After former council member Tracie Reveal Shipman stepped up to the Citizens Input podium to publicly scold two sitting council members over their campaign finance reports, we figured it was a good time to do what Frisco Chronicles does best: pull the thread and see what unravels.
If we’re going to talk aboutethical leadership and transparencywith a straight face, then the microscope shouldn’t only hover over political opponents or convenient targets. Transparency, after all, is not a karaoke song—you don’t get to sing only the parts you like.
So, in the spirit of civic duty, ethical leadership, and good old-fashioned dumpster diving, we decided to take a look at campaign finance compliance across both Frisco ISD trustees and City Council candidates.
Spoiler alert: this trash pile has layers.
The Rules (Because Facts Are Stubborn Things)
Under Texas Election Law, the rules are not optional, vibes-based, or enforced only when politically convenient. Here’s the short version:
Anyone who files a Campaign Treasurer Appointment (Form CTA) must file semiannual campaign finance reports.
This requirement continues even after the election ends, even if the candidate:
Lost
Raised $0
Spent $0
Retired emotionally from politics
The only way out? Cease campaign activity and file a FINAL report.
Straight from Texas Election Code §254.063:
July 15 report (covering Jan 1 – June 30)
January 15 report (covering July 1 – Dec 31)
No report. No “oops.” No “but I meant to.” The law does not care.
Frisco ISD Trustees: Let’s Start There
Public disclosures and election records can be found here:
Mark Hill Frisco ISD Board of Trustees – Now Running for Mayor
Not in Compliance
Filed a campaign finance report in January 2024
That report was NOT marked “Final”
Meaning… the reporting requirement continues
Missing Reports:
❌ July 2024
❌ January 2025
❌ July 2025
Even $0 activity requires a filing. The form literally allows you to write “$0” repeatedly. Democracy loves paperwork.
Question for voters: If a candidate can’t follow the most basic campaign finance rules, should they be trusted with the mayor’s office? Asking for a city.
Dynette Davis Frisco ISD Trustee
In Compliance
Filed her July 2025 report which shows $0 contributions and $0 expenditures
Boring? Yes.
Correct? Also yes.
Gold star. No sarcasm required.
Sherrie Salas Frisco ISD Board of Trustees
Not in Compliance
Missing required reports:
❌ January 2025
❌ July 2025
Again, silence is not a filing strategy.
Keith Maddox Frisco ISD Board of Trustees
Not in Compliance
❌ Missing July 2025 report
One report doesn’t sound like much—until you remember compliance isn’t optional.
City Council: Same Rules, Same Problems
Now let’s shift from the school board to City Hall.
Mark Piland Candidate in the January 31 Special Election
In Compliance
Filed correctly. Reports accounted for. No notes.
Ann Anderson Candidate – City Council
Major Compliance Issues
Filed a Campaign Treasurer Appointment on November 17, 2023
Has filed ZERO campaign finance reports since
That means we’re missing:
❌ June 2024
❌ July 2024
❌ January 2025
❌ July 2025
Per state law, once a treasurer is on file, reports are mandatory until a FINAL report is filed. No reports = not compliant. Full stop.
So… About That Podium Speech
When someone publicly calls out others for ethical lapses, it’s fair to ask:
Has this same scrutiny been applied consistently?
Has the speaker reviewed all campaign finance reports with equal vigor?
Or is ethics enforcement selective—like a traffic cop who only pulls over certain cars?
Transparency is not a weapon. It’s a standard. And standards only work when they apply to everyone.
Final Thought
Campaign finance compliance isn’t complicated. It’s tedious. It’s boring. It’s paperwork-heavy. And that’s exactly why it matters.
Because if a candidate can’t handle the boring rules when no one’s watching, how exactly are they going to handle power when everyone is?
We’ll keep digging. Because someone has to.
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.
Sec. 254.063. SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR CANDIDATE. (a) A candidate shall file two reports for each year as provided by this section.
(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the candidate’s campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first day after the period covered by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing through June 30.
(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15. The report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the candidate’s campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first day after the period covered by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing through December 31.
There are nights in Frisco where City Hall hums with civic purpose—budget talks and zoning plans along with the occasional citizen input regarding traffic lights, speeding issues, or the raccoon has taken a liking to someone’s yard and gives them the side-eye. December 2nd was not that night.
