{"id":1188,"date":"2016-04-18T23:18:37","date_gmt":"2016-04-19T04:18:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/truthinaddison.com\/?page_id=1188"},"modified":"2021-04-27T16:55:35","modified_gmt":"2021-04-27T21:55:35","slug":"home2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/truthinaddison.com\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Voters Keep Asking: Where\u2019s the BEEF?<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
(Why Voters Should Continue To Ignore Empty Rhetoric)<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 26, 2021<\/span>
You\u2019ve probably noticed by now that the faux issue of the season is \u201ctaxes,\u201d an apparent reference to property taxes. Predictably, the claim is that these taxes are \u201ctoo high.\u201d And, of course, the negative candidates are the only ones who can \u201cfix\u201d this \u201cproblem.\u201d What is noticeably absent is any TRUTHFUL discussion of facts that would support the conclusion that any \u201cproblem\u201d exists.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Let\u2019s Talk TRUTH About Municipal Debt<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
April 21, 2021<\/span>
When negative candidates make claims about deficit spending, they are misinforming voters about the facts. But they are providing valuable information \u2013 about themselves. These negative candidates either don\u2019t understand municipal financing, or they do and are intentionally misleading voters about it. Either is unacceptable, and that is important information for Addison voters.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A Sign of the Times<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Let\u2019s Talk TRUTH About Signage on Beltline Road<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 20, 2021<\/span>
The negative candidates are apparently pointing to Addison\u2019s plans for electronic signage on Beltline Road in support of their criticism of Addison\u2019s budget. What they aren\u2019t telling voters is that this signage was part of the bond package that was approved by voters in 2012. I know, because I served as the Secretary of the 2011-2012 Bond Advisory Committee, and was also the Chair of the Airport Subcommittee.<\/p>\n

