In the wake of the tragic stabbing of 17-year-old high school athlete Austin Metcalf at a track meet, the community has been grappling with grief. Amidst this turmoil, people feel the need to talk about it, and it has become a hot topic across social media platforms. Comments from students, parents, community members, and agitators all seem to reflect opinions on what happened that day. The community is divided because no one can truly comprehend how two boys go to school and don’t come home.
But one post from today (9 hours ago) on the FRWC Facebook page, run by Jamie Heit, set off a spark of anger among many in the community, and our email box blew up! We went to read the post, and honestly, we couldn’t believe what we were reading. Heit posted a new fundraising link for Karmelo Anthony (17 years old), who is now charged with Murder, a 1st Degree Felony, and sits in jail with a bond set at $1 million. She writes, we do not know what occurred on Wednesday, and in her opinion, it was up to the investigators to determine, the attorneys to litigate, and a jury and judge to decide. She has chosen to share the fundraising link for Anthony just as she did for the Metcalf families, and that it was not meant to be disrespectful for the loss of life or the unimaginable pain that the Metcalf family is dealing with.
Heit goes on to say in the post what we do know, is that one student is being laid to rest and another student sits behind bars for ALLEGEDLY STABBING the other. Then she closed the post to comments. I wonder why?
Here is the problem with the post, Jamie Heit refers to Anthony as the “alleged” assailant and suggests that the full details of the incident remain unknown. The term “alleged” is typically used to describe someone accused of a crime. Furthermore, Heit’s assertion that “we don’t know what happened” seems to overlook the comprehensive information released by law enforcement. The Frisco Police Department’s statements, corroborated by eyewitnesses, outline a clear sequence of events leading to Metcalf’s death that are in an arrest warrant affidavit.
Based on the arrest warrant affidavit (that all four local news channels shared including Heit’s favorite WFAA) which details the moment officers arrived at the track meet and what witnesses told them led up to the deadly confrontation. The affidavit also states Anthony claims it was self-defense. The arresting officer who found Anthony and walked him off the track said before he even questioned Anthony about the incident, Anthony said, “I was protecting myself and Metcalf put his hands on me.” After another officer arrived, Anthony was then handcuffed and escorted towards the squad card and according to the affidavit when the officer referred to Anthony as the alleged suspect, Anthony responded “I’m not alleged, I did it!” The affidavit goes on to say when while Anthony was being escorted to the police car and put in the back seat of the vehicle the office made note of fresh blood on Anthony’s middle finger. The document states that Anthony (while in the back seat of the police vehicle) asked the officer if Metcalf was going to be OK and then asked the officer if his actions could be considered self-defense.
Here is the thing, at this point it doesn’t matter why he did it – no one should have died that day. Anthony ADMITTED TO STABBING METCALF – so it is not “ALLEGED” IT IS “CONFIRMED”.
The reason as to why he did it is listed in the affidavit and confirmed by other witnesses. Heit must not have watched her favorite channel WFAA. WFAA as well as every other media outlet got a copy of the arrest affidavit, which documents the events. What we know is that Anthony was sitting under the Memorial pop-up tent when the rain began to fall. The report goes on to say, “One witness reportedly told police that the victim, Austin Metcalf, had told the suspect, Karmelo Anthony, he would need to move out from under his team’s tent.” Another witness told police, “Upon being told to move, Anthony opened his bag and reached inside and then said to Metcalf “Touch me and see what happens.” Another witness said, “Metcalf reportedly then touched Anthony, and Anthony told Metcalf to punch him and see what would happen.” The affidavit continues, “Anthony reportedly pulled out what the witnesses recalled as a large black knife and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest before running away.” A witness then said, “Metcalf grabbed his chest and told people to get help.” According to the affidavit, the story was the same among several eyewitnesses at the scene.
But with all that information already out, Ms. Heit writes her post today with a fundraising link, saying we don’t know what happened, it was alleged, it was … really? Our mailbox was filled with messages, and what irked many of the people who emailed us about her post was her previous posts from the week, where Ms. Heit doesn’t hold herself accountable to the same standards she preaches from her pulpit to her group members to follow. Just look at the other posts that led up to today’s firestorm post.
The first post on FRWC appeared on Wednesday April 2nd by a resident at 10:41am saying to “check on your kids” because my son just called and there was a stabbing of a Memorial student by a Centennial student. Word spread fast and many residents tuned into the number one “Frisco” page run by Jamie Heit who we have written about in the past in our blog Heit’end Controls. Due to the number of inappropriate or misleading comments Jamie Heit quickly announced she was closing comments and would only be posting official updates in order not to spread misinformation or be disrespectful towards the family or students affected by this. In a case like this we can appreciate that move because it involves young adults and there was nothing but rumors flying around as it had just happened.
Just a few hours later, Heit took to online pulpit or page and posted a WFAA story (since when did news stories qualify as official updates) and wrote that since the family has now confirmed their son’s passing, she felt it was now appropriate to share that they have set up a GoFundMe. Just a short time later, she posted information on the prayer vigil for Austin Metcalf (which we attended). At around 4 pm that same day, she made another post sharing a link to the Frisco PD’s official press release then updated the same post at 5:45 pm. Heit noted the PR had the suspect’s photo but said she would not share the suspect’s photo because he is a minor. She then warned everyone not to post photos or videos of the suspect who is a minor or they would be banned from the group. Then she says, “UNLESS THE MINOR’S HEADSHOT IS PUBLICLY RELEASED BY AUTHORITIES, IT DOES NOT BELONG ON FRWC!”
Ms. Heit, maybe you should click the link you posted because it has the offenders’ official booking photo. You contradicted your own words because the AUTHORITIES did release the photo. Then after updating your post at 5:45pm you posted again at 6:10pm “Just Heartbreaking (broken heart emoji)” and it is another WFAA report (now considered official updates apparently) with a photo of the victim who had been identified – Austin Metcalf, WHO IS A MINOR!! Ms. Heit, why is it okay, 20 minutes later after your tirade and blocking people for posting photos of a minor, that YOU now post a picture of a minor? Then 20 minutes later, she posts the father’s official GFM, which has Austin Metcalf’s picture again. Why not post a link to the GFM without the picture, just like you did in the post regarding the offender? You know, to protect the minors? Why is it okay to post one of the boy’s photos but not the other?
The next day on April 3rd, Heit again posts official updates by WFAA, saying “This is just gut-wrenching” and goes on to write this has the videos with both Austin’s mother and brother are in the link. The link brings up a picture of Austin Metcalf’s, A MINOR! IS IT OKAY NOW TO POST PHOTOS OF MINORS?
Later that day, Heit posts official updates again from WFAA, and this time it has a picture of the student arrested, Karmelo Anthony. Remember, readers can post pictures, and people have been removed/blocked from her page, but Heit can do whatever she wants because it is an OFFICIAL UPDATE from WFAA. The official press release by the POLICE that had a photo of the offender, you would not publish because you claimed he was a minor. The official update by WFAA, well, you can publish that! What happened to the rules about minors?
Then yesterday a resident posted about the Frisco PD working with the FBI to investigate fake social media posts regarding the fatal stabbing and it shows kids (MINORS) getting on buses. Pretty sure the linked photo is of minors getting on school buses, so it is okay to post these minors. Later in the day, Heit posts about the ICF Healing for Hearts which is for all faiths to discuss the tragedy. Yet Heit did not post any of the other church groups offering similar such events. Wonder why.
