{"id":60,"date":"2014-07-16T04:49:24","date_gmt":"2014-07-16T09:49:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/truthinaddison.com\/?page_id=60"},"modified":"2016-04-22T21:14:01","modified_gmt":"2016-04-23T02:14:01","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/truthinaddison.com\/?page_id=60","title":{"rendered":"Home_old"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>
\n
\n\"The
\n<\/a>
\nThe Truth About the \u201cForum\u201d: It Is Indeed Theater<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nApril 13, 2016<\/span>
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n

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


\n<\/a>\"Addison<\/a>The Kanter Saga Continues: <\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nAddison Should Do What is Right,Not What it Can Get Away With<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nMarch 30, 2016<\/span>
\nI can\u2019t even buy \u201ctransparency\u201d in Addison.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 You\u2019d think an almost 30% rise in taxes would entitle me to some real disclosure.\u00a0 Not so.\u00a0 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 Election Fraud Occurring in Addison?<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nMarch 29, 2016<\/span>
\nThis 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

\"Dallas<\/a>Political Incest in Addison<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nMarch 29, 2016<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The \u201cUnsolicited\u201d Letter, Part 3<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\n The Final Chapter: I STILL Smell A Rat<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nMarch 25, 2016<\/span>
\nSo the author of the letter has now confirmed that he indeed is a local yokel, not an East Coast big wig.\u00a0 And, he\u2019s got lots of connections to Addison, and is indeed \u201clinked\u201d to one of the incumbents who is now a candidate.\u00a0 Good to hear that my investigation was spot on.\u00a0 And, I still smell a rat.<\/p>\n

\"Overspending<\/a>Overspending The Budget YET AGAIN<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nMarch 22, 2016<\/span>
\nThey\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>
\nBut Wait, They’re Calling It A “Forum?”<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nMarch 22, 2016<\/span>
\nThey 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.\u00a0Join me in refusing to attend such a ridiculous event, and in demanding a real forum.
\n<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Deception of the \u201cUnsolicited\u201d Letter<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nI Smell Another Rat\u2026 Part 2
\n<\/a><\/span><\/strong>March 19, 2016<\/span>
\nI didn\u2019t find a disclosure statement anywhere in the publication. . . .
\nIsn\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><\/span>
\nMarch 18, 2016<\/span>
\nCitizens must be permitted to examine the underlying information \u2013 the facts \u2013 that either confirm or disprove the public statements of government and politicians.\u00a0 That is what \u201ctransparency\u201d is all about.<\/p>\n

\"We<\/a>\u201cWe\u201d received an \u201cunsolicited\u201d letter?\u00a0 I Smell Another Rat<\/span><\/a><\/strong>\u2026<\/a><\/span>
\nMarch 18, 2016<\/span>
\nMeier is so scared that Addison voters might elect people who are truly independent thinkers that he\u2019s pulling all the stops out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"I<\/a>I Smell Fraud in Addison \u2026 In the Fraud Audit<\/span><\/strong>
\nMarch 14, 2016<\/span>
\n\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
\nhttp:\/\/citybaseblog.net\/2016\/03\/14\/i-smell-fraud-in-addison-in-the-fraud-audit\/<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nLewis Mclain is a highly respected consultant with an extensive background in fiscal management and municipal issues. His impressive employment experience & expertise can be viewed at http:\/\/citybaseblog.net\/<\/a><\/span><\/strong> .<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Kanter Web Is Unraveling<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nMarch 12, 2016<\/span>
\nSir Walter Scott was right: \u201cOh! What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.\u201d
\nKanter 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>
\nMarch 2, 2016<\/span>
\nThe 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><\/strong>
\nFebruary 24, 2016<\/span>
\nOf 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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Addison\u2019s<\/a>Addison\u2019s Council Considers BMW, Audi or Volvo Police Patrol Vehicles (What Are These People Thinking???)<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nFebruary 22, 2016<\/span>
\nAt 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.\u00a0 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<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
\nFebruary 17, 2016<\/span>
\nRecently, some of you received a letter from a councilmember who voted for the Sam\u2019s redevelopment.
\nThe 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<\/span> <\/a><\/strong>
\nJanuary 26, 2016<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Neighborhood<\/a>Sam\u2019s Site: Comments by Residents at the Public Hearing<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nJanuary 17, 2016<\/span>
\nYou can view the video of those who spoke at the Public Hearing at the last Council meeting, at http:\/\/addisontx.swagit.com\/play\/01122016-1571 (agenda #14, 104: 35 [ie. approx. 104 minutes, 35 seconds into this clip).<\/p>\n

