million dollars per mile of track. The city is willing to invest in a program like this, but yet we are looking at shortfalls that are only projected to grow over the next 5 years. I believe our city leadership have their priorities are in the wrong place. We need to hold our cities leadership accountable for their actions. We need someone in office that will stick up for the common man not special interests. It’s time to call a spade a spade and Mr. Jordan I’m calling your bluff.
Apr 30th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
Want to know what happened at the District 3 candidate forum last night? Read my blog posts today at http://fortworthdistrict3racecard.blogspot.com/2009/04/its-430-am-what-am-i-doing-at-keyboard.html.
Apr 30th, 2009
CLYDE PICHT
Re: Mail ballots. When I got Water boarded in 2006 by Brian Eppstein and the Trinity Uptown supporters, I won walk in vote totals in early and Election Day voting. I lost to the mail-in ballots coming primarily from six precincts. A couple of precincts had 100% of the vote from mail ballots for two of the candidates. No walk ins – zero. It’s the “Fort Worth way” as the mayor would say. Some say we don’t have voter fraud. Wrong – we don’t prosecute voter fraud.
Re: District 6. My guess is that Jordan was a 1st Lt when he was assigning bunks at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Vietnam. He has since elevated his support role to that of “Vietnam Combat Veteran.” I don’t want to demean his role in the war but having spilled my own blood in the same war as a combatant, I resent the glorification of his job for political gain. Like his statements that he has “lived all over the world” and that he has been in charge of “billion dollar budgets for the last forty years.” I’m not from Missouri but show me anyway.
Apr 30th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
Clyde and Suzette are dead right about mail ballot fraud that is practiced routinely in Tarrant County. It is a fully bipartisan game, and it is barely hidden from public view.
I know exactly how it works. I was involved in an election campaign during the 2006 primary and was in on the discovery of over 700 fraudulent mail ballots in our race, a purely one party race. These ballots were seized by the Texas Rangers and taken to Austin, where the Attorney General refused to prosecute.
Apr 30th, 2009
TXChick
Mail ballot fraud too? What is the city coming to??
There was an interesting post of some past FW Weekly info at http://startelegraph.blogspot.com/2009/04/for-record.html
Apr 30th, 2009
fwtacoma
Why is this taking place in the comments section of W&C and not on eightoneseven? That forum is dead and here we’ve got 109 posts here.
May 1st, 2009
fwtacoma
Oh, and I just read Glen’s post and wanted to add something. First off, I appreciate your service to this country and your desire to help locally.
However, this is a big City. You have every right to run for City Council, but to be fair, you probably are not familiar with way a city is run, much less this City. I don’t mean that as an insult, but instead to lead to this point. Why don’t you get involved in the City in another manner first, and learn how the City operates? There are numerous committees and boards that need people who are willing to volunteer their time. Kevin at Fortworthology is on the Historic Landmarks Commission, for example.
Plus, it sounds like Jungus is trying to help you get involved. I wouldn’t see that so much as a threat as an offer to extend a hand to a person who really has a passion to make this a better City. Jungus has been around for awhile and he knows that he has a good chance of winning. If some sort of offer was made for a position, I don’t think it was because he was scared of you running. Also, it woudln’t be a paid position so its not like he would be buying you off.
If you were in Bedford, Aledo or some other smaller city, it would be easy to run on the platform of better roads and to actually make a difference. However, Fort Worth has more going on in a day than smaller cities have going on in a month or even year. It would seem that if you really wanted to work to help the City, you would serve your time in the trenches of the City and then work your way up.
With all that being said, I do hope you get involved in the City as you appear to have a desire to make this the best City it can be.