\"\"Let\u2019s Talk TRUTH About<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
Addison Taxes and Tax Rates<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 17, 2021<\/span>
The 2021 election season once again features negative candidates misrepresenting the issue of Addison\u2019s property taxes. This misinformation includes the claim that Addison has the second highest tax rate in Dallas County, which is patently false.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Let\u2019s Talk TRUTH About Addison\u2019s BALANCED Budget<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 7, 2021<\/span>
Addison\u2019s budget is once again being attacked by two negative candidates. Their websites contain alarmist fearmongering that has no basis in TRUTH. Let\u2019s talk about it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Stay Positive, Addison<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
Seek TRUTH Regarding Negative Campaign Claims<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 3, 2021<\/span>
The negatives are once again using the election season to spread misinformation. Negativity is what these folks are about, and their efforts to drag the community downwards and backwards with misinformation know no bounds.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>We Must Anchor to TRUTH<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
January 12, 2021<\/span>
I want to return briefly to the ex-mayor\u2019s recent missive, and now focus on how it allows us to judge credibility and thereby anchor to TRUTH. In two short sentences, the ex-mayor made four different, easily refutable misrepresentations . . . So, why would the ex-mayor make such demonstrably false statements?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Here\u00a0Come the Negatives\u2026 Again<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
Here Come the Efforts to Divide Us\u2026 Again<\/strong><\/span>
Time to Stay the Course, Addison<\/strong><\/span>
January 7, 2021<\/span>
Some of you may have received a long, rambling letter from Addison\u2019s toxic ex-mayor. The letter generally follows the formula of the negatives and naysayers, about which we have written a great deal. The negatives create a faux issue, mischaracterize it, often by fabricating \u201cfacts,\u201d claim the sky is falling, attack anyone who isn\u2019t them, and then claim that only they can resolve the faux issue.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Good Government LISTENS<\/a> <\/span><\/strong>
That\u2019s The Addison Way<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
August 28, 2019<\/span>
No matter how hard the negatives try to convince people otherwise, Addison residents recognize this TRUTH: They have elected seven councilmembers who LISTEN . . . . Addison Grove taught us lots about a government that refused to listen to its citizens.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>KABOOMTOWN! A Positively<\/a><\/span> Amazing July Fourth Celebration<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
July 12, 2019<\/span>
Addison celebrates like no other town, particularly when the celebration involves declaring independence from a tyrant. Too often we…..<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Bond Committee and<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
Addison\u2019s Positive Future<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
June 22, 2019<\/span>
The Committee was strong in recognizing the need for Addison to invest in its infrastructure, a view echoed and supported by the results of the recent citizens survey.
If the Council adopts the Bond Committee\u2019s recommendations, Addison will hold a bond election later this year, most likely in November 2019.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Setting The Record Straight About<\/strong>
Appropriate Political Expenditures<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
June 13, 2019<\/span>
Shortly before the May 2019 election, the Texas Ethics Commission (\u201cTEC\u201d) dismissed out-of-hand the misguided and incorrect claims made by the negatives and naysayers regarding Mayor Joe Chow\u2019s political expenditures. Confirming what I had written about Mayor Chow\u2019s appropriate expenditures, the TEC found the allegations made by the negatives\u2019 designated complainant wholly without merit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Six Men Charged for Role in Five-Year High-Yield Investment Fraud Scheme<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
May 8, 2019<\/span>
Six men were charged in an indictment unsealed today for their alleged participation in a five-year high-yield investment fraud scheme.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The TRUTH Will<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Set You Free, Addison!<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 27, 2019<\/span>
There is nothing about the TRUTH that is malicious or disgusting. TRUTH is not slander. TRUTH is not despicable. TRUTH has returned the Addison Way to our community, and TRUTH is what will keep Addison moving forward in a positive direction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>TRUTH<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
And The First Amendment<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 25, 2019<\/span>
Threats aimed at chilling public discourse \u2013 whether direct or veiled \u2013 are dangerous and subversive, and have no place in our democracy. Rest assured that we will not be<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Let\u2019s Talk TRUTH<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
About Certificates of Obligation<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
And Candidates for Council<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 22, 2019<\/span>
Had this candidate wanted to know the TRUTH, he could easily have educated himself by referencing these materials and studying the town\u2019s finances. His mailer tells all of us that he did not do so, choosing instead to misinform voters with his silly mailer.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u00a0CJ Comu Flyer Regarding Debt<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
April 22, 2019<\/span>
The truth is that we have a great Town, that is fiscally responsible, with the highest credit ratings and we are not the one as CJ puts it that is \u201cSLIDING DOWN THE DRAIN\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u00a0Shame on Them Again!<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Let\u2019s Focus on The Addison Way Instead of Inaccurate and False Accusations<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 19, 2019<\/span>
The progress Addison has made in the past two years apparently doesn\u2019t sit well with the negatives and naysayers. Without any issues or a positive campaign message, they\u2019ve returned to familiar ground, brazenly misrepresenting issues in an effort to smear Mayor Joe Chow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Shame on Them!<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
More Dirty Tricks From<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
The Negatives and Naysayers<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 17, 2019<\/span>
Today (on the eve of early voting) the negative\u2019s designated blogger claimed that \u201cit has come to their attention\u201d that an ethics complaint was filed against one of the candidates. Here\u2019s what the Texas Ethics Commission has said about statements like that:
\u201cThe use of the statements \u2018a sworn complaint has been filed against Candidate A\u2019 or \u2018the Texas Ethics Commission is investigating a complaint against Candidate A\u2019 are improper attempts to mislead the public.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Signs of the Times: Political Advertising<\/a> Rules<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Aren\u2019t That Difficult To Follow<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
April 11, 2019<\/span>
Political signs are subject to some very specific regulations set forth in the Texas Election Code. One section recognizes that these political signs can be misleading to voters. So, for example, the Election Code prohibits use of the word \u201creelect\u201d by persons who don\u2019t hold the office they are seeking, because use of the term suggests that such persons do hold office, when that isn\u2019t true.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Stay Positive Addison, Even As<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
The Negatives and Naysayers Continue<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
Their DESPERATE Search for Negativity<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
February 5, 2019<\/span>
The negatives and naysayers are still trying to find something negative that will give them traction. The latest effort from the negatives\u2019 designated blogger concerns a Dallas Morning News article regarding a graduate program at the University of Texas at Dallas (\u201cUTD\u201d).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page: My Thoughts on ADDISON OUTPERFORMED CITIES ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
January 12, 2019<\/span>
The overwhelming majority of Town residents know and agree we have a very good situation here and that we all get a good value for our tax dollar. It is my privilege to work with an excellent Mayor and Council who have empowered and enabled our City Manager Wes Pierson to lead the Staff that delivers to all of us the high quality of services we all enjoy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Who Thanks Themselves?<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
A Tall Tale About a Dog Park<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
January 12, 2019<\/span>
I speak, of course, of two bricks at the Spruill Dog Park that purport to \u201cthank\u201d Addison\u2019s misguided ex-mayor, one of them even going so far as to thank him for the park. Amazingly enough, publicly available documentation obtained by Truth in Addison confirms that these two bricks were purchased by none other than the ex-mayor himself.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>All Is Going Great In ALL of Addison<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
January 4, 2019<\/span>
I was thinking as the year turned about how great things are going in Addison. 2018 was the first full calendar year under the leadership of Mayor Joe Chow, and it was a fantastic, successful year. We enjoyed the fruits of a true democracy, with seven councilmembers working together to advance Addison\u2019s interests.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>We Are Not Posting on The Next Door App<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
December 12, 2018<\/span>
Truth in Addison is not posting on the Next Door app. If you are here because you saw a link on the Next Door app, or because you read some other post and got curious, we welcome you. But please know that we didn\u2019t post any links and are not behind the post-storm that is currently being inflicted on Next Door users . . . .
\"\"<\/a>The Politics of the Anonymous Plurality<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a>
December 10, 2018<\/span>
Context is critical: We have to know who we\u2019re dealing with and where they\u2019re coming from, including so we can evaluate motives and biases. All of which allows us to evaluate the claims being made.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Working WITH The Neighborhood<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
It\u2019s The Addison Way<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
December 6, 2018<\/span>
So, I have to stand corrected regarding the Village on the Parkway meeting, to be held on December 10, 2018 at Addison\u2019s Town Hall.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Let\u2019s Talk Truth<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
About Fighting Crime With Technology<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
November 19, 2018<\/span>
The staff is working on establishing policies and procedures, and is planning to bring their proposal to the council in January 2019.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page<\/a>: The Sky Is Not Falling<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
May 2, 2018<\/span>
You may remember the old story about Chicken Little who ran around screaming, \u201cThe sky is falling, the sky is falling\u201d. Well, we have a city council candidate who is doing the same thing. In the world of politics it is called fear mongering \u2013 deliberately exaggerating and frightening the public over an issue that may or may not be real.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Don\u2019t Rely on Last Minute Negative Spin: If Issues Are Legitimate, They Are Raised In Time For Open, Honest, and Thorough Debate<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
April 25, 2018<\/span>
For the third election in a row, the negative spinners have circulated inaccurate and misleading information on the eve of early voting.\u00a0 Their timing is unquestionably intentional.\u00a0 After all, these last-minute ambushes make it difficult to correct misstatements before votes are cast.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong>Don\u2019t Be Distracted By False Issues: The Council Speaks For<\/a> Addison, Of Course (It\u2019s In The Charter)<\/a><\/span>
<\/strong>April 19, 2018<\/span>
