Occupation and Background: Information Technology and Real Estate Entrepreneur
Prior to running, how have you been involved in the community?
Prior to running for the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees, my involvement in the community has been extensive and deeply rooted in a desire to serve. For five years, I served as an HOA Director in Richwoods, demonstrating my commitment to local volunteerism and community well-being. Currently, as Chair of the Tamil Nadu Foundation, Dallas chapter, I’ve led efforts to raise over 2 million to fund education for special needs and impoverished children, showcasing my leadership and dedication to educational causes. Beyond these roles, I am passionate about giving back and actively dedicate my time, energy, and resources to support vital organizations such as the Frisco Pantry, homeless shelters, and numerous other deserving nonprofits within our community. This diverse range of experiences reflects my long-standing commitment to service and my understanding of the needs of our community, including the importance of education and support for families.
What experience or skills do you have that will make you a great board member?
My experience provides a unique and valuable skill set for serving on the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees.
• First, my long-term commitment as a crossing guard at Richwoods – Vandeventer Middle School isn’t just volunteer work; it’s a direct connection to our students and families. I’ve seen firsthand the daily realities, the challenges, and the joys of our students, and I understand the concerns of parents in our neighborhoods. This on-the ground perspective is invaluable for making informed decisions that prioritize student well-being and safety.
• Second, my leadership experience as a former HOA director and chair of a non-profit has equipped me with critical governance and management skills. I understand how to build consensus, manage budgets responsibly (a crucial skill for a district like ours), and ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making. These are essential for effective board leadership.
• Third, I possess a strong grasp of education policy and governance. I’m passionate about ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for every student in Frisco ISD, regardless of their background. I’m committed to data-driven decision-making and advocating for policies that support student achievement.
• Finally, I’m a dedicated servant leader. I believe the role of a board member is to listen, collaborate, and advocate for the best interests of our students, parents, and community. My previous experience running for this board demonstrates my commitment to Frisco ISD, and I’m eager to bring that same dedication and work ethic to the position.
What are the 3 most critical issues facing the district today?
1. Declining Student Enrollment and Funding challenges
2. Past 3 years FISD is running a deficit budget – Accuracy in Financial Forecasting and Enhanced Transparency
3. Campus Safety and Security—Disciplinary issues, cyberbullying, Vaping and Drugs, Fentanyl
How do you plan to address these issues?
Declining Student Enrollment and Funding challenges:
I believe Frisco ISD stands at a critical juncture, demanding a proactive and visionary approach to ensure our long-term success. The declining enrollment trends we’re witnessing, and the resulting closures in neighboring districts, serve as a stark reminder of the urgency of the challenges before us. We must act now to secure Frisco ISD’s future.
My priorities would be to:
Develop a comprehensive long-term vision: We need a clear plan for the next 5, 10, and 15 years, outlining how Frisco ISD will evolve in terms of enrollment, program offerings, and facility standards. This vision must be data-driven, reflecting a deep understanding of enrollment trends and demographic shifts.
Address declining enrollment head-on: This requires a multi-faceted approach. First, we must conduct thorough data analysis to identify the root causes of the decline. Second, we must engage in open and transparent communication with our community, ensuring that parents and residents are informed and involved in the solutions. Third, we must innovate our programs to attract and retain students, offering specialized courses and pathways that meet their diverse needs and interests.
Champion strategic program investments: I propose investing in program enhancements and expanding specialized courses to make Frisco ISD a destination district.
Establish a magnet school: I am particularly excited about the potential of converting a high school into a magnet school focused on high-demand fields such as STEM or the arts. This strategic investment would not only attract students from across the region, boosting enrollment, but also position Frisco ISD as a leader in innovative education and enhance the overall appeal of our community. This initiative must be driven by community input and a rigorous market analysis to ensure its success and relevance.
Advocate for adequate state funding: We must also be strong advocates at the state level to ensure Frisco ISD receives the funding necessary to support our long-term vision and maintain the high quality of education our students deserve. By embracing this comprehensive strategy, we can ensure that Frisco ISD not only weathers the current challenges but emerges stronger and more vibrant, ready to serve the needs of our students and community for generations to come.”
Past 3 years FISD is running a deficit budget – Accuracy in Financial Forecasting and Enhanced Transparency
From my perspective, addressing the issue of the past three years of deficit budgeting, the need for accuracy in financial forecasting, and enhanced transparency would be a top priority: The fact that Frisco ISD has been operating under a deficit budget for the past three years is a serious concern that demands immediate and comprehensive attention. As a board member, ensuring the fiscal health and stability of our district would be a paramount responsibility.
