Last year we went to a high school football game and my wife commented about the security gauntlet that we had to go through as visitors to the event. We could smell the soft pretzels and popcorn awaiting us from the concessions stand while wading through the sea of people just to get in. For a high school event my wife commented that it felt like a full TSA, at the airport on a holiday weekend experience, but with a little less dignity.
First up was the ticket scan, then we headed through a bag check line. It felt like a slow walk of shame with woman’s purses being emptied and laid out for all to view. I had not seen that many tampons, contraband lip balm, and smuggled trail mix in my lifetime. Clearly, they thought the woman were carrying weapons of mass destruction.
Next was the metal detector, which was one belt buckle away from the beeping gateway of judgement. Even if you’ve removed your belt, your shoes, your watch, and every shred of self-respect, it still went off. Why? Because the machine doesn’t detect metal, it detects your audacity. It knows you’ve sinned, probably by attempting to carry a bottle of Dasani through the checkpoint. Then came the handwand if you failed the walk-through metal detector. Nothing screams fun night out of high school football like being gently frisked by a part-time community college student in a reflective vest who’s three hours into their six-hour shift and seriously considering a career in goat herding.
Once you finally pass through the gates—sans dignity, snacks, and your favorite keychain that looked vaguely threatening—we felt free at last. Free to enjoy our grandson’s game by squinting at the Jumbotron while wondering how cramped the parking lot would be when the game is over and pondering if you should leave early in the last quarter to avoid the mass exodus of smelly high school students acting obnoxious. But hey, at least we’re safe. After all, nothing deters a truly determined criminal like a 21-year-old with a handheld wand and a clipboard.
It made us wonder about Frisco ISD’s security and when we read the police report related to the Metcalf / Anthony event, what security did they have that day? We talked to an insider who reached out to us about the security (ie. Police Officers) at any and all FISD events. We were told they are there for the presence and general safety of the people in attendance(everyone but student athletes) whether anything should be needed when it comes to criminal laws. If the police were present that day they would have been on the opposite side (home stands) as that is where the general public is watching from.
As for the athletes, the insider told us they are sitting in groups on the visitor side and probably have no idea that officers are or would be there. Based on current policies our insider told us this incident still would have happened. The insider went on to say that each school is in charge of their student athletes which includes an Administrator from each school and any of those schools Track Coaches. They are “in charge” of the students/ athletes, since it is still a school activity. They went on to say meaning no police responsibility at all.
They went on to say it is just like in the schools, SROs enforce the criminal aspects only. School rule enforcement is up to the school administrators and staff. Varsity football is the only FISD sport that uses any walk-through metal detectors and that’s because of the venues they use like Toyota and Ford Centers. Lastly, they told us that Coach K brings in “security” staff to use hand wands and only for football. No athletes anywhere in the district are scanned or wanded for weapons in any sport.
After talking to the insider, this is what parents should be asking the district today:
1. Was there a police presence that day and if so, were they only on the side where the general public sits?
2. Who was the Administrator assigned to each school that day? They obviously were not at the tents, so where were they?
3. If the track coaches are on the field, then who is overseeing the students while in the bleachers?
4. Will the policies change, and will they have hand wanding at all events? Will it include the general public and students? Why is a Coach responsible for bringing in security. Why does the district not have district policies of when police presence is required? Well only when its practical or appropriate – you will read about that below.
5. Where was the administrator, coaches and trainers in relation to the tents?
After talking to the insider, we were curious what the district has published in relation to the security enforcement. According to Frisco ISD’s website they have a whole section on security which reads, “In Frisco ISD, the safety of students, staff and visitors is our top priority and we take this responsibility very seriously.” After everything we have heard from parents and district insiders security is not a top priority for the district.
It goes on to read, “Our comprehensive security program addresses prevention, intervention, student assistance, preparedness, emergency response and building security. FISD routinely reviews safety and security procedures and makes adjustments when necessary. That means we’re constantly exploring new and creative ways to enhance existing security measures and adopting those policies and protocols proven to be effective in reducing risk. It is a team effort – we rely on the continued support of students, parents and the community to keep our schools safe. We work closely with our local police and fire departments to coordinate prevention and response activities, perform regular security audits and provide frequent training to all employees on security issues.”
1. We would love to see that comprehensive security program they have.
2. New and creative ways to enhance existing security? I would like you to be more practical than creative when it comes to security for my kids.