When you read what the negative spinners think \u201cleadership\u201d is about, it\u2019s downright scary.\u00a0 Consider that these folks proudly published comments from the Town Hall questioner\u2019s email to City Manager Wes Pierson, who was advised as follows: \u201cTime to get a hold of the message, stop other voices from Addison\u201d and \u201cI think it is imperative that you control the narrative\u201d . . . .<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page:<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
My Thoughts on Housing<\/a><\/strong>
April 19, 2018<\/span>
Campaigning either brings out the worst or best in people. Personally, I enjoy it but some candidates use campaign time to spread all sorts of false or misleading information in hopes of inflaming voters to secure their vote. This year, one candidate is fear mongering by using the word some homeowners fear most \u2013 APARTMENTS \u2013 even though the candidate was a strong supporter of converting the old Sam\u2019s property into apartments and townhomes!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Addison\u2019s Council Successfully <\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
Settles The Wind Turbine Lawsuit<\/strong> <\/a>
April 16, 2018<\/span>
The terms of the wind turbine settlement have finally been announced, and they are favorable to Addison.\u00a0 The Town will essentially receive a refund, with the complete removal of the turbines and attendant repairs to the roof of the water tower.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Inventing Evidence:<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Don\u2019t Be Fooled By Negative Spinners<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 12, 2018<\/span>
After staging all this hostility and disrespect, the captive facts-don\u2019t-matter blog claimed that \u201cmajor dissension\u201d had \u201cerupted\u201d at the Mayor\u2019s coffee.\u00a0 How utterly absurd.\u00a0 These folks are rude to the mayor, they stage what was clearly a pre-scripted spectacle, and then cite their own behavior as evidence of dissent in Addison.\u00a0 It\u2019s ridiculous.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Talking TRUTH About The<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
Farmers Branch Creek Dispute<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
PART 2<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 10, 2018<\/span>
I acknowledge blogs by the Farmers Branch mayor and one councilmember, attacking my prior article about the Farmers Branch creek dispute.\u00a0 It\u2019s unfortunate to see this type of rhetoric, as it clearly doesn\u2019t advance either town towards a resolution.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Talking TRUTH About The<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
Farmers Branch Creek Dispute<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
April 3, 2018<\/span>
Farmers Branch has decided to take the creek dispute in an unfortunate direction, terminating a number of longstanding, unrelated agreements with Addison.\u00a0 I guess there is a contingent in Farmers Branch that believes that using libraries and access to senior centers and the like as pawns will somehow cause Addison to capitulate to Farmers Branch\u2019s demands.\u00a0 Addison has reacted by staying above the fray and sticking to its guns.\u00a0 As well it should.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>What Really Happens When Something Like<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
The Wind Turbine Lawsuit Is Settled<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
March 31, 2018<\/span>
Those who would divide us continue their negative spin about the settlement of the wind turbine lawsuit. Their willingness to attack the current council no matter what they say or do is so very unfortunate, but it\u2019s our reality. This week, they quoted some alleged CIA slogan by way of suggesting conspiracy theories in connection with the settlement. It is absurd and they are simply wrong.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u00a0The Dangers of Social Media and<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
The Challenge of Confirming the Facts<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
March 20, 2018<\/span>
Recent events in our country have focused attention on the improper use of social media to spread false and misleading information . . . Addison has been there and done that, mostly at the hands of its misguided ex-mayor, who misused social media to spread demonstrably inaccurate and misleading information during his tenure.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>No Matter How You Spin It<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
W<\/a>e Still Have to Wait to Hear the Terms Of<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
The Wind Turbine Lawsuit Settlement<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
March 16, 2018<\/span>
Honestly, these folks will say anything. And I, for one, will continue to challenge them. So, on the settlement issue, there is no secrecy. No one is hiding anything. This is a council that inherited a lawsuit filed by the prior administration. They didn\u2019t choose the claims. They didn\u2019t choose the strategy. They simply managed it as best they could, and we will soon find out how well they did in settling it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>D<\/a>on\u2019t Be Fooled By Fake Names:<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Identifying the Negatives When They Try To Hide<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Keeps Us On The Path To A Positive Future<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
March 15, 2018<\/span>
The message of the posts is the same old story. They attack the current council . . . . So, what do we know about the identity of the person posting? On Next Door the posting was supposedly made by \u201cAslaugh Lothbrook.\u201d Of course, I immediately wondered, who is \u201cAslaugh Lothbrook.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Advancing Addison\u2019s Agenda<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Requires Positive Thinking\u2026 And Campaigning<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
March 12, 2018<\/span>
We can demand positivity from candidates. We can insist that candidates focus on Addison\u2019s future, and how we move forward. If candidates go negative, we can ask them how that negativity helps Addison.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Settlement of the Wind Turbine Lawsuit<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
Reserving Judgment Until the Terms Are Announced<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
March 2, 2018<\/span>
As predicted, the apparent settlement of the wind turbine lawsuit has sent the ex-mayor and his sycophants into a tailspin.\u00a0 From all accounts, they are witnessing the crumbling of this year\u2019s faux election issue, and that has left them utterly desperate to find some way to cast the matter in a negative light.\u00a0 It is of no concern to them that this is a positive development Addison.\u00a0 . . . So, let\u2019s dispel a few myths from the negative spinners.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Wind Turbine Lawsuit Has Settled<\/a><\/span>:<\/span><\/strong>
Let\u2019s Wait for the Terms To Judge It<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
March 1, 2018<\/span>
The current council has apparently resolved the wind turbine lawsuit, although terms have yet to be made public.\u00a0 The timing of the settlement is significant and seems positive for Addison . . . .<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Respect<\/span> for Democracy is the Key, <\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Not Manipulated Facts and False Issues<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
February 28, 2018<\/span>
Addison has learned some hard lessons about the importance of democratic principles during the past few years.\u00a0 One lesson is that issues come and go, but our system endures.\u00a0 And that demonstrates the importance of electing councilmembers who believe in the co-equal seven-member council established by Addison\u2019s Charter and who will be a positive part of the deliberative process contemplated by the Charter.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Recycled Efforts to Create Controversy:<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Spinning The Wind Turbine Lawsuit Still Doesn\u2019t Fly<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
February 6, 2018<\/span>
Well, it\u2019s election season in Addison, and unfortunately the former mayor\u2019s sycophants are at it again.\u00a0 They even found a willing partner in the Dallas Morning News, which once again adopted the false narrative suggested by the facts-don\u2019t-matter folks.\u00a0 It\u2019s not the first time the DMN has fallen for it, and it likely won\u2019t be the last.\u00a0 And, for good measure, these folks even stirred up some more bad publicity for Addison from a local TV station, continuing to operate from the \u201charm Addison\u201d playbook as a way of advancing their \u201cdivide-the-community\u201d strategy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page:\u00a0 My Thoughts<\/span> <\/strong>
December 18, 2017<\/span>
Addison employees have long had a reputation of providing \u201cover the top\u201d level of services to Town residents and businesses. In order to keep that service level, I strongly support the new compensation plan for our employees. As candidates for city council appear on your doorstep in the next few months asking for your vote, (I\u2019ll be one of them!) make sure that you understand their employee compensation philosophy before promising your vote.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The TRUTH about Summary Judgments<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
(and the wind turbine lawsuit)<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
November 16, 2017<\/span>
Those who would divide us will attack the current council no matter what they do (or don\u2019t do), no matter what the subject, and without regard to the merits.\u00a0 They are unconstrained by the truth, and will attack these public servants whether it is rational to do so or not.\u00a0 It\u2019s just what they\u2019re about.\u00a0 So, the usual round of attacks followed the November 10th summary judgment hearing in the wind turbine lawsuit.\u00a0 Since this is my area of expertise . . . .<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>To talk TRUTH about the wind turbine lawsuit<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span>
YOU HAVE TO READ THE PLEADINGS<\/strong>
October 31, 2017<\/span>
\u00a0The efforts to set up a scapegoat in case the wind turbine lawsuit doesn\u2019t go well continue.\u00a0 I write again because it\u2019s one of those times when you have an opportunity to really gauge credibility.\u00a0 Follow me here: the pleadings in the wind turbine lawsuit are publicly available.\u00a0 That means that the things I\u2019ve written about are easily confirmed.\u00a0 But here\u2019s the thing: that also<\/span> h<\/span>elps<\/span> us figure out when other commentators who claim to be in the know haven\u2019t read the pleadings.\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Let\u2019s talk TRUTH about the wind turbine lawsuit <\/span><\/a><\/strong>
October 28, 2017<\/span>
Addison has once again been subjected to a wildly inaccurate, grossly misleading and entirely inappropriate missive about the wind turbine lawsuit.\u00a0 It includes outrageous, unfounded and slanderous attacks on former City Managers Ron Whitehead and Lea Dunn simply because they provided truthful testimony.\u00a0 Enough is enough.\u00a0 One would have hoped that these tactics would abate, given the results of the last two elections.\u00a0 But, here we are again, with the same people once again trying to mislead Addison residents.\u00a0 So, let\u2019s talk TRUTH about this lawsuit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
September 4, 2017<\/span>
I appreciate the ACAP volunteers and their willingness to serve and the steps the Council took recently are prudent and reasonable in ensuring their safety and reinforcing their proper role within the Police Department.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span>Budget Highlights<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
August 28, 2017<\/span>
Tax Rate \u2013 the City Manager\u2019s proposed budget calls for reducing the Town\u2019s tax rate from $0.560472 by just over one penny to $0.550000. The taxable value on the average single-family home in Addison is $299,911. Because of the increase in property values, the average homeowner\u2019s tax bill from Addison would go up $40.77, less than $5 a month.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Displaying Our Flag and The Midday Rotary Flag Lease Program<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
June 15, 2017<\/span>
I was astonished to hear that Addison\u2019s former mayor and his girlfriend are now trying to stir up controversy
over the Rotary Flag Lease Program.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Municipal Finance is Different<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
From Family Finances<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
May 16, 2017<\/span>
I am NOT advocating an irresponsible level of municipal debt.\u00a0 But, we must recognize that part of Addison\u2019s future means building and maintaining a level of infrastructure that makes sense.\u00a0 That we can afford.\u00a0 That we need in order to build our Town out responsibly.\u00a0 And, it is sound, prudent policy to ensure that the cost of that infrastructure is borne equitably by all who benefit from it, not just current residents.<\/p>\n