In a developing story that has left political scientists, veterinarians, and three confused squirrels scratching their heads, two former council members marched into Frisco City Council Meeting on December 2nd to take on the mic at Citizens Input. They delivered what experts are calling “the strongest recorded case of post-election butthurt in city history.”
That’s right it was open mic night for sore losers, who still think their name plates are waiting for them like a forgotten pair of sunglasses at Lost & Found.
Eyewitnesses tell us Bill Woodard and Tracie Reveal Shipman, strutted into the chamber like they were about to perform a cover of “Glory Days.” When Bobblehead Bill’s name was called for Citizens Input he approached the podium like he was a man who just discovered someone else parked in his old council seat and that lead to him having a full-blown emotional support tantrum disguised as “citizen input.”
Frisco Chronicles took the time to break down Bill at the Mic:
Act 1: Bobblehead Bill may have gained a new nickname “Patron Saint of Selective Outrage”
Bill took over that podium with the confidence of a man who still introduces himself as “Former Council Member” at dinner parties. And boy did he come ready to lecture like a college professor. He launched into a monologue so dramatic; I checked my phone twice to make sure Netflix hadn’t started auto playing a reboot of The West Wing.
He reminded us—several times—of his 20+ years of service in his neighborhood scouts, various non-profits and clubs and course his 17 years of volunteer work for the city. Of course, he started off talking about himself because he thought that was impressive kind of like your uncle at Thanksgiving who recounts his high school athletic stats.
Bill Woodard: “In all my years on that dais one of the things I was most proud of was the professionalism the various board and council members exhibited. No matter what our personal relationships were, positive or strained, whether we all agreed on a topic or had differing opinions, when it came time to step foot on the dais everyone was professional.
Frisco Chronicles: What does Bill mean by “when it came time to step on the dais everyone was professional?” Is he referring to how they had all the discussions in executive session, so they had a united front on the dais in order to make it look professional?
Bill Woodard: When traveling to represent the city, everyone was professional. Certainly, there have been times for levity and to show a more relaxed side, but when it matters, everyone was professional.
Frisco Chronicles: Would Bill testify under oath that the behavior of Jake Petras in Colorado was appropriate, professional and represented the city well?
Bill Woodard: In the last 6 months, however, I have observed or been made aware of the following which concern me for the reputation of the city and more specifically this council.
Frisco Chronicles: In the last 6 months? You only became concerned about the citys reputation and the council’s reputation in the last 6 months? Mr. Woodard – why were you not concerned when the following events happened (source local news reports):
In 2017, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Tim Nelson was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after a traffic stop where police alleged, he was swerving across lanes on a highway. Allegedly the incident occurred shortly after his wife was arrested for allegedly for assault bodily injury family violence.
In 2021, when Current Revolt published photos of John Keating Place 1 who allegedly got caught over the July 4th holiday weekend in a community public pool with a woman who was not his wife.
In 2021, when Councilman John Keating, Place 1 (now mayoral candidate) held up a sign during a Rail District Scavenger Hunt with the words “GET NAKED” covering his genital area creating the appearance he was naked (luckily, he had boxer shorts on). Wasn’t that you Mr. Woodard, the Mayor and the Mayor’s wife snickering in the picture?
Back to our point and question, you only became concerned about the city’s reputation and the council’s reputation in the last 6 months?
Act II – Woodard’s Scroll of Sins
Woodard began listing out a scroll of sins he was concerned about seeing over the last 6 months which in our opinion should have their own zip code:
Bill Woodard – Sin # 1: A wildly inappropriate, if not racist, joke told on the dais.
Frisco Chronicles: Was it appropriate? We don’t know and we don’t care. It was a joke that no one has talked about since. If it made the city look so bad, why would you come to citizens’ input to bring it up again?
Bill Woodard – Sin # 2: A council member on an exchange trip was wearing shorts as an official representative of the city, when clearly this was not appropriate attire for the meeting.
Frisco Chronicles: Picture #1 of Jared Elad in shorts on a city trip standing two people down from another man in a pair of shorts. Where was your disdain for this man wearing shorts? Picture #2 another trip where Jason Young is wearing shorts, is this inappropriate for man who uses his voice to represent our city so much? Picture # 3 – What about you at Didi’s wearing you City of Frisco polo in shorts holding what appears to be libations?