3. Team Effort? So now they are putting it back on the students and parents?
4. Security Audits: We would like to know when they conducted the last 3 audits and did, they every include the athletics events specifically?
They have a whole page on the website dedicated to the School Resource Officer Program. We noticed it says the district partners with police departments in Frisco, Plano, McKinney and Little Elm provide School Resource Officers (SROs) who are assigned to all middle and high schools, as well the Career and Technical Education Center and Student Opportunity Center. Officers assigned to middle schools have responsibility for two to three elementary schools. Additionally, the Town of Little Elm has one SRO for the District’s two elementary schools, and extra officers and patrols support elementary schools in Frisco, McKinney and Plano.
1. It lists 8 SRO’s on their website so how do they have one assigned to “all middle and high schools?”
2. If middle school SRO’s are over two to three elementary schools how many times are they on each campus, each week?
According to the site SRO’s are employees of the police departments, with salaries, vehicles and equipment being a shared cost. SROs are armed at all times and are highly trained by their respective police departments to respond in the event of an emergency. They are also equipped with medical supplies and specialized tools to assist in a crisis situation.
1. What SRO was at the UIL track meet and did they have medical supplies and specialized tools to assist in the crisis?
We found some of their duties and responsibilities interesting, such as take enforcement action on criminal offenses when appropriate. Handle initial police reports of crimes committed on campus. Provide a police presence during events and functions, as appropriate, when requested by the principal and as approved by an SRO Sergeant or Police Administration. When practical, attend all school special events. When possible and practical, divert juveniles out of the criminal justice system into other social agencies.
Read that again! Taking enforcement action on criminal offenses when appropriate? Who determines what is appropriate? Handle initial police reports of crimes? Who handles the police reports after the SRO does the initial police report? Provide a police presence during events “AS APPROPTIRATE, WHEN REQUESTED” – what? When practical attend all school special events? Who determines what is appropriate, who is responsible for requesting it, and who determines what is practical? If you as us it sounds like a lot of interpretation is left open!
Got a problem – well report it in an app called STOPit! Parents who want to make a report can via the world wide web. What happened to the days of talking to the principal and counselors directly?
After hearing about what happened to Austin Metcalf, my wife looked at me and said, “Next time we go to a game for our grandson, she will not complain about the security measures in place ever again.” Austin Metcalf deserved a district that could rise to the moment, that had the leadership, protocols, consistent policies, and foresight to protect him. What he got instead was a tangled web of confusion, inconsistency, and silence masquerading as policy. Frisco ISD’s lack of clear procedures and its failure to act decisively didn’t just expose cracks in the system—it revealed a gaping hole where leadership should’ve been. If we don’t demand change now—real, accountable, uncomfortable change—then we’ve learned nothing from Austin’s death. And worse, we’ve accepted that this kind of tragedy is just the cost of sending our kids to school when it shouldn’t be. It can’t be.
Well, well. The Frisco ISD Superintendent has finally broken his silence. After being called out by Frisco Chronicles for their district’s lack of leadership during this recent tragedy, Dr. Mike Waldrip has released a statement. Not a press conference. Not a town hall. A carefully worded, non-emotionally packaged letter.
Some might say it’s heartfelt. Others—especially those who’ve been watching this district duck accountability like it’s an Olympic sport—might call it something else: too little, too late. Let’s be clear, bullets hit an elementary school and no response. Then rocked with another tragic event that left one student dead, and another charged with Murder, that has left our schools and community shaken to the core. The students, the staff, and the community deserved an immediate, transparent, and unflinching response from district leadership that would lead us through this difficult time. What we got instead was silence—and then, finally, a statement that reads more like a press release drafted in the PR department’s “Cover Your Assets” war room.
Let’s break down Waldrip’s response, starting with “two deeply concerning incidents.” Concerning Incidents? Are you kidding? Then you say you are “reminded that challenges often bring out the best in us, revealing our collective strength, resilience and compassion.” Your response revealed a lot – too little, too late! Where was that courage when parents were begging for answers after these events unfolded? Where was that resilience when students returned to school with more trauma than guidance, more rumors than facts, and more fear than support?