In closing, are we surprised by today’s post? No, of course not! FRWC is her page, and Heit can do, post, accept, and deny anyone or anything she wants. What she shouldn’t do is lie to 20k+ people that this was done to be fair to everyone involved. Heit did this so she could keep her like-minded friends happy. We have said it before when you have control of a page with 20k+ followers and want to claim to be impartial, then be impartial! That won’t happen because she does this all the time, she makes posts, shuts down commenting on posts, deletes comments, and is constantly lecturing everyone on how to act, but then does not follow her own words.
Based on that knowledge in the affidavit, we can’t understand how Ms. Heit can justify posting a fundraising link for someone charged with Murder. Texas law states that once you turn 17, you are legally considered an adult, and any criminal charges could and would be handled in an adult court. While I agree with Ms. Heit that the legal process will ultimately determine the outcome for Anthony, the facts presented thus far paint a compelling picture. In such a sensitive situation, it’s crucial for community leaders and influencers to base their statements and actions on verified information to avoid spreading misinformation or inadvertently minimizing the gravity of the incident. As the community mourns the loss of one student and grapple with the fact it happened at the hands of another student, it’s imperative to approach the situation with empathy and a commitment to truth, ensuring that the memory of Austin Metcalf is honored appropriately, and that justice is pursued truthfully and diligently for Anthony Karmelo.
For now, we are praying for both families, we understand that each one is facing their own battle with grief and sadness. What we won’t due is post a fundraising link for a kid who admitted to stabbing another child. That is just….insane!
Well folks, it’s that magical time again in Frisco—election season—when the lawn signs bloom like spring wildflowers, the political mailers clog our mailboxes faster than credit card offers, and the campaign coffers overfloweth… with cold, hard cash.
But not just any cash. Oh no, we’re talking about that sweet, sweet nectar of the gods: Developer Donation Dollars—a.k.a. Tammy’s Triple D’s.
Yes, in a stunning twist no one saw coming (except literally anyone who has watched city politics for five minutes), Councilwoman Tammy Meinershagen reported a jaw-dropping $40,833.64 in campaign contributions in just the last three months. That’s a lot of yard signs and catered meet-and-greets. But here’s where it gets juicy: $31,041.44—roughly 76%—came from developers who have current or future projects in the pipeline and paving Frisco one luxury development at a time.
Coincidence? Just your average neighborhood bake sale gone wild? Or maybe developers just have an intense passion for local democracy… the kind of passion usually accompanied by architectural renderings and infrastructure impact studies. Why are these developer titans so invested in our humble city council races? Are they just really, really into zoning meetings? Or could it be they know that in Frisco, if you want to shape the skyline, you’ve got to shape the council first?
Let’s put on our rubber gloves and dig through the money trail, one donation at a time—name, company, and what exactly they’re building in our backyard. Spoiler alert: it’s not a public park. Grab your hard hats, folks. It’s time to follow the bulldozers—and the bucks.
$1000: Todd & Heather Lisle: Todd worked at Forvis Accounting until he retired. According to the Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports each year on the city website, “FORVIS, Certified Public Accountants, has issued unmodified (“clean”) opinions on the City of Frisco’s financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2023. The report of the independent auditors is located at the beginning of the Financial Section.”
$2000 Each: Theresa & Michael Sinacola, James Sinacola and Joseph Sinacola – works on projects every day in Frisco for private developers and the city projects.
$3000: Philip Rose – CrossTie Capital (Frisco Fields Development)
$3000: Fehmi and Elizabeth Karahan – Karahan Companies (Frisco Fields Development)
$5000: Robert Shaw – Columbus Realty Partners (Frisco Fields Development)
$5000: Richard Reupke – Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Columbus Realty Partners since the firms inception in 1999. They own Twelve Cowboys Way Luxury Apartments and are involved in PGA/North Fields developing a Class A Multifamily development in Frisco.
In-Kind (Non-Monetary) Donation:
$9,892.34 Craig Hall – Founder of Hall Group For Kickoff Venue/Food/Beverage
Other donors include:
$500: Jason Denton – Local Businessman and on the Frisco CDC Board
$1500: Answer Azam – Local CPA and Former Candidate For Council
Political Expenditures Made:
$5000: Cynergy-Ink ** We could find no company website for this company, no franchise tax id account in Texas and the address but the address comes back to a home registered to a woman whose social media says she does Graphic Design
$2900: Campaign Management Services for a mobile app and we can not find anything on this company but they appear on several candidate campaign finance reports for campaign services.
And there you have it, folks. Just another heartwarming tale of local democracy, where average citizens like you and me—armed with nothing but a mortgage, three kids, and a dog that eats Legos—are expected to go toe-to-toe with deep-pocketed developers who treat campaign donations like they’re dropping quarters into a casino slot machine that spits out zoning variances.
Some residents are tired of wondering why that five-story mixed-use “village” just popped up where the park used to be, or why our street floods every time someone flushes during a light drizzle—maybe, just maybe—we should follow the money (unless you don’t want to ruin the surprise). I know, I know… who has time to read campaign finance reports when “The Bachelor of Frisco Lakes: Retirement Village” is on? We’ve got real problems—like whether our HOA will fine us for leaving your garbage bin out 14 minutes too long. It leaves us no time to wonder why our city council candidate suddenly got $40,000 from developers who wants to turn a pasture into a “luxury lifestyle hub.” That’s just a coincidence! Pure civic enthusiasm!
But hey, democracy’s working just fine. As long as by “democracy,” you mean a handful of land speculators playing Monopoly with real houses, real traffic, and your real tax dollars. We have shouted it from the rooftops of Frisco homes, trying to warn you that when that same candidate tells you they “can’t be bought,” they’re technically telling the truth—because let’s be honest, at this point they’re on layaway. Just waiting to be delivered after the election.
Yesterday morning, two families woke up in Frisco excited for their kids who had UIL Championship Track Meet at Kenkuydall Stadium. Neither family had any clue or saw coming that by the end of the day one family would lose a son, and the other family would have a son facing murder charges. This should not be happening in Frisco, Texas.
Today, it is compounded by the fact that America (yes America, this has gone viral) has an opinion on what happened. Rumors are being crafted, hate is being spread across social media calling this racial because of the colors of the boy’s skin tones, accusations are being hurled. People are digging through these two teenage boy’s social media accounts looking for the “worst of the worst” to post and they will find it – but how does that change this now? The end result is spreading more hate and divide in a time when we should be waiting for answers.
Believe me when I say this is a parent’s worst nightmare come true on both sides. The parents had no clue as their kids went out the door, neither of them would be coming home. The father of Austin Metcalf, the victim who died in his twin brothers’ arms, spoke out and said, “I want to clarify something right off the start because I have already heard some rumors and gossip. This was not a race thing; this is not a political thing …this is a human being thing! This young man made a bad choice, and it affected his family and our family forever. It is a very unfortunate thing.” He went on “I forgive this boy, not for him but for me, as a father to have peace. His life is destroyed, my life is destroyed; it is an unfortunate, tragic event that will affect us for the rest of our lives. I want to get the word out to other parents so they will talk to their children, so this does not happen again. Senseless acts of violence have become more acceptable, and we have become more callous to them. That needs to change.”
He is an incredible father to have faith over fear today! My wife and I would like to follow in his father’s footsteps and send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to both families. We will be lifting them all up in prayer as well as for our community to heal from this. Last night, Austin Metcalf was called home. Last night Karmelo Anthony spent the first of many nights in jail. Nobody Wins!