Frisco Chronicles: Ah yes, Bill Woodard, Frisco’s self-appointed Hall Monitor-in-Chief, called out Burt Thakur for a critical infraction: post-meeting bunny ears. Arrest Him Now! According to Bill, Thakur’s two-finger salute to whimsy has single-handedly “damaged the professionalism of the council.”
Bill Woodard – Sin # 3: “Bunny ears” behind people on camera after a council meeting
Frisco Chronicles: Bill, what about the time (during a meeting) when Councilman Keating held up a big picture on a stick of his face – you didn’t seem outraged then by the whimsy fun? What happens after a meeting is over offends you?
Relax, Bill. The meeting was already adjourned, democracy survived, and no one mistook the gesture for official city business. If a harmless photo gag rattles the watchdog kennel this much, maybe the real problem isn’t professionalism… it’s a tragic shortage of humor vitamins.
Bill Woodard – Sin #4: Use of Chatgpt to figure out what questions to ask during a work session (yes, people can see what you are doing). It shows an utter lack of preparedness.
Frisco Chronicles: First, who knew this event even happened? No one! At least not until you felt the need to come to council to point it out like a bully in a roid rage. Many industries use ChatGPT today, including government. Isn’t this the city leadership who continues to talk about INNOVATION, using TECHNOLOGY to make our city better?
Bill, if I recall, you were accused once of scrolling Facebook during a work session? Two new council members who are trying to learn the ropes, one or both may use AI for assistance and that is bad? I commend them for the innovation to use it.
Bill Woodard – Sin #5: Absences and Tardiness. I’ve counted more meetings in the last 6 months where members were noticeably late, wholly absent from, or left early, from meetings than I can remember in years. Personally, I missed 3 meetings in 9 years, and less than that in the 6 years prior on P&Z.
While I understand work commitments the citizens of Frisco expect and deserve representatives show up to do the work. On time and prepared. It’s not only disrespectful to the citizens, but to colleagues and the staff who tirelessly work for everyone.
Frisco Chronicles: We agree! Shocked? Unlike Bill Woodard here we don’t sit and count every meeting because who has the time to do that? Maybe someone who wishes they were still sitting on the council? We don’t know who has been absent or tardy, but they should be on time, and they should respect that seat that citizens voted them to sit in. However just because you had near perfect attendance that does not set the precedent for what others must do. You are not the judge and jury of that and again the public probably would not have even noticed until you came to the podium to embarrass our council.
Act III – The Public Scolding Continues
Bill Woodard: The train was not out of steam and Bill Woodard kept on going. He continued, Jared and Burt, in the last couple of meetings the two of you look like elementary school kids, at times poking each other and joking around during meetings. It’s one thing to have a side bar for purpose, it is another to act the way you do in front of the public during a meeting. Your actions have an unprofessional appearance.”
Frisco Chronicles: Mr. Woodard do you think your behavior at citizen’s input was professional? Scolding sitting members of our council as a former councilman? Did you ever reach out to them privately to see if you could help them with the transition to their new seats? What about going past the clock (timer), was that professional? You used to cut people off when they did that but again this is about rules, and those rules apply to thee not me! Have you always felt the rules don’t apply to you? Ignoring the Mayor the one-time he said softly “okay bill, that’s enough” to lift your head and look at him “I have two more sentences” then I will be done in a scoffing tone, was that professional? Nothing you did in those 6 minutes was professional sir!
Bill Woodard: He continued calling out Thakur for mentioning his name at the November 4th meeting. He said, you were nowhere when that vote was taken in 2024. While it may have been my last term and I may have requested to serve in the position, it was my colleagues that I had earned the respect of that allowed me to represent the city for my last year. It was an honor and privilege, and it was never about “me”.
Frisco Chronciles: Well, Bill that is not true, it is always about you! Even these six minutes at the pulpit – were about you. You being heard, you being the bully, you appearing to be the man who was judge and jury of every person sitting on that council because you served. I don’t see other previous council members and mayors coming out to the pulpit to scandalize the city. No, it was and always is about YOU!