May 1st, 2009
Glen Bucy
fwtacoma, I respect your view on my candidacy. However, you said “you probably are not familiar with way a city is run, much less this City.” Let me start by saying that I know exactly how this city works, that is why I am running. The city is run by the “good old boy” club and “special interests”. The people of Fort Worth have been forgotten. I am running to let city council and our leadership know that “We the people” are not blind to their true motives and interests. I am reminded of a quote by Edmond Burke “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” I respect Mr. Jordon and mean him no ill will, however, I do believe that Mr. Jordon and most of the city council are ethically challenged and I question their true intentions for running for public office. With that being said do not belittle my experience, in my 27 years of life, I have been faced by more challenges then most people experience in a lifetime. I have looked evil in the eye and emerged victorious. At the age of 17, I was shot at and many of my friends killed just for attending a church service. When I was 21 I faced an almost constant bombardment of Mortar attacks, multiple IEDs, and the possibility of death on a daily basis while serving my country which includes Fort Worth in Afghanistan fighting in the War on Terror. Age is not a matter of importance, our own mayor was elected to his first public office in his 20’s or is he a more qualified candidate because of his families status in Fort Worth? I have fought for my county against evil and those who would seek to harm her. I am now fighting for the People of Fort Worth and their interests I.E. “Roads” and not of those who would contribute the most money to my campaign. Let me remind you that our first President was not an Economist, but a Soldier!
May 1st, 2009
fwtacoma
Fair enough, but based on some of your comments, I strongly believe you would be better served by working your way up through the City. Its difficult to win against an incumbent and if you really want ot make a difference, you can learn the City from the inside out, not from what you’ve experienced solely as a citizen.
It’s great to give an incumbent a fight so they have to justify why they deserve to stay in office and its great to get fresh blood, I’m just a strong believer in the idea of learning the process before trying to tackle and change it.
Good luck on your campaign, I know you’re probably very busy these next couple weeks. If you are not successful, you should give Jungus a call and see if that offer is still on the table. There are lots of opportunities to get involved and if people like you, who are passionate about changing things, get involved, it will happen.
May 1st, 2009
D Mikel
I think what Mr. Bucy is doing is great. It’s good to see people standing up for what they believe is right. If younger people would get involved in the day to day operations of our government (at all levels) then the days of the old career incumbent politian, kept in office by special interest and fear of change, would be over. A little competition is good for everyone.
May 1st, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
As a member of Gary Hogan’s campaign staff I have attended most of the candidate forums for District 3 candidates. The forum on Wednesday evening of this week showed the candidates all beginning to sound alike.
You may be interested in reading my analysis of this phenomenon on my blog at http://fortworthdistrict3racecard.blogspot.com/.
May 1st, 2009
Marcy Galle
Glen Bucy – I admire your wherewithal and wish you much success in this campaign as well as your future aspirations to make this great nation even better! You go get ‘em! =)
May 1st, 2009
Me Linda Hamilton
REF to the Absentee Ballots If this is so very known by City and State Officials why cant there be something done about this? What do we have to do go to Austin or higher> If anyone out there know please let us know so this wont keep happening/
I think the the grassroot canidates have just a greater chance, as the ones with deep pockets……
May 2nd, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
The desire to win even if it requires fraud is a bipartisan urge. All politicians are corrupt, not just those of the opposite party. That is why this flaw in election rules is tolerated with a wink and a nod by both parties.
May 3rd, 2009
MeLinda Hamilton
Glen, sstay strong and you are right about the Good Ol Boys..The City should not be run by them and it is time to CHANGE all of this….We have step to the plate to make a CHANGE in Ft Worth and we are not affraid to let them know this…This is our last week and we need to be out knocking on doors and making calls…The Absentee Ballots can hang it up this year we are getting people out to the polls…This Forum that is Wednesday I can be thinking of more important things to do.. I have been invited to be on a radio show on Sun,Mon and Wednesday..The public is tired just as we are they want to see a change of Council/Mayor…people that can work together and help with each district…GOOD luck to all Canidates this is our last week lets do it…
May 3rd, 2009
CLYDE PICHT
Here is how it will fall out, people. Because the walk in vote is so light, the election will probably be won by incumbents that capitalize on mail ballots. Using data from the 2006 Water District election where I was essentially running against Jim Lane, I actually won early and election day walk in voting. The mail ballots cast in 7 precincts were enough to give Lane a 105 vote victory as he got 232 votes from those precincts. They were precincts: 74, 78, 89, 90, 104, 106, and 120. I believe all are in comissioner precinct 1.