\"Sam\u2019s<\/a>Sam\u2019s Site Update<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nJanuary 15, 2016<\/span>
\nAfter 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> <\/span>
\nJanuary 2, 2016<\/span>
\nThis 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

\"COLA\u2019s<\/a>Longtime Employees Penalized Twice<\/a><\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Losing COLA and Social Security<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
\nDecember 31, 2015<\/span>
\nThe Addison City Council\u2019s refusal to pay retirees a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2016 creates a \u201cdouble whammy\u201d to their pocketbooks, thanks to changes in Social Security benefit payments since the Town opted to join the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS).<\/p>\n

\"Who<\/a>Who Says Addison is Business Friendly?<\/a><\/strong>
\nDecember 21, 2015<\/span> <\/span>
\nThe Planning & Zoning Commission didn\u2019t evidence much interest in being business friendly to the owners of Antonio\u2019s Restaurante at its Dec. 15 meeting.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Addison<\/a>Addison Residents Oppose Sam\u2019s Club Redevelopment Plans<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nDecember 18, 2015<\/span> <\/span>
\nNearly 100 Addison residents filled Town Hall to overflowing Tuesday night, Dec. 15, 2015, to register their opposition to the proposed redevelopment of the former Sam\u2019s Club property at 4150 Belt Line Road with the Addison Planning & Zoning Commission.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sam\u2019s<\/a>Sam\u2019s Site Plans Go to P&Z on Tuesday, December 15, 2015;<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n Park, Wall and Beltway Traffic Affected<\/strong><\/a><\/span>
\nDecember 13, 2015<\/span>
\nATTENTION RESIDENTS who live in Midway Meadows, Towne Lake, Pecan Square, Walnut Square, Les Lacs, Park Place, Waterford Park, and Addison Grand as well as anyone who uses Beltway Drive (Athletic Club members) regularly!
\nMark your calendar to attend the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting this Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Town Hall at 6 pm to hear a discussion and VOTE on the Sam’s site.\u00a0 The plans call for removing the park wall on Beltway and opening a street through to the new development which will dramatically increase traffic on Beltway.<\/p>\n

\"Irresponsible<\/a>Irresponsible Budgeting Comes Home to Roost<\/a><\/strong> <\/span>
\nDecember 9, 2015<\/span>
\nDuring the past five years, taxes paid by Addison residents have increased 20% or more.<\/strong>
\nAnd the Meier-led council overspent<\/span> last year\u2019s budget by $915,000.<\/p>\n

\"COLA\u2019s<\/a>COLA\u2019s Impact on Employee Purchasing Power<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
\nDecember 9, 2015<\/span>
\nThe Addison\u2019s City Council\u2019s acted in the fall of 2015 to deny COLAs for retired Addison employees.\u00a0 A number of questions regarding this action have come to light and pose concerns discussed in this, the 1st article in a series on the matter.<\/p>\n

\"Unanticipated<\/a>About Council\u2019s \u201cUnanticipated Expenses\u201d:\u00a0 Is This How You Would Spend Addison\u2019s Tax Dollars?\u00a0<\/span> <\/strong>
\nSeptember 22, 2015<\/span>
\nThe Addison City Council spent almost $1 million of taxpayer money that was not included in Addison\u2019s budget last year. . . .<\/strong> Addison\u2019s savings account funded Meier\u2019s campaign issue.\u00a0 Is this how you<\/span> would spend Addison\u2019s reserve account?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Where<\/a>Where Oh Where Did My Tax Money Go?<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nSeptember 8, 2015<\/span>
\nOnce again this year our taxes are increasing.\u00a0 That\u2019s actual taxes, i.e., the dollars you actually pay (rate x value = $$$$ we pay).\u00a0 Meier is fond of just talking about the rate, which now increases from 56.18 to 57.19.\u00a0 Sounds modest until you consider the second half of the equation . . . .<\/p>\n