Bill Woodard: It was always about serving the city and the citizens. These positions should be earned through respect, knowledge and an ability to professionally represent the city in the absence of the Mayor.
Frisco Chronciles: Correct, and nothing you displayed at citizens input was about serving the city or the citizens. Nothing you did that night at the pulpit was about respect, knowledge or showed any professional ability. Clearly, you are never fit to be our Mayor so thank you for that recorded meltdown which can be aired on Reloop when and if you try to run in the future by your opponents.
Act IV – The Ending, Thank God!
Bill Woodard saved his best comments for the end. He went on to say while some of my comments have been pointed, I do hope they are taken in the spirit they are intended to make our city better. I’m not trying to be a referee blowing a whistle to call someone out. Our reputation in the region, the state, and nationally matter.
Frisco Chronicles Conclusion: Taking the time out of your day to come to a city council meeting with your best friend was not done with the emphasis to being a good steward. It was done out of retaliation and anger. The people of this city spoke and they selected new leadership fair and square. You may not like that leadership and that is fine, but they better uphold the values they ran on to be transparent and bring change. Why? That is what THE RESIDENTS WANT!
What we learned from this display was your outrage was very selective towards two council members Jared Elad, our openly Jewish Council Member and Burt Thakur our first South Asian councilmember. You never stood up on the pulpit when these other incidents happened demanding the same professionalism from your counterparts. DWI – no problem! Cheating – no problem! Appearing to be naked – no problem! Shorts BAD! Bunny Ears BAD!
Good heavens—Bill, my man—if we’re handing out lessons on professionalism, maybe start with the candidate who allegedly turned Family Swim Time into “Fifty Shades of Chlorine” or stood in the Rail District wearing nothing but boxers and a sign over his nether-regions encouraging the public to “get naked.”
Bill defended that, but suddenly shorts are the downfall of civilization. Buddy… If pants length is where you finally draw the moral line, we need to schedule a wellness check.
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.
Angela Mathew over at the Dallas Morning News just dropped her article on Frisco’s special election — and folks, it reads like someone jogging behind the Cheney Cabal holding an umbrella. The headline tries to throw one candidate under the bus, but it’s so weak it couldn’t dent a cardboard cutout. Creativity? Original thought? Not today, apparently.
And where is the performance art outrage from Dana Cheney and her loyal Cabal Squad? Why are they not calling foul that the DMN like they did the Denton GOP? These are the people who usually set Facebook on fire for far less. Yet DMN posts a pre-filing article — before the deadline even closes, shutting out anyone who might file by Dec. 1 — and suddenly the theatrics vanish. No outrage from the peanut gallery instead you can hear a pin drop, in a pillow factory.
Mathew starts by polishing up John Keating, mentioning his mayoral announcement… but she avoids the messy parts like a teenager hiding report cards. Not a word about the cheating scandal while he was a public figure. Not a peep about the cringe-worthy social media pics he’s been serving up for years. Not calling out that he was lying about running in order to delay his time on the council. Nope — she airbrushes him into the role of Frisco’s next provincial mayor.
She addresses Mark Piland as the “former Frisco fire chief accused of malfeasance.” Cute. Very cute.
Especially when you compare it with the mountain of context she chose not to include:
🔥 40+ years in local government 🔥 18+ years in executive leadership 🔥 10 years of stellar performance reviews as Frisco’s Fire Chief 🔥 16 years with FEMA Urban Search & Rescue, deployed to: – The Pentagon on 9/11 – Hurricane Katrina – The 2010 Haiti earthquake
🔥and much more Mathew could say.
Mathew doesn’t focus on questions related to current city issues such as Save Main, aging infrastructure issues, Animal Facility or a Performing Arts Center (that Cheney is secretly trying to push right now). Instead, she spends her time trying to question Piland about the past. Piland responds, “That’s in the past, we’re moving on, and I’m committed to being accountable to the public.” No questions about the HR Director recently released from her position after an investigation, the same HR Director who falsified Mark Piland’s signature and started the so-called investigation into him to cover her tracks. Funny how Keating’s past gets a velvet rope while Mathew’s tries to slap Piland like a rollercoaster of negativity.
But sure — let’s pretend none of that exists. Wouldn’t fit the vibe, right Angela?