Part of that healing is asking legitimate questions that we expect investigators to find answers to:
1. Why did a young man bring a knife to a track meet?
2. At what moment, did he loose control and make the decision to stab him in the chest?
3. When did the first call to 911 get logged?
4. What was the dispatch time, enroute time, and arrival time of the first arriving unit, and was the clear time?
5. Were there any medical personnel for the school on-site at this track meet? If no, why not?
6. Did the revitalization construction happening downtown directly affect the response time of EMS units. What was the time frame delay between him being stabbed and receiving life saving measures by police and fire including CPR and the administration of blood?
7. Is the school offering mental health services to the kids involved and around?
8. Is the city offering mental health services to the first responders who had to watch this young adult die?
9. Were there any warning signs in the young adult’s life or history that would have led the school to believe that he could become a dangerous offender or be carrying a weapon?
10. How could this have avoided? What security measures did the school district have in place at this event?
Both families have to live with Karmelo Anthony decision for the rest of their lives. These questions will tell us who dropped the ball and at what level because a kid does not wake up and say Today, I am taking a knife to a track meet. We need to know where, how, and when the failures happened to keep all the students safe in our schools. One young man made a decision that would affect both families’ lives forever yesterday. We need to stop and talk to our kids and make sure they understand that it doesn’t matter if this was over a seat, a cellphone, or a simple exchange of teenage verbal words — none of those reasons, or any reason, is acceptable to take a person’s life. That is the conversation parents should be having today with their kids. The other day, I took my wife to HEB, and she is in a wheelchair. I had a hard time getting it up over the curb. A group of kids laughed and snickered – no one offered to help and that is what is wrong with our country today. It is time to reteach our kids about humanity and being good stewards. We need to ask ourselves, “What is happening to our town, to our community, that this would be how an otherwise normal day ends?”
This should not have happened in Frisco, Texas …. Yet it did!
The conversation around FCFA (Frisco Center for the Performing Arts) is like watching a hockey game. Fans focus on the puck, darting across the ice at breakneck speed, while the real action—the jabs, the shoves, the outright brawls—unfolds around it. In this case, the puck is the FCFA debate, and the players? Several players have come forward offering wisdom and insight like George Purefoy, Shono Sowell, Jared Elad, Jerry Spencer, and Burt Thaker.
Mayor Jeff Cheney has decided to be both the referee and the enforcer, throwing punches at anyone who dares question his grand vision. His online meltdown is documented in his trolling comments of citizens, council candidates, previous city employees, and future mayoral candidates. We call him the digital reincarnation of American Cult Leader, David Koresh. Cheney views Frisco residents as his personal Branch Davidians, expecting—no, demanding—blind loyalty. He envisions himself as the all-knowing prophet of Frisco’s future, leading his followers toward his Broadway-sized promised land, whether they like it or not.
Just like Koresh, Cheney loves the sound of his own voice. His strategy? Talk incessantly until his opponents are too exhausted to argue. History has shown that when Cheney gets his panties in a wad or feels his grip slipping, he shifts into attack mode, labeling residents “ignorant,” “unaware,” or “misinformed.” It’s almost comical—except for the fact that he genuinely believes he’s the smartest person in the room. As my mother used to say, the proof is in the pudding.
Why the Obsession with FCFA?
Why is Jeff Cheney and his sidekicks Tammy Meinershagen and John Keating fighting so hard for a Frisco Center For The Arts?
For Meinershagen, it’s personal. She has had a lifelong love affair with the arts (she plays the violin), and she has served on the Frisco Arts Boards and Commissions. One could wonder, has her love for the arts possibly clouded her judgment. Is she advocating for the entire city or just her arts community?
Keating has a twofold motivation: 01: He wants to be mayor, and winning this battle gives him a nice “dog whistle” for his next campaign boost. 02: He owns a house in The Preserve, which Cheney has said is the most exclusive community to ever be built in Frisco, as it sits next to the PGA. A luxurious neighborhood near the proposed arts center —a fancy arts venue next door = only increased property values.
And Cheney? Well, he wins in real estate—again. Let’s be honest, a massive arts venue will drive up property values along the 380 corridors, directly benefiting the real estate that the Cheney Group represents in Fields Residential Developments. Just as he has done in the past, Cheney will say there is no conflict of interest and that he doesn’t use his position as Mayor to benefit his business. Coincidence? We think not.
The Social Media Meltdown
Why is Cheney on a social media overdrive to sell this project to the public? To understand you must look at the comments on the March 8th post by the Smart Frisco PAC on their Facebook page. Former City Manager, George Purefoy, who is a very respected individual in our city and many value his opinion since he “built Frisco,” openly stated he was against the measures on the ballot relating to the Frisco EDC and did not like the fact that residents were being misled that it would cost nothing. On the same post, several other well-respected names in our community spoke out. Political candidates such as Jerry Spencer, Jared Elad, and Burt Thacker have also come out against the measures.
On March 22, Shona Sowell, who previously served as a city councilwoman for many years, giving her access to the spatial studies and feasibility studies done regarding a performing arts center. She has also been involved in city conversations related to a PAC and published an informed opinion on her Facebook page, Shona Sowell for Frisco Mayor. That is when Cheney lost it and his performance backfired!
First, Cheney uses a set of cabal minions to question Purefoy and Sowell. In this case, that would be Jake Petras and David Bickerstaff. When that doesn’t work, he dives right into the media fire himself, replying to several comments on Sowell’s page and her post.
Resident Jeff Jacobs thanked Sowell for her breakdown of the facts. Cheney responds, “this a 50-year decision for Frisco. Please do your due diligence apart from political alliances and evaluate this project on what it will truly mean for the future of our community.” How does Cheney know that Jacobs has not done his own due diligence? Why does he assume his support is solely out of a political alliance with Sowell? Where does Cheney, OUR MAYOR, get off making those assumptions or talking to a resident like that. Keep in mind Cheney knows Jacobs is well informed as he is a well-respected Realtor in the Frisco community.
Jacobs commented later on in the comments on Sowells post with a meme about Frisco ISD arts center. Cheney obviously does not pay attention who he is talking to or he would have realized he already responded to Jacobs once, so he responds again with the same exact copied comment he left for Jacobs the first time around.
Next Bowers makes a comment thanking Sowell for taking the time to break it down and a short time later Cheney responds, “I count on you to do your homework on this project. I disagree with all the information presented in this post and hopeful Shona will actually meet with city staff to learn more.” In response George Purefoy responds to Bowers with his concerns on the project and you can guess that did not go over when Cheney read it. AGAIN…why does Cheney, OUR MAYOR, assume that Bowers has not done her homework? Why is Cheney “cut and pasting” his comment that he disagrees with the whole post to Bowers. Was Bowers on Mayor Cheney’s page asking him for his two cents? Nope!
Another resident named Annette responds that nothing is free in government and that Frisco needs to focus on infrastructure and stop ignoring the east side which looks sad. Mayoral Candidate Sowell responds that she, too, lives on the east side and understands her pain and wants the whole city to look great for residents. Minutes later, Cheney responds with the same “cut and paste” comment about how he hopes she does her homework and that he disagrees with all the information presented in Sowell’s post. HELLO MR. MAYOR – YOU CLAIM TO CARE ABOUT WHAT RESIDENTS WANT, SO DID YOU EVEN READ HER COMMENT? No!!! You couldn’t care less that a resident feels the east side has been forgotten about in your master plan, and that she expressed a concern. Nope, you only respond about the performing arts center because THAT IS ALL YOU CARE ABOUT! Remember, we said proof is in the pudding, stop and listen and respond to residents – NOT WHAT YOU WANT!