This letter expresses gratitude for emergency responders, and rightly so. But that’s not the leadership vacuum we’ve been calling out. That’s not the black hole of communication from the people paid—handsomely, I might add—to protect, inform, and lead this district through the worst of times. Instead, we got radio silence, save for the whisper campaigns and online confusion the district now blames on “fake social media profiles” and “fraudulent fundraising.”
When leadership abdicates its duty to communicate with clarity and conviction, it creates the perfect breeding ground for confusion. Leadership isn’t just about showing up when your asking residents to vote yes to propositions—it’s about showing up immediately, honestly, and with a clear plan of action. Instead, Frisco ISD waited. And waited. And waited.
Now, we’re being told to stand united. That’s fine. But unity starts with trust, and trust is built on transparency. Not platitudes. Not PR. And certainly not finger-wagging at a public left in the dark. Parents aren’t asking for perfection. We’re asking for truth and for our leadership to lead. If you wait until the storm passes to address the community, you’re not leading. You’re hiding in the bunker, hoping the wind blows over before anyone notices the silence.
So, Dr. Waldrip, thank you for your words. Now we ask—where were they when we needed them most?
Since last week momentum across the nation on social media and in the news continues to grow about the tragic death of Austin Metcalf and the alleged suspect, Karmelo Anthony who has been charged with Murder – 1st Degree Felony. Our community is grieving, and it is compelled by the outside hate and accusations being hurled at the victim, the families, and the community.
Everyone has questions that of course will go unanswered until the Frisco Police Department finishes their investigation. The fact is that two families are torn apart, and both families are grieving in very different ways. Young adults witnessed this and will most likely suffer from some sort of PTSD as they cannot unsee what they experienced that day. What has transpired since the tragedy could have been avoided. What could have helped in this situation is for our City and ISD leaders to come out with a strong voice that a full and complete investigation would be carried out and to support the ongoing investigation by Frisco Police.
Where’s Waldrip? That is a good question! From a scan of social media, we can find no comments made by the Superintendent of the ISD anywhere. All he did on Twitter was repost the Frisco PD post about fake accounts and then Chief Shilson’s letters to the public. No personal comments from Waldrip anywhere. What a good way to lead during crisis. If you remember in 2024 he was all over social media in videos telling residents why they should support the four propositions on the upcoming Nov 5th ballot. Now, it is a game of Where’s Waldo Waldrip.
Where’s Frisco ISD? A clear view of their page shows a post at 10:01 am right as the first 911 call came in relating to 5th graders. Then April 5th at 6am reminds people the last chance to complete the k-12 survey and share your feedback with district leadership. Fast forward to today…nothing! Great leadership FISD telling students you will have therapists on hand, that our ISD community is strong, etc. Nothing – absolutely nothing!
Where is the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees? Dynette Davis, Frisco ISD Trustee made a statement on April 2nd at 2:33 pm. She writes “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a student within Frisco ISD. The Board of Trustees shares in the profound grief of this senseless act of violence and extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones. A young life ending far too soon is a heartbreaking reminder that violence is never the answer to conflict. In times like these, we must come together in support and compassion. Students who need help processing this tragedy are encouraged to speak to their parents or guardians and to reach out to school counseling services for guidance and support. Frisco ISD is committed to providing all necessary resources for everyone impacted by today’s terrible events.”
Current Frisco ISD Board of Trustees who made a comment or shared Davis comment includes Sherrie Salas and Stephanie Elad.
Current Frisco ISD Board of Trustee members who have made no comment are Keith Maddox Sr., Mark Hill, Marvin Lowe, and Gopal Ponangi (who is running for Frisco City Council).
Candidates running currently for the Board of Trustees that commented include Renee Sample, Stuart Shulman, Amit Kalara, Muniraj Janagarajan. and Melanie Jones
Others candidate running currently for the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees who have made no comment include Suresh Manduva and Ange Yao.
Just look back over time:
We had a bullet hit a Frisco ISD elementary school prompting the early release of students, where is that investigation? What happened?
What happened to the students involved with vandalism at Memorial High School a few years ago during a senior prank day. Damages included paint on the walls, furniture destroyed, and fire extinguishers set off, closing the campus for several days.
Multiple kids have been killed in Frisco just walking to school or riding their bike in the early morning hours to school. What is the district doing along with the city to prevent that?
We even had a child arrested for bring a BB gun to school back in 2019.
Heck the Attorney General of Texas sued our district for electioneering back in 2024.