My approach to this critical issue would be multi-pronged:
Demanding Accuracy in Financial Forecasting: We must implement rigorous and data driven forecasting methods to ensure a clear and reliable understanding of our financial outlook. This involves a thorough analysis of enrollment trends, revenue projections, and expenditure forecasts. We need to move beyond reactive budgeting and develop proactive strategies based on accurate predictions.
Prioritizing Enhanced Transparency: The community has a right to understand how their tax dollars are being spent. I will advocate for greater transparency in our financial reporting, making budget information readily accessible and easily understandable to the public. This includes clear explanations of budget assumptions, potential risks, and detailed breakdowns of expenditures. Open communication fosters trust and allows for meaningful community input.
Comprehensive Budget Review: We need to conduct a thorough review of the current budget to identify areas of inefficiency, potential cost savings, and opportunities to realign resources with our strategic priorities and the needs of our students. This review should involve input from administrators, teachers, and the community.
Long-Term Financial Planning: Addressing the deficit is not just about the immediate fiscal year; it requires a long-term financial plan that aligns with our five, ten, and fifteen-year vision for the district. This plan must consider potential enrollment fluctuations, future program needs, and facility requirements.
Exploring Revenue Opportunities (without burdening taxpayers unnecessarily): While being mindful of the tax burden on our community, we must also explore all potential avenues for responsible revenue generation, including maximizing state funding, seeking grants, and strategically leveraging district assets.
Accountability and Oversight: The board has a crucial role in providing strong oversight of the district’s finances. I am committed to holding the administration accountable for responsible financial management and ensuring that budget decisions are made in the best interests of our students and the community.
Addressing the deficit budget and ensuring accurate financial forecasting and enhanced transparency are not just about balancing the books; they are about safeguarding the quality of education we provide to our students and maintaining the trust of our community in Frisco ISD’s leadership.”
Campus Safety and Security—Disciplinary issues, cyberbullying, Vaping and Drugs, Fentanyl
I believe a safe and secure learning environment is the bedrock of a successful education. We must address the serious issues of disciplinary problems, cyberbullying, and the alarming rise of vaping and drug use, including fentanyl, with a firm and proactive approach.
Prioritizing Order and Discipline: Maintaining a structured and disciplined environment is crucial for both safety and academic achievement. We must have clear, consistently enforced disciplinary policies that hold students accountable for their actions and promote respect for authority. This includes zero-tolerance policies for violence, drug use, and serious behavioral infractions.
Strengthening Physical Security: The physical safety of our students and staff is paramount. We must ensure that our campuses are secure, with appropriate measures in place to prevent unauthorized access and respond to potential threats. This may include increased security personnel, surveillance systems, and controlled access points.
Parental Rights and Involvement: Parents have a fundamental right to know what is happening in their children’s schools and to be involved in decisions that affect their safety. We must ensure transparent communication with parents regarding safety concerns and disciplinary issues, and actively seek their input on safety policies.
Combating Cyberbullying and Digital Threats: Cyberbullying is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. We must implement strong policies to prevent and address cyberbullying, educate students on responsible digital citizenship, and work closely with law enforcement to address online threats.
Addressing Drug and Vaping Issues: The rise of vaping and drug use, especially the dangers of fentanyl, demands a firm and uncompromising response. We must implement robust prevention programs, educate students on the risks, and work with law enforcement to address drug-related activity on and around our campuses.
School Resource Officers and Law Enforcement Partnerships: Strong partnerships with law enforcement, including the presence of school resource officers, are essential for ensuring campus safety. We must ensure that our schools have clear protocols for communication and collaboration with law enforcement in the event of an emergency.
Mental Health Support with a Focus on Personal Responsibility: While acknowledging the importance of mental health support, we must also emphasize personal responsibility and accountability. We should focus on programs that promote resilience, character development, and healthy coping mechanisms, in addition to providing access to counseling and mental health services. By prioritizing order, discipline, parental rights, and strong partnerships with law enforcement, we can create a safe and secure learning environment where our students can thrive.
Do you support ESA’s and Senate Bill 2?
I will champion our public schools. I have concerns about ESAs and SB 2, particularly regarding the potential diversion of funds from our district and the need for rigorous accountability measures. My commitment is to ensure our public schools remain strong, well-funded, and accessible to all students in our community. Our local tax dollars must stay locally to support district initiatives, while also advocating for adequate state funding to supplement our local efforts.
It is crucial to maintain the financial health and integrity of the Frisco ISD community. Parents believe the need for transparency and accountability is at an all-time high in the district. Would you support a official Forensic Audit of the district’s finances by an independent 3rd party?
Yes, I absolutely believe it is crucial to maintain the financial health and integrity of Frisco ISD, and I agree wholeheartedly that parents’ demand for transparency and accountability is at an all-time high – and for good reason. Given the concerns I’ve heard from parents and the community, and considering the importance of public trust in how our tax dollars are managed, I would strongly support an official forensic audit of the district’s finances by an independent third party.