Lane won over 50% of his total by mail. In one precinct he had 24 mail ballots out of 32 cast. Coincidentally a couple of women on the east side were investigated by the Attorney General about that time but the case was never prosecuted. Having spent twenty-five years working elections, I’ve never seen more than 2-3% of the ballots mailed in.
I’m confident that many of those mail ballots were obtained by fraud but I’m also confident that Jim Lane had nothing to do with it. Who got it done, I don’t know.
On the other hand, I doubt that the DA has ever seriously investigated any allegations of vote fraud.
If we get a DA that will pursue it we’ll probably see an end to it, but not until.
May 3rd, 2009
greg
Considering our DA is elected under the same process as our judges and our city council and our water board and our county commissioners… I’ll not be holding my breath (except for when the wind blows the stench from City Hall my way).
May 4th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
It will be very interesting to see the percentage of mail in ballot votes from District 8. I can tell you that I have not paid anyone or have any knowledge of anyone connected with my campaign going around asking for, or paying for, signatures on mail in ballots. Nor have I paid anyone or know of anyone connected with my campaign that is mailing in ballots for the elderly or disabled. I would swear under oath and so would any and all of my campaign volunteers and workers that none of us have participated in any illegal campaigning or election fraud including anything to do with mail in ballots. I’d like to see Kathleen Hicks make this same statement along with all of her campaign workers and volunteers.
May 5th, 2009
CLYDE PICHT
$$$$167M in lost revenue, according to S-T. Anybody surprised? Just another ring in the city hall three ring circus. Actually I had a cop tell me two years ago that this was happening and I brought it up in my council race with Jungus. The POA and Firefighters supported him then as now (the mayor as well) and the issue couldn’t gain any traction. The one big question is: how long will Fort Worth voters tolerate this kind of incompetence and lack of leadership? The whole caboodle should be thrown out and replaced with new blood. Don’t hold your breath.
May 6th, 2009
I'm for Clyde
Fort Worth voters will tolerate this kind of incompetence and lack of leadership until 1/2 or more of their paycheck goes to the government instead of 1/3 of it as is the case today. Our elected officials are constantly looking for dollars in every corner of government: Federal, State and local (and think we should pat them on the back when they find some via grants which are still tax dollars from the people). Tax Tax Tax Tax Tax Tax Tax Tax, spend, spend, spend, spend, spend, spend, spend, spend. And we are suppose to applaud them for all of their spending! PUH-LEEZE! Enough already! Clyde Picht for Mayor — we can then get back to responsible, efficient, effective spending of local tax dollars and put government back to work FOR the people.
May 6th, 2009
Glen Bucy Jr.
Reading the Star Telegram today, I noticed that district 6 has the highest early voter turnout of all Fort Worth. This is great! I’m glad to see the people of district 6 taking an interest in their community and exercising their right to vote. My only wish is that every registered voter would make it out to the polls on Saturday.
May 7th, 2009
Me Linda Hamilton
I WOULD HAVE ALL THE CANIDATES TO CALL THERE RADIO STATIONS AND HAVE THEM ANNOUNCE TO GO VOTE ON SATURDAY…..AND SATURDAY HAVE THEM KEEP ANNOUNCING IT….
May 7th, 2009
Glen Bucy Jr.
Go 970am! Getting the word to the people!
May 8th, 2009
txcowgirl
I have been reading through this blog and as a person who has not decided who to vote for, I’m not sure I know any better! I live in chuck silcox’s district and we have a lot of choices. I get that Fox has gotten his support from outside the city and probably will owe a lot of people if he is elected. Can anyone tell me, if Hogan is the neighborhood candidate, why did his neighborhood that he is the president of not have a forum? Seems odd to me. Nuttall knocked on our door, but he was not at our forum. Hudson came by our house as well. But never saw the others, except for the forum. Its going to be a tough choice. I know who I don’t want, but not sure of the two who is best. But I will vote, dont’ worry and I hope everyone else does to.