\"Former<\/a>Former Addison Councilman\u2019s Message to Mayor & Councilmembers<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nJuly 22, 2015<\/span>
\n\u201cIn my view the single most important attribute for our City Manager is a willingness to withstand the pressures of a council determined to cross the line between policy makers and operation of the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"exodus\"<\/a>The Exodus Has Begun<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nMay 8, 2015<\/span>
\nIn Addison the past two years, we\u2019ve lost two city managers, the communications director, assistant police chief, police chief, special events director, city attorney and more than a two dozen experienced, police officers and firefighters. Isn\u2019t it time to stop and ask why . . . .<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Letter<\/a>Letter by Addison Resident to Todd Meier<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nMay 1, 2015<\/span>
\n\u201cAnger is a signal, and one worth listening to.\u201d \u2013 Harriet Lerner, 1985<\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/a>As election day nears, Addison residents voice concerns over City Council management
\n<\/a><\/span><\/strong>April 16, 2015<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Farce of Meier\u2019s \u201cRising Star\u201d Award<\/strong><\/span>
\nApril 12, 2015<\/span>
\nAddison is about to experience another Meier-orchestrated farce. This week, the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce is expected to name David Heape as Addison\u2019s \u201cRising Star.\u201d Except that it wasn\u2019t the Metrocrest Chamber that chose Heape. It was Meier.<\/p>\n

\"TheirTheir Way:\u00a0 \u201cOur Way or the Highway\u201d<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nApril 6, 2015<\/span>
\nThe secret is now out \u2013 \u201cThe Addison Way,\u201d which for decades has been the guidepost of our Town, has been redefined by the current Mayor and Council as \u201cOur way or the highway\u201d . . . .<\/p>\n

\"Questions,<\/a>Questions, We Have Questions<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nApril 4, 2015<\/span>
\nThe Mayor said her resignation was sent to the city attorney on March 20. The Council didn\u2019t know anything about it until their Executive Session on March 24 . . . . Why was the wording of the March 24 agenda item listed simply as a \u201cpersonnel\u201d issue?
\n(Answer: Since the Mayor approves the wording of each agenda item, maybe the real reason was to hide the planned Council\u2019s action from the voters.\u00a0 But, according to the Mayor, he didn\u2019t know of her resignation till the Council meeting that evening.)<\/p>\n

\"Please<\/a>Awaken Addison!<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nMarch 29, 2015<\/span>
\n\u201cAnother shameful example of Meier\u2019s editorial style is the weekly newsletter, where he chooses to spend more print space praising the faux and\/or inconsequential \u201caccomplishments\u201d of his councilmember allies than he does documenting the achievements and contributions of Ms. Dunn to the Town of Addison during her 18 years of service . . . . \u201c<\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/a>Fireworks erupt at Addison Town Hall meeting<\/a>\u00a0<\/span> <\/strong>
\nMarch 29, 2015<\/span>
\nDunn, a longtime Addison employee who was previously city manager in Bellaire, was named to her post in early 2014 to succeed Ron Whitehead, who retired after a 32-year tenure. Her resignation has drawn fire from some residents and former council members who say they are disappointed in what they believe to be a forced departure.\u00a0 \u201cI would call this\u00a0 similar to a scandal,\u201d said Joe Chow, who was mayor of Addison from 2005 to 2011.<\/p>\n

\"Dark<\/a>A Dark Time for Addison: City Manager Lea Dunn Forced to Resign\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

March 25, 2015 <\/span>
\n<\/span>As noted by the City Attorney on the record at the meeting, Ms. Dunn had specifically requested that any evaluation of her occur in public. Nonetheless, the Council went immediately into executive session regarding the matter. When they came out of executive session, Mayor Todd Meier made a motion to accept Lea Dunn\u2019s offer to resign.<\/span><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"TheThe Continuing Deception of Campaign \u201cSound Bites\u201d<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

March 01, 2015<\/span>
\nIn this feature-length article, former Addison Councilmember Susan M. Halpern discusses the misleading nature of Todd Meier\u2019s campaign materials regarding the property tax rate. Halpern discusses the fact that property taxes have actually increased more than 21% since Todd Meier has been mayor.<\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/a>Citizens Have a Need to Know<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nMarch 23, 2015<\/span>
\nRe: \u201cLet\u2019s keep Texas government accountable \u2014 \u2018Sunshine\u2019 bills address technology changes that affect public\u2019s right to know, says Kelley Shannon,\u201d March 17 Viewpoints. The general public is blissfully unaware . . . .<\/p>\n