Do you believe the current districts’ disciplinary procedures are acceptable or do you believe we need to update our procedures for discipline and safety?
No. The current districts’ disciplinary procedures are not acceptable. The recent incidents are deeply troubling, and I understand the heightened anxiety among parents across Frisco ISD. I believe our primary responsibility is to ensure a safe and secure learning environment. This demands a robust approach, prioritizing strong physical security measures, close collaboration with law enforcement, and clear, consistently enforced disciplinary policies that hold students accountable. We must also emphasize parental rights and involvement, ensuring open communication and seeking their input on safety protocols. While acknowledging the importance of mental health, we should also focus on programs promoting personal responsibility and character development. I strongly advocate for school resource officers, and their positive impact on campus safety. We must act decisively to prevent violence, address threats, and ensure our schools remain focused on education, not fear. I am committed to working tirelessly to restore and maintain a safe learning environment for every child in Frisco ISD.
What do you believe needs to happen with Staley Middle School and how should this have been handled?
I firmly believe that extending the operation of Staley Middle School until the 2025-2026 school year is the most responsible path forward. This approach prioritizes the well being of Staley’s students and staff by minimizing the disruption to their education and careers, allowing for a more stable and supportive environment during a period of transition. Furthermore, it demonstrates a genuine respect for the Staley community’s voice and their desire for a more gradual adjustment.
Do you have knowledge of Roberts’ Rules and Board Meeting Decorum?
Yes, I understand the importance of Roberts’ Rules of Order and proper Board Meeting Decorum. I recognize that Roberts’ Rules are designed to ensure fairness, efficiency, and the orderly conduct of business. They provide a framework for motions, debates, and voting, ensuring that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in a transparent and democratic manner. I understand the importance of adhering to an agenda, respecting time limits, and conducting discussions in a civil and professional manner. My goal is to contribute to a board that operates effectively and transparently, building trust with the community and ensuring that our decisions are made in the best interests of our students.
What efforts or changes could be made to increase decisive leadership and improve community trust during board meetings?
To truly foster decisive leadership and restore the trust of our Frisco ISD community, we must implement significant changes to our board meeting procedures. I believe that increasing decisiveness necessitates clear, detailed agendas, but critically, we must empower every trustee to place their items on the agenda, ensuring a wider range of perspectives are heard and addressed. We need focused deliberations, grounded in data-driven presentations, and the use of defined decision-making frameworks for complex issues. Strategic planning sessions and transparent articulation of decision rationales will further enhance our ability to lead effectively. Equally important is rebuilding community trust. To achieve this, I propose we make public comment the very first agenda item at every board meeting. This will signal that we prioritize the voices of our residents. Furthermore, every resident should be granted a minimum of three minutes to address the board on any issue, regardless of the meeting’s agenda. This open forum will demonstrate our commitment to listening and responding to the concerns of our community. We must also enhance public participation through various means, ensure complete transparency in information and decision-making, and actively listen to and acknowledge community concerns. Regular community forums, clear communication of board actions, and unwavering accountability will be essential in building bridges. Above all, we must demonstrate respect among board members, even in disagreement, to cultivate a productive and trustworthy environment. By implementing these measures, Frisco ISD can cultivate a board that leads decisively, operates with complete openness, and earns the confidence of our entire community.
Lastly, anything you want voters to know about you!
I want Frisco ISD voters to know I’m committed to upholding the core values of fiscal responsibility, parental rights, and academic excellence. My years of community service have instilled in me a deep respect for the responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and I will advocate for transparent and accountable financial practices. I believe parents are the primary stakeholders in their children’s education, and I will champion policies that empower them to make informed choices. My focus will be on ensuring our schools provide a rigorous, values-driven education that prepares students for success. I believe in maintaining a safe and disciplined learning environment, where teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning. I will advocate for strong partnerships with law enforcement, and for policies that ensure the physical and mental well-being of our students and staff. I’m committed to restoring trust in our school board by prioritizing transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of resources. I will work to ensure that our schools focus on core academic subjects, and that our curriculum reflects the values of our community. I am dedicated to serving Frisco ISD with integrity and unwavering commitment to the principles that make our district strong.
Well, well. The Frisco ISD Superintendent has finally broken his silence. After being called out by Frisco Chronicles for their district’s lack of leadership during this recent tragedy, Dr. Mike Waldrip has released a statement. Not a press conference. Not a town hall. A carefully worded, non-emotionally packaged letter.
