The Mayor's Power Trip

sent on June 24, 2009

Recently, I brought up a concern at a city council meeting. While attempting to address my concern, the city manager discussed some negative allegations about me. While not exactly pertinent to the issue at hand, whether or not the city of Lewisville was doing everything it could to avoid hiring illegal aliens, I understand why the city manager brought them up. The allegations were, of course, false, and I would have been more than happy to debunk them. As I attempted to respond, the mayor interrupted, informing me that, "We didn't ask for you to respond." He was absolutely correct. I hadn't been asked, and I would not be asked to respond.

While campaigning, the mayor would often say that he always took the time to listen to citizens. He dismissed the examples I brought up of citizens who felt they were treated rudely at city council meetings, suggesting that they must have faulty memories. In the June 2009 edition of The Lewisville Horizon newsletter, the mayor said, "It is important for the city to make it as easy as possible for you to communicate back to us, because the most useful communication does flow both directions." I suspect that what the mayor says will very rarely look like what he actually does, but I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt.

With that said, I have a few questions. Is this the way citizens can expect to be treated at city council meetings? If, for whatever reasons, allegations against a citizen are discussed in that public setting, where those in attendance, as well as those watching on television or online can see, do you intend to deny the citizen an opportunity to respond, as you did in my case? You do understand that without a response, viewers are likely to assume that the allegations are true? If you feel that it would be wrong to put a citizen in a position like this, what will you do to make sure this doesn't happen in the future? Why did you fail to do so at the last city council meeting?

I ask these questions because, while I'm willing to indulge the mayor in what appears to be a power trip, I'm not willing to allow other citizens to be treated in a similar manner.

Your timely response is appreciated.

First Response: David Thornhill June 25, 2009 Response Time: 1 day

Mr. Edmondson,

Thank you for your recent email concerning communications at City Council meetings. It is always good to hear from our citizens about their concerns.

With my 3 years on council, I have always seen respect given to both the Council and the person at the podium voicing their concerns. I expect that the respect will continue in the future. The Mayor is charged with presiding at the Council meetings by charter and will continue to do so.

Thank you,

David Thornhill

2nd Response: John Gorena June 29, 2009 Response Time: 5 days

Winston,

I was not on the Council at the time of the incident in which you write. The Mayor is in charge of the meeting but I would have motioned to let you speak. I wanted to hear what you had to say or your clarification. The final decision would have been his unless someone else seconded the motion for a vote.

You do have the option to address it again at the next council meeting in the same section. Just a word of warning... I do not want to see either side get into "who said what to whom"... the Original Issue is what should be addressed.

John Gorena, Councilman, Place 4

City Of Lewisville
972-315-0496 hm
972-315-5377 wk

3rd Response: The Mayor June 30, 2009 Response Time: 6 days

To: Winston Edmondson

You filled out a card to speak and were asked to come forward and speak. You made your comments and returned to your seat.

The City Manager then responded to your comments and allegations with facts and information supplied in writing from the
companies you referenced.

A motion was made to approve the referenced item ( F. 7) and there was a second.

The council was asked if they would like any further discussion. The council did not desire further discussion.
The vote was called and the motion to approve passed unanimously.

Gratefully,
Dean Ueckert
Mayor of Lewisville

4th Response: Lathan Watts July 01, 2009 Response Time: 7 days

Winston,

The Mayor acted within his discretion in conducting the meeting. I have not spoken with the Mayor about it since that meeting. Any citizen of Lewisville who has a question or comment is always welcome to express their thoughts at the Council meetings, via email, by phone, or in person. Whatever the forum, the Council and the citizens should always speak to each other respectfully, especially in areas of disagreement so that the message being conveyed does not get lost in the manner in which the messenger presents it.