In Frisco, secrets don’t stay a secret for long—especially when Frisco Chronicles can file a Public Information Request! Word on the street (and at every coffee shop from La Finca to Summer Moon) is that John Keating has his eyes on the mayor’s seat and plans to run for Mayor! The catch? He’s not exactly shouting it from the rooftops. Even with no formal announcement yet he is talking about it quietly behind the scenes with many different people. If you directly ask him, you get just a wink, a nod, but pay attention to his suspicious uptick in handshakes and photo ops.
Why the hush-hush? Maybe it has something to do with the City of Frisco – Home Rule Charter. Article V covers Nominations and Elections aka Filing for Office. Section 5.02 (2)(G) reads: The office of an incumbent elected city official shall become vacant when the person holding such office files an application to have his name placed on an official ballot as a candidate for any elective public office other than the one such person holds, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
What does all that mean? If John Keating announced he is running for Mayor, he would have to vacate his current seat on council / and his role as Mayor Pro Tem. John Keating is using his current role to have conversations about running for Mayor to gain support.
How do we know John Keating is allegedly running for Mayor? First, let’s travel back to the Tammy Tapes where Tammy says “Well, John sat me down and said he wanted to, you know, he’s like, I’m gonna be running for mayor. I’m like, I know John, I know. And he goes, there are rumors that you are running for mayor. And I said, “Well, those are just rumors.”
Whose Lying? Either Tammy was lying in that conversation, or John is misleading the voters now!
Recently we filed for the text messages between city council members talking about running for mayor, and the positions of Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. We received messages from 3 council members. We know there is more because we have a copy of a message that was not included in the request from a source. Begs the question, which members of the council are holding their messages?
We compared the messages we received from John Keating and Brian Livingston. We received 16 pages of text messages from Brian Livington and only 2 pages from John Keating. We printed out both sets of messages, then we lined up the text messages that matched each other. The Result: We were able to determine the different parts of the message that our Mayor Pro Tem John Keating, withheld from the request. Everything below is from the Livingston text messages. Anything in “RED” was submitted by John Keating. Anything in “BOLD BLUE” is a question by Frisco Chronicles. Did Keating break the law by withholding parts of his conversation that clearly fit the PIR request and are subject to Public Information?
Tuesday, May 13
John Keating to Brian Livingston: “I had this sent to me last night.” Then it has a picture of the Frisco Chronicles blog called Tammy’s Hot Tea.
Brian Livingston: “Yep. Just checking that you saw it.”
John Keating: Any one can speculate if I’m running for Mayor; and I can say I’m “considering” running for Mayor, so ….
Frisco Chronicles: It appears John Keating, Mayor Pro Tem is using SEMANTICS to hold on to his current seat even though he has every intention of running for Mayor.
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John Keating: No, those are her words… There are other people who have said I’m running that I have never talked to…
Keating Continues: That’s like Dan saying he heard I said I’m running, or I told him I’m running, so therefore I’m running and need to resign… Doesn’t work like that for obvious reasons. Exactly what they’re doing now.
Keating Continues: I’m not that stupid, and have been over this more than once with Richard…
Frisco Chronicles: Richard Who? Richard Abernathy the CITY ATTORNEY? The City Attorney represents the CITY not John Keating and we hope the City attorney is not helping him break the rules of our city charter.
Brian Livingston: “HaHa” the comment
John Keating: I’m still “seriously considering” running for Mayor…! (Fireball Emoji)
Brian Livingston: I think you, Shona and Scott all missed a huge opportunity to separate yourselves from each other.
John Keating: I imagine you would support Shona, but I’d love to have you on my team!
Keating Continues:Scojo (Scott Johnson) has no chance. No money, and his ex will sandbag him the whole way…
Keating Continues:Shona is forgotten and out of touch. Coming back as Mayor after three years is asking a lot.
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Brian Livingston: They still think Tammy has a shot at being Mayor?
Keating: Thumbs Down Emoji to Livingston’s question
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Sunday, June 8 @ 9:15 AM
John Keating: Are you seeking DMPT / MPT? (stands for Deputy Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor Pro Tem)
Brian Livingston: xxx-xxx-xxxx for Jared and Yes, I would like to be MPT for my last year on council. I’m free for lunch tomorrow.
John Keating: Who would be DMPT? I’d support you for MPT, if either me or Angelica could be DMPT?
Keating Continues: I’m not sure where Laura lands with all of this, but under the circumstances, I’d expect her to get crushed next year…
Brian Livingston: I’d prefer you as DMPT and think that would be fun. But I have no problem with Angelia.
John Keating: And I am “seriously considering” running for Mayor, and would certainly love to have TX GOP support! As I’ve said before, I’d support you for county commissioner as Mayor…
Frisco Chronicles: Is this a violation of “Reciprocal Favors” in the City Charter under Section 2-302 Unfair Advancement of Private Interests? It says a city official may not enter into an agreement or understanding with any other person that official actionby the official will be rewarded or reciprocated by the other person, directly or indirectly. Keating clearly states that if Livingston endorses him and supports him for Mayor, then as MAYOR he would support Livingston for County Commissioner. That would be an “official action” in response to support.
John Keating: Let me bounce this off Angelia. She’s on vacation. I know she wants unity, and she’s definitely not on Team Tammy, Jeff, Lorie, Bill…Neither am I…! (smiling emoji)
Frisco Chronicles: Tell us how Angelia really feels Keating!
John Keating: Angelia is proposing MPT for her and DMPT for you, to show unity.
Brian Livingston: No, that shows the status quo.
John Keating: Agree
Brian Livingston: It’s my last year and I just turned the council.
John Keating: She knows I want to run for Mayor, and she will support me. I’m ok with her being DMPT, with you as MPT. I told her I would like to be DMPT until I announce, then I can resign my seat and DMPT, and she can take over…
Frisco Chronicles: It is not “considering” when Keating makes it clear repeatedly to other city officials that he is running – which is a violation of the CITY CHARTER!