Some might say it’s heartfelt. Others—especially those who’ve been watching this district duck accountability like it’s an Olympic sport—might call it something else: too little, too late. Let’s be clear, bullets hit an elementary school and no response. Then rocked with another tragic event that left one student dead, and another charged with Murder, that has left our schools and community shaken to the core. The students, the staff, and the community deserved an immediate, transparent, and unflinching response from district leadership that would lead us through this difficult time. What we got instead was silence—and then, finally, a statement that reads more like a press release drafted in the PR department’s “Cover Your Assets” war room.
Let’s break down Waldrip’s response, starting with “two deeply concerning incidents.” Concerning Incidents? Are you kidding? Then you say you are “reminded that challenges often bring out the best in us, revealing our collective strength, resilience and compassion.” Your response revealed a lot – too little, too late! Where was that courage when parents were begging for answers after these events unfolded? Where was that resilience when students returned to school with more trauma than guidance, more rumors than facts, and more fear than support?
This letter expresses gratitude for emergency responders, and rightly so. But that’s not the leadership vacuum we’ve been calling out. That’s not the black hole of communication from the people paid—handsomely, I might add—to protect, inform, and lead this district through the worst of times. Instead, we got radio silence, save for the whisper campaigns and online confusion the district now blames on “fake social media profiles” and “fraudulent fundraising.”
When leadership abdicates its duty to communicate with clarity and conviction, it creates the perfect breeding ground for confusion. Leadership isn’t just about showing up when your asking residents to vote yes to propositions—it’s about showing up immediately, honestly, and with a clear plan of action. Instead, Frisco ISD waited. And waited. And waited.
Now, we’re being told to stand united. That’s fine. But unity starts with trust, and trust is built on transparency. Not platitudes. Not PR. And certainly not finger-wagging at a public left in the dark. Parents aren’t asking for perfection. We’re asking for truth and for our leadership to lead. If you wait until the storm passes to address the community, you’re not leading. You’re hiding in the bunker, hoping the wind blows over before anyone notices the silence.
So, Dr. Waldrip, thank you for your words. Now we ask—where were they when we needed them most?
Since last week momentum across the nation on social media and in the news continues to grow about the tragic death of Austin Metcalf and the alleged suspect, Karmelo Anthony who has been charged with Murder – 1st Degree Felony. Our community is grieving, and it is compelled by the outside hate and accusations being hurled at the victim, the families, and the community.
Everyone has questions that of course will go unanswered until the Frisco Police Department finishes their investigation. The fact is that two families are torn apart, and both families are grieving in very different ways. Young adults witnessed this and will most likely suffer from some sort of PTSD as they cannot unsee what they experienced that day. What has transpired since the tragedy could have been avoided. What could have helped in this situation is for our City and ISD leaders to come out with a strong voice that a full and complete investigation would be carried out and to support the ongoing investigation by Frisco Police.
Where’s Waldrip? That is a good question! From a scan of social media, we can find no comments made by the Superintendent of the ISD anywhere. All he did on Twitter was repost the Frisco PD post about fake accounts and then Chief Shilson’s letters to the public. No personal comments from Waldrip anywhere. What a good way to lead during crisis. If you remember in 2024 he was all over social media in videos telling residents why they should support the four propositions on the upcoming Nov 5th ballot. Now, it is a game of Where’s Waldo Waldrip.
Where’s Frisco ISD? A clear view of their page shows a post at 10:01 am right as the first 911 call came in relating to 5th graders. Then April 5th at 6am reminds people the last chance to complete the k-12 survey and share your feedback with district leadership. Fast forward to today…nothing! Great leadership FISD telling students you will have therapists on hand, that our ISD community is strong, etc. Nothing – absolutely nothing!
Where is the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees? Dynette Davis, Frisco ISD Trustee made a statement on April 2nd at 2:33 pm. She writes “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a student within Frisco ISD. The Board of Trustees shares in the profound grief of this senseless act of violence and extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones. A young life ending far too soon is a heartbreaking reminder that violence is never the answer to conflict. In times like these, we must come together in support and compassion. Students who need help processing this tragedy are encouraged to speak to their parents or guardians and to reach out to school counseling services for guidance and support. Frisco ISD is committed to providing all necessary resources for everyone impacted by today’s terrible events.”
Current Frisco ISD Board of Trustees who made a comment or shared Davis comment includes Sherrie Salas and Stephanie Elad.
Current Frisco ISD Board of Trustee members who have made no comment are Keith Maddox Sr., Mark Hill, Marvin Lowe, and Gopal Ponangi (who is running for Frisco City Council).
Candidates running currently for the Board of Trustees that commented include Renee Sample, Stuart Shulman, Amit Kalara, Muniraj Janagarajan. and Melanie Jones
Others candidate running currently for the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees who have made no comment include Suresh Manduva and Ange Yao.