Where is the leadership within our school district? What we don’t understand is why more people are not asking questions of the school district? This is the time for them to come out holding hands with a powerful message of unity, forgiveness and strength … but nothing! You could hear crickets’ chip from across the city. Where is the leadership in our district? Why is no one asking…. WHAT IS HAPPENING IN FRISCO ISD?
At Whistleblower, we have said we feel for both families – this was a tragedy that did not have to happen. These types of things should not be happening in our community. When it comes to Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony, instead of being able to heal, we are faced with a firestorm of media outlets, content creators, and others whose goal is to create their narratives that include pushing hatred and divisiveness. Every rumor, accusation, and false narrative only hurts this case and our community.
Today the Next Generation Action Network in Dallas met with Frisco Police. They are concerned about a fair trial, and they are concerned about the false narratives across the board. They were concerned about the Anthony families fear to leave there home and the death threats the family is receiving because their child was involved in this incident. They want to make sure the Anthony family is receiving the protection they need. The President of NGAN said the disinformation out there is actually hurting the case, and social media has been a stomping ground for them to launch any disparity they want to. President, Dominque Alexander said after he met with Frisco PD, he feels comfortable as of right now things are being done properly, but they will have to wait and see how things go moving forward. Frisco PD should look into the threats against the Anthony family as well. We agree they should!
Next NGAN wanted to clear up some of the rumors being spread which include:
The Autopsy Report Online: Fake
The Statement From an account under Chief Shilson’s name: FAKE
Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony knew each other before this incident: False
Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony partied together before: False
Austin Metcalf and his twin brother were not on the roster to be at the track meet: False
Kamelo Anthony was not on the roster to be at the track meet: False
ALL THREE BOYS WERE ON THE ROSTER AND SUPPOSED TO BE THERE!
All three young men arrived at the track meet via Fisco ISD school buses.
Karmelo Anthony was kicked out of his home days before this event: False
Concern about if all witnesses have been interviewed: Per the President of NGAN, Frisco PD confirmed they have interviewed several people and are ongoing, and they have more to interview.
Video of the event: Yes – Frisco PD confirmed they have confiscated video footage of the event. That will not be released to the public as it is part of the investigation and will come out in court.
At Whistleblower we would also like to clear up two issue we have heard:
Frisco ISD does not own the event/stadium? False, it is owned by the school district, so state laws apply
What was Anthony right when it came to him carrying a knife on school grounds?
Can a weapon, such as a knife be carried on school property? Texas Penal code Section 46.03 (Places Weapons Prohibited) states, “A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, location-restricted knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05 (Prohibited Weapons)(a):
(1) on the premises of a school or postsecondary educational institution, on any grounds or building owned by and under the control of a school or postsecondary educational institution and on which an activity sponsored by the school or institution is being conducted, or in a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or postsecondary educational institution, whether the school or postsecondary educational institution is public or private, unless:
pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the school or institution;
on the premises where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting event or interscholastic event is taking place, unless the person is a participant in the event and a firearm, location-restricted knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05 (Prohibited Weapons)(a) is used in the event;
Instead of creating a narrative that this is a race issue, ask Frisco ISD and its leadership some serious questions about how their actions have failed students. Why don’t they back up their teachers? What have they done over the years to bury issues? Why would they not have security at the stadium? What medical personnel did they have at the stadium? The big shockers that come from this are going to fall on the lack of leadership from our school district, starting with Superintendent Waldrip.
Most of all, continue to pray for both families and our community.
***** IF YOU WORK FOR FRISCO ISD AND WANT TO TELL US SOMETHING YOU CAN EMAIL US AT FRISCOWHISTLEBLOWER@PROTONMAIL.COM. WE WILL PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY ********
In the wake of the tragic stabbing of 17-year-old high school athlete Austin Metcalf at a track meet, the community has been grappling with grief. Amidst this turmoil, people feel the need to talk about it, and it has become a hot topic across social media platforms. Comments from students, parents, community members, and agitators all seem to reflect opinions on what happened that day. The community is divided because no one can truly comprehend how two boys go to school and don’t come home.