Brian Livingston: She was part of kicking me off Budget and Audit, unity would be supporting me now. A split vote isn’t going to look good.
John Keating: I think the unity piece is in Angelia as DMPT, as much as I want it… It would show your magnanimity…
Brian Livingston: After that vote, let’s have dinner and talk about next year. My seat, mayor, etc. Maybe we can go somewhere in McKinney.
John Keating: or AZ…(smiling/laughing emoji)
John Keating: Angelia will take DMPT, but suggests we vote on DMPT first, make sure she gets it, then support you for MPT. You’ll get it either way, as I will promise to support you, so you have the 4 votes you need. More would be nice. Could be 6-0 for you upstairs and downstairs if we do this right…
Brian Livingston: I am fine with that. She not trust me? Have you reached out to Tammy? Should I text Gopal?
John Keating: She feels you villainize her and ran Redmond against her. She had nothing to do with Budget & Audit and couldn’t (not legible)
Brian Livingston: Odds that somehow, I get fucked over for MPT?
Frisco Chronicles: Livingston must have futuristic powers because he knew John, Angelia, and Laura were going to screw him overfrom what it sounds like.
John Keating: I think you’re good to go! Angelia and I are on board.
Brain Livingston: I’ll remember that. I promise.
John Keating: Thumbs Up Emoji
John Keating: And you, Jared, Burt, me support Angelia for DMPT…!
Brian Livingston: Done
John Keating: Brian: MPT & Angelia: DMPT
John Keating: I’d like to get your perspective on Mayor’s race next year. It seems pretty clear Jared P will endorse Shona, along with the Colberg’s several others. IMHO, bringing Will and Shona back is a bad idea!
Brian Livingston: I think right now it’s a dead heat. Nobody is doing anything to differentiate themselves. Probably between you and Shona unless someone jumps in and surprises us. You need to separate yourself from Jeff without going nuclear. Look mayoral and statesman like. Your biggest advantage is that you are a sitting elected official. Need to solidify GOP support. A lot can change in a year. We’ve just seen that.
John Keating: I am thinking about MPT, so we should talk. I’m thinking if I want to run for Mayor, I should be MPT. If I do run for Mayor and lose, this would be my last year…! I do want to be Mayor and would endorse you for county commish, that hasn’t changed.
Frisco Chronicles: I do want to be Mayor! John Keating again proves his word is useless. Everything is about him, only him and no one else matters
Keating Continues: I am surprised to hear about the social media stuff. Not sure what’s driving that or why this would happen now…? Is there another Whistleblower article???
Frisco Chronicles: How would Livingston know if there is another Whistleblower article coming? He has nothing to do with Whistleblower!
Brian Livingston: Nope people just started calling me saying Jeff unfriended them so I looked on Facebook.
Friday June 13 @ 11:24 AM
John Keating: At the same time, I want to honor my commitment to you, and distance myself from “Team Tammy”…
Frisco Chronicles: Clearly, John Keating does not understand the term “honoring my commitment,” and of course, he wants to distance himself from “Team Tammy.”
Brian Livingston: I’ll be honest, I was taken aback by that text. This is my last year no matter what and I think I have earned the MPT. While I like and respect you, that would definitely change our political relationship at this point.
John Keating: I’m concerned about Shona running for Mayor and what level of support she will get. It seems pretty clear JP will support her. I don’t want to look foolish supporting you for MPT, and then you endorse her. Not a good look for me…
At a US Army luncheon…
Frisco Chronicles: Welcome to the Keating Show, where everything is about … Keating!
Brian Livingston: I think you should do what you think is best. I’m not going to trade an endorsement for MPT as that is unethical (not saying you suggested that in any way). Most of my thoughts about this don’t need to be texted and probably not even said. Just remember you gave me your word in front of Burt. Have a Happy Father’s Day weekend.
Frisco Chronicles: This is the best statement in the whole text thread. Livingston makes clear it is borderline unethical – but that is the Frisco Way!
John Keating: Yes, agree. Happy Father’s Day!
Monday, June 30th @ 2:30 PM
Brian Livingston: Rumor is that Tammy is going to run for your seat when you announce for Mayor. You have picked someone already?
John Keating: Rob Altman has asked about it. I’d like to get TX GOP support for me and him, maybe for Ann Anderson – she wants to run for your seat… I’m obviously not supporting Tammy for anything…
Brian Livingston: Colberg may step in and if she does, I’ll probably support her. No idea for what seat. I just want us to have a head start on Tammy.
John Keating: LR is pissed about DMPT
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Brian Livingston: Also, you and Altman will need to work on Elad and grassroots since you supported Gopal. Plenty of time just can’t waste it.
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Brian Livingston: Between us, I get really flexible on things after getting MPT.
Frisco Chronicles: Ding, ding, ding – Brian Livingston is correct. It was on the agenda! It doesn’t take a genius to know that.
Let’s Break It Down
Is John Keating Running For Mayor? Yes! He has made that clear to Tammy Meinershagen (which she repeated), he has made it clear to Brian Livingston (based on text messages). Then we have his statement “She (referring to Angelia Pelham) knows I want to run for Mayor, and she will support me.” If you have made it clear to Angelia Pelham that you are running for Mayor, she should be calling for you to step down. Is she bending the rules for you?
Residents should be calling on the City Attorney, City Manager and City Council and enforcing the City Charter that requires him to step down!
Is John Keating Mayoral?No! When you represent our city (even in private) you should hold yourself to a high standard. Talking shit about current and former council members and previous employees is inappropriate. Saying Shona Sowell is forgotten, out of touch and asking a lot to come back after three years is disgraceful especially when you know the reason she chose to step down was to focus on her personal health and her battle to beat breast cancer. Just one thought, Mr. Keating at least she had the courage to step away.
Saying Scojo (aka Scott Johnson) has no chance because he has no money, and his ex will sandbag him, is also disgraceful. Whatever Johnson did in private is none of our business, unlike YOU, MR. KEATING, who got caught in a community public pool on a holiday weekend with a woman who was not your wife! Wouldn’t it be interesting if Keating’s EX ever got the guts to sandbang him? Gloating that his wife will sandbag him is the pot calling the kettle black! Also, it is not MAYORAL, nor are posts like joking around about getting naked.