Just look back over time:
We had a bullet hit a Frisco ISD elementary school prompting the early release of students, where is that investigation? What happened?
What happened to the students involved with vandalism at Memorial High School a few years ago during a senior prank day. Damages included paint on the walls, furniture destroyed, and fire extinguishers set off, closing the campus for several days.
Multiple kids have been killed in Frisco just walking to school or riding their bike in the early morning hours to school. What is the district doing along with the city to prevent that?
We even had a child arrested for bring a BB gun to school back in 2019.
Heck the Attorney General of Texas sued our district for electioneering back in 2024.
Where is the leadership within our school district? What we don’t understand is why more people are not asking questions of the school district? This is the time for them to come out holding hands with a powerful message of unity, forgiveness and strength … but nothing! You could hear crickets’ chip from across the city. Where is the leadership in our district? Why is no one asking…. WHAT IS HAPPENING IN FRISCO ISD?
At Whistleblower, we have said we feel for both families – this was a tragedy that did not have to happen. These types of things should not be happening in our community. When it comes to Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony, instead of being able to heal, we are faced with a firestorm of media outlets, content creators, and others whose goal is to create their narratives that include pushing hatred and divisiveness. Every rumor, accusation, and false narrative only hurts this case and our community.
Today the Next Generation Action Network in Dallas met with Frisco Police. They are concerned about a fair trial, and they are concerned about the false narratives across the board. They were concerned about the Anthony families fear to leave there home and the death threats the family is receiving because their child was involved in this incident. They want to make sure the Anthony family is receiving the protection they need. The President of NGAN said the disinformation out there is actually hurting the case, and social media has been a stomping ground for them to launch any disparity they want to. President, Dominque Alexander said after he met with Frisco PD, he feels comfortable as of right now things are being done properly, but they will have to wait and see how things go moving forward. Frisco PD should look into the threats against the Anthony family as well. We agree they should!
Next NGAN wanted to clear up some of the rumors being spread which include:
The Autopsy Report Online: Fake
The Statement From an account under Chief Shilson’s name: FAKE
Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony knew each other before this incident: False
Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony partied together before: False
Austin Metcalf and his twin brother were not on the roster to be at the track meet: False
Kamelo Anthony was not on the roster to be at the track meet: False
ALL THREE BOYS WERE ON THE ROSTER AND SUPPOSED TO BE THERE!
All three young men arrived at the track meet via Fisco ISD school buses.
Karmelo Anthony was kicked out of his home days before this event: False
Concern about if all witnesses have been interviewed: Per the President of NGAN, Frisco PD confirmed they have interviewed several people and are ongoing, and they have more to interview.
Video of the event: Yes – Frisco PD confirmed they have confiscated video footage of the event. That will not be released to the public as it is part of the investigation and will come out in court.
At Whistleblower we would also like to clear up two issue we have heard:
Frisco ISD does not own the event/stadium? False, it is owned by the school district, so state laws apply
What was Anthony right when it came to him carrying a knife on school grounds?
Can a weapon, such as a knife be carried on school property? Texas Penal code Section 46.03 (Places Weapons Prohibited) states, “A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, location-restricted knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05 (Prohibited Weapons)(a):
(1) on the premises of a school or postsecondary educational institution, on any grounds or building owned by and under the control of a school or postsecondary educational institution and on which an activity sponsored by the school or institution is being conducted, or in a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or postsecondary educational institution, whether the school or postsecondary educational institution is public or private, unless:
pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the school or institution;
on the premises where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting event or interscholastic event is taking place, unless the person is a participant in the event and a firearm, location-restricted knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05 (Prohibited Weapons)(a) is used in the event;
Instead of creating a narrative that this is a race issue, ask Frisco ISD and its leadership some serious questions about how their actions have failed students. Why don’t they back up their teachers? What have they done over the years to bury issues? Why would they not have security at the stadium? What medical personnel did they have at the stadium? The big shockers that come from this are going to fall on the lack of leadership from our school district, starting with Superintendent Waldrip.
Most of all, continue to pray for both families and our community.
***** IF YOU WORK FOR FRISCO ISD AND WANT TO TELL US SOMETHING YOU CAN EMAIL US AT FRISCOWHISTLEBLOWER@PROTONMAIL.COM. WE WILL PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY ********
In Frisco, there is a permission process for running for office. What do we mean by permission process? Let us share: if you are interested in running for city council, you need to let Mayor Cheney know, and he will notify his henchwoman, Lorie Medina. Medina will then let you know if you have permission and if you are qualified enough to run for office. Suppose you don’t have the support of Cheney and Medina, otherwise known as the leaders of the established Frisco cabal. In that case, they will make it very difficult for you by turning to their developer friends to fund the campaigns of the “Cabal Approved” candidates.