\"\"Moving Addison Forward<\/span> <\/a>,<\/strong><\/span>
Remaining Vigilant and Seeking the Truth<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
May 9, 2017<\/span>
. . . And, in the end, Meier did nothing to retract the misinformation he had circulated.
We cannot let such conduct stand.\u00a0 It was nothing less than an effort to subvert our government by influencing voters with false information.\u00a0 We need to have a clear understanding of how that happened.\u00a0 Indeed, for many years, Meier has been the proverbial \u201clowest common denominator,\u201d demonstrating the harm that can be done by one lawless person unbounded by any sense of decency.\u00a0 We need to learn our lesson, and that means understanding how the train got off the tracks in the first place.\u00a0 This will enable us to act to ensure that it never happens again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Meier\u2019s Efforts to Influence the Election<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
Raise Deeply Troubling Issues<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
May 5, 2017<\/span>
To no one\u2019s surprise, the Dallas District Attorney has CLOSED the investigation Todd Meier improperly instigated against Joe Chow:
\u201cAt this time, we are formally closing our investigation into this matter having found no evidence of any criminal offense.\u201d
But\u2019s let put the \u201ctrying to steal the election\u201d issue aside for a moment, and examine Meier\u2019s conduct from a different angle and specifically, on whose behalf was Meier acting?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Recovering from Meier:<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Repairing and Reuniting Addison<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
May 1, 2017<\/span>
I don\u2019t see how the negative campaigning by Meier and his chosen candidates does anything to advance the recovery process.\u00a0 But, these tactics have caused me to reflect on the issues that are at the heart of the damage to Addison.\u00a0 Clearly, we have the opportunity to move in a new direction designed to restore the Addison Way.\u00a0 But first, we have to explore what happened to get us to where we are now.\u00a0 Recognizing the failures of Meier\u2019s deceitful, divisive approach allows us to forge a new, positive path for Addison.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A Letter to Her Neighbors from Betsy Hunt <\/a><\/span><\/strong>
April 30, 2017<\/span>
I do not speak disrespectfully to candidates or their supporters.
I sit on the corner in the light of day on private property with the little signs that I paid for. \u00a0Would you like it if someone were to throw food at you . . . .<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Joe Chow and Tom Braun Are Eligible,<\/span> <\/a><\/strong>
Meier Knew It, And BRAZENLY DECEIVED Addison Voters About It<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
April 29, 2017<\/span>
When Meier published last week\u2019s newsletter, he was in possession of an attorney\u2019s opinion and additional information that he intentionally WITHHELD from Addison voters in a clear effort to dissuade them from voting for Chow and Braun.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>REJECT Negative Campaigning <\/a><\/span><\/strong>
And Return Addison to the ADDISON WAY<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 26, 2017<\/span>
The negative attacks on Joe Chow and other candidates are classic Meier.\u00a0 That means that Meier is either controlling the candidates or they have voluntarily adopted his tactics.\u00a0 Which it is doesn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 What does matter is that this confirms that they would bring more of the same tactics to the council.
I am hopeful that Addison voters will reject the negativity, vote for candidates who bring a positive, inclusive approach to the council, and thereby return Addison to the TRUE Addison Way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Addison\u2019s Charter on SUCCESSIVE Terms<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
Is Very Clear, Braun and Chow are Eligible<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 22, 2017<\/span>
Meier is prohibited by law from using Addison resources to attack Chow or, for that matter, Tom Braun.\u00a0 And yet, Meier persists, and has attacked Joe Chow in each of the last four newsletters, using Addison\u2019s email list.\u00a0 The law prohibiting such conduct is clear.\u00a0 Meier just doesn\u2019t care and continues to brazenly ignore it.
Meier now claims that provisions of Addison\u2019s Charter regarding term limits cast doubt on the eligibility of Tom Braun and Joe Chow, because both served on Addison\u2019s council some years ago.\u00a0 This is patently false, and it\u2019s not even a close call.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Apartment Dwellers Are People Too<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
And, Their Rent Funds Property Taxes<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
April 21, 2017<\/span>
Now comes word that a Meier supporter is circulating yet another negative letter, now attacking Joe Chow and Lori Ward because they live in apartments in Addison, rather than owning homes. And, again claiming (falsely) that they do not contribute to the Addison tax roll. Isn\u2019t it time to end this negativism and focus on healing Addison? What are we to think when someone claims that they will unite our community, but continues to divide it with all these negative attacks? I\u2019m still waiting for how unification will happen in the face of such divisive tactics. In any event, let\u2019s talk about the apartment issue.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Phony Phone Survey:<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
Duping People Into Listening to An Attack Ad<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
April 18, 2017<\/span>
Last evening at about 8:20 p.m., I received a call on my cell phone.\u00a0 The caller spoke very quickly and told me that she had a two-question \u201csurvey\u201d for me.\u00a0 I have to confess that I\u2019d been tipped off about these calls, so I was pretty sure this wasn\u2019t really a \u201csurvey.\u201d\u00a0 So, I asked some questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Remember Last Year\u2019s Supposedly \u201cUnsolicited\u201d Letter<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Encouraging Votes for Meier\u2019s Candidates?\u00a0 He\u2019s Back\u2026<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
As a Paid Political Consultant to Blake Clemens<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 17, 2017
I have a long memory.\u00a0 You should too.\u00a0 Sometimes it provides you with an opportunity to judge credibility.\u00a0 We have just such an opportunity now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Addison Doesn\u2019t Need Written Policies On Transparency and Ethics<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
It Needs an Honest Mayor<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 17, 2017<\/span>
Todd Meier keeps putting ethics and transparency on the council agenda, pushing for the creation of yet more written \u201cpolicies.\u201d\u00a0 But Addison already has guidance and standards regarding transparency and ethics.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t need more.\u00a0 Addison\u2019s real problem is Meier, whose vicious tactics have included a remarkable willingness to ignore transparency and ethics laws and deceive residents.\u00a0 Written policies won\u2019t change that.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>AMLI is a PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Providing Addison With Significant Control<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
April 13, 2017<\/span>
At the forum on April 12, 2017, Dale Wilcox stated that in rezoning property for the AMLI development, Addison had failed to ensure proper controls over what was built there. His comment is inaccurate and\u00a0 inexplicable on several levels.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Don\u2019t Destroy or Deface Candidates\u2019 Political Signs<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
(How NOT To End Division in Addison)<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
April 3, 2017<\/span>
Please don\u2019t destroy or deface the political signs of Addison candidates. Even if you don\u2019t support a particular candidate, harming other people\u2019s property is wrong. We learned that in kindergarten, didn\u2019t we? And yet, we have a mayoral candidate encouraging residents to deface his opponent’s signs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Meier\u2019s Attacks on a Planning and Zoning Commissioner\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/strong>Evidence a Dangerous Escalation<\/strong><\/span>
April 3, 2017<\/span>
Todd Meier recent attacks against a member of Addison\u2019s Planning & Zoning Commission are unprecedented, and evidence a dangerous escalation of tactics by this brazen politician.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Seeing Through Meier\u2019s Latest Fabricated Campaign Issue:\u00a0 The War on AMLI<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
March 27, 2017<\/span>
in Meier\u2019s world, you either OBEY or you are attacked and punished.\u00a0 It\u2019s a scenario to which Addison has been subjected again and again for six years.\u00a0 We have watched Meier declare war on Addison\u2019s employees, police and fire departments, Addison\u2019s former management, citizens, fellow councilmembers, neighboring communities, and anyone who doesn\u2019t capitulate to Meier\u2019s demands.\u00a0 Sadly, the list of Meier\u2019s victims is long. So, AMLI is simply Meier\u2019s latest victim.\u00a0 AMLI didn\u2019t capitulate to Meier\u2019s demand, and so Meier is doing what he always does: attack and punish.\u00a0 Oh sure, disparaging a nationally established developer like AMLI is horrible for Addison.\u00a0 It has surely discouraged other developers unwilling to be subjected to such tactics.\u00a0 But Meier doesn\u2019t care.\u00a0 His tenure on council has been all about him, not about Addison.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>I<\/a>t\u2019s Not About Being \u201cFor\u201d or \u201cAgainst\u201d Apartments<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
It\u2019s About Making Good Decisions For Good Reasons<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
March 16, 2017<\/span>
It\u2019s election season, and Todd Meier is once again politicizing council business, trying to create controversy to fuel his latest political campaign.\u00a0 The issues this year are new, but the story line remains the same.\u00a0 Meier distorts and misrepresents issues, using his false narrative as a platform to attack those who disagree, always leading people to the (inaccurate) conclusion that only Meier can \u201cget it right.\u201d\u00a0 One of this year\u2019s faux issue is whether people are \u201cfor\u201d or \u201cagainst\u201d apartments.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
March 16, 2017<\/span>
Tuesday night\u2019s Council meeting continued a pattern of the Mayor wasting the time of the Council and taxpayer dollars by putting three, unnecessary agenda items on the docket. We wasted time discussing (once again) the AMLI project, which was passed two weeks ago by a vote of 5-2. The Mayor continues to insist the Council rushed a vote on this decision despite the fact that it has been under consideration for TWO YEARS. Staff determined it was consistent with the Town\u2019s housing policy and has recommended it twice and two different Planning & Zoning Commissions have recommended it forward to Council.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>AMLI Responds to Addison Mayor Todd Meier<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
March 13, 2017<\/span>
The letter, in response to Meier\u2019s comments on 5015 Spectrum Drive, is introduced here by comments from Addison Councilman Paul Walden.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>SUPPRESSION of Other Councilmembers\u2019 Views<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Signals a Dangerous Escalation of Tactics by Meier<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
March 5, 2017<\/span>
On February 14, 2017, Meier intentionally disrupted Addison\u2019s government, PRECLUDING other councilmembers from participating in the meeting.\u00a0 Those who might conduct business in Addison are watching this Meier Gong Show, and likely deciding that other nearby communities are far better options.\u00a0 I have said before that it will take years for Addison to recover from the damage Meier is doing.\u00a0 That has never been more evident than during the past month.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
March 3, 2017<\/span>
I was a bit mystified why the Council spent well over an hour on a line-by-line review of the four- page City Council Guidelines on Meeting Protocols and Decorum document on Feb. 28.
At first, it appeared that the mayor was trying to justify his appalling and embarrassing interrogation of both staff and zoning applicant at the Feb. 14 meeting. But, later, it seemed to be focused on whether council members had the right to disagree with how a mayor managed a meeting (he refused to recognize some council members so they could make a motion to proceed with voting and cut off his lengthy questioning).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Meier\u2019s Latest Efforts at \u201cAgenda By Ambush\u201d Need To Be Forcefully Rejected<\/a><\/strong>
February 27, 2017<\/span>
Todd Meier is again trying to push his misguided agenda by ambushing the Council.\u00a0 The Agenda published last week included items, referencing Decorum, Ethics and Transparency. These Agenda items were included at Meier\u2019s request.\u00a0 The Agenda contained no proposals and no detail regarding what the discussion would even be about.\u00a0 If these items were legitimate, the public and the other members of Council would have been provided with specifics.\u00a0 The absence of specifics tells us that Meier is once again up to no good.\u00a0 This is, after all, an individual who spends his days plotting and scheming to cause harm to his political foes, most often by misrepresenting and mischaracterizing issues and then bullying those who dare to correct his many misstatements.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span>
<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
February 20, 2017<\/span>
During my 8.5 months on the Addison City Council and my prior six years on the Farmers Branch City Council, last Tuesday\u2019s Council meeting was unlike any other Council meeting I have ever participated in. Todd Meier\u2019s perversion of the Addison Way was on full display when he wasted 3.5 hours on pointless questions, which only sought to cast aspersions on anyone who opposed his position, even to include citizen volunteers who serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Redding Trail Playground<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
February 12, 2017<\/span>
Todd Meier has known for three-plus years about Addison\u2019s contractual obligation to remove the playground equipment located along the Redding Trail, in between Midway Meadows and Les Lacs.\u00a0 For all his claims of transparency, the residents in the area seemed to have been blindsided by the news.\u00a0 The same goes for the councilmembers who were elected in 2016.\u00a0 No one told them about it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
City Manager Wes Pierson\u2019s Responses to Questions on Proposed AMLI Development<\/span><\/strong>
February 2, 2017<\/span>
Rumors and misinformation are circulating regarding the proposed AMLI apartment development on Specturm Drive that will come before the Council on February 14th. In an effort to acquire accurate information, City Manager Wes Pierson responded to questions submitted by the Council.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
December 16, 2016<\/span>
The refusal, for the second year, to pay retired employees a Cost-Of-Living increase reflects badly on our community when 92% of cities in the state offer this benefit. How can we attract and retain quality employees when we aren\u2019t competitive? The mayor and his followers took advantage of the drumbeat of local publicity regarding Dallas\u2019 police and fire pension problems (NOT connected to Addison\u2019s TMRS system) to scare Addison residents with huge, future liability numbers without explaining a variety of options that could be explored to resolve the concerns.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Cost of Living Adjustments Are Not \u201cPay Raises\u201d<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
December 12, 2016<\/span>
Addison\u2019s mayor has once again misled Addison\u2019s residents, mischaracterizing an upcoming council vote regarding retirees as a vote about \u201cpay raises.\u201d The vote is actually about cost-of-living adjustments (\u201cCOLAs\u201d), not \u201cpay raises.\u201d They are two very different animals.\u00a0 COLAs are periodic increases in payments and\/or benefits that compensate for a LOSS OF PURCHASING POWER DUE TO INFLATION. Without COLAs, benefits and payments lose their value over time.<\/p>\n