Several more residents’ comment in support of Shona’s post and you can bet minutes later Cheney responds (no trolls) again with the same “cut and paste” comment as he did all the others asking her to do her homework on the project and he disagrees with all the info presented.
Want more proof in the pudding that this is not about Residents but about Cheney and what he wants? Resident Brewer responds to Shona’s post with “Hmm…our mayor’s explanation differs significantly from this.” Without hesitation, Cheney and his minion Bickerstaff respond, attacking Shona as “not credible,” and then, when Resident McCarley responds, asking “What’s incorrect in Shona’s explanation? What is she misinformed about? What facts did she get wrong on this project?” MAYOR CHENEY and Mr. Bickerstaff – this was your time to answer the question and explain your claims that you posted repeatedly, calling “misinformation” with the facts, but did you? Nope!!! Crickets …. Proof again of the pudding, it is not about communication to residents, it is about TELLING THEM what they need to believe.
In another section Cheney is asked if the city is responsible for the cost overruns as Shona stated? Did Cheney respond? NOPE!!!
Then David Bickerstaff (who has a political alliance with Cheney – his own words) posts on Sowells page in the comments for people to read Mayor Cheney’s posts with the real facts. Cheney then responds, “We’ve met with multiple candidates to address questions and concerns, and most have changed their positions after learning more. We invite you to do the same. I would have hoped you would have attended a single public meeting prior to posting such inaccurate information. As a candidate for Mayor the public should expect this, and it is disappointing you have not attended a single informational meeting. I know we would love to meet with any candidate in this race or future to understand the scope and give them the facts to discuss with the public.” Whistleblower responds to Cheney asking him why the city is fighting their PIRs by sending it to the attorney general on the preforming arts center if they have been trying to be so transparent. Cheney never responded to that question, because he probably didn’t see it since he blocked us from his Mayoral page which is illegal by the way.
MR. CHENEY IF YOU READ THIS: What “multiple candidates” have you met with to address their concerns who changed their positions on the project? How many meetings was Sowell involved in with all the other performing arts centers? Why are you insinuating a woman CAN’T READ THE CITY’S SLIDES and decipher with intelligence what they mean, especially when that woman has years of council experience? You said you would love to meet with any candidate in this race to discuss the facts but then why did you try to shut down Burt Thacker at this week’s council meeting when he spoke about the performing arts center? Is the council supposed to respond to folks at citizens’ input, or better yet, cut them off while speaking? Nope, I don’t think you can do that, but we all know you make your own rules.
Whistleblowers Opinion on the Social Media Debacle: Mayor Cheney’s antics, trolling another politician’s page, is classless and disgusting. Going through her posts and commenting on them the way he did not only makes our city look bad, and it makes him look pathetic. He repeatedly assumes that every person is uneducated and not smart enough to make their own decision. If they ask a question, he doesn’t answer it and ignores them. He accuses them of making their decisions based on political alliances when his own political alliances come onto the page to cause disruption. In one post, the Mayor of Frisco – Jeff Cheney, summed up how he sees most of us residents… as stupid idiots who can’t make informed decisions. Only the Great Cheney Klan knows what is best for us. As for Ms. Sowell, we don’t know her personally, but we have watched her for years at council meetings, and she came across in her post the same way she did in those meetings with class and professionalism. She took time to answer anyone’s questions and generally seemed to care about people’s opinions. We are not supporting anyone for Mayor yet as that race is to far out, but she could be a tough one to beat if she continues to put residents first.
Censorship and Control
Cheney’s next move? A post on his own mayoral page. Unfortunately, we can’t link it—he’s blocked us. (Illegal, by the way, but details, details.) His post sounded like it was written by ChatGPT, filled with self-aggrandizing nonsense like, “I am here to discuss the details that I believe…”
A clinical psychologist will tell you that if you look closer at the context written by a narcissist, it has elements of exaggerated sense of self-importance and a need for admiration. What is Cheney saying? To Cheney, this isn’t just an arts center—it’s his magnum opus. The ambition, the “halo effect,” the relentless drive—it’s all part of his self-made mythology. “Only I, Jeff Cheney, have the courage to take on this challenge, to climb the mountain, to lead Frisco into this bold new era.”
Cheney then lays out the details in his post, which you can read for yourself if you are not blocked. A few points of concern for us #4 that reads, in the coming weeks, we’ll lock in an LOI with a world-class operator under an “operator-at-risk” model. That means as of today, as you are reading this, we do not have an LOI with an operator, and we don’t have an operator at risk model. A letter of intent is not a contract, it is a preliminary agreement, generally non-binding.
He also states that “they will inject upfront capital,” but he does not say how much and in return “we’ve” meaning the City has allocated up to $6 million for startup costs (capped there), with any further deficits falling on the operator annually throughout the contract.” What that means is if we vote for this and something goes wrong and we can’t get a contract (past the LOI) worked out, who is holding the purse? The city! He is asking us to put all our chips in on a “risk” that it will work out. This is the same man who made promises about Universal, and the night of the final vote changed numerous things in the contract to be more beneficial for NBC Universal than the residents who lived right next to it. Changing the operating times, height of roller coasters, etc. He wants us to trust him again.
In #6 Cheney talks about “Halo Effect” and the impact on Frisco. He has been using the Halo Effect now for years as his talking point as to why we will do things. When the PGA was approved that project sparked the Halo Effect, then he used it Universal will create a Halo Effect and now the theater. MAYOR CHENEY, WE HAVE BEEN HEARING THE TERM HALO EFFECT FROM YOU FOR YEARS AND GUESS WHAT WE ARE STILL SHELLING OUT MONEY LEFT AND RIGHT FOR COMPANIES WHO SHOULD WANT TO COME HERE BECAUSE WE ARE ALREADY GREAT! When does it end?
He closes with every great Frisco project that has come our way has come with risks and unknowns – yes but they had better money backing it. The PGA, The Cowboys, are billion-dollar operations. Is this partner a billion-dollar partner? No! While there was risk it was not as great as this one. This operator does not have near the same capital as previous ones.
Whistleblower Opinion: Cheney’s post is a direct response to Shona Sowell and George Purefoy. Why does he block people from his page who may have questions? Why does he delete comments that don’t align with his agenda? If you are serious Mr. Mayor, why do you and the rest of the council unblock us and the others you have blocked and allow the same community engagement that Shona Sowell did on her page. That’s right you don’t care about the opinions of residents which is why you trolled her page in your meltdown, and you didn’t answer any of them. The ego and self-centered attitude you have, that you are the only who you can make this happen, is the problem here and will ultimately be while residents vote against it.
The Dallas Morning News Debacle
Do you still want more proof in the pudding? The DMN is the same paper Mayor Cheney has praised in the past. Cheney didn’t agree with their opinion and stated the DMN has “written some uneducated stuff in the past but this may be their worst. It is completely nonsensical.” Were any of these articles UNEDUCATED AND NONSENSICAL?
Then he immediately talks about how they don’t understand the project. He admits in the closing that “Of course we only have LOI’s now, but formal agreements will be executed following the election.” WHAT DID THEY GET WRONG MAYOR?
And so, we’re left with a burning question: Is this the leadership Frisco signed up for? A mayor who spends his time trolling opposing candidates online, throwing tantrums at newspapers that dare to question his grand vision, belittling anyone who doesn’t fall in line, and assuming that anyone who dares question his Broadway dreams just isn’t smart enough to get it?