But one post from today (9 hours ago) on the FRWC Facebook page, run by Jamie Heit, set off a spark of anger among many in the community, and our email box blew up! We went to read the post, and honestly, we couldn’t believe what we were reading. Heit posted a new fundraising link for Karmelo Anthony (17 years old), who is now charged with Murder, a 1st Degree Felony, and sits in jail with a bond set at $1 million. She writes, we do not know what occurred on Wednesday, and in her opinion, it was up to the investigators to determine, the attorneys to litigate, and a jury and judge to decide. She has chosen to share the fundraising link for Anthony just as she did for the Metcalf families, and that it was not meant to be disrespectful for the loss of life or the unimaginable pain that the Metcalf family is dealing with.
Heit goes on to say in the post what we do know, is that one student is being laid to rest and another student sits behind bars for ALLEGEDLY STABBING the other. Then she closed the post to comments. I wonder why?
Here is the problem with the post, Jamie Heit refers to Anthony as the “alleged” assailant and suggests that the full details of the incident remain unknown. The term “alleged” is typically used to describe someone accused of a crime. Furthermore, Heit’s assertion that “we don’t know what happened” seems to overlook the comprehensive information released by law enforcement. The Frisco Police Department’s statements, corroborated by eyewitnesses, outline a clear sequence of events leading to Metcalf’s death that are in an arrest warrant affidavit.
Based on the arrest warrant affidavit (that all four local news channels shared including Heit’s favorite WFAA) which details the moment officers arrived at the track meet and what witnesses told them led up to the deadly confrontation. The affidavit also states Anthony claims it was self-defense. The arresting officer who found Anthony and walked him off the track said before he even questioned Anthony about the incident, Anthony said, “I was protecting myself and Metcalf put his hands on me.” After another officer arrived, Anthony was then handcuffed and escorted towards the squad card and according to the affidavit when the officer referred to Anthony as the alleged suspect, Anthony responded “I’m not alleged, I did it!” The affidavit goes on to say when while Anthony was being escorted to the police car and put in the back seat of the vehicle the office made note of fresh blood on Anthony’s middle finger. The document states that Anthony (while in the back seat of the police vehicle) asked the officer if Metcalf was going to be OK and then asked the officer if his actions could be considered self-defense.
Here is the thing, at this point it doesn’t matter why he did it – no one should have died that day. Anthony ADMITTED TO STABBING METCALF – so it is not “ALLEGED” IT IS “CONFIRMED”.
The reason as to why he did it is listed in the affidavit and confirmed by other witnesses. Heit must not have watched her favorite channel WFAA. WFAA as well as every other media outlet got a copy of the arrest affidavit, which documents the events. What we know is that Anthony was sitting under the Memorial pop-up tent when the rain began to fall. The report goes on to say, “One witness reportedly told police that the victim, Austin Metcalf, had told the suspect, Karmelo Anthony, he would need to move out from under his team’s tent.” Another witness told police, “Upon being told to move, Anthony opened his bag and reached inside and then said to Metcalf “Touch me and see what happens.” Another witness said, “Metcalf reportedly then touched Anthony, and Anthony told Metcalf to punch him and see what would happen.” The affidavit continues, “Anthony reportedly pulled out what the witnesses recalled as a large black knife and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest before running away.” A witness then said, “Metcalf grabbed his chest and told people to get help.” According to the affidavit, the story was the same among several eyewitnesses at the scene.
But with all that information already out, Ms. Heit writes her post today with a fundraising link, saying we don’t know what happened, it was alleged, it was … really? Our mailbox was filled with messages, and what irked many of the people who emailed us about her post was her previous posts from the week, where Ms. Heit doesn’t hold herself accountable to the same standards she preaches from her pulpit to her group members to follow. Just look at the other posts that led up to today’s firestorm post.
The first post on FRWC appeared on Wednesday April 2nd by a resident at 10:41am saying to “check on your kids” because my son just called and there was a stabbing of a Memorial student by a Centennial student. Word spread fast and many residents tuned into the number one “Frisco” page run by Jamie Heit who we have written about in the past in our blog Heit’end Controls. Due to the number of inappropriate or misleading comments Jamie Heit quickly announced she was closing comments and would only be posting official updates in order not to spread misinformation or be disrespectful towards the family or students affected by this. In a case like this we can appreciate that move because it involves young adults and there was nothing but rumors flying around as it had just happened.