Then let’s talk about your comments on Laura Rummel, “under the circumstances, I’d expect her to get crushed next year…” What circumstances are you referring to Mr. Keating? While we don’t disagree with you, we are not running for office. Have you said this to her face? Probably not! Two-faced statements are not very becoming of a Mayor.
Keating’s behavior over the last several years has been far from Mayoral! Then he wants to sit on this thrown and judge others – is that who want leading the city?
Keating wants the local GOP support. Keating knows how to hob knob with the establishment liars, but both theCollin and Denton GOPs are more “grassroots” republicans. Keating has endorsed democrats and donated to democrats, which is a HUGE party NO-NO! He has done nothing over the years to establish a relationship with the grassroots republicans. He is the definition of what many call a RINO!
Quid Pro Quo Offer. When John said he was “seriously considering” running for Mayor and would love to have Livingston’s support, and in return he would support him as Mayor for Denton County Commissioner, he violated the City Charter again. The City Charter (Ch 2, Sec 2-302) clearly states (2) Reciprocal favors: A city official may not enter into an agreement or understanding with any other person that official action by the official will be rewarded or reciprocated by the other person, directly or indirectly. Keating said if you support me, then AS MAYOR (which is an official capacity) he would support Brian. That is probably why Brian quickly responded that his text was borderline unethical!
Closing Thoughts
Keating’s playing the “mystery candidate” card. By keeping it quiet, he avoids early scrutiny, dodges critics who’d love a head start, and keeps potential rivals guessing. Think of it as political poker: he’s hiding his hand until the pot’s just right. But let’s be honest—Frisco isn’t buying the act. When a politician suddenly cares it’s not out of pure civic joy. It’s campaigning in disguise.
Keating is lying to VOTERS and we have said it before this council runs with Rules For Thee, Not For Me! Is it MAYORAL to lie to residents about your plan to run for Mayor so you can continue to hold on to your seat on council? Is it MAYORAL to negotiate the Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem positions?
At this point, we are asking the City Manager and City Attorney to have John Keating step down because clearly, he is running for Mayor. It is not “considering” when he makes it clear to multiple people he is running. It is a violation of the CITY CHARTER – it is time for the CITY OF FRISCO to do the right thing!We are also calling on the City Attorney, City Manager, and City Council to respond to the PIR’s in full. Did Keating violate the law by leaving quite a bit of his conversation out of the response that fit the PIR request? Why would he do that? Is he trying to cover something up? Is that Mayoral? Also, we would like to know if his comments violated the city charter section on “Reciprocal Favors?”
Stay tuned—because the only thing more entertaining than the race itself will be watching how long he can keep pretending he’s not in it.
Disclaimer: This blog includes satire, parody, and comic relief. It contains summarized accounts created solely for humor and commentary. Any resemblance to real events is either coincidental or intentionally satirical. Reader discretion — and a sense of humor — are advised.
Oh, Frisco… where the City’s HR Department isn’t about human resources so much as it is about covering resources.
This week City Manager Wes Pierson dropped a long-winded HR love letter into inboxes, trying to explain away the latest drama inside the City of Frisco’s Human Resources Department. Think of it as a Hallmark card written by a bureaucrat: “We value you, we support you, ignore the gossip, let’s hold hands.” Sweet, right? Except the subtext was basically: “Don’t read FriscoChronicles, don’t ask questions, and for the love of God, don’t expect HR to actually help you.” The letter, which was supposed to be a healing session really just raised troubling questions about leadership, transparency and employee silence being threatened.
Let’s unpack this.
The Email: A Leadership Reset—or a Power Grab?
Some might say the HR Department turned into an episode of Real Housewives of Frisco over the last year. According to Pierson, HR was dealing with “internal issues” that boiled over into fractured leadership between former HR Director Lauren “Sassy” Safranek and Assistant Director Jacinta Shanks. A complaint about Shanks allegedly creating a racially hostile work environment brought everything to a head. Pierson claims the complaint didn’t hold up under investigation but it still “highlighted unprofessional boundaries.” Are we surprised by the investigation outcome, No. Most investigations that occur within the city “don’t hold up.”
The official email spin?
Both Safranek and Shanks are now gone. Translation: Both Safranek and Shanks were escorted off the stage. Cue the applause track.
Employees are told the shake-up is for the greater good. Translation: “She didn’t technically break the law, but she definitely acted like she was auditioning for Mean Girls 3.”
And in comes Kathy Shields as Interim HR Director—someone Pierson calls “an experienced HR leader” who will “steady the ship.”
But here’s the kicker: Kathy Shields isn’t some neutral, outside expert parachuted in, to clean house. She’s a longtime friend and ally of Safranek. And she’s not new to controversy, either.
Kathy Shields: The Investigator Who Finds Nothing
Before this promotion, Shields led the investigation into Public Works—a department that’s had multiple accusations reported through the city’s own HR hotline. Those complaints ranged from hostile workplace issues to favoritism and management misconduct. And yet, somehow, Shields found nothing wrong. Bullying? Nothing wrong. Retaliation? Nothing wrong. Management misconduct? Guess what—nothing wrong! A spotless record in a department where employees have been whispering for years. In our opinion, she could walk into a five-alarm fire with bodies on the floor and conclude it was just “a warm team-building exercise.”
Now we’re supposed to believe this same person who will restore credibility to HR? Forgive us if we’re skeptical. When the investigator is friends with the very people under scrutiny, it doesn’t look like oversight, it looks like protection.
The Email’s Tone: Encouragement or Inappropriate Threat?
Pierson’s email was drenched in positivity but tucked between the lines was the pep talk that reek of PR Control tries to wrap everything in positivity.
“I encourage us all to use our time and energy to support one another, serve our community, and continue to build an organization we can all be proud of.”