\"Measure<\/a>Measure Fails to Unify Addison Zip Code<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nMarch 23, 2015<\/span>
\nThe recent failure to accomplish a cohesive zip code is best viewed with an understanding of the related history.
\nBefore 1997, no one had an Addison zip code. Homes & businesses had zip codes of Farmers Branch, or Carrollton, or Dallas<\/p>\n

\"Council<\/a>Addison Council To Set New Policy for Open Records Requests<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nFebruary 26, 2015<\/span>
\nThe Addison City Council is considering a new policy on open records requests after the City Secretary has received numerous requests for information.<\/p>\n

\"AddisonAddison Council Work Session February 16, 2015: A Suggestion for Leadership<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nFebruary 19, 2015<\/span>
\nI suppose we\u2019ve learned, again, that there is no leadership on this Council, just politicians playing \u201cGotcha last.\u201d Is that what you voted for?<\/p>\n

\"AddisonAddison Public Safety Exodus Continues; Situation Not Covered in Mayor\u2019s Newsletter<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nFebruary 16, 2015<\/span>
\nIn Finance Director Eric Cannon\u2019s quarterly financial report to Council Feb. 10 there was even more disconcerting news about the continuing loss of Addison fire and police personnel. During the Town\u2019s last quarter (October \u2013 December 2014) four more full time fire personnel left the Town as did five employees in the police department.<\/p>\n

\"CFO<\/a>Addison CFO To Speak on Financial Transparency<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nFebruary 16, 2015<\/span>
\nAddison has earned GFOA awards for both budget and financial reporting for 27 and 28 years, respectively. For three of the last four years, the Town has been awarded the highest designation possible from the Texas Comptroller for financial transparency efforts.<\/p>\n

\"DMN\"\u201cWatchdog: Who is good at open government? Who is bad?\u201d<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nFebruary 13, 2015<\/span>
\n\u201cMore than 100 area governments put to test in extraordinary project that checks open records compliance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DuncanvilleDuncanville City Councilwoman Expelled<\/span><\/strong><\/a>
\nNovember 22, 2014<\/span>
\n\u201cIt was determined that Jameson violated two prohibitions of Section 2.10 of the Home Rule Charter: Council members causing or requesting that a city employee be appointed or removed from their position, and ordering or giving directions to city employees.\u201d\u00a0(See also our \u201cDid You Know\u201d page for Addison\u2019s similar Charter provision. http:\/\/truthinaddison.com\/?page_id=680<\/a> )<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Policeman<\/a>Town of Addison Officer Mike Hardin Retiring After 26 Years of Service<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nNovember 12, 2014<\/span>
\nMike came to work in Addison in 1989, after five years with the Dallas County Sheriff\u2019s Department. He recalls that at that time, the APD was \u201cthe place to go,\u201d and he felt honored to have been selected . . . .<\/p>\n

\"AddisonPlatinum\"<\/a>Town of Addison Receives New Platinum Designation in Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle<\/a><\/span>
\n<\/strong>October 24, 2014<\/span>
\nPlatinum\u201d spotlights entities that go above and beyond providing financial transparency.<\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/a>Carmen Moran, Noted Addison Planner, Dies at 58<\/a><\/span>
\n<\/strong>October 2, 2014<\/span>
\nShe held many positions during her 30-year career with the town, where her work is showcased in Addison Circle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Penny<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Addison\u2019s Meier & Council Majority Penny Stupid & Pound Foolish Budget: The Price of Their Politics<\/span>
\n<\/a><\/span><\/strong>September 16, 2014<\/span>
\nThe budget adopted by Addison\u2019s City Council left a significant part of Addison\u2019s employee compensation problems unaddressed and unresolved. Specifically, compensation for non-sworn employees remains well below the average for similar employees in benchmark communities. As to these employees, Addison will continue its ill-advised non-strategy of trying to maintain its staff and fill vacancies with non-competitive compensation packages.<\/p>\n

\"Larry<\/a>Councilmembers Didn\u2019t Know There Was A Town Prosecutor? Give Me a Break<\/a>!<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/span><\/strong>September 4, 2014<\/span>
\nOne can\u2019t help but wonder who scripted the charade that took place at last week\u2019s City Council meeting (Aug. 28, 2014, item R-3, if you want to watch the video) regarding Larry McCallum, the Town\u2019s longtime prosecutor. Maybe they need to find something else to do as script writing isn\u2019t their thing.<\/p>\n