How do we know this? It is what we have been told by several previous candidates who ran for office against the Medina Machine! If you want to run for office in Frisco, you must have their blessing, and they will give you the “pathway” to the dais of the council. But first, one must pay their dues, of course, or they will be told, “It’s just not your turn yet!”
It makes you wonder why any rational human being would want or try to run for office in Good Ole Frisco! Maybe they believe in things like community service and making a difference. Maybe they think local government should be more than a rubber stamp for developers. Then again, maybe—just maybe—they’re the rare type of person who enjoys the thrill of fighting voter apathy that plagues our elections. Either way, this time around Frisco residents have choices, and it is up to them to get off the couch, stop making excuses, and vote for change. Otherwise, you will once again find yourself asking why your city council makes decisions without your input. Remember, you had a chance to care. You just didn’t. Let’s look at who is running for Place 4! To be fair, we will go in order of their names on the ballot.
First up is Joshua Meek, whose filing application states he is a Real Estate Professional! According to his website, he is “Your Local Real Estate Expert” – just what we need, another Realtor! According to another site, Meek Industries, of which he is the Founder and CEO, they are a diversified holding company with a mission to acquire and grow attractive investments that generate sustainable cash flow. What? It does not list any partners, investments they are involved in, etc.
According to his political website, he has attended 133 Frisco City Council Meetings. Have you ever wondered who is that guy who sometimes wears a baseball hat and sits right behind the podium where everyone speaks to the council – that is Meek. He was appointed to the Frisco Community Development Corporation Board and has been involved in several notable projects. It touts he is a community leader, who over the last 14 years served in a variety of Frisco organizations and community positions including, Frisco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Visit Frisco Board Member, member of the Frisco Rotary Club, Leadership Frisco class graduate, and Citizens Police and Fire Academy graduate.
What is Meeks Platform? Well, it says he wants “THRIVING PARTNERSHIPS” and touts our success is due to those partnerships with DEVELOPERS, school districts, healthcare systems and higher educational institutions. He goes on to say these partnerships must be PRIORTIZED as we finalize Frisco’s buildout. Truth is he is the young Cheney who is all about development and developers from what we can tell.
Next up he wants to “Pioneer Innovation” and somehow relates that to public safety. He believes that integration of technology and artificial intelligence can further enhance the high-quality performance of Frisco’s first responders. Personally, I don’t think AI can fight a house fire or stop an armed robbery the way our actual first responders can!
Lastly, he wants to “Leverage Economics” and he will continue to lower the tax rate by leveraging the use of sales tax revenue. That way Frisco CDC and EDC are able to create funding sources to help strategically fund parks, projects and attract employers that many other communities. What caught our attention was his comment “By continuing to invest in Frisco as a destination location” but do Frisco Residents want to be a destination location or a community. He also forgot to mention the CDC or EDC will fund a big Performing Arts Center that the cabal wants.
Next up Jared Elad whom we have nicknamed “The Beard” from his yellow signs popping up! His application lists his occupation as a small business owner. According to his website, he came from a modest upbringing in Tennessee and Oklahoma and got a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University.
He began his career as a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch and later worked at Wells Fargo and BB&T/Truist as a Financial Advisor and Vice President. In 2024, he went independent to better serve his clients. Elad is married to Stephanie Elad (FISD Board Member) and has two daughters. Jared currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Villages of Stonelake HOA.
Jared Elad’s website goes on to say he wants to Eliminate excess spending, Lower taxes, Accomplish the budget, and be Dependable to the community. Get it ELAD! He touts we need fiscal responsibility with transparency, and he wants every taxpayer dollar spent efficiently, and wants to cut out wasteful expenses with a focus on projects that bring true value to “FRISCO RESIDENTS.”
Elad’s site also goes on to say he will support Public Safety, and he is dedicated to partnering with Frisco PD and Fire to ensure they have the resources, training, and equipment needed to serve and protect all Frisco residents effectively. He is for Community Friendly Development & Growth that supports economic vitality while not forgetting that it needs to align with the needs, concerns and wants of “FRISCO RESIDENTS.”
Lastly, Jared Elad has some cute pet videos and displays his support for Frisco Pets on his Facebook page. For the pet lovers, he had declared he is for a new pet shelter to ensure the safety and well-being of Frisco pets. As soon as he displayed his support for pets, the first comment came from an infamous Cabel supporter, Jake Petras, who stated he would also love a pet shelter and asked how we would fund it. Funny because we have seen many posts where Petras attacks pet people and the idea of a shelter, so we have to assume the cabal has him at work again being their mouthpiece to put other candidates running on defense or at least try!