May 8th, 2009
Marcy Galle
In response to TXCOWGIRL: I live in the CCNA area and within the past year, have started volunteering more for my community. I’ve always been part of PTA boards for my kids, but volunteering for the CCNA is new to me. To answer your question as to why we didn’t hold a forum – simply put, our meetings are quarterly and Mr. Hogan is usually the key person in organizing all meetings and has been for the past 10 years. Our Apr. 28th meeting was run by my husband, Jeff Galle, and this was a first for CCNA. A few of us had to “scramble” to get this meeting organized within just a few days. It’s sad to say, but neighborhood volunteerism is extremely hard to come by. I would like to also say that Jim Lawson (also running for Dist 3) was invited to speak at our February meeting, and he gave his presentation. Our quarterly meetings are attended by a handful of residents, and Gary Hogan has shouldered the lion’s share of responsibility for a very long time. The CCNA did not purposely avoid holding a forum. Having said all of that, I would point you to our projects page past and future, which Mr. Hogan has accomplished on his own for my neighborhood. This man will do a great job in the city council for our community, because he has held a full time job AND given of his time willingly to keep residents informed and SAFE from gas drilling.
Please visit: http://www.chapelcreekfw.org/html/past_projects.html
This is just some of what Gary Hogan has accomplished for his community.
I stated on a separate post that I cannot vote for any candidate living in a 300-400K home, because I don’t feel that they can relate to MY needs. I represent middle class Fort Worth and want my representative to be the same. Mr. Silcox was just that, and he did an extraordinary job for 17 years!
I hope I’ve helped you decide on Gary Hogan as your choice for District 3. Gary has given of himself for this city LONGER than ANY candidate running for this seat, and that speaks volumes to Gary’s commitment to the neighborhoods of Fort Worth! I am so happy to have been given the opportunity to answer your question.
May 8th, 2009
txcowgirl
thanks for weighing in on Mr. Hogan. I think you made a good case. I also read an interview on here by West and Clear of Mr. Hudson and after reading that have decided he is the right choice for me. Not sure what his house costs! But I was impressed with the detailed answers to all the questions and how many different issues he has been involved in. I’ve been worried that the person coming in would know what has been going on and he has done the best job of showing me that. I also watched the League of women voters forum on TV a couple weeks ago. As for participation, it is the same problem in our neighborhood, but we still had a forum.
If you come up with any great ideas on how to get more people to come to the meetings, then please share it! I think we all have that issue. either way, I think we will be in great shape.
May 8th, 2009
txcowgirl
by the way, I could not find an interview of Gary Hogan on here, did I miss it?
May 8th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
Howdy, TXCOWGIRL,
What you saw here was not an interview by West & Clear. It was a dialog mostly between me and Matthew. See my posts of 4-13 and two on 4-14. I am a member of the neighborhood association Matthew started, and I know what he has done in the last six years and what he has not done. I have never seen him at any of the city council meetings where the gas drilling issue was on the agenda. He did not support the call for a moratorium on new drilling permits and gas pipelines pending a city generated master plan that would protect homes from eminent domain and dangers of explosion or fire.
Gary Hogan was a member of the gas drilling task forces of 2006 and 2008 and was a watchdog for neighborhood interests. These task forces were packed with industry advocates and employees, and that is why the gas drilling ordinance fails to protect that citizens of this city. Matthew was nowhere to be seen while this was going on.
May 8th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
Posted on behalf of Marcy Galle:
In response to TXCOWGIRL: No problem! I am always happy to share my enthusiasm for Gary Hogan’s commitment and tireless efforts when it comes to serving Fort Worth! It is unfortunate that our votes will cancel each other, possibly to the benefit of Fox, but that’s ok, because as women, we have been empowered to vote and should not squander our right to do so!
I would assure anyone that Gary Hogan knows everything that goes on in our city council. He attends almost every meeting, and has for many years. As far as someone capable of being “in the know” on various city issues: city budget, TIFs and who receives them, infrastructure needs, urban development, gas drilling ordinances, unfavorable tax increases, and most importantly placing great value in our police and fire personnel. If his knowledge of city business wasn’t made clear through his LWV TV forum, all people have to see are his accomplishments via his campaign web site and our neighborhood website as well and both are listed below.
http://www.GaryHogan.org and http://www.ChapelCreekFW.org
I chuckle at myself on the “house value” comment…I am most definitely someone that puts the internet to good use! Anyone can see house values online through TAD’s website.