\"from-addison-councilmember-paul-waldens-facebook-page\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
November 14, 2016<\/span>
It was also very apparent that the Mayor remains obsessed with discrediting former City Manager (and now private citizen) Ron Whitehead. I listened as he read from 6-7 typed pages of prepared comments that droned on and on as to how he holds himself up as the savior of the Town since his election as Mayor in 2011. Like anyone I am sure that if Ron had it to do all over again there would be things he would change in how he managed our Town over his 32-year tenure, but there is a reason we all chose to move to Addison and call this our home. Ron Whitehead deserves the lion\u2019s share of the credit for making Addison what it is today, not the Mayor or any other politician.
I can only speculate as to his motives as the Mayor persists in his shameless self-promotion and mean spirited, baseless attacks on the former City Manager. I believe those attacks are below the dignity of the office of the Mayor of Addison.<\/p>\n

\"ron-whitehead\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Jim\u00a0 Duffy\u2019s Facebook Page:\u00a0 Statement by former Addison City Manager Ron Whitehead<\/a><\/span><\/strong> <\/span>
November 14, 2016<\/span>
Former City Manager had agreed to come to the City Council meeting Tuesday with two stipulations. First that he be allowed to discuss multiple subjects and, second, that he take questions only from the members of the council.
Our mayor promptly violated the second stipulation by repeatedly soliciting questions from his followers. Therefore, Mr. Whitehead opted to not appear in person but requested a statement in his behalf. I had the privilege or reading that statement Tuesday night.
If you missed the meeting or didn’t want to watch it on the internet I thought you might be interested in what he had to say. Here is the statement he produced.<\/p>\n

\"from-addison-councilmember-bruce-arfstens-facebook-page\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Bruce Arfsten\u2019s Facebook Page<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
October 2, 2016<\/span>
We claim to be an \u201cinnovative and creative\u201d Town, but in order to earn that distinction we have to be willing to think outside the box and encourage \u201cinnovative and creative\u201d ideas that might reveal a previously unknown \u201chighest and best use\u201d for a property.<\/p>\n

\"from-addison-councilmember-paul-waldens-facebook-page\"<\/a>From Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook Page<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
September 26, 2016<\/span>
When the prior council approved the ill-conceived Addison Groves redevelopment, they included a restriction prohibiting Section 8 low income housing. MAYOR MEIER HAD TO KNOW THAT THIS WOULD NEVER BE ENFORCEABLE.<\/p>\n

\"COUNCIL<\/a>COUNCIL BRIEFS September 13, 2016<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
September 14, 2016<\/span>
Reposted from Addison Councilmember Paul Walden\u2019s Facebook page,
I AM PROUD THAT THE BUDGET ADDISON\u2019S COUNCIL ADOPTED BEGINS THE PROCESS OF MAKING ADDISON\u2019S EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION COMPETITIVE AGAIN . . . .<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The 2012 Bond Campaign: Meier Plays the Blame Game Yet Again<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
August 27, 2016<\/span>
Meier again tries to convince Addison\u2019s residents that some political enemy has erred, rewriting history in an effort to make the facts fit his latest story.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Where<\/a>Where Will Our $100,000 Go?<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
August 18, 2016<\/span>
We don\u2019t need to pay money via the Addison Legacy Foundation for this type of consulting work.\u00a0 Town staff can pursue this project \u2013 as they did before \u2013 with no need of the Addison Legacy Foundation.\u00a0 The Foundation claims they can get services donated and raise money to make this a reality but their results, to date, don\u2019t demonstrate much of a track record in producing successful projects.<\/p>\n

\"Mayor<\/a>Mayor: An Apology Isn\u2019t Enough: <\/a><\/strong><\/span>
July 13, 2016<\/span>
Our Mayor owes council member Jim Duffy and the citizens of Addison a public apology. In his most recent newsletter the Mayor was critical of Duffy for not attending KaBoom Town festivities on Sunday evening. His snide comment is compelling evidence that the Mayor uses the newsletter to attack those he considers his political enemies and until the council acted was doing it at taxpayer expense.\u00a0 His remarks concerning Jim, who chose to be at the side of his dying mother instead of attending the city\u2019s KaBoom Town party, can only be described as insensitive, mean spirited and the thoughtless words of an individual who lacks any sense of humanity.<\/p>\n