At what point does passion for a project turn into arrogance? At what point does civic leadership turn into online heckling? One has to wonder, does Mayor Cheney keep a special alert set up for any slight against his pet project, or does he just have that much free time? Mayor Cheney should spend less time policing Facebook comments and more time listening to the very people he was elected to serve. Because for a guy who’s always questioning everyone else’s intelligence, he sure seems to be struggling with the basic concept of professionalism. Maybe instead of scolding residents, journalists, and fellow politicians like a frustrated theater director dealing with amateur actors, he could take a step back and consider that disagreement isn’t the same as ignorance. Either way, watching a sitting mayor spiral into social media meltdowns over dissenting opinions is certainly… a choice.
Or, you know, he could just keep rage-commenting. That’s always a good look. He did have to take a break from commenting to attend the 100th Anniversary of the Music Hall at Fair Park and success with Broadway Dallas. Guess he likes the perks already before we get our theater. Think the city will have us of a box at the new theater too to view all the shows?
(The lights flicker, and the performing arts center goes dark. The drums begin to rumble like a storm and then with grand fury the curtains rise for the play to begin!)
ACT I: The Magnificent Mogul (The lights come up on a grand stage.) Center spotlight, Mayor Jeff Cheney, dressed in regal attire, surveying his domain—the kingdom of Frisco. The backdrop is a glittering real estate billboard for the “Santa Barbara in The Preserve at Fields.” A chorus of Realtors hums disapprovingly in the background. King Cheney (booming voice): Citizens of Frisco, behold! A paradise unlike any other! Luxurious living, exquisite homes, and of course, no conflicts of interest whatsoever! Just because I, the humble servant-mayor, also run The Cheney Group, doesn’t mean I would ever dream of using my influence to benefit my business! (The crowd murmurs)
ACT II: The Great Arts Debacle (The scene shifts to the Frisco City Council Meeting, where they are about to vote on the Frisco Center for the Arts.) Tammany Hall takes to her microphone to welcome a band of concerned citizens, each holding a scroll of grievances to read at citizens’ input. King Cheney, now looking slightly less majestic, listens from his throne, pulls up his phone, and his fingers twitch over his social media apps. Citizen 1: Your Majesty, why must we fund this expensive arts center when other needs go unmet?
Citizen 2: Will this benefit the people of Frisco, or just serve as another jewel in your town?
King Cheney (flustered, stands up): How dare you question my wisdom? Do you not see my vision? Only I know what’s best for Frisco! (Suddenly, a transformation begins)
Before the eyes of the audience, King Cheney shrinks, his voice becoming higher, more desperate. His regal robes stripped away, leaving him in a striped shirt, suspenders, and racoon hat.)
Tammany Hall (played by Tammy Meinershagen): Mr. Mayor, you are starting to look like a certain childhood bully – Scut Farkus. Cheney (looking for a mirror): Scut Farkus? Who… I demand to know who that is?
Tammany Hall responds: You know Mayor, the notorious tormentor from A Christmas Story.
ACT III: The Meltdown Scut Cheney—er, King Cheney—now frantically types away on social media. His fingers fly over his phone, leaving a trail of desperate comments across every Frisco Facebook group and post related to the Frisco Center For The Arts. The doors from the back of the chamber open abruptly and running down to the stage is Steve Cone holding an article published in the Dallas Morning News.
Cone (shouts): “Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor, you have to read this, right now!” It’s so bad, Mr. Mayor, so bad! What do you want me to do Cone asks?” Scut Cheney (frantically points to the audience): Listen to me! You’re all wrong! I know best! The arts center is my dream! You just don’t get it! WHYYYYY!?
(The citizens watch in bemusement. A few chuckles ripple through the audience. A small child tugs at their mother’s sleeve.) Child: Mommy, why is the mayor crying and having a tantrum on the internet? (The mother shrugs. The citizens shake their heads. The lights dim as Scut Cheney’s tantrum echoes into the void of the digital realm. The curtain falls to thunderous applause.)
Epilogue: As the audience exits, they are handed a complimentary “Cheney Group” brochure, because no matter how the play ends, the sales must go on. The End… or is it?
Back on May 14, 2024, we filed our first PIR related to a performing arts center. We asked for all the studies and documents related to those reports from consulting groups or third parties like Frisco ISD or Hall Group.
On May 24, 2024, we got a tip from an inside source and we released breaking news in a Facebook Post that Craig Hall backed out from the Performing Arts Center at Hall Park. Today we ponder, did he know something about the project, or how the scope of the project was changing that we didn’t at the time? Possibly, but looking back we think he was a smart man for getting out along with Frisco ISD at the time.
On May 30, 2024, we received a letter from the city secretary that, due to confidentiality issues, the City has chosen to seek a ruling from the Attorney General regarding a portion of the responsive documents. We were not surprised! Now we want you to STOP AND THINK ABOUT … what did they not want the public to see it? For a city telling you this FCFA project is the cherry on top of the city, why do they continue to delay and withhold information? As a voter, if that does not concern you, it should!
At the February 7thCity Council Meeting future candidates took to citizens input under Agenda Item 38 (starting at the 2:25:00 mark).
First up, Jared Elad, candidate for City Council Place 4. Elad stated he had been a resident for 11 years, and he first became aware of this project when he learned the city’s partnership with Frisco ISD fell through due to disagreements over the scope of the project. Frisco ISD is moving forward with a 55-million-dollar facility as we speak to serve its students.
Elad stated he was concerned about Frisco residents maintaining and operating this project in perpetuity. He said it had been stated that this project could cost up to $6 million per year to maintain and he asked the council and the city if they had really done their analysis to make sure it won’t go higher than that? He finds it even more concerning that we are in a partnership with Prosper ISD, which limits the location options since it will have to be within Prosper ISD boundaries. He said that boundary limitations will make the project less accessible to most Frisco Residents. Elad asked why the city was unable to reach an agreement with Frisco ISD, and why it could not have been reworked to serve the Frisco residents better. Now we are left with not 1 but 2 Frisco Performing Arts Centers that the Frisco residents will have to support.
Another concern of his was the city signing a letter of intent with Broadway Access – he noted that a letter of intent is not binding. Without a signed agreement, there is no guarantee that this partnership will come to fruition. That could leave Frisco residents with a facility to maintain and a facility that won’t meet its projected potential revenue. Elad went on to say it has been reported that the Dallas Performing Arts Center is struggling financially as we speak, due to the pandemic and the nature of consumers’ habits changing. He looked at the council and asked, “What makes us think we can do better?”
As for the jobs, he said it will only create a minimum number of jobs, other than the construction phase. While he appreciates the other public-private partnerships like The Star and Frisco PGA, he believes this one will go too far with the potential cost burden it will put on Frisco residents. He closed, asking the council to reconsider the priorities for Frisco and to make sure we are fiscally responsible.
Next up was Burt Thakur, candidate for City Council Place 2. He said he absolutely loves the arts, supports the arts, and believes in the power of the arts to change people. He talked about how when he was in the military, he would use the power of books to transform himself in other places, giving his mind some peace. He said the question of whether we like or support the arts is not what is in front of us at this moment.
The question before us today is are we being financially responsible, and do we have the right priorities in line. Are we good stewards of taxpayer dollars? Thakur went on to say that on Friday the proposed number was $360 million, then a few days later the number was adjusted to $340 million. Then he pointed out, if you take the graphic in the presentation, that ads up to $380 million. Why are we being given vague ranges with an 80 million dollar variance for the cost? Where are the specifics?