Meanwhile, Ann Anderson — proudly backed by the Cheney faction — gets the marshmallow-soft treatment. She’s introduced as a financial services professional, PTA volunteer, Hobby Lobby shopper, and all-around everyday gal. The article practically ties a bow on her. She talks about helping place underemployed adults in Frisco, inspired by her son — noble mission, genuinely. But the way Mathew frames it? To readers it appears as pure campaign brochure energy.
Let’s call it what it is: The DMN has a long, proud tradition of circling the wagons around the Cheney faction, and this article was so slanted it could’ve doubled as a ski slope. This wasn’t journalism — it was an endorsement wearing a trench coat.
And if this is the best hit job DMN can produce, the Cabal should ask for a refund.
Frisco sees through it. We’re not buying it. And we’re not afraid to say it louder than the DMN’s whisper campaign.
Stay tuned, Frisco. The truth has a longer shelf life than DMN spin — and we’re just getting started.
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.
Early voting starts today, and you must participate in voting on the 17 proposed constitutional amendments by the State of Texas. They address several issues, including PROPERTY TAXES. Below is the Whistleblower Summary on the amendments. Get out and vote! This is our way for legislators to hear our voices! EVERY VOTE MATTERS (even if you disagree with us).
State of Texas Proposition 1 “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the permanent technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System.”
What it does: Creates two special funds to support capital needs (buildings/equipment) and workforce-education programs for the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) system. Personal Take – OPPOSE: Workforce training is a tangible, near-term economic need. But without transparency and oversite language I am concerned about the fund being used appropriately and it does not allow any flexibility if there are economic changes or priority changes.
State of Texas Proposition 2 “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust.”
What it does: Amends the constitution to prohibit the state from imposing a tax on realized or unrealized capital gains of individuals, families, estates or trusts.
Personal Take: SUPPORT/YES
State of Texas Proposition 3 “The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony.”
What It Does: Permits judges to deny bail under certain circumstances for people accused of specified serious felonies (e.g., murder, aggravated offenses). It sets criteria for when bail can be denied.
Summary analysis: The constitutional amendment amends the Texas Constitution to require the denial of bail pending trial to a person charged with certain serious felony offenses, including murder, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, and human trafficking. The proposed amendment requires a judge or magistrate to prepare a written order when granting bail to a person charged with one or more of the listed offenses and provides guidelines that the judge or magistrate must follow in setting bail and imposing conditions of release. The proposed amendment describes what a judge or magistrate must consider when determining whether a preponderance of the evidence or clear and convincing evidence exists to deny a person bail under the amendment. The proposed amendment also provides that a person is entitled to be represented by counsel at a hearing described by the amendment.
Personal Take: NEUTRAL, however I tend to lean towards SUPPORTING this amendment.
State of Texas Proposition 4 “The constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue.”
What it does: Dedicates up to a set portion of state sales-tax revenue (subject to a revenue trigger) to the Texas Water Fund for projects: water supply, wastewater, resilience, etc.
Personal Take: AGAINST
Texas faces real water infrastructure challenges as our population grows and in theory this could accelerate needed projects however, dedicating a revenue stream, limits budget flexibility for other needs in Texas that could be just as important. Most importantly it ties the hands of lawmakers and allows for unchecked government spending for several years which could lead to abuse of funds.
State of Texas Proposition 5 “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.”
What it does: Authorizes the Legislature to exempt tangible personal property consisting of animal feed (held for sale at retail) from property tax.
Personal Take: SUPPORT
This allows for a sensible technical fix for inventory held for retail. It is not a big revenue hit for the State and will cut costs for retailers, which in the end helps Texas Farmers and Ranchers from rising costs.
State of Texas Proposition 6 “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from enacting a law imposing an occupation tax on certain entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or imposing a tax on certain securities transactions.”
What it does: Prohibits the Legislature from enacting an occupation tax on entities that enter into securities transactions or a tax on certain securities transactions.
The Reason: The proposed amendment, along with other legislation enacted by the 89th Texas Legislature, relates to the possible establishment of one or more national stock exchanges in Texas by prohibiting certain taxes that could otherwise apply to a stock exchange located in Texas. Personal Take: SUPPORT
Many believe this proposition will protect financial transactions from new state taxes, promote market and investment stability. Allows for potential job creation in the finance industry within Texas.