\"Divided\"<\/a>Divided<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>
July 12, 2016<\/span>
Addison is deeply divided today. It will remain so as long as we allow the political game players in town to believe that there is no penalty for \u201cstoking the fires.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Big Picture, Part 2:\u00a0 <\/a><\/strong><\/span>
The Secret Kanter Addendum and the Finance Committee<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
June 20, 2016<\/span>
Addison\u2019s is a cautionary tale, and we must understand all of what happened to make sure it never happens again.\u00a0 So, in Part 2, we turn to the issue of a SECRET addendum signed in connection with Kanter\u2019s engagement letter that confirms the intent to keep his work concealed.\u00a0 We also discuss the Meier-led council\u2019s misguided decision to form a \u201cFinance Committee\u201d with no defined mission, no oversight or accountability, and no rules regarding powers it should never have been exercising.\u00a0 As with Part 1, Part 2 will demonstrate a complete lack of transparency by the Meier-led regime.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Big Picture, Part 1:\u00a0 Lea Dunn\u2019s Memo and the Kanter Fiasco<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
June 15, 2016<\/span>
Secrecy and government don\u2019t mix; that\u2019s why the Open Records Act and the Open Meetings Act exist in the first place.\u00a0 Citizens have a right to full disclosure and real transparency, in other words, THE TRUTH.\u00a0 But that hasn\u2019t happened in Addison with Meier at the helm.\u00a0 Instead, we have lived the vicious cycle of governmental abuse of power.\u00a0 It\u2019s relatively straightforward: a government that is secretive, i.e., disregards the laws requiring disclosure and transparency, is (a) the very government most likely to engage in wrongdoing, and thus (b) the very government that most needs the scrutiny of its citizens, and yet (c) the very government that will fight hardest that scrutiny.\u00a0 It is exactly what Meier has brought to Addison, and the results speak for themselves: higher taxes, a tax rate above the rollback rate for the first time in Addison\u2019s history, and a demoralized and devastated staff.\u00a0 And, most significantly, a divided community, with a mayor whose \u201ctone at the top\u201d is to foment and escalate that division . . . .\u00a0 Read further:\u00a0 While there is some length to this outline, it may be the most important thing you\u2019ve ever read on Truth in Addison.<\/p>\n

\"Addison<\/a>Addison City Published Newsletter Will Increase Transparency<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
June 7, 2016<\/span>
As one of the people that was targeted by those political attacks while I served the Town as council member let me assure you that the newsletter was indeed used to further a particular agenda and to punish anyone who should disagree. While sometimes subtle, often the attacks were direct and not entirely truthful.
In the future a full accounting of the agenda items, issues facing the Town, and the way the vote went will be appreciated and fully transparent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\u201cLost<\/a>\u201cLost in Wisconsin\u201d Finally Comes Home<\/a><\/strong>
June 6, 2016<\/span>
You may have noticed the installation of a piece of art \u2013 titled \u201cLost in Wisconsin\u201d \u2013 at the newly designed entrance to the Health Club at the corner of Beltway and Proton.\u00a0 It is spectacular, truly completing the redesign of that area.\u00a0 Kudos to the folks involved with the Addison Arbor Foundation, as well as Slade Strickland, who envisioned a redesign of this corner around this wonderful piece of art. And, in typical fashion, Todd Meier is spinning a tall tale about it.\u00a0 At his recent coffee gathering, Meier told those in attendance that the new council had revisited the issue of the placement of this sculpture, suggesting that they had reversed course from a prior council vote.\u00a0 From there, Meier made inflammatory suggestions about other things the new council might revisit, including getting rid of council videos, a suggestion that is absurd at best.\u00a0 But here\u2019s the thing.\u00a0 The new council didn\u2019t reconsider anything.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Truth About Kanter, Part 1<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
Kanter:\u00a0 \u201cThere are a lot of politics surrounding my work\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
June 06,2016<\/span>
In a meeting held on November 21, 2014, Addison employees Chris Terry and Cheryl Delaney expressed concern to accountant Larry Kanter that he was not treating Addison\u2019s staff respectfully, and that Kanter \u201coften failed to present all the facts or left out pertinent information which resulted in casting staff inappropriately and unfairly in an unfavorable light.\u201d\u00a0 Kanter\u2019s response was that HIS HIRING WAS \u201cA VERY POLITICAL PROCESS\u201d AND THAT \u201cTHEY SHOULD BE AWARE THAT A LOT OF POLITICS [WERE] GOING ON SURROUNDING HIS WORK.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Public<\/a>Public Hearing Comments by Guillermo Quintanilla, Addison Resident, <\/a><\/span><\/strong>
at the May 24, 2016, Addison Council Meeting<\/span><\/strong>
May 31, 2016<\/span>
YOU mayor\u2026 put that item on the Agenda tonight and, YOU mayor\u2026 chose the wording of the item.
And then YOU leaked the agenda to your supporters, working with them to arrange for an email to be circulated that falsely told people that it was the new councilmembers who put the newsletter on the agenda.\u00a0 You did it to attack them, and you did it before these councilmembers EVER saw the agenda.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Smoking Gun on Meier\u2019s Intent To Continue His Divisive Tactics<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
May 23, 2016<\/span>
Meier immediately set about to undermine the new councilmembers by putting together an inflammatory agenda, and then arranging for the public to once again be misled about what was happening.
But Meier made a mistake this time. Now he\u2019s been caught red-handed. Here\u2019s what happened:<\/p>\n

\"Kanter<\/a>Kanter and the Finance Committee:<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Circumventing Addison\u2019s Charter<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
May 16, 2016<\/span>
While Addison continues to conceal key documents relating to Larry Kanter, the documents they did produce validate many of the concerns about which I\u2019ve written.\u00a0 We now have evidence of the willingness of Meier and his cadre to circumvent our Charter\u2019s unequivocal prohibition against the council directing the day-to-day affairs of our Town.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Kanter Cover Up Continues As Meier \u201cSpins\u201d His End Game<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
May 14, 2016<\/span>
Addison continues to conceal documents I\u2019ve requested relating to the Kanter fiasco, most notably Lea Dunn\u2019s 19-page memo. Perhaps sensing that the memo is likely to be disclosed, Todd Meier is now trying to build deniability into the public record by rewriting his part of this unfortunate history.<\/p>\n

\"Attacking<\/a>Attacking Newly Elected Councilmembers Before They\u2019ve Even Taken Office:<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE!<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
May 12, 2016<\/span>
Councilmembers-elect Paul Walden, Jim Duffy and Al Angell haven\u2019t been sworn in yet.\u00a0 They haven\u2019t spoken a word as elected officials.\u00a0 They haven\u2019t taken a single official act.\u00a0 But they have already been summarily condemned by the Meier-supporting facts-don\u2019t-matter folks, who now call them \u201cgood ole boys.\u201d\u00a0 These are the same tabloid writers who brought you \u201cpoopgate.\u201d\u00a0 They now claim to be judge, jury and executioner.\u00a0 All this before the trial even starts.<\/p>\n

\"Making<\/a>Making All Well in Addison Starts With TRUTH<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
May 8, 2016<\/span>
Addison\u2019s citizens have spoken, and I am hopeful that their voices will now truly be heard.\u00a0 The real work starts in 9 days when the new councilmembers are sworn in.\u00a0 The past three years of Addison\u2019s history are a cautionary tale.\u00a0 No democracy can claim health when one person is allowed to dominate.\u00a0 Our Charter states that all seven councilmembers are equal, with the mayor having two \u2013 and only two \u2013 additional duties: preside at meetings and represent Addison at official functions.\u00a0 That model has been largely ignored . . . .<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/a>DMN: Again, The Truth about Who Is Responsible for Your Increased Property Taxes<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
May 6, 2016<\/span>
\u201cAny public official who swears he or she they didn\u2019t raise your taxes because the appraisal district did the dirty deed is a full-blown liar who should be run out of town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


<\/span>\"More<\/a>More Shameful, Unfounded Accusations,<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
 And More Proof That We Need Change in Addison<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
May 3, 2016<\/span>
I thought I\u2019d seen it all from the incumbents and their supporters.\u00a0 Today they sunk to a new low.\u00a0 The \u201cfacts-don\u2019t-matter\u201d tabloid now accuses the three challengers and\/or their supporters of placing poop on an Addison resident\u2019s doormat.\u00a0 And, a little dab on an incumbent\u2019s sign.
It is patently absurd.\u00a0 Needless to say, there is not one shred of evidence to support these ridiculous, wild, unfounded accusations.<\/p>\n