Next up we have Jerry Spencer, and his application states he is an investor. He has lived in Texas for 76 years and over 20 years in Frisco. We could not find a website for Spencer, but we did find a Facebook page, but it was also limited to information. We sent a message asking if he had any platform ideas he wanted to share for our article.
Spencer responded that he lives on the east side of the tollway in Plantation. He would like to see Frisco shift the focus from sports, tourism, and being a destination city and broaden our economic base with a much greater emphasis on attracting emerging technology and 21st century industries such as AI, robotics, drone technology, autonomous driving, medical research, etc.
Spencer would like to also put a focus on regional cooperation with our regional partners in both Denton and Collin County. He believes Frisco has a Lone Ranger mentality, and he would like to see us have a regional performing arts center where we pair up with Plano, McKinney and Allen. There are 235,000 people in Frisco, but more than 750,000 in those four cities. The per capita costs of an arts center drop dramatically when spread over four cities. He said working together would be a better solution.
Next, we have Gopala Ponangi, whose occupation is listed as a Business Owner. He has lived in Texas for 24 years and spent 21 of those years in Frisco, Texas. Gopal is married with two daughters and has a pet Shih Tzu named Coco. He is a small business owner with an emphasis in Digital Marketing for Financial Services and Real Estate. If Gopal’s name sounds familiar it should, as he has served on the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees, Place one. His website at the time said, “Education is my passion, and I will strive to give my best to our students and the community.”
According to his website for Place 4 City Council, he says he is proud to be an active member of Frisco, leaving initiatives through nonprofits with a focus on Education, Healthcare and the Fine Arts. His bio states he is the Past Director of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation. He also was a founding Co-Chair of the Mayors Adhoc Committee for the Frisco Indian Affairs which has now taken the shape of the Multicultural Committee under Frisco Boards and Commissions. He touts on his website how he has served on several committees through FISD.
As for his Vision for Frisco, he would like to focus on more local jobs through smart, responsible growth. He would also like to see an improvement in traffic and will work to prioritize smart traffic solutions to keep Frisco moving forward. He is committed to Public Safety and will prioritize funding to ensure our first responders have the necessary resources to protect citizens.
After reviewing Gopal’s website, we had two questions. First if he is passionate about education then why is he running for city council? Second, he states he served on a lot of boards which made us wonder how he had the time? If you investigate his attendance for some of these boards, he boasts about it appears he was absent at 99% of the meetings. If he can’t show up for boards/committees/meetings, etc. then why would we think he will show up for city council meetings and all the duties that come with that role.
Lastly, we haveSangita Datta, and her application states her occupation as a financial specialist, having lived in Frisco for the last 6.5 years. We assume Datta is a Frisco Socialite because we constantly see her at events, and she has helped each of our current council members campaign during election cycles. According to her website, she is committed to making Frisco a better place to live, work, and grow. Her service journey began in Mother Teresa’s house in Kolkata, where she learned the meaning of life, compassion, and giving back to the community.
Datta’s platform includes promoting economic growth and fiscal responsibility through attracting quality jobs and supporting local businesses, using city resources wisely to keep taxes low, and fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. Secondly, she stands for enhancing a family-friendly community life by investing in parks, playgrounds, and community spaces and supporting initiatives that help working parents maintain Frisco’s reputation as a great city. Hmmm, we have initiatives that maintain our city’s reputation. Do tax dollars pay for that? Datta also wants to ensure safety and preserve Frisco’s unique character. After reading her site, we are not sure how preserving the city’s character affects safety, but hopefully, we have time to learn during the debates.
She believes her experience serving on the City of Frisco Parks & Recreation Board, Ambassador for the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, as Treasurer for the Indian Association of North Texas, and as an Ambassador for the Frisco Inclusion Committee will help her while serving on City Council. Datta also graduated from the Leadership Frisco, Citizens Police Academy and completed the City 101 programs.
That rounds out your choices for Place 4! Meeks reminds us of a young Cheney Real Estate mogul in training. Elad is a marketing genius with “The Beard” and we are excited to learn more about him in the debates. The pet-friendly Frisco will most likely gravitate to Elad because he has openly said he supports an animal shelter. Gopal is the obvious Cabel plant as he “supports the arts” meaning a Performing Arts Center. Proof that Gopal is one of the implants in his kickoff photos with Keating and Pelham.
We would like Gopal to explain his attendance record for previous positions he has held and tell us how it will be different this time. In our opinion, Datta should be madder than a wet hen that those she supported for years are not showing her the same respect she has shown them over the years. We need more clarification regarding her platform, and we are concerned her relationships with the current council means she will stay “inline” with what the Cheney Machine wants. However, we could be wrong, maybe there has been a clear line drawn in the sand of friendship. As for Spencer, we just don’t know enough about the person or platform to offer an opinion. The Whistleblowers want change – however that comes! We want independent individuals who will make their own decisions and not follow the gravy train of the current council members.