I believe the only way to increase neighborhood participation will be knocking on doors – networking…and that is something I plan to do, but must carve out the time somehow. I have 3 children – 1 is graduating high school and 2 are preschool age. Needless to say, I have my hands full! If you’ll let me know what neighborhood you live in, I’ll be more than happy to share participation tips with your association.
May 8th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
Posted on behalf of Marcy Galle:
To TXCOWGIRL: There is an audio link to Gary Hogan’s Star-Telegram interview on his website. The link is at the top of the page titled “Gary Hogan Speaks Out” – Star Telegram Interview
http://www.GaryHogan.org
All of his other printed interviews are listed on his website at this link:
http://www.GaryHogan.org/html/key_issues.html
Scroll to the bottom of the page.
May 8th, 2009
txcowgirl
I should have come here a long time ago. Since writing, I have received 3 phone calls from friends who are voting for Hudson and one for Fox. I did see Mr Hogan on the TV interviews, but did not think he did as well as others. But after reading more, a couple of the ones I thought were better probably were not. I do not do much for our association, but I do go to the meetings and people do put the newsletter on everyones door – reading all this, I probably should be one of the ones putting the newsletters out instead of complaining!
And for Jerry, I do not know how to post links like you, but there is an interview between West and Clear and Matthew Hudson and one for Clyde running for mayor. I was not referring to what you wrote. I wish I knew how to point people in that direction, but I just typed in Matthew Hudson and got the interview.
May 8th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
I wonder why Hudson was interviewed and Hogan was not? Doesn’t seem fair.
May 8th, 2009
I'm for Clyde
W&C was willing to interview anyone. The deadline was April 19th. See Steve Smith’s offer somewhere on one of comments.
May 8th, 2009
I'm for Clyde
Director of Housing, Jerome Walker is gone! Why was this so long in coming? How much money did the taxpayers lose under his & Moncrief’s ‘leadership’ and where the hell is it?
May 8th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Moncrief is making robo calls asking people to please vote for Kathleen Hicks. What does this tell you?
May 8th, 2009
Glen Bucy
It tells you that you’re not in the club. He doesn’t want things to change “Us four and no more”. You and I are not lap dogs like the two candidates we are challenging in this race. We would work for the people of Fort Worth, not the mayors personal agenda.
May 8th, 2009
Don Young
It tells me that Kathleen Hicks is in line as the heir apparent – next mayor – with Moncriefs blessing. It also shows that he’s desperate for votes in black neighborhoods. Very savvy and very chilling. It puts both of them is a bad light.
May 8th, 2009
Eastsider
Moncrief had no comment on this one http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/1366265.html
May 8th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks needs to explain to the voters of District 8 and the citizens of Ft. Worth, her campaign’s involvement with the mail in ballots and swear under oath that she nor any of her campaign workers including family & friends participated in any unlawful election practices concerning mail in ballots.
Also, our County Commissioners must act responsibly and take a look at the irregularities regarding mail in ballots throughout Tarrant County and ask that these be investigated. I lost, yes; however, when you exclude the hundreds of illegal mail in ballots, the percentages of victory and lose are much different than what you are reading in the paper today.
May 10th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
Don’t hold your breath, Suzette. At least one of them stole the election in which he was elected in just this way.
May 10th, 2009
budokan
Incumbents 9 Challengers 0
For Responsible Gas Drilling 9 Against Gas Drilling 0
Pro Trinity River Vision 9 Anti-Trinity River Vision 0
And the anti-everything crowd will keep losing as long as it stays nasty and negative. Want your views to be respected? Then show a little respect. Continuing to call everyone who disagrees with you crooked, corrupt, lap dogs etc. etc. will get you what you’ve always gotten. Nothing.
I
May 11th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
Budokan,
Would you care to identify yourself? Comments like yours are much more credible when the writer has the courage to own his/her remarks.