Nice words. But then comes the subtle jab:
“While outside voices may seek to focus on rumor or sensationalism, what matters most is the meaningful work we do together every day.”
Translation? “Stop reading FriscoChronicles. Those bloggers are the real villains here!” Ignore what you might read on the blog. Don’t listen to the outside noise. Trust us instead.
Except here’s the problem: When employees feel unheard, disrespected, or retaliated against, where else can they go besides outside voices? When the very department tasked with protecting employees—HR—has been accused of circling the wagons to protect leadership, how can staff trust the system? Trying to frame outside commentary as “rumor” or “sensationalism” feels less like reassurance and more like a warning shot.
Let’s talk about the city’s “Core Values” referenced by City Manager Wes Pierson. One is integrity, which is honesty, trustworthiness, ethical behavior and always doing the right thing on the city website. Integrity is the foundation of all other core values.
Another one is “Our Employees” who we support, develop, and reward the contributions, diversity and talents of all employees. Really? Does this email sound like you support and develop your employees?
And when a city official suggests that sharing information with others violates “our core values,” it starts sounding a lot like an overreach into free speech rights. Employees don’t surrender their First Amendment protections when they clock in at City Hall.
The Real Question: Who Holds HR Accountable?
Let’s be clear: HR is supposed to be the place where employees feel safe, heard, and protected. Instead, in Frisco it’s more like:
HR Hotline = Suggestion Box at a mafia club
Investigations = “Magic Eraser” for management screw-ups
Leadership changes = Musical chairs with the same old players
If your boss harasses you, retaliates against you, or ignores you, don’t worry—HR will investigate, declare “nothing to see here,” and send you back to work with a smiley face sticker. If HR investigations are compromised by friendships, if complaints are routinely dismissed, and if leadership emails frame whistleblowers and bloggers as troublemakers, then what’s left?
HR is supposed to be the department that listens to employees, investigates fairly, and upholds ethical standards. In the City of Frisco, it looks more like a PR machine for management—a department where loyalty matters more than integrity.
So, what do employees do when the “system” is dirty? When internal complaints vanish into thin air, when investigations return with “nothing to see here,” and when leadership paints critics as nuisances?
They speak out. They share their stories. They find outside platforms—like this one—because silence only protects those in power.
Final Thought
Frisco’s HR Department doesn’t need a “new leader.” It needs an exorcism.
Until then, employees will keep doing what they’ve been forced to do: whisper, leak, and share their stories elsewhere. Because when the system is this dirty, outside voices aren’t a nuisance; they’re a lifeline.
Wes Pierson’s email may have been intended as reassurance, but instead it raises more questions than answers. With Kathy Shields at the helm, and the HR department’s credibility already on life support, employees are right to wonder: Is anyone in Frisco HR truly on their side?
So yes, Wes, people are going to talk. And if that “disappoints” you? Good. Maybe disappointment is exactly what City Hall needs. Until we see transparency and accountability, this isn’t an HR “reset.” It’s just business as usual with a new nameplate on the door.
Disclaimer: This blog includes satire, parody, and comic relief. It contains summarized accounts created solely for humor and commentary. Any resemblance to real events is either coincidental or intentionally satirical. Reader discretion — and a sense of humor — are advised.
It’s a new dawn It’s a new day It’s a new life for Frisco Taxpayers Woo-woo-woo-woo-woo And they’re feeling good
Today I was thinking, it is the start of a new beginning and soon two new city council members will join the Dias. Burt Thakur and Jared Elad will be sworn into office at the July 1st City Council Meeting. We hope their supporters come out and support them during the swearing in at the start of the meeting.
But what is happening before the meeting? Well, apparently there is a City Council Work Session on June 26th. They just posted the agenda and it appears under the Regular Agenda they are going to do a traditional welcome, agenda overview and set the theme for the session. Then they are going to discuss a book called Great by Choice. Lastly they will talk about the traits of successful teams.
Then they will convene back into the “Regular Agenda” and finish with a Review of Councils 2025 Progress Goals, have a discussion regarding the FY2025-26 Initial Budget Considerations and closed with a “Ted Talk” regarding 5 Bold Steps to a Bright Future. Interesting! This is where we have questions.
Outgoing council members Tammy Meinershagen and Bill Woodard will be there as they still hold the seats for city council until July 1st. and then Burt Thakur and Jared Elad are sworn in. Because of the runoff Thakur and Elad’s swearing falls after the meeting, but “THE BUDGET” is a big discussion that the new council members may have questions or input on. Here is what we are interested in;
1. Did the city extend an invitation to the two newest council members to participate and learn at this work session like they have done in the past.
2. Will they host the meeting live on Frisco TV so residents can watch and learn and be more transparent for Frisco Residents?
3. What is the social event they are going to afterwords at Perry’s Steakhouse and is that on taxpayer dollars?
Now many may say, they are not sworn in yet so they can’t participate but exceptions have been made in the past. In our article No Business Like Show Business we told you about how in March of 2022, our newly “APPOINTED” council woman Tammy Meinershagen went on the Frisco Chamber of Commerce Leadership Exchange Trip to Cary, North Carolina. Why was that interesting to us at the time? Well, Tammy Meinershagen had NOT YET BEEN SWORN IN as a council member yet.
In that article, we asked the question of how Meinershagens’ trip was paid for. Did she pay for it – remember she was not a SWORN IN council member or did TAXPAYERS pay for it? Then we laid out the emails showing that on March 3, 2022, Mayor Jeff Cheney sent an email to Holly McCall, and said Tammy has expressed an interest in going on the LEX trip. Cheney thinks it would be good for her to join to get a head start on her development and start building relationships. He specifically notes, I know she will still be a council member elect as the time so not sure what hoops we need to jump through. McCall, the Sr. Administrative Asst. to the Mayor & Council responds, “I’m sure it will be fine to pay for Tammy. We’re just waiting on confirmation/advisement from the attorney’s office before proceeding.”
Then on March 7, 2022, in an email from Tammy Meinershagen to Tony Felker, President/CEO for the Frisco Chamber she states it looks like she will be able to join “representing the city council” so can you let me know what you need from me.