Diversity refers to the presence of a variety of people, cultures, races, religions, and more that make up a local community. Growing up in another country we traveled to many destinations and that allowed us to learn about diversity and different cultures in our early developmental years. It was eye-opening and breathtaking, and little did we know it was exposing us to the diversity in those local communities. My dad loved talking to the locals, eating local foods, and doing what the locals did. Those are some of the best memories that I carry with me today.
Now as a dad and granddad, I try to expose them to the same blessings bestowed upon me by my father. A few years ago, my grandkids said, Papa can we go to the event where they throw colors all around and get dirty? I explained to them that Holi or the Festival of Colors, was a religious Hindu event to mark spring’s arrival and the triumph of good over evil. I explained to them it was rooted in ancient traditions, and that it is one of the most prominent Hindu celebrations next to Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The kids were excited to learn more and understand it better and now we take them every year. By attending the event they had fun, made new friends, and learned that diversity in a community is a great thing.
Frisco is growing so much that in 2017, Mayor Cheney created an ad hoc committee on fostering communication between the city’s Asian Indian community and city leadership. The Frisco Indian Affairs Committee defined its mission through four pillars: community outreach, civic engagement, philanthropy, and events. At the time it was created, the Indian community was made up of about 35,000 residents and that has only increased with rapid growth in our region. With the rapid growth of the Indian American community comes a significant political constituency. An online survey conducted in September 2020 showed that while holding relatively liberal views when it comes to US politics, Indian Americans are conservative when it comes to issues back in India.
Over the last few months, we have received several emails from different followers living in our Indian American community here in Frisco. Surprisingly, they shared the same sentiment of concern over whether their community understands the effect of their voting power and how to choose the candidate who will best represent or include their community. They explained that the “leaders” of the community with a substantial presence generally “guide others” on who to vote for. They are concerned some leaders have ulterior motives and may not be doing what is best for the community, but what is best for them. So, we decided to investigate one.
One leader in the Indian American Community is Gopal Ponangi who currently sits on the Frisco Independent School Board. We pulled up his campaign finance reports for the period covering 01/01/2021 to 06/30/2021, expecting to see lots of donors but there were only three and each one donated $5000.00. The donors were Venu Bhagyanagar, Anand Chillappa, and Pavan Nellutla. Then one more donation for $500 from Dustin Paschal.
We pulled up his second campaign finance report from 07/01/2021 to 12/31/2021 and has a $200 donation from Angelia Pelham (current councilwoman), and $1000 from John Keating (current councilman). Under pledged contributions, you have Venu Bhagyanagar, Anand Chillappa, and Pavan Nellutla for $5000 each. Then there are several more from other individuals ranging from $50 to $1500.
Then we looked at his more recent campaign finance report for the period 7/1/22 through 12/31/22. We saw the same three names under pledged contributions: Venu Bhagyanagar, Anand Chillappa, Pavan Nellutla and each gave $5000 dollars.
At first glance, we notice several of his donations are from current or former members of city boards and commissions including Chinasatyam Veernapu – Parks and Recreation Board, Venu Bhagyanagar – Former Frisco Parks Recreation Board 2021, Pavan Raj Nellutla – Urban Forestry Board, Hitesh Naidu – Board of Adjustments / Construction Board of Appeals, and Venkat Mulukutla – Social Services & Housing Board. The other concern is the donations from Angelia Pelham and $1000 from John Keating.
Gopal appears to have a very vested interest in who he supports. Our question is, did Gopal Ponangi encourage his community to vote for the best candidates or the ones who donated to him? It also makes you wonder if his largest contributors sit on City boards and commissions, could that influence who he supports? Could it be a conflict if he wanted to endorse another candidate instead of the current sitting council members? Obviously, Gopal is not going to bite the hand that feeds his campaign contributions list.
Gopal was out at the polls on election day with Keating and he kept pulling people over and telling them how to vote. Then he had them take pictures with Mayor Cheney, which he later posted on his social media pages. We will talk more about that in another blog. More importantly, do these leaders show up throughout the year, or only annual events, and during election season?
Maybe
Tammy’s supporters have a real pattern of poor ethics. Is it a common thread that Tammy supporters have questionable morals…
i speculate one of them three horse sisters of Cheney. they fight like roller derby girls. i bet they can…
Illegal activity from Tammy’s campaign: 3 All other campaigns: 0
Frisco police should absolutely investigate. It may even be an FBI matter.