May 11th, 2009
Marcy Galle
Responding to BUDOKAN – I have neither been nasty nor “maliciously” negative in anything I’ve posted pertaining to the Fort Worth elections. I am new to all of this, and I would like to mention something that did seem a bit odd to me and my husband. When we saw the initial early voting numbers posted Saturday night and analyzed “absentee” numbers as compared to “in person” early voting numbers, the number of mail in ballots was extremely high for “certain” candidates. Why? Again, I am new to being immersed in the city elections, but seeing this on the returns left me questioning certain tactics used by some to win. This is an honest question from a statistical observation.
Again, I will never be nasty about anyone running for office. I will point out differences and give my opinions on issues that are important to me. Thank goodness we all enjoy freedom of speech!
I don’t understand the zeros in your post for anyone running against the incumbents. There were valid candidates with valid opposing arguments. Some people that favor the challengers are very emphatic when it comes to certain issues. I’m sure you’re a big enough person to see past the emotions and look to the actual argument.
If the TRV is going to cost this city money it doesn’t have, therefore, causing an increase in taxpayer burdens, the TRV doesn’t sound like a beneficial project.
If rampant gas drilling is putting the taxpayers at risk, while only benefitting certain individuals and/or corporations, it doesn’t seem like a good business proposition for our city in the end. I do fear an explosion at some point in time. Will lives be lost? I certainly hope not, but having wells all around my neighborhood, I guess I’m just going to have to wait and see.
May 11th, 2009
budokan
“…stole the election…”
“You and I are not lap dogs like the two candidates we are challenging…”
…”this kind of incompetence and lack of leadership..”
“I’ll not be holding my breath (except for when the wind blows the stench from City Hall my way).”
“All politicians are corrupt…”
…”most of the city council are ethically challenged…”
“I got Water boarded in 2006 by Brian Eppstein and the Trinity Uptown supporters…”
“Most of them are too old to care..”
“…who are running “AGAINST” the Gasfather and the God Squad!”
“corrupt mayor’s office and city council…”
“….running against “Mickey the Mouth”
These are quotes just from the postings here. The email blasts that go around are much worse.
I rest my case.
May 11th, 2009
Glen Bucy Jr.
I’m Anti-Special interest, Pro-Citizens of Fort Worth. Sorry if I think government was created to take care of the citizens and not the corrupt CEO’s like those of AIG or even Chesapeake energy that receive million dollar salaries and bonuses while the little guys get laid off or asked to take pay cuts. Be a man and identify yourself “budokan” it’s easy to talk tough when you can hide behind your keyboard. Why don’t you try putting your self out there for criticism and take it like a man. Trinity River Vision, Modern Street Car, and Light Rail are all going to be financed by tax payers and through eminent domain. This is wrong, Light Rail doesn’t work because not only does it cost huge sums of money to create, but many of our neighborhoods lack proper side walks and bus station access. Are people supposed to walk down the middle of our roads to access the Light Rail? It’s all about the basics, once we have that, then we can look at Light Rail and the Modern Street Car.
May 11th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Here are some numbers and facts regarding mail in ballots:
District # of mail in ballots recv’d # of total ballots recv’d % of mail ins
FW3 556 4661 11.9%
FW5 (East FW) 525 1663 31.6%
FW8 (East FW) 514 1864 27.6%
ARL4 404 3440 11.7%
FW6 398 3676 10.8%
FW7 382 3022 12.6%
FW4 336 2741 12.2%
FW9 297 1617 18.3%
ARL5 296 1893 15.6%
FW2 132 1109 11.9%
ARL3 114 2030 5.6%
November 2008 General Elections
House Dist. 95 (East FW) 1317 47698 2.8%
House Dist 97 1019 71260 1.4%
House Dist 94 839 60466 1.3%
Tarrant elections should show the number of mail in ballots separate and not lump them in with early voting. This would help ‘we the people’ see some of the hidden facts about mail in ballots. Of course the real hidden facts such as completion of the mail in ballot, signatures, etc. are kept a secret! The mail in ballot process is an open door for fraud, officials know it and not a one is bringing it to the forefront, not even our local media. It’s all one big status quo system called the good ol boy network.
http://tcweb.tarrantcounty.com/evote/cwp/view.asp?a=770&q=472013
http://www.libertylive.org/files/pdf/absentee_fraud_handout.pdf
May 11th, 2009
Marcy Galle
The city website initially had the early voting numbers broken out, which is the reason I raised an eyebrow – this was a little after 7pm Saturday night. When the numbers were updated around 8:30pm-ish…the early voting numbers weren’t broken out any longer. I didn’t like that aspect of the reporting. Mail in ballots and signatures cannot be kept secret under the Freedom of Information Act – I am assuming. ??