Just a few hours later, Heit took to online pulpit or page and posted a WFAA story (since when did news stories qualify as official updates) and wrote that since the family has now confirmed their son’s passing, she felt it was now appropriate to share that they have set up a GoFundMe. Just a short time later, she posted information on the prayer vigil for Austin Metcalf (which we attended). At around 4 pm that same day, she made another post sharing a link to the Frisco PD’s official press release then updated the same post at 5:45 pm. Heit noted the PR had the suspect’s photo but said she would not share the suspect’s photo because he is a minor. She then warned everyone not to post photos or videos of the suspect who is a minor or they would be banned from the group. Then she says, “UNLESS THE MINOR’S HEADSHOT IS PUBLICLY RELEASED BY AUTHORITIES, IT DOES NOT BELONG ON FRWC!”
Ms. Heit, maybe you should click the link you posted because it has the offenders’ official booking photo. You contradicted your own words because the AUTHORITIES did release the photo. Then after updating your post at 5:45pm you posted again at 6:10pm “Just Heartbreaking (broken heart emoji)” and it is another WFAA report (now considered official updates apparently) with a photo of the victim who had been identified – Austin Metcalf, WHO IS A MINOR!! Ms. Heit, why is it okay, 20 minutes later after your tirade and blocking people for posting photos of a minor, that YOU now post a picture of a minor? Then 20 minutes later, she posts the father’s official GFM, which has Austin Metcalf’s picture again. Why not post a link to the GFM without the picture, just like you did in the post regarding the offender? You know, to protect the minors? Why is it okay to post one of the boy’s photos but not the other?
The next day on April 3rd, Heit again posts official updates by WFAA, saying “This is just gut-wrenching” and goes on to write this has the videos with both Austin’s mother and brother are in the link. The link brings up a picture of Austin Metcalf’s, A MINOR! IS IT OKAY NOW TO POST PHOTOS OF MINORS?
Later that day, Heit posts official updates again from WFAA, and this time it has a picture of the student arrested, Karmelo Anthony. Remember, readers can post pictures, and people have been removed/blocked from her page, but Heit can do whatever she wants because it is an OFFICIAL UPDATE from WFAA. The official press release by the POLICE that had a photo of the offender, you would not publish because you claimed he was a minor. The official update by WFAA, well, you can publish that! What happened to the rules about minors?
Then yesterday a resident posted about the Frisco PD working with the FBI to investigate fake social media posts regarding the fatal stabbing and it shows kids (MINORS) getting on buses. Pretty sure the linked photo is of minors getting on school buses, so it is okay to post these minors. Later in the day, Heit posts about the ICF Healing for Hearts which is for all faiths to discuss the tragedy. Yet Heit did not post any of the other church groups offering similar such events. Wonder why.
In closing, are we surprised by today’s post? No, of course not! FRWC is her page, and Heit can do, post, accept, and deny anyone or anything she wants. What she shouldn’t do is lie to 20k+ people that this was done to be fair to everyone involved. Heit did this so she could keep her like-minded friends happy. We have said it before when you have control of a page with 20k+ followers and want to claim to be impartial, then be impartial! That won’t happen because she does this all the time, she makes posts, shuts down commenting on posts, deletes comments, and is constantly lecturing everyone on how to act, but then does not follow her own words.
Texas law states that once you turn 17, you are legally considered an adult, and any criminal charges could and would be handled in an adult court. While I agree with Ms. Heit that the legal process will ultimately determine the outcome for Anthony, the facts presented thus far paint a compelling picture. In such a sensitive situation, it’s crucial for community leaders and influencers to base their statements and actions on verified information to avoid spreading misinformation or inadvertently minimizing the gravity of the incident. As the community mourns the loss of one student and grapple with the fact it happened at the hands of another student, it’s imperative to approach the situation with empathy and a commitment to truth, ensuring that the memory of Austin Metcalf is honored appropriately, and that justice is pursued truthfully and diligently for Anthony Karmelo.
For now, we are praying for both families, we understand that each one is facing their own battle with grief and sadness. What we won’t due is post a fundraising link for a kid who admitted to stabbing another child. That is just….insane!
Well folks, it’s that magical time again in Frisco—election season—when the lawn signs bloom like spring wildflowers, the political mailers clog our mailboxes faster than credit card offers, and the campaign coffers overfloweth… with cold, hard cash.
But not just any cash. Oh no, we’re talking about that sweet, sweet nectar of the gods: Developer Donation Dollars—a.k.a. Tammy’s Triple D’s.