Thakur brought up his concern regarding the yearly O&M (operational/maintenance) costs potentially facing Frisco residents. Can we justify this when we, as a city, have other pressing needs that are unfunded? He also touched on the Frisco ISD theater and said, with one already in progress, how is there not a way to find a potential to combine the two and mitigate risk? Thakur mentioned how police and fire have all asked for additional staffing, which costs a fraction of the yearly operational costs, yet the city can’t find the money for that. We don’t have a proper animal shelter, nor do we have a building for our Veterans. We need a space for the local VFW and other Veteran organizations to meet. Thakur said he loves the arts, but he believes in responsible governance, and he asked the council to work smarter, take a step back, and make sure we are funding our needs first. Thakur closed with; We owe it to the people of Frisco to prioritize wisely.
Next up Josh Meek, candidate for City Council Place 4. Meek started by voicing his support agenda item 38 & 39. With the amount of time, money and resources invested in this project we need to reach an answer. He then said that answer needs to come from no one else but Frisco citizens. He hopes that the council allows citizens to vote sooner, rather than later because prolonging it could have increased costs.
Meek went on to say Frisco is ultimately a destination location and he thinks that it would be a far, far oversight to not explore the potential we have when it comes to partnering with Broadway. Meek said he has two boys and when Hamilton came out, they looked at traveling halfway across the country to have that experience so why would he not allow this to be in his own backyard. When you start to break it down a big part of what has made us successful is that we have created these areas for people to visit and experience. He believes that this should go to the ballot. He said we have four districts that cover Frisco so while many are asking why we not partnered with Frisco ISD, maybe we should be asking why we have not partnered with the other ISDs and should we more in the future (Lewisville ISD, Little Elm ISD, Prosper ISD). Meek said he is on the CDC Board, and he has had the opportunity to see the benefits we will have from this.
Besides the council meeting we got an email from another candidate, Jerry Spencer, candidate for Frisco City Council Place 4. He wrote; I am opposed to the Arts Center in its current form. I especially do not like taking money from economic development and community development. I want to get away from this sports/tourism obsession and go after emerging technology/medical research, etc., with the sales tax money. Instead of Sport City USA, we need to re-brand ourselves Brain City USA! I have no problem with a REGIONAL Arts Center. Let’s do one with Plano, McKinney, Allen and Denton. It will take some work, but with effort it can be done. Then, we spread the costs over 1 million people, rather than the 235,000 in Frisco. The per capita costs would come way down. In closing, my website will be up in a few days
Lastly, while he is not running now he did run in 2024, we want to recognize that John Redmond spoke at the council meeting in early February. He said, in theory, he liked the idea of the Performing Arts Center. However, he feels we have spent tons of bond for a community theater and spent the last focused on a highly commercial, very large-scale performing arts center. Redmond went on to say he believes these decisions have been made based on the input of a very small select group of people and not based on the voice of Frisco residents.
Whistleblower Opinion Time: While many will say Whistleblower hates the arts, that is simply not true. My son was in community theater since middle school. We had to take him to other cities to do community theater shows. What we support is a community theater venue for our residents and nearby visitors. We don’t support a monstrosity theater built for Broadway shows and concerts. I asked my son the other day what do you think about this Broadway thing in Frisco? He said dad Broadway isn’t just about the performance it is about New York, the lights, the theaters, the city itself creates the experience of Broadway. Seeing Lion King in Dallas or Fort Worth doesn’t elicit the same response as you traveling to New York and encapsulating the entire experience of Broadway. We agree with him!
We appreciate hearing from the candidates because we believe they will be the future of this city. We believe if residents rise and vote for change, we could see different things coming from the council pulpit. One thing never escapes us, why did Frisco ISD and Craig Hall backout? What did they know or what did they see change that they didn’t agree with? We have analyzed this project in every way we can and a few points keep popping up:
1. Frisco has a lot going on right now with the Frisco PGA, Fields build-out, Universal, Toyota Stadium overhaul, downtown revitalization, Grand Park, and more. So many of these things have not been finished, and now we are going to start another project. Are we overextending ourselves and soon to hit a bubble of sorts?
2. Where is the HEART of Frisco? Every city has an area that is the original heartbeat of the city. Where is that for Frisco? We lost the heartbeat of our rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Initially, a railroad stop, and hub for the railway, we lost that cultural historical heritage instead of building around it and putting it into everything we do. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could take the local railway as our public transportation from downtown up to the PGA for dinner, then over to the theater for dinner?
It could have been awesome, but instead we just set up a museum to hold pictures of our heritage and how many people actually visit that each year. The reason some of these cities the Chamber visited on their “Leadership Travel” were so great is because they built around their history. Instead, Frisco just built over it!
3. The location of PAC being at 380 and the DNT, so it is in Prosper ISD boundaries, which does limit the access to Frisco residents. How could we not have solidified a deal with Craig Hall, who was offering the land as a donation? The land they are proposing we use today for this project was purchased years ago by the city with the intent to sell it one day. Why? They knew it would be worth millions along the 380 / DNT corridor. Taxpayers paid for that land! It was not free to the city! We spent money back then to make money today to help pay off our debt obligations.
4. EDC & CDC: Where did that money come from? Sales Tax! They want you to believe this is not your money, it’s all those tourists who come here. Do you grocery shop here, eat here, buy gas here? If you do, then you are paying for it!
What was it designated for? Community Development and Economic Development – it was not originally intended for a Performing Arts Center. If you read the slide about the Frisco Model vs Venue Management Model you will see the private partners in the sports model operate these partnerships without on-going operational funding from the City. These are partners like the PGA, Omni, The Cowboys all with strong financial backing.
In the Frisco Center For Arts model we have no idea who the Private Operator will be. The financial model is DEPENDENT on overall financial milestones for fundraising. What happens if the economy goes to crap and people are not donating – who covers that cost then? You…and me! It also states the private partner operates with LIITED ON-GOING OPERATIONAL FUNDING from the city. We agree with the candidates why so VAGUE – where is the CERTAINITY? Why are you asking us to vote on so many “What If’s?” Words like dependent, limited, don’t make me feel comfortable.
Lastly, will it deplete the CDC and EDC money for other potential projects? Okay it brings construction jobs here during development – are you in construction? It will have a few salary jobs to run the theater but will the hourly jobs to clean it, be an usher or attendant help you pay for your million-dollar house? What jobs will this bring to Frisco that are viable economic jobs that people can live on in Frisco? None! What happens if we ever faced another Pandemic? During that time a survey showed that the Dallas Arts suffered a $67.7 Million dollar loss. Who will pay for it then?
Mayor Cheney and his protégés Tammy Meinershagen, Bill Woodard, John Keating, and Laura Rummel must have every project be so great, so grand! It’s like they all suck on the same bottle of whiskey every night and pass the blunt until they have the same stories lined up. Time to say enough, otherwise we might be setting ourselves up for some hard times ahead in Frisco. Slow down, smell the roses! Fix the infrastructure and stop lying to citizens. Life would be so much better.
If you thought the drama of Frisco’s so-called Future Performing Arts Center was confined to city hall meetings and backroom deals, think again. Mayor Cheney has taken the battle to the digital streets, launching an all-out social media war against anyone daring to question this multimillion-dollar boondoggle on the May ballot.
Like a conductor leading an orchestra of outrage, the mayor isn’t just defending the FPAC—he’s aggressively silencing critics, painting skeptics as enemies of “progress,” and doubling down on the same vague promises that have fueled public distrust. Dissenters? Blocked. Tough questions? Ignored. Concerned citizens? Branded as obstructionists.