\"NeighborsGo\"<\/a><\/span>Addison Utility Project Ready to Take Off as Part of Revitalization Effort <\/span><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/strong>August 29, 2014<\/span>
\nIn this full page story from the Dallas Morning News Neighbors Go!,<\/em> writer Julissa Trevi\u00f1o shares great news for our Town & helps clarify the cost issues associated with the utility project. \u00a0She begins:\u00a0 \u201cPlans are moving forward on a major project along Belt Line Road in Addison.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Lies<\/a><\/span>Addison Tax Rate Truth!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>
\n<\/strong>August 27, 2014<\/span>
\nAre our Town of Addison city services worth paying an additional $20 in 2015?\u00a0 That\u2019s the basic issue that will be decided by the Addison City Council on September 9 when the 2014-15 budget is adopted.<\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/a>Steve Blow of <\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>The Dallas Morning New<\/span>s<\/span><\/a>
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/em>August 27, 2014<\/span>
\nIn his 2nd<\/sup> column about the situation, Steve Blow comments about Meier (& newly-elected Council members) supporter\u2019s recent statements.<\/p>\n

\"Facts<\/a>Facts: Budget Special Meeting & Work Session 8-18-2014<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nAugust 21, 2014<\/span>
\nSee the facts about:\u00a0 the Town of Addison tax rate, economic development fund, city reserves, and employee compensation.
\nNEXT BUDGET WORK SESSION: \u00a05:30 pm Tuesday, August 24 at Town Hall
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The Truth About the 2014 Financial Review<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nAugust 19, 2014<\/span>
\nIt seems a bit peculiar that a litigation oriented firm was chosen over a consultant familiar with governmental best practices, but that is what happened. Chris DeFrancisco and Margie Gunther voted against hiring Kanter.<\/p>\n

\"AddisonPolice\"<\/a>Urgent Letter from Addison Firefighters & Police Assoc. Membership<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nAugust 9, 2014<\/span>
\n\u201cIt is with great disappointment and dissatisfaction that we write this letter today, as the Addison Firefighters Association and \u00a0Addison Police Officers Association we cannot endorse the proposed budget for FY2014\/2015. The budget does not contain the \u00a0funds to correct the significant disparity that exists between Addison\u2019s Public Safety Employees and those of nearby and \u00a0comparable towns.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Chris<\/a>We Need to Get Compensation Right<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nAugust 6, 2014<\/span>
\nExcerpt from Town Newsletter 7.16.2014 by Addison Councilmember Chris DeFrancisco . . . .
\n\u201cWe do a great job of recruiting qualified officers but we just aren\u2019t keeping them, in part, at least, due to compensation.\u201d<\/p>\n

S<\/span><\/a>\"Addison<\/span><\/a>ustaining the Addison Way with Exceptional Staff<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nJuly 20, 2014<\/span>
\nSustaining the kind of employees who provide the level of service we\u2019ve come to expect in Addison means we have to compensate those employees fairly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Compensation<\/a><\/span>New Compensation Philosophy Makes Addison Less Competitive with Neighboring Cities<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\nJuly 20, 2014<\/span>
\nThe Council on July 8, 2014 voted against assuring Addison employees a <\/span>clear path to a\u00a0long term career with Addison.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

EDITORIALS<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

\"The<\/a>Editorial: Whole-<\/strong><\/span><\/a>Truth-Telling is a Very Positive Thing for Addison<\/span><\/a>
\n<\/strong>September 1, 2014<\/span>
\n<\/strong>\u201c<\/strong>We say, don\u2019t attack us, stand with us & demand more from our elected officials. Demand truth in dealing with issues, including our project.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Because the truth here is that this fight is not about our reactions, but about the conduct that is causing us to react in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Botton<\/a>Editorial:\u00a0 The Bottom Line<\/span><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/strong>August 27, 2014\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u201cThis is a strategic political supporter of Mayor Todd Meier and his \u2018transparency team\u2019 of council members he actively supported in this last election, Janelle Moore, Mary Carpenter, David Heape. Along with Blake Clemons who appointed Hunse . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n