Yes, in a stunning twist no one saw coming (except literally anyone who has watched city politics for five minutes), Councilwoman Tammy Meinershagen reported a jaw-dropping $40,833.64 in campaign contributions in just the last three months. That’s a lot of yard signs and catered meet-and-greets. But here’s where it gets juicy: $31,041.44—roughly 76%—came from developers who have current or future projects in the pipeline and paving Frisco one luxury development at a time.
Coincidence? Just your average neighborhood bake sale gone wild? Or maybe developers just have an intense passion for local democracy… the kind of passion usually accompanied by architectural renderings and infrastructure impact studies. Why are these developer titans so invested in our humble city council races? Are they just really, really into zoning meetings? Or could it be they know that in Frisco, if you want to shape the skyline, you’ve got to shape the council first?
Let’s put on our rubber gloves and dig through the money trail, one donation at a time—name, company, and what exactly they’re building in our backyard. Spoiler alert: it’s not a public park. Grab your hard hats, folks. It’s time to follow the bulldozers—and the bucks.
$1000: Todd & Heather Lisle: Todd worked at Forvis Accounting until he retired. According to the Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports each year on the city website, “FORVIS, Certified Public Accountants, has issued unmodified (“clean”) opinions on the City of Frisco’s financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2023. The report of the independent auditors is located at the beginning of the Financial Section.”
$2000 Each: Theresa & Michael Sinacola, James Sinacola and Joseph Sinacola – works on projects every day in Frisco for private developers and the city projects.
$3000: Philip Rose – CrossTie Capital (Frisco Fields Development)
$3000: Fehmi and Elizabeth Karahan – Karahan Companies (Frisco Fields Development)
$5000: Robert Shaw – Columbus Realty Partners (Frisco Fields Development)
$5000: Richard Reupke – Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Columbus Realty Partners since the firms inception in 1999. They own Twelve Cowboys Way Luxury Apartments and are involved in PGA/North Fields developing a Class A Multifamily development in Frisco.
In-Kind (Non-Monetary) Donation:
$9,892.34 Craig Hall – Founder of Hall Group For Kickoff Venue/Food/Beverage
Other donors include:
$500: Jason Denton – Local Businessman and on the Frisco CDC Board
$1500: Answer Azam – Local CPA and Former Candidate For Council
Political Expenditures Made:
$5000: Cynergy-Ink ** We could find no company website for this company, no franchise tax id account in Texas and the address but the address comes back to a home registered to a woman whose social media says she does Graphic Design
$2900: Campaign Management Services for a mobile app and we can not find anything on this company but they appear on several candidate campaign finance reports for campaign services.
And there you have it, folks. Just another heartwarming tale of local democracy, where average citizens like you and me—armed with nothing but a mortgage, three kids, and a dog that eats Legos—are expected to go toe-to-toe with deep-pocketed developers who treat campaign donations like they’re dropping quarters into a casino slot machine that spits out zoning variances.
Some residents are tired of wondering why that five-story mixed-use “village” just popped up where the park used to be, or why our street floods every time someone flushes during a light drizzle—maybe, just maybe—we should follow the money (unless you don’t want to ruin the surprise). I know, I know… who has time to read campaign finance reports when “The Bachelor of Frisco Lakes: Retirement Village” is on? We’ve got real problems—like whether our HOA will fine us for leaving your garbage bin out 14 minutes too long. It leaves us no time to wonder why our city council candidate suddenly got $40,000 from developers who wants to turn a pasture into a “luxury lifestyle hub.” That’s just a coincidence! Pure civic enthusiasm!
But hey, democracy’s working just fine. As long as by “democracy,” you mean a handful of land speculators playing Monopoly with real houses, real traffic, and your real tax dollars. We have shouted it from the rooftops of Frisco homes, trying to warn you that when that same candidate tells you they “can’t be bought,” they’re technically telling the truth—because let’s be honest, at this point they’re on layaway. Just waiting to be delivered after the election.
I don't know, Patrick, and I'm not familiar with SREC, so I'm unable to answer your questions.
Hi Patrick—when is your SREC30 meeting. Missed the one and want to together before Sept.
We hope to write about it all soon. Most of the content in question - was from 3rd Party comments…
Shining a light in the dark here to just get this out of the way and moved past—who started the…
Bunch of Nepotism, buddy system promotion. If you ain’t white you ain’t right