\"Service<\/a>\u201cService Above Self\u201d \u2013 The (Old) Addison Way and The Rotary Club<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
May 3, 2016<\/span>
\u201cService above self\u201d is the primary motto of the Rotary Clubs, including three that meet in and around Addison.\u00a0 This motto dovetails with the Addison Way I knew when I served on the Council.\u00a0 Employees lived it.\u00a0 They were a cohesive unit back then, a family of sorts, fostered by strong, demanding, but fair leadership.\u00a0 They thrived, and with them, Addison grew into\u00a0 a very special place.<\/p>\n

\"DCAD<\/a>DCAD Didn\u2019t Raise Addison\u2019s Taxes<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
The Incumbents Did<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
Let\u2019s See Them Deny It Again . . .<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
May 3, 2016<\/span>
This is one of those moments where you can look at objective evidence to determine who is telling you the truth.\u00a0 I have said this repeatedly: Meier and his captive, obedient incumbents have raised your taxes more than 7% in just the last two years alone.\u00a0 My statements have been met with a torrent of misinformation, most notably the false claim that rising taxes are the fault of DCAD, not Addison\u2019s council.<\/p>\n

\"This<\/a>This Council Raised Your Taxes And Should Answer For It<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
May 2, 2016<\/span>
The incumbents have run a shameful campaign.\u00a0 There\u2019s no other way to say it.\u00a0 They have attacked Addison and its history, and have unjustifiably disparaged its former staff and management, all for perceived political gain.\u00a0 They have caused harm to Addison.\u00a0 The strategy of continuing to misrepresent the facts is a disservice to Addison and an insult to Addison\u2019s voters.\u00a0 It amplifies the unwillingness of the incumbents to accept responsibility for the decisions they have made.\u00a0 They owe honesty and explanations to the electorate, not a parade of misinformation that deflects attention from their conduct.\u00a0 So let\u2019s talk about a couple of issues the incumbents and their supporters keep raising.<\/p>\n

\"Significant<\/a>Significant Conflict of Interest in Addison Politics<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
May 2, 2016<\/span>
After being admonished by the then City Attorney in 2014 for violating the Town\u2019s prohibition against political\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 advertising and other ethics violations in campaigns, Addison\u2019s Mayor, Todd Meier, and the Council voted to change the Town\u2019s long standing Code of Ordinances to allow them to do so in the future . . .<\/p>\n

\"FROM<\/a>FROM THE DESK OF JOE CHOW<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
May 2, 2016<\/span>
No other Mayor in the North Texas sends out salacious e-mails and campaign literature on behalf of incumbents. A real leader brings people together and works to represent all aspects of various issues, but Meier just wants to stack the deck in his favor.
This Mayor is divisive and morale at City Hall is the lowest I have ever seen. It is no wonder that for the first time in the history of the Town of Addison that the Police and Firefighter\u2019s Associations have endorsed non-incumbent candidates. They were willing to risk the wrath of the Mayor and his slate and instead support Al Angell, Jim Duffy and Paul Walden.<\/p>\n

\"Taunting<\/a>Taunting the Electorate: <\/a><\/strong><\/span>
The Reality of Meier\u2019s New Addison<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
May 1, 2016<\/span>
This week, my neighborhood was taunted by a sitting councilmember. This is the sad reality of the state of Addison\u2019s government.<\/p>\n

\"RAISING<\/a>RAISING TAXES and Making Mud to Hide It<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
April 28, 2016<\/span>
Since Todd Meier has been mayor, Addison\u2019s taxes have increased by about 28.8%.\u00a0 During the past two years, Addison\u2019s taxes have increased by more than 7%.\u00a0 At the same time, this Council has overspent the budget each of the last two years by almost $2 million.<\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/a>Letters to the Editor<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
Focus on real Addison issues<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
April 27, 2016<\/span>
Re: \u201cDisrespectful behavior,\u201d by Blake Barnard, April 16 Letters.
You recently published a letter in which the author proclaimed the alleged political views of a deceased Addison resident, then falsely accused residents of stealing political signs. I challenge both assertions.
These inflammatory accusations typify the divisive political atmosphere that has been fed by Addison\u2019s misguided mayor.<\/p>\n

\"What\u2019s<\/a>What\u2019s Getting DEEPER Isn\u2019t FACTS . . .<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
 Be Careful or Your Shoes Will Get Soiled . . . .<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
April 26, 2016<\/span>
This last weekend brought us a torrent of misleading statements and outright misrepresentations from those supporting the incumbents.\u00a0 And, while spewing all this venom, they repeatedly assured voters that they were providing \u201cthe facts.\u201d\u00a0 It just isn\u2019t so.\u00a0 So let\u2019s talk about it.<\/p>\n

\"Addison\u2019s<\/a>Addison\u2019s Weekend of LIES: The Incumbents Are Pulling Out All the Stops and are Unconstrained by TRUTH<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
April 25, 2016<\/span>
Todd Meier produced a mailer circulated this weekend that BLATANTLY MISREPRESENTS the positions of candidates Jim Duffy, Al Angell and Paul Walden. This is an outrageous attempt to influence an important election by misleading Addison voters. It confirms again the need for change.<\/p>\n

\"Meier<\/a>Meier is Bringing Kanter Back<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
The Council is STILL CONCEALING Lea Dunn\u2019s<\/span> <\/a>Memo<\/span><\/strong>
April 24, 2016<\/span>
Meier is desperate to maintain the control he has enjoyed over the council for the past two years, so he is pulling out all the stops. He fears the election of truly independent candidates. The three incumbents he supports have been obedient, working with Meier to lock down information that is available to the public. This Council has declared war on the Open Records Act. And that is critically important because for Meier to succeed, he must have free reign to mislead the public.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>They\u2019re Still At It\u2026<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
 And The \u201cForum\u201d was STILL Theater: Part 4 by former Councilmember Sue Halpern<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
April 22, 2016<\/span>
It\u2019s a shame we couldn\u2019t have had a real forum and an election in which the candidates would actually discuss the issues. Unfortunately, that hasn\u2019t happened. It\u2019s also a shame that there can\u2019t be a dialog of real issues, rather than all these efforts to rewrite history in an attempt to bolster the tax-and-spend incumbents. I find it utterly fascinating that folks writing a faux \u201cnewsletter\u201d were provided with more information about this past Monday\u2019s event than was shared with Paul Walden, Jim Duffy and Al Angell.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>Another Desperate Attempt to Rewrite History:<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
 This \u201cForum\u201d is STILL Theater: Part 3 by former Councilmember Sue Halpern<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
April 18, 2016<\/span>
My goodness, but these folks are desperate to convince voters that this \u201cforum\u201d event is something other than theater. I stand by everything I\u2019ve said about it. My comments are not false, and they\u2019re certainly not \u201cinnuendo.\u201d In fact, I\u2019ve been very direct. But, let\u2019s talk about it a little more . . . .<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>MORE TRUTH About the \u201cForum\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span>
 Why You Won\u2019t See All the City Council Candidates at Tonight\u2019s \u201cForum\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
April 18, 2016<\/span>
Of the six candidates, only the three incumbents are participating tonight and here is why:<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 This is NOT a Town-sponsored event. No one will say who solicited sponsors for this event.
2. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The date and time of the forum was set without consulting all six candidates. The three challengers were just told when the event was going to be. No one offered to find a date when all six candidates could be here.
3. \u00a0 \u00a0 The candidates have been asking for weeks: who is the organizer, who chose the moderator, who set the format? No one will answer these questions.
4. \u00a0 \u00a0 The format and process for asking questions seems to be designed to benefit the incumbents. Paul Walden is away on business, Al is out-of-town, so Jim Duffy chose not to come since the timing and structure is unfair to all..\u00a0The other candidates would be happy to visit with you, personally, to share their views about the future governance of Addison:
Paul Walden \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 paul4addison@yahoo.com<\/a><\/strong> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 214 448-4555
Al Angell \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 al4addison@yahoo.com <\/a><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0214 354-1234
Jim Duffy \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 jim@duffy4addison.com<\/a><\/strong> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0972 998-5078<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Truth About the \u201cForum\u201d: It Is Indeed Theater<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
April 13, 2016<\/span>
The fact is that presenting rehearsed answers as if they were extemporaneous is deceiving the public. It is not appropriate in any circumstance. Period. It is dishonest. And by the way, the fact that it\u2019s deceptive isn\u2019t changed by the fact that these candidates supposedly don\u2019t know which of their 4-5 submitted questions they\u2019ll be asked. The format is a sham.
Regarding the date: Paul Walden, Jim Duffy and Al Angell weren\u2019t consulted. Their first notice was a March 13, 2016 email announcing the date and format, which began: \u201cAs you are aware.\u201d Well, since they hadn\u2019t been contacted, they were obviously not \u201caware.\u201d That\u2019s factual, no \u201cinference\u201d required at all. But then, the email makes clear that someone was \u201caware.\u201d So who was \u201caware?\u201d Well, the only folks left are the incumbent candidates, and that makes it pretty darn clear that they were consulted.<\/p>\n