State of Texas Proposition 7 “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected.”
What it does: Authorizes Legislature to provide an exemption from property tax of some or all the market value of a residence homestead for the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a service-connected condition.
Personal Take: SUPPORT
This is targeted relief for veterans’ families which eases the financial burden on surviving spouses. If the surviving spouse remarries, the spouse is no longer eligible for the exemption which I believe is fair to taxpayers.
State of Texas Proposition 8 “The constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable to a decedent’s property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift.”
What it does: Prohibits the Legislature from imposing death taxes on transfers of decedents’ property (estate, inheritance, etc.).
Personal Take: SUPPORT
It helps provide more certainty for estate planning and protects inherited family property from future sales tax. It stops families from losing half their assets to the government.
State of Texas Proposition 9 “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income.”
What it does: Authorizes Legislature to exempt part of the market value of tangible personal property that is owned and used to produce income (e.g., business equipment) from property taxes.
Personal Take: SUPPORT
This is designed to stimulate small business investment by reducing the tax burden on equipment. It allows the State of Texas to be small business friendly which helps build our economy and bring jobs.
State of Texas Proposition 10 “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire.”
What it does: Authorizes Legislature to provide temporary property tax exemption for the appraised value of improvements to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire.
Personal Take: SUPPORT
Families face numerous expenses after their homestead is completely destroyed by fire. It is a compassionate, common-sense relief for homeowners hit by disaster. It can speed up rebuilding by easing financial pressure after catastrophic loss. State of Texas Proposition 11 “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.”
What it does: Authorizes Legislature to increase the cap amount a school district can exempt from property taxes for a residence homestead owned by an elderly or disabled person.
Personal Take: NEUTRAL – Tend to lean towards OPPOSE
While this is targeting tax relief for seniors and disabled homeowners on fixed income – it clearly states the State will cover the lost school revenue. Nothing in life is free so that means the burden will shift somewhere or to someone (being other taxpayers). Until there is a clearer understanding of how the state will “COVER THE LOSS” I tend to lean towards opposing this, because as a taxpayer I can not afford to pick up that shifted burden.
State of Texas Proposition 12 “The constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the membership of the tribunal to review the commission’s recommendations, and the authority of the commission, the tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct.”
What it does: Proposes to amend the Texas Constitution to modify the composition of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to consist of a majority of citizens appointed by the governor, eliminating the appointment of two attorneys by the State Bar of Texas, and to eliminate the selection by lot of members of a tribunal of appellate judges tasked with reviewing the commission’s recommendations regarding a complaint of misconduct against a Texas judge or justice.
Personal Take: NEUTRAL tend to lean towards SUPPORT
Many believe it will increase transparency and accountability for judges accused of misconduct and will give elected officials and citizens more direct influence over the judicial discipline processes (as proponents frame it). I must do more research to understand if it improves fairness than I am for it, if it does not, well then, I would be against it. This will be a very personal decision for each voter.
State of Texas Proposition 13 “The constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district from $100,000 to $140,000.”
What it does: Raises the amount exempted from ad valorem taxation (by school districts) for residence homesteads from $100k to $140k. (Note: similar to Prop 11 but broader in scope.)
Personal Take: SUPPORT
This proposition is similar to Prop 11 with one big difference: it reduces the property tax burden on ALL HOMOWNERS. It will alleviate the tax burden on lower- and middle-class families who are being taxed out of their homes from rising appraisals. Some say it could have a significant impact on school districts, but I disagree. Hard working Texans are facing losing or having to sell their home due to the property tax burden that has skyrocketed, and many questions exist for some appraisal districts on how they are coming up with these “tax numbers” therefore I support this prop 100%.
State of Texas Proposition 14 “The constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue.”
What it does: Creates a Dementia Prevention & Research Institute in Texas, establishes a dedicated fund, and transfers $3 billion from general revenue to that fund for research, prevention and treatment of dementia/Alzheimer’s/Parkinson’s and related disorders.
Personal Take: OPPOSE
While it is a big investment in medical research it is a $3 Billion one-time investment which reduces the general fund available for other pressing needs (such as education, mental health, roads). Some believe this research should be done by private medical companies and I question if the State of Texas can oversee this project and research and the effectiveness of it.