Honestly, at this point, who needs a performing arts center? The Frisco drama unfolding online on Mayor Cheney’s Facebook page is almost better than a Broadway show and IT’S FREE! Between the plot twists, the villain arcs, and Mayor Cheney’s keyboard warrior antics, the entertainment is free—no ticket required. As long as someone questions the FCFA, Mayor Jeff Cheney will get ants in his pants so cancel the theater plans and let the social media circus continue.
One thing we can tell you, as Frisco teeters between vision and vanity, one thing is clear: This isn’t just about the arts anymore. It’s about power, control, and the lengths our leadership will go to in order to suppress scrutiny, questions, and concerns. In the spirit of giving Cheney something to talk about, we want to continue with more public statements made by community members that many hold in high regard. Curtain up, folks—because this show is just getting started.
In Her Words: Shona Sowell – Former Councilwoman and Running for Frisco Mayor
In a Facebook Post on Shona Sowell for Mayor she posted some of the following details. “Spending $160MM in your taxpayer dollars by changing the use of the funds of Economic Development Corporation, which exists to attract businesses to Frisco, plus adding $7MM a year in operational costs to the City for a performing arts center makes no sense. It is not how we do deals in the City of Frisco.
In Frisco a performing arts facility has long been an issue of research and discussion. Whether you are an arts supporter, performer, casual partaker, or a minor player, one must weigh the costs of a decision that will impact our city budget for decades to come. Previously, I fully supported the joint arts facility in partnership with Frisco ISD and Hall Park. Like other successful public/private partnerships we have done in Frisco, this one had strong partnerships responsible for the operations of the facility. The city was not responsible for cost overruns and was not responsible for the yearly maintenance and operations costs (M&O) for the facility. This approach would have only cost Frisco one tenth of this current proposal. Our financial obligation was limited and spelled out in the agreement. This is how Frisco has been successful with public private partnerships, and it is the same process for The Roughriders, The Dallas Cowboys and The Star, PGA Golf Course, & FC Dallas and Toyota Stadium. However, the current elected officials did not want to partner with FISD and Hall Park on this approach and decided not to move forward. Now they want to spend 10 times that amount on a deal where you the taxpayers own the risk.
The current proposal of a much larger facility in partnership with Prosper ISD and private donations (that do not even exist yet) with an operator who is not well capitalized is a terrible financial decision for the residents of Frisco. This proposal is NOT THE FRISCO WAY and puts Frisco taxpayers at risk.
She went on to give her thoughts on the challenges and risks of what is being suggested, and if you click here you can read them all. We have summarized them here for you:
Frisco taxpayers are paying for this through “Sales Tax” and Frisco residents voted for those funds to go to the EDC to be used for roads, infrastructure, and to attract corporations. Second, unlike other private partnerships, Frisco taxpayers are paying twice through the general fund, the taxpayer will be responsible for the annual operational expenses of the facility and filling the funding gap.
Third, the proposed land which is the site for this project, was purchased by tax dollars and the debt on the land was paid for tax dollars and is owned by EDC. Now the city wants them to just give it away (instead of selling it to a development at fair market value). That means taxpayers paid for the cost of the land. Fourth, elected officials have not disclosed how they will handle parking, and it is not in the cost of the project today. A garage could cost $50 Million that taxpayers will have to pay for. Fifth, Sowell noted per the presentation takes 5 years for donations to come in projects like this so if they delay construction taxpayers can expect the cost to go up by almost $100 million by the time we build it. The city would have to take that funding from other departments like police and fire.
She went on to say, public private partnership cannot legally sign contracts to build until the funds needed are in the bank. The bonds must be sold from both entities, and the private donations must be in the Frisco bank account. She pointed out that the consulting group maintains in their presentation from the January work session that the funds will come in more as the building gets closer to opening. Shona asks, do you as a resident want to be holding the bag and double the city cost when the pledges are not fulfilled? (Slide #2)
Her other concerns include if phasing of the project was an option. Yet, no plan of phasing has been presented to the residents to fully educate their vote. And if phasing is the method current councilmembers intend to use, how do we ensure the taxpayer is not left holding the bag on a project that stalls and cannot be fully completed? She also notes the agreement suggests Prosper ISD would control 84% of the dates in the smaller “community” theater—leaving very few dates left for our community groups such as the Frisco orchestra, chorale, theater groups, etc.—to use the “community theater”. The 2015 Bonds of $10million were sold for the “community groups to have a place to perform.” That means our own community groups lose big in this facility. They won’t be able to afford it, and there won’t be many calendar dates for them to use.
The annual costs to run the facility are going to be forever subsidized by the taxpayer. The projections from the consultant show a LOSS of over $6million annually for each year, a funding gap that YOU the TAXPAYER will have to cover for the first 5 years. Back in 2017, most art facilities across the country showed an annual loss of more than $10million. If we adjust for inflation—we are probably talking about at least $15-20million.
Even with a “operating partner”—if that partner were to be unable to pay for the costs of keeping the facility open, (see the Winspear, Raleigh Theater and others) the City of Frisco assumes the risk for ALL M&O expenses. Our other operating partners are large, well known, well-funded entities such as the PGA of America, the Dallas Cowboys, the Jerry Jones Family, The Hunt Family, and Bob Rowling. This is not the case here. We continue to tell our small businesses along Main Street and our public safety officers that we cannot afford 4 men on trucks, increased wages, or support for those businesses going under. But current leaders say we can afford this project? It’s a matter of priorities. While many will tell you Frisco NEEDS this project, it’s simply Frisco CANNOT AFFORD this project. It puts our tax rate, our entire city budget, and our financial future at risk.
In His Own Words: Brian Livingston – Current Council Member
Brian Livingston posted about the performing arts project on his Facebook Page. He started by sharing the post from Shona Sowell for Frisco Mayor. He went on to say it is a great conversation starter and something that should be shared as much as possible. For those that aren’t aware, I voted against putting the Frisco Center for the Arts on the ballot and will vote NO to Proposition A & B in May. My vote has nothing to do with my support for the arts and believe my history shows I have supported the arts community in Frisco. I voted NO for the following reasons:
1. I disagree with the statement that there is no risk to the Frisco taxpayer. If the operations do not generate sufficient revenue to cover expenses, the Frisco taxpayer will be the ultimate backstop. The “at risk operator” will be a newly created entity that will have limited financial capacity.
2. If capital improvements/repairs exceed the reserves in place, the Frisco taxpayer will again fill the void.
3. There are opportunity costs with using EDC funds for purposes other than what voters have previously approved. There will be economic development opportunities we will miss out on and that will result in fewer high paying jobs in Frisco. For years I have been criticized for supporting legislation and seeking ways to use EDC funds to support the city operations, first responders and capital improvements. What changed?
4. Finally, I fundamentally believe that if the demand for this center was actually as high as stated that private donors would be driving this project not the government.
Livingston closed by encouraging everyone to attend public hearings and email questions to every member of the Frisco City Council. He also stated he was glad to meet with anyone who wants to discuss my position.
In his own words: John Allen Redmond – Former Candidate For City Council & Resident
Redmond ran for council last year so its not surprising to see him being vocal about what he wants for the great city of Frisco. Redmond stated online “In general, when a private entity spends its money…it is careful. As we see every day, when someone spends govt (OUR!) money…the spigot is open wide. The same small group of vendors and individuals seem to benefit…that is a universal truth…whether here in Frisco, Austin or Washington DC. Trust but verify. There is an operator coming…there are large philanthropic gifts coming…Broadway wants to be here…ignore other venues around the country that are struggling, because we are Frisco…and we will get it right or our citizens will pay for it and it doesn’t matter. I am simply not convinced.”