Tony responded with an email asking Jeff Cheney what the best way for her is to register and then Jeff responds Holly McCall, the Sr. Administrative Assistant to the Mayor & Council, can book it.
McCall responds again that she believes it will be fine to pay for her to go but she is waiting for the official city approval. Fast forward to the April 19th, council meeting, Item #20 under the Consent Agenda (remember that is where they hide things) there is an action to consider and act upon approval of the attached reimbursement request presented to the Mayor and Council. The memo reads that the $3000 request was the cost for Tammy Meinershagen to travel to Cary, North Carolina for the LEX trip hosted by the Frisco Chamber. It states she is a ‘CANDIDATE FOR CITY COUNCIL RUNNING UNOPPOSED.” It then reads, Minershagen will begin her term in May, but members of the council believe the trip provided knowledge and experience that serves the public purpose of the city and was beneficial to the duties of a city council member.
Guess what, THE COST WAS APPROVED!
At the time we wrote this article in October of 2023, we said we were alarmed that she would be going representing herself as a councilmember – when she had NOT YET BEEN SWORN IN and taken her OFFICIAL OATH. We were adamant that running unopposed or not should not matter – what should matter is she was not sworn in to uphold her official duties as a city council woman. We still believe that today! However, what we think about the situation and what happened back in 2022/23, is irrelevant! The City of Frisco, The Chamber of Commerce and our City Council “SET A PRESCENDENT” that you do not have to be SWORN IN to present yourself as a council member and have the bills paid for by the city if you are appointed to your seat.
Fast Forward to 2025
How does that change when two council members, who have officially been ELECTED, and are less than 7 days away from being sworn in, when it comes to them participating in the Summer Work session, in meetings that affect their upcoming term, etc.? The session clearly says it is Councils Goals for the remaining time of 2025 and the future Budget for 2025-26! I am guessing if you ask the two future elected council members what they think, they will agree with us!
That is the problem when you set a PRESCENDENT like they did in 2022 with Meinershagen, because now to be fair to the newly ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBERS – the city needs to invite them, allows them to participate, talk to leaders and city management, for the “experience it gives them, for educational reasons and benefits it presents them,” as it will help them grow in their council positions the same way they did for Meinershagen in 2022.
Now, we wait and see – what happens? Better get the city attorney on the phone and make allowances for the same concessions –
at least allowing them to attend s work session, doesn’t cost taxpayers $3000 this time!
Frisco, Texas has been the poster child for suburban prosperity, but according to our Mayor it is now experiencing a notable shift as residents pack up and head elsewhere. Just days before the May 3rd election, an article stated that said “Cheney is drawing attention to a surprising trend: Frisco residents are leaving the city in search of more vibrant arts and entertainment options.
Shocking! Right? After all, when they wanted to approve all of these “GRAND DEVELOPMENTS” the last ten years all we heard from Cheney and the council was that these would create a “HALO EFFECT” that would bring more to Frisco. In fact, Community Impact did an article on the 2 year mark of the PGA in 2024 titled “HALO EFFECT” from PGA touches north Frisco development, provides boost to local economy.
In the article they quote Mayor Cheney as saying, “Because of this halo effect and the investments, … this region is going to be second to none for destination retail, dining, shopping, all the office parks, and likely that part of our city will develop 20 years faster than it otherwise would have,” Cheney said. The article went on to say, “Multiple large developments and projects coming to Frisco are a result of the PGA’s success, Cheney said. This includes the Universal Kids Resort theme park, Fields West mixed-use development, and the Firefly Park mixed-use development.” Then the article quoted our own Frisco Chamber CEO, Christal Howard, “The halo effect is not just for multimillion-dollar developments. We talk a lot about all the new businesses that come as a result of a relocation, like the PGA headquarters, but the effect on the current businesses is important too,” Howard said.
Can you imagine our surprise then to residents when all of the sudden we hear they are leaving Frisco, sound the “ALARM BELLS” to voters! On April 25th, The Local Profile released an article titled “Why Frisco Keeps Losing Big Business Deals To Nashville” and after reading it we thought, what happened to that Halo Effect you were talking about Mr. Cheney?
The article quotes Mayor Cheney as saying, “The story nobody ever hears are the deals we have lost, there have been some painful Fortune 500 losses we thought we had. It seems the last few years every major deal comes down to Frisco and Nashville, and unfortunately, Nashville has been beating us out on these deals.” It goes on to say, “The reason is strikingly consistent. The common thread is companies that want their employees to have access to arts and culture. The exit interviews all sound the same… Frisco has it all… except for that.”
Then just days later on April 29th, The Local Profile produces another story title, “The Biggest Reason People Leave Frisco, According To Mayor Jeff Cheney” and the article mentions a study that confirms what residents already know! The article states, “A key part of the city’s case is backed by a detailed analysis commissioned by Visit Frisco and conducted by consumer analytics firm Buxton.” Apparently, Frisco commissioned the study to better understand what draws people to — and away from — the city. Cheney believes this data backs up what many have felt for years. “The Center for the Arts solves this by retaining and attracting visitors, whose spending will strengthen our tax base and support our public services. It’s a win-win for residents, whether you’re an arts enthusiast or not.”
OH MY GAWD – SOUND THE ALARM! THE SKY IS FALING THE, THE SKY IS FALLING ACCORDING TO CHICKEN LITTLE! Media outlets started to pick up the story and it was featured on the news! Businesses are leaving Frisco!
We immediately wanted to see this study, so we started looking at the City’s Website for the Performing Arts Center, the hub for residents to find out the latest information. Nope, not there! Then we checked the Frisco EDC and found a study in 2024, but it was not the one quoted by Cheney in the article. We forgot all about it after the resounding VOTE NO election until we were flipping through the City Facebook page the other night, watching some of the Frisco City Council “Council Recap” videos. We came across a recap video from February 4th that includes Mayor Jeff Cheney, Tammy Meinershagen, and Bill Woodard.