State of Texas Proposition 15 “The constitutional amendment affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children.”
What it does: Constitutional language affirms a parent has the responsibility to nurture and protect the parent’s child and the corresponding fundamental right to exercise care, custody, and control of the parent’s child, including the right to make decisions concerning the child’s upbringing. The proposed amendment would provide an express constitutional guarantee of these generally recognized rights and responsibilities.
Personal Take: SUPPORT
State of Texas Proposition 16 “The constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.”
What it does: Clarifies in the constitution that only U.S. citizens may vote in Texas elections. (Federal law already requires citizenship.)
Personal Take: SUPPORT
It reinforces an existing legal standard and clarifies eligibility. Personally, I am surprised we even need this proposition. While many will try to make this a hot topic political issue, it’s not. Can you vote in other countries where you are not a citizen – NO! It seems reasonable to believe to vote in Texas you should be a US Citizen.
State of Texas Proposition 17 “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property located in a county that borders the United Mexican States that arises from the installation or construction on the property of border security infrastructure and related improvements.”
What it does: Authorizes the Legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation the amount of market value of real property in a county bordering Mexico that is attributable to installation/construction of border security infrastructure and related improvements.
Personal Take: SUPPORT
It encourages construction/installation of border security infrastructure without increasing local property tax assessments based on the infrastructure value. Helps counties host federal/state security projects without penalizing local property owners. If it prevents local tax hikes tied to state/federal security investments, then I see that as a good thing.
Sources
Official ballot language (Texas Secretary of State) Ballot Language for the November 4, 2025 Constitutional Amendment Election. Texas Secretary of State
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. We encourage you to research every amendment for yourself and do what is best for you and your family.
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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 2025 Appellate Court Issues Emergency Stay in Response to Writ of Mandamus Filed to Protect Anonymous Free Speech
FRISCO, TEXAS — In a pivotal development for free speech rights in Texas, the Court of Appeals has issued an emergency stay in response to a Petition for Writ of Mandamus filed to halt an attempt to unmask an anonymous online speaker behind the “Frisco Chronicles Whistleblower” platform. The appellate court’s intervention underscores the importance of judicial safeguards in protecting First Amendment rights.
The writ was filed on behalf of the Frisco Chronicles Whistleblowers blog in the matter of Jamie Heit v. Frisco Chronicles Whistleblower, a Rule 202 proceeding in Denton County. The central issue is whether Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 202—a pre-suit deposition mechanism—can be used to compel disclosure of anonymous civic commentary.
Mandamus: A Constitutional Check on Premature Disclosure The Writ of Mandamus asks the appellate court to overturn the trial court’s June 2025 decision that granted Jamie Heit’s Rule 202 petition. The trial court had authorized a deposition to identify the individual(s) responsible for anonymous posts critical of Heit, a limited-public figure.
On July 10, 2025, the appellate court granted the emergency stay pending review of the mandamus petition.
Implications of the Mandamus and Next Steps The appellate court’s emergency stay temporarily shields the identity of certain individuals and will remain in place until the court of appeals rules on the Writ of Mandamus. What happens next:
The appellate court will review the legal arguments and determine whether the writ should be granted, thereby vacating Rule 202 petition order outright.
If the Writ is denied, the deposition may proceed, although further appellate review (including to the Texas Supreme Court) may follow.
If granted, the case will mark a significant precedent in protecting anonymous speech under Texas law.
Why This Mandamus Matters “This isn’t just about one blog or one person,” said Steven Noskin, counsel for the anonymous blog. “It’s about whether our courts will uphold the constitutional right to anonymous speech in the face of powerful interests trying to unmask critics without filing suit or meeting their legal burden.”
“Our client is not seeking to avoid accountability,” Noskin continued. “They are asserting the foundational right to speak freely. That right belongs to every concerned citizen—every parent, teacher, or taxpayer who dares to question authority.”
For media inquiries or legal commentary, please contact:
STEVEN NOSKIN, Attorney for Respondent Email: snoskin@noskinlawfirm.com Direct: (972) 214-4777 Frisco, Texas
Mr. Noskin may be available for interview or comment upon request.
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