\"Addison<\/a>The Kanter Saga Continues: <\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
 Addison Should Do What is Right,Not What It Can Get Away With<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
March 30, 2016<\/span>
I can\u2019t even buy \u201ctransparency\u201d in Addison. Not that I should have to pay for it, I pay plenty of taxes, and my Addison tax bill has risen 28.8% in the five years since Meier has been mayor. You\u2019d think an almost 30% rise in taxes would entitle me to some real disclosure. Not so. What I\u2019m discovering is that my tax money is instead funding the elaborate cat and mouse game that has replaced the concepts of disclosure and transparency in Addison.<\/p>\n

\"Election<\/a>Is<\/a> Election Fraud Occurring in Addison?<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
March 29, 2016
<\/span>This sure seems to me that the election process is being manipulated in the most egregious sense I can recall ever seeing. I think this is a FBI matter or at least something the state or federal elections or ethics commissions need to investigate. There is something very wrong going on in Addison.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The \u201cUnsolicited\u201d Letter, Part 3<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
 The Final Chapter: I STILL Smell A Rat<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
March 25, 2016<\/span>
So the author of the letter has now confirmed that he indeed is a local yokel, not an East Coast big wig. And, he\u2019s got lots of connections to Addison, and is indeed \u201clinked\u201d to one of the incumbents who is now a candidate. Good to hear that my investigation was spot on. And, I still smell a rat.<\/p>\n

\"Overspending<\/a>Overspending The Budget YET AGAIN<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
March 22, 2016<\/span>
They\u2019re at it again. Meier is about to lead this council to overspend the budget for the third year in a row. You see, they\u2019ve painted themselves into somewhat of a corner with this whole Kanter fiasco. Now they\u2019re spending our tax money for shamelessly political reasons.<\/p>\n

\"3<\/a>3 Candidates Propose A Theatrical Performance<\/a><\/span>
<\/strong>But Wait, They’re Calling It A “Forum?”<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
March 22, 2016<\/span>
They will recite their prepared answers in the hopes of convincing the audience that they actually know something. In truth, the only thing that will be tested will be their acting skills.
Join me in refusing to attend such a ridiculous event, and in demanding a real forum.<\/p>\n

\"When<\/a>When I Demand Transparency and Truth\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/strong>From My Government, It Should Not Be Labeled \u201cHate\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
March 21, 2016<\/span>
It is the responsibility of every citizen to fight for democratic principles, and I, for one, will continue to do so. Demanding accountability and transparency is not \u201chateful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Deception of the \u201cUnsolicited\u201d Letter\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/strong>I Smell Another Rat\u2026 Part 2<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
March 19, 2016<\/span>
I didn\u2019t find a disclosure statement anywhere in the publication. . . .
Isn\u2019t it time for these people to cease this pointless smear campaign? Shouldn\u2019t we be embracing Addison\u2019s great past and working to make Addison even greater in the future?<\/p>\n

\"Will<\/a>Will We Hear the Other Side of the Kanter Story?<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
March 18, 2016<\/span>
Citizens must be permitted to examine the underlying information \u2013 the facts \u2013 that either confirm or disprove the public statements of government and politicians. That is what \u201ctransparency\u201d is all about.<\/p>\n

\"We<\/a>\u201cWe\u201d received an \u201cunsolicited\u201d letter? I Smell Another Rat\u2026<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
March 18, 2016<\/span>
Meier is so scared that Addison voters might elect people who are truly independent thinkers that he\u2019s pulling all the stops out.<\/p>\n

\"I<\/a>I Smell Fraud in Addison \u2026 In the Fraud Audit<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
March 14, 2016
\u201cThis smells like a witch hunt. The headline makes for good theater . . . . But I wonder if the forensic audit should rather have been on the Council itself. I don\u2019t live in Addison, but this stinks. If there was something done wrong intentionally or fraudulently, nail them. However, the entire municipal family is damaged if this is politically motivated as it seems to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Kanter Web Is Unraveling<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
March 12, 2016<\/span>
Sir Walter Scott was right: \u201cOh! What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.\u201d
Kanter and Meier say whatever they want in their quest to disparage Addison\u2019s staff and former management. Sorry, but that\u2019s not transparency. It\u2019s a web of deceit and slowly but surely, it\u2019s beginning to unravel.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/a>What Kanter Didn\u2019t Tell You Changes Everything<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
March 2, 2016<\/span>
The timing of Kanter\u2019s presentation and his one-sided attacks on prior management can only be characterized as political, because here\u2019s what you weren\u2019t told.<\/p>\n

\"No<\/a>The Prosecutor Strikes Again (with no Defendant or Defense Attorney Present)<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
February 24, 2016<\/span>
Of course, we have no recognized processes in this country where only one side is allowed to present evidence. There are always procedures that allow for cross-examination and an opportunity to present other evidence, a clear recognition of the danger of hearing only one side of any story. Unfortunately, Meier and his cadre have taken Addison in a different direction.<\/p>\n

\"Addison\u2019s<\/a>Addison\u2019s Council Considers BMW, Audi or Volvo Police Patrol Vehicles (What Are These People Thinking???)<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
February 22, 2016<\/span>
At tomorrow\u2019s council work session (February 23, 2016 at 6 P.M.), Addison\u2019s City Council will receive a report from the staff \u2013 ordered by the Mayor \u2013 to regarding whether Addison can purchase exotic vehicles such as Porsche, Audi, Tesla and Volvo for police patrol units, rather than vehicles that are specifically designed, manufactured and tested to operate dependably as patrol vehicles. All this at a time when our taxes have risen almost 30%, we have had significant budget over runs, and Meier led this council to pay $6.5 million to the Sam\u2019s redevelopment, with no idea where that money is coming from.<\/p>\n

\"Sam\u2019s<\/a>Problems with the Sam\u2019s Vote and the Attempt to Discredit Serious & Valid Concerns<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
February 17, 2016<\/span>
Recently, some of you received a letter from a councilmember who voted for the Sam\u2019s redevelopment.
The author wrote that she received feedback on her vote for the project, describing that feedback as \u201cmisunderstandings\u201d and \u201cfear.\u201d These themes parallel those used by the mayor, who has repeatedly suggested that opposition to the project could only be grounded in misinformation. These characterizations are unfortunate, and clear efforts to discredit the many serious and valid concerns raised by opponents, thereby avoiding the substance of those issues.<\/p>\n

\"We\u2019re<\/a>\u201cWe\u2019re public servants and we serve the community. If we\u2019re not listening to them, why are we here?\u201d<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
January 26, 2016<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Neighborhood<\/a>Sam\u2019s Site: Comments by Residents at the Public Hearing<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
January 17, 2016<\/span>
You can view the video of those who spoke at the Public Hearing at the last Council meeting, at

\"Sam\u2019s<\/a>Sam\u2019s Site Update<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
January 15, 2016<\/span>
After a marathon council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12. Council voted at about midnight to table the Sam\u2019s issue for just two weeks. They will vote on it on January 26. Here\u2019s a play-by-play . . . .<\/p>\n

\"Neighborhood<\/a>Neighborhood Alert<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
January 2, 2016<\/span>
This plan does not represent mixed use development. It is a high density residential development that provides little benefit to the people that already live here. We have to take responsibility for protecting our neighborhoods.\u00a0We will need to show up in force for the City Council Meeting on January 12th<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n