In that recap video, Tammy talks about “THE STUDY” done by Buxton … IN 2019! Excuse me, did you say … 2019? Mayor Jeff Cheney used a study that is over 7 years old to go have the local media run a story in 2025. Headlines read, “WE ARE LOSING BIG BUSINESS,” but they failed to mention it was based on a study done in 2019. I would assume any major or reputable outlet would have a copy of the study quoted in their article. Not! Did they knowingly publish the article and withhold how old the study was? Think about it, 7 years ago, the pre-COVID era, and that since then, things may have … CHANGED!
If that is not MISLEADING or MISREPRESENTING the TRUTH DIRECTLY TO VOTERS AND RESIDENTS, then what is? It was the justification they used for all of us as residents to vote and SAVE FRISCO! We found a Buxton PDF online (click here) with the Visit Frisco logo.
The study used GPS data, gathered from mobile devices, and Buxton geo-fenced all hotels and major attractions, tracking over 54.8 million location pings and identifying 2.6 million unique visits within one year. The findings were clear: Frisco residents show high volumes of traffic at nearby lifestyle destinations like Legacy West, and those same residents are also far more likely to visit entertainment venues such as the Toyota Music Factory and Lava Cantina. This pattern signals a strong local appetite for mixed-use developments that include arts and entertainment components. “The data indicates that any complementary entertainment venue(s) in or around such spaces would also have a high rate of utilization among Frisco residents.”
QUESTION: HOW IS A $360 MILLION PERFORMING ARTS CENTER A COMPLEMENTARY VENUE TO LAVA CATINA AND TOYOTA MUSIC FACTORY?
Oh wait, it’s not! They left that part out of the data results, too! This was a clear, concise and manipulated lie to voters to “get what they wanted!” Every single council member supporting the Frisco Arts Center should be held up on ethics charges for misleading and lying to the public. It should also be investigated as voter intimidation because if they influenced anyone’s vote based on a 7-year-old study from 2019, without disclosing that. Residents should be asking “What The Hell Is Going On In Frisco?”
On top of that, Tammy has been spreading rumors that the tapes we released with her own comments were altered; she was lured into making those comments, or they were created by AI. Again, she lies! Soon we will prove that too! Stay tuned for that! How many more times will Tammy Meinershagen and council members LIE TO US?
Tammy Meinershagen speaks of how she loves “governance” and that is her favorite part of the job as a councilwoman. One “best practice” and vital component of good governance is transparency. Why is transparency so important? It boosts public trust, confidence, and citizen participation. Transparency has become a virtue in public management and public policymaking. It is an important democratic value that a trustworthy, high-performing, and responsible government pursues.
WHY IS FRISCO NOT TRANSPARENT?
We have to assume everyone reading our blog is new and may not have read previous blogs. In 2023, when Mayor Cheney was running for re-election against Retired Former Fire Chief, Mark Piland we wrote the blog Tangled Web of Lies (click on the title to read it) which detailed out how acting HR Director Sassy Lauren Safranek set in motion a calculated witch hunt to protect her job and wrongdoing against then Fire Chief, Mark Piland.
Why is that blog so important? In it, we mentioned that on April 4, 2024, the Frisco City Council, after emerging from an executive session, voted on one item from its executive agenda. “In connection with item No. 2A, ii on tonight’s agenda, Bill Woodward made a motion, “I move to authorize the city manager to release the second investigative report, dated Sept. 1, 2022, concerning Mark Piland.” That night, the Frisco City Council, with a 5-0 vote, moved to pass the motion. Mayor Cheney conveniently recused himself. It is important to note that Bill Woodard, Angelia Pelham, John Keating, and Tammy Meinershagen had already endorsed and been helping with Mayor Cheney’s re-election campaign. That night, it was clear the release of this document was designed to be a political hit job. Since that night, Woodard also ran a PAC against our Firefighters and started the Vote Yes for Broadway PAC with Tammy Meinershagen.
CLEARLY, THE COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE COMPROMISED AND SHOULD HAVE ALSO ALL RECUSED THEMSELVES ALONG WITH JEFF CHENEY! BETTER YET, IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN VOTED ON BY THE COUNCIL MEMBERS – WHY NOT SEND IT TO THE AG INSTEAD?
They didn’t want to wait 45 to 60 days because that would have been “after the election,” and they were worried Mark Piland might win. So, shaking in their boots, they took it upon themselves to vote at the council. The same council that determines ethical complaints against each other!
Fast forward to 2025 and we write our blog City Hall’s Troubled Seas last week that questions why “TOP BRASS” HR Director, Sassy Lauren Safranek and Assistant HR Director, Jacinta Shanks just vanished into the dark night. Missing for weeks, internal sources telling us that they both had been suspended, investigations were ongoing, and their return dates to the office were unknown made us file some PIR’s for more information.
FIRST PIR REQUEST: JACINTA SHANKS
4/1/2025: FWB Filed the Public Information Request
“We would like all documents and information regarding the investigation into, administrative leave of, and outcome of Jacinta Shanks – HR. We would like any and all investigative records, including emails, screenshots, and messages regarding Jacinta Shanks and fellow employees that refer to them making racist remarks/comments to other black subordinates, disparaging employees, and making fun of other employees. We would like to know if Jacinta Shanks received a promotion after this investigation.”
4/16/2025: City of Frisco responds and asks us to “CLAIRFY” our request to the city
4/22/2025: FWB replied to the request
5/7/2025: We assumed in the eye of “GOOD GOVERNANCE” they city would be transparent just like they have been with previous employees, right? No. Absolutely Not!
We received the response that reads, “The City of Frisco has reviewed its files, and has located documents responsive to your request. However, due to issues of confidentiality, the City has chosen to seek a ruling from the Office of the Attorney General regarding the release of the responsive documents. Please see attached for a letter from Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, PC, attorneys for the City of Frisco, informing you of the City’s decision to seek a ruling from the Office of the Attorney General. The Office of the Attorney General has up to 45 business days in which to make a ruling regarding your request.”