I would like to see one of the mail in ballots for myself. My husband commented that they should look no different than the ballots given on election day as well as those used for early voting “in person.” If they do have a different appearance, I don’t think that should be allowed. I’m going to send a note to Mike Lee and see he can help me with this.
May 11th, 2009
Marcy Galle
Eric Fox 892 43.28% 1,014 40.51% 1,906 41.76%
W. B. “Zim” Zimmerman 698 33.87% 786 31.40% 1,484 32.52%
======================
Elizabeth Jane McCune 63 3.06% 100 4.00% 163 3.57%
Gary Hogan 137 6.65% 266 10.63% 403 8.83%
A. James Nuttall 51 2.47% 86 3.44% 137 3.00%
Matthew Hudson 122 5.92% 176 7.03% 298 6.53%
Bill Lawson 98 4.75% 75 3.00% 173 3.79%
======================
This is what I’m talking about…Fox and Zim had 43% & 34% respectively in EARLY voting numbers, whereas the other candidates didn’t come anywhere CLOSE and the bulk of early voting for Fox and Zim came from mail in ballots.
As I stated on the Star-Tele website – total voting numbers (only 6% of our population) is putrid. I am completely disgusted with voter turnout in this city. It makes me feel like no one cares!
May 11th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Mail in ballots and signatures are protected from Freedom of Info Act due to ‘ballot secrecy,’ that’s partly how unethical candidates get around it. The other part of getting around it is that local officials don’t want to request an investigation for fear of retaliation from the good ol boy network. If there is suspicion of fraud with mail in ballots, that suspicion alone does not spark an investigation to my understanding as of this moment. Furthermore, who even checks to see that the qualifications are met for mail in ballots? Also, if there is high mail in ballot activity, there should also be high walk in voting unless of course one is targeting communities of nursing homes and disabled individuals which is not the case in District 8 nor District 5. Does Tarrant Elections even do a sample check on a handful of mail in voters to see that they even exist? No. Again, is a flawed system and we the people allow it to happen and we the people turn our heads and look the other way when it is before our eyes as it is ‘too much’ information or too confrontational or too this or too that for which to take any action. Here are the rules on assisting with mail in ballots: http://tcweb.tarrantcounty.com/evote/lib/evote/forms/BBM_assistance.pdf
May 11th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Our local media does nothing to help voter turnout. You don’t see much about it on the local television channels, our neighborhood associations don’t do debates or forums (except one or two), our paper doesn’t cover the ‘dirt’ on local elections like they do on National ones, sure they do editorials and a voter guide but they really don’t do much in covering the details — the fun and exciting parts of local elections. They too, are part of the good ol boy system. I can’t tell you how many people said they knew nothing about the local election, who was running, what for, where to vote, etc. It’s pathetic, I agree. The good ol boy network likes it like this!! (loves it!!)
May 11th, 2009
Mike Lee
Folks: I’m pretty sure absentee ballots are public records. My colleague, Tony Spangler, interviewed a bunch of people who voted by mail in in District 5 (Frank Moss’ district) in 2007.
They were all living, breathing people, although there were some concerns that third parties had picked up the ballots for these folks. If anyone wants to see the story, e-mail me off-list. We don’t archive those stories on the website, I’ll have to send the text file.
As to Suzette’s comment about local media being part of the good ol’ boy system: Not true in my shop. The news business is changing and we can’t write as much or as often about these issues as we used to. My paper was still the only media outlet to interview all the candidates for local races in Fort Worth — we published stories about each race, along with the voters guide.
I wish we could do more; I’m appalled by the low voter turnout.
May 11th, 2009
jacko
Maybe Fox and Zimmerman had so many more votes because they ran an organized campaign and generated support. But it was probably fraud. How could they possibly garner more votes?