SECOND PIR REQUEST INTO JACINTA SHANKS AND JIREH SHOE
4/1/2025: FWB filed a PIR Request
We also filed a second PIR that reads, “Related to the Jacinta Shanks and Jireh Shoe Investigations or any other HR employees. We would like a copy of any NDA signed by a new employee related to their failure during the probation period. We would like to know if any female employee received a payout or payment related to this investigation, was asked to sign an NDA, who was released, terminated, removed, etc for failing their probation period.”
4/11/2025: City of Frisco responds and asks us to “CLAIRFY” our request to the city (sound familiar)
4/22/2025: FWB replied to the request
1. Jacinta Shanks and Jireh Shoe Investigations: We are specifically requesting any investigative reports, findings, HR communications, termination notices, or disciplinary actions related to Jacinta Shanks and Jireh Shoe. If these individuals were involved in internal investigations conducted by HR or Legal, we request all documents reflecting: • The nature of the investigation • Dates of the investigation • Parties interviewed or named • Final outcomes or recommendations • Settlement agreements, if applicable
2. NDAs Signed by New Employees Who Did Not Complete Probation We are requesting copies of any Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) signed between January 1, 2021, and April 1, 2025, by employees of the HR Department who were released, terminated, or resigned before completing their probationary period. If a list of names is required to narrow this down, we ask the City to identify individuals who meet the criteria during that time frame so we can refine accordingly.
3. Female Employees—Payments or NDAs Related to HR Investigations We are seeking records that show whether any female employee involved in an HR investigations between January 1, 2021, and April 1, 2025: • Received a financial payout or settlement (voluntary or involuntary separation) • Was asked or required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement • Was terminated, released, or otherwise separated during or at the end of probation These may include settlement agreements, NDAs, HR exit memos, or other documents reflecting these outcomes.
We are not asking the City to answer legal questions—only to provide existing documents that meet the above clarified criteria. If there is a more efficient way to identify the documents—such as a keyword search (e.g., “probation,” “settlement,” “NDA,” “termination”) or a specific custodian of records—please advise. We are happy to work with you to facilitate this.
5/7/2025: Guess what, we assumed for a second time that in the eye of “GOOD GOVERNANCE” they city would be transparent. I bet you can guess their response; it was identical to our other PIR. Literally, identical!
We received the exact same response as the first PIR which reads, “The City of Frisco has reviewed its files, and has located documents responsive to your request. However, due to issues of confidentiality, the City has chosen to seek a ruling from the Office of the Attorney General regarding the release of the responsive documents. Please see attached for a letter from Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, PC, attorneys for the City of Frisco, informing you of the City’s decision to seek a ruling from the Office of the Attorney General. The Office of the Attorney General has up to 45 business days in which to make a ruling regarding your request.”
THIRD PIR WE ARE FILING NOW: Lauren Safranek HR
Now we are going to file a PIR for everything related to Sassy Lauren Safranek and what do you want to bet, we are going to get the same response. Using delay tactics to push it out, then send it to the AG to further delay it. Why? What do they not want to come out before you and I vote at the polls? The delay is purposeful and if they truly wanted to show “GOOD GOVERNANCE” – Tammy Meinershagen couldn’t you vote to release the files? Lead the charge for transparency!
GOOD GOVERNANCE: JUST VOTE ON IT!
In our opinion, the city set a precedent with Mark Piland on what is or is not confidential in an employee’s HR file when they went to the council and voted to release his record, especially when that vote was by four members of the council who endorsed and were working on Mayor Cheney’s campaign against that employee. So why can’t they vote again to release the HR file for Safranek, Shanks, and anyone else in the HR investigation? Show the voters you have nothing to hide and that it is consistency of GOOD GOVERNANCE.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We think all the citizens of Frisco who want transparent communication should email the city attorney’s office, the entire city council, and the City Manager’s office, demanding the release of all documents from the HR Department investigation, just like they did with Former Fire Chief, Mark Piland. If there is an issue, they should be able to vote on it at a city council meeting. We would expect the same transparency in a 5-0 vote to release it. Because good governance is transparent, right?
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing as a citizen of Frisco to request full transparency on behalf of the city, to release all HR documents related to the HR investigation into Jacinta Shanks, Lauren Safranek, and any other employee. For us to trust our city government, we need to see transparency, even if that means it has to go to a vote at the city council meeting to be released.
What are they hiding? It should alarm citizens that the city will vote to release one employee’s or a former employee’s records and not release others. One was running against the mayor for office, while the others were not. If you didn’t believe us in 2023 when we called it a political hatchet job, then you should believe us now! Why else would they fight the release of HR records for other employees under investigation?
Anyone who tells you they look forward to each election cycle and the Frisco Chamber Forum is either lying, blind or deaf! Each year we watch it live, hoping it will be an independent, and we are always disappointed, and this week was no different!
If you watched the Frisco Chamber Candidate Forum this week, then you saw Tammy Meinershagen’s opening statement. In case you missed it, Meinershagen said, “This re-election has been the hardest thing I have done in my entire life. I am very grateful for the love and support of my husband, 3 daughters, my friends, my supporters who have walked in this journey with me, and I am thankful for many of you who have had open, honest, and healing conversations.
There is more that unites us than divides us. But what is happening in Frisco is not okay. This is not our Frisco. Doing secret recordings, having multiple fake profiles, anonymous blogs, attacking family members, this is not right. And despite being attacked, and my family being attacked, I’m still here. I’m here to fight. Fight against the dirty tactics, fight for Frisco, and I believe all of us need to come together and refuse to accept this as the new normal of choosing our Frisco leadership. We need to choose better. I believe that tonight you’re going to hear more empty promises, performative politics, and sound bites.
I’m here to talk about my record and what I’ve actually done for the citizens of Frisco and for our city through my time here. I look forward to earning your vote and sharing more about my time here in Frisco.”