How many people on here who voted for Glen Bucy wouldn’t support him now that he made his post about transit? Comeback Clyde got attacked for his stance in his interview. Did Glen’s supporters on here know his stance?
May 11th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Mike – See if you can find out about how Signature irregularities are processed with Tarrant Elections and how many of the “assisted voter oaths” were completed on the mail in ballots. Also, if the people who were assisted met the qualifications of such assistance. Also which campaigns requested mail in ballots for the voters and did mailings for such and pursued the avenue of mail in ballots for their votes more than door knocking or walk in votes and why?
May 11th, 2009
jacko
Suzette, are you arguing this point because you think you could have won but for mail-in voting fraud? You lost by over 1,000 votes and even if Kahtleen Hicks had only her election day numbers, (and you kept all your early voting numbers) you would have barely made it to half of her total votes.
In fact, in every race except for District 3 and District 4, all of the votes cast for somebody other than the incumbent wouldn’t be enough to overcome the incumbents’ election day votes. And in District 3, Fox and Zimmerman got more votes on election day than all other candidates votes (early and election day combined).
I think the bigger issue is voter apathy (or voter satisfaction?).
May 11th, 2009
Marcy Galle
Well Jacko, I would certainly hope for campaign “organization” with Fox and Zim spending upwards of 15K each! Why on earth would someone running for city council even NEED to raise more that 50K? Fox will probably end up losing to Zim anyway.
And as for your light rail comment…as I stated on another W&C article on Clyde Picht, light rail is something that’s going to take at least a decade to become a viable transportation option for FW residents. I was informed at our NA meeting that light rail would cost 1M/mile! When this city is running in the red as it is…where the heck are we going to get that kind of money? The demand isn’t there yet – enough people aren’t willing to use light rail and forgo their SUVs at this time, so do we just MAKE it happen, spend money we don’t have, and allow <.2% ridership until ???
May 11th, 2009
Suzette Watkins
Jacko- I’m arguing this point because it’s the right thing to do for the voters of District 8 and for the integrity of our elections. I agree with you that the bigger problem is voter apathy. I did not have the wherewithal to work for the win. However, if the truth is that I lost by 60/40 margin due to fraudulently obtained mail in ballots, I’d like that reflected instead of 80/20 margin that is reflected in the numbers today (generally speaking).
May 11th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
A candidate has the right to see the mail ballots in his/her race. All you have to do is call Steve Raborn and make arrangements to go out and examine them. If you do, take one or more witnesses.
In a partisan election there is a Ballot Board composed of appointees from the two major parties. This board meets several times after the election to examine and rule on the validity of the mail ballots. They do not look for common handwriting and whether a helper has signed his/her name as such.
In a nonpartisan municipal election I don’t know how the Ballot Board is selected.
May 11th, 2009
jacko
Marcy, I’m playing devil’s advocate with the rail issue because I think that the active readers of this blog generally disagree with Glen’s beliefs on transit.
As far as the money spent for campaign organization, I have no problems with the money raised because it allows the candidate to reach more people. This puts them in contact with more constituents. Hence the higher votes.
May 11th, 2009
budokan
Funny, don’t remember you calling out
Johnny Mac
Burleson
M.P.
The Whited Sepulchre
Aberdean
East Sider
Voter
Dan O
Meadowbrook Today
Chinese Boomerang
Ready for change
TXCHICK
We need new blood
The money game update
FWTACOMA
I’m For Clyde
TXCOWGIRL
Jacko
I have to agree using the anonymity of the internet is a bit chicken*@)^ but I’ve got a business to run and it doesn’t need to incur the wrath of some of the, shall we say, more strident folks W&C attracts. Business is tough enough. Besides, I’m not running for anything (God why would anyone want to?) so I’ll just stay safely tucked behind my keyboard and get my 2 cents in every once-in-a-while. For now anyway.
May 11th, 2009
Jerry Lobdill
How many of these other anonymous posters have obviously hidden behind anonymity because they are posting ad hominem attacks?
May 11th, 2009
Pete Wann
Comments are now closed on this post. Feel free to take your discussion to EightOneSeven.com if you want to keep talking about it.
May 11th, 2009
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