While Tammy stands proudly and proclaims she is here to fight against dirty tactics and this being the new norm of Frisco, behind the scenes her supporters are doing exactly that! Don’t let Toxic Tammy fool you, she is holding up to her statement that she is here to fight! Fight for her control to govern by using her own supporters or any means necessary including committing dirty acts she talked about in her opening statement, all while acting coy and innocent, “oh poor me the victim.”
Incoming! Meet the Political Porch Pirate!
Like political cloak-and-dagger a mysterious car drives slowly through a neighborhood on the hunt for a specific political porch. The car has arrived at its destination, then parks at the house next door. A mysterious man walks up the front steps of the home and begins to approach the front porch. The Ring Doorbell shows him laying down an envelope, then he quickly turns to leave ascending down the front steps. Who was the mystery man? What did he drop off? What could be in that envelope? Is this the only home that received that envelope?
Guess what, we know! SMILE FOR THE CAMERAS
Who is the mystery man delivering envelopes all over town? We had several people send us Ring Doorbell footage and security camera footage and after careful examination ….
Meet Brian Thomson, a resident here in Frisco who worked the polls every day for Tammy Meinershagen at Frisco Fire Station 7. Brian is a long time Tammy supporter and according to Been Verified has an asset listed similar to the car in the video.
“Political Poison Pages: Unpacking the False Burt Binder”
What is in the envelope? We call it the Burt Binder, by that we mean a hit piece against Burt Thakur! The first page talks about how Burt defies the TX GOP Platform with public union support. A COMPLETE LIE! Tammy’s team is crumbling due to the Frisco Firefighters Association and Frisco Police Officers Association endorsing Burt Thakur and Jared Elad. The only way to counter that is to use scary words like “union supporter” in a last-ditch effort to scare them before early voting. At no time has Burt said he supports unions, but he has said he supports our public safety departments. He believes that through conversation and getting back to the table and addressing the primary issue of staffing would alleviate many of the problems. Keep in mind both departments have done “staffing studies” that we have published right here on Frisco Chronicles that at the time showed The City of Frisco was below standards in both departments. These men and woman put their life on the line to save us, our homes, our pets, and they are not asking for a raise. They are asking for more staffing! Burt has said he supports more staffing so that we can be where we need to be to keep citizens safe and our police and fire fighters safe. How is that supporting “unions?”
Next the front page of this binder lists a political action committee that we are not listing here because we have been able to find ANY LEGAL FILINGS FOR THIS PAC. For now, we have to believe this is a FAKE PAC and question if this group is even legit? The binder has a certain look to it that we have seen before, and we have a pretty good guess of who designed it! One of Tammy’s greatest supporters! We won’t say their name because we are not 100% sure but we are 99.99999% sure.
The second page talks about how Burt ran for Congress. Okay, and? John Keating ran for the Texas House of Representatives in 2015. That’s right, he ran for District 33 in 2016 which covers Rockwall County and parts of Collin County. At the time he ran he touted how he was proud to establish the $5Billion Dollar Mile – what happened with that, oh yeah Lake Lebanon was born after the developer went belly up. Guess what, Keating lost by 99 votes! So, if Tammy and her supporters are saying Burt is not qualified because he ran for Congress then how is John Keating qualified? He was endorsed in his 2016 bid for District 33 by every major REPUBLICAN and still lost by 99 votes. If you have all the support and still can’t win, should you be qualified to be sitting on city council?
The false binder then discusses how Burt auditioned for a TV or was on Jeopardy. Being an actor, appearing on a game show, or having an IMDb page makes you inept and not qualified to run for office? Hey Matthew McConaughey – you can’t run for Texas Governor! Hey Dr. Mehmet Oz, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Clint Eastwood, Al Franken, and Donald Trump – according to Tammy supporters and this FAKE PAC you are all inept and unqualified to run for government offices.
The next page says Burt’s campaign manager is a Hard Democrat and we reached out to him, and he said he is his own campaign manager. He has many supporters on both sides of the isle (Tammy said that too at the Forum this week) and he appreciates all their help to win so he can serve the people of Frisco. Let me understand, it is okay for Tammy who claims to be a Republican, to be supported by HARD…HARD DEMOCRATS, and that is, okay? It is also okay Meinershagen to pander to the Republican Base that she is a conservative and yet not one conservative candidate or group has come out to endorse her.
Campaign of Harassment
In what can only be described as a masterclass in political desperation, supporters of Tammy “Toxic Tapes” Meinershagen have gone beyond spirited campaigning and crossed the line into something far more disturbing — a coordinated, relentless campaign of harassment and intimidation against her opponent, Burt Thakur. It started with whisper campaigns and online trolling but quickly escalated into full-blown digital and real-world stalking. Facebook pages, comment sections, and community groups have been littered with copy-paste attacks, baseless accusations, and character assassinations aimed at discrediting Thakur.
But it didn’t stop there. Someone—clearly with too much toner and not enough integrity—dropped off phony binders filled with lies and distortions at private homes of Thakur supporters. A juvenile stunt meant to mirror past political smear tactics. These “binders” had all the hallmarks of a hit job: half-truths, wild speculation, and outright fabrications. And as Election Day draws near, things will get uglier. One resident email to us described it “more like a mob than a campaign” that has resorted to stalking, slander, and intimidation tactics. Frisco deserves a campaign, not a crusade—and voters have every right to demand better than this.
“Tammy’s Greatest Hits: Now That’s What I Call Hypocrisy”
Tammy’s opening statement completely goes against what her supporters are doing! Does she want us to believe she does not know the porch pirate deliveries? Does she want us to believe she did not know what Jake Petras would do at the polls while holding her Vote For Tammy sign? Tammy has one problem: she is full of lip service and zero accountability for her actions and the actions of her campaign or the supporters of her campaign. Her hot mic moment exposed her cold heart! Even amid full proof truth, her supporters will still fight till the fat lady sings that she is INNOCENT! INNOCENT! Tammy is a well-experienced politician who knows how to play the game now! A vote for her is a vote for continued corruption within our city. As for Brian Thomson, please email us the filings for your PAC.
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