He also stated “I will say that it is hard to be all things to all people. My objection to this project is based on economic viability and the narrative on which it is being ‘sold’. The reality is that this is a 10+ year old “argument”. We have already spent millions of dollars on this and to-date, and the answer has continually been ‘no’. Now, if a private entity, like Jason Young, wants to build it…go ahead. But, to gaslight the citizens of Frisco…I am not down for that.”
Lastly, Redmond said, “If this bond (meaning Prop A & B) passes…mechanically they will have the funds to execute the project. So, despite the language that has been used to-date, whatever discovery and/or evaluation they claim is over…this is a done deal.”
In his own words: Will Sowell – Former Frisco City Council
We told you about the Smart Frisco post claiming “It’s Free, It’s Free!” Reading through the comments we noticed Will Sowell; Former City Councilman spoke up. Sowell said “I appreciate anyone that advocates for their beliefs in what they want the city to become. But to say this does not cost any city tax dollars is disingenuous.”
Sowell continues, that the debt being proposed here is debt from the EDC, not City of Frisco debt. So, there is the concept of opportunity cost. If a large employer were considering coming to Frisco, financing would not be available to attract a large employer, which is the mission of the EDC. That is why (referring to the proposition on the ballot) we have to vote on the EDC use of the bonds because it is not consistent with the charter of the EDC.
Sowell continued, the EDC debt is repaid through sales tax that Frisco residents pay, so there’s first way that Frisco residents pay for this through taxes. Sowell then pointed out the city Frisco Model vs Venue Management model slide from a presentation and talked about the third way residents will be paying for the PAC. “Third, during the first 5 years, it is estimated by the City of Frisco that $5MM of budget funds will have to be used to cover maintenance and operations.
Fourth, the city of Frisco has to cover any overage on the building and on operations. There have been overages on every public private partnership the city has done. The difference here is that the city and thus the residents and not the partner pay for the overage per the city slide.
In The Words of The Whistleblower Team:
We enjoy reading everyone’s perspective on the future performing arts center. We develop new questions, learn new things and that is how people grow to make good decisions. We enjoyed hearing the different perspectives from current and former council members, the former city manager who built this city, and many more. Like everyone else when we saw Mayor Cheney’s post today, we had to stop and read it and follow the drama in the comments. We plan to publish it in its entirety tomorrow for everyone to read (who has not seen it of course). Don’t worry, we will not forget to publish the comments because that may be the best part!
We also plan to publish what the candidates think about the Frisco Center For The Arts as we are sending each of them an email to explain their position. For us, no matter what anyone says we constantly go back to one thing, why did the Performing Arts Partnership with Frisco ISD and Hall Group fall apart? What was it that made FISD say, nope not our bag of chips! What made the Hall Group, a huge supporter of the Arts, step back and withdraw the donation of the land for an Arts Center? Something tells me we should be asking bigger questions, diving for deeper answers.
Lastly, we continually go back to why they are asking for us to vote to change the use of the EDC funds? Why are we rewriting the rules? What about constructions costs and the unknown costs? Simply put, that is what Cheney does! He voted against a PAC under Maso and Pat Fallon when he was on council. Maybe he did that because he wanted all the glory and recognition for himself. Why are they trying to sell it to us so hard? All of those things make feel like we are being led to drink water in the desert that just isn’t there.
Stay Tuned for The Final Act of Curtains Up, Community Divided.
When I was a boy, I learned an important lesson on my family’s winery: if you mix the wrong barrels together, you don’t get fine wine—you get a mess. Turns out, the same principle applies to city finances, though some folks in Frisco’s leadership seem to have skipped that life lesson.
Frisco’s new Performing Arts Center has sparked a debate over the methods and madness with which the city is trying to fund the project. Half the city is applauding, marching in lockstep with the mayor and city council, trusting them like a magician who promises he didn’t just make your wallet disappear. The other half? They’re watching this financial sleight of hand and calling foul, led by former city leaders who actually understand the difference between Economic Development Corporation (EDC) money and Community Development Corporation (CDC) money—a distinction that apparently gets a little fuzzy when a big, shiny building is on the table.
The Great Money Shuffle
In our last blog, Frisco’s Bond Ballet, we gave you a civics lesson about how EDC funds are meant to attract businesses and create jobs—you know, the kind of things that keep a city economically stable. CDC funds, on the other hand, are for quality-of-life projects—parks, libraries, and yes, performing arts centers. Two separate barrels, two separate purposes.
Frisco’s Cultural Civil War
Now, I love the arts. I really do! I’ve been to my fair share of performances and appreciate a well-done production. But let’s not pretend that “The Great EDC Heist” is just an innocent case of creative accounting. On one side, you have the true believers, the ones who think this Performing Arts Center will turn Frisco into the next Broadway. They trust the mayor and city council like a cult waiting for the mothership. To them, any skepticism is just negativity. “Why don’t you want Frisco to have nice things?” they ask, as if wanting accountability is the same as being anti-art.
On the other side, you have the cynics (or as I like to call them, the realists). These are the people pointing out that raiding the EDC fund to pay for a performing arts center isn’t just bad policy—it’s a dangerous precedent. If we’re playing fast and loose with money now, what’s next? A city-funded theme park? A mayoral gold statue? Maybe we’ll just rename Frisco to “Vanity Project, Texas.”
It is time to pay attention and speak against the moves by the city when it comes to treating EDC funds like their personal arts-and-crafts budget, shifting money around with the confidence of a three-card monte dealer on a New York sidewalk. But every time I hear current leadership speak, I hear “Don’t worry, this is totally above board.” Right. And I’m the Pope.
Former city leaders—the people who helped build Frisco into the powerhouse it is today—are stepping forward and saying, “This is not how we do things.” And instead of listening, the current administration is waving them off like cranky old men shouting at clouds. But let’s be clear: these aren’t just some bitter retirees whining about change. These are the people who made Frisco what it is, and they’re telling us that this funding scheme smells fishier than a back-alley sushi joint. Let’s see what they have to say:
In His Own Words: George Purefoy, Former City Manager – aka “The Man Who Built Frisco”
In a recent Facebook Post by Smart Frisco, Former City Manager, Purefoy stated his concerns about the proposed project. He said, “Unlike the other major Public Private Partnerships (P3), this proposal does not have a private partner on board agreeing to be responsible for all construction cost overruns and for the annual cost for operations and maintenance. Unlike the other Frisco P3 projects, this project does not project to have all of the funding in place for the construction of the project by the award of bid for construction, thus it is projected that the project will be built in phases, thus cost containment will be even more difficult with inflation.
Purefoy continued, “currently there are no costs for parking included in the projected budget. I estimate that there will be a need for approximately 1200 spaces which will require an additional 12 acres of land if it is surface parking at an estimated construction cost of $7 million (plus land), or if it is structured parking, an estimated $50 million.”
Purefoy went on to say, “To say that there is $0 Cost to Frisco Taxpayers for this project is about as erroneous as anything I’ve seen in political advertising. Then he said, “Without the need for an election, the Economic Development Corporation funds currently can be used for the cost to build major thoroughfares and utility projects, and the Community Development Corporation funds can be used for both of the above projects plus many others which benefit the City and would lessen the impact on Frisco property taxpayers.”
Purefoy also has “major concerns about what will happen during economic downturns.To add this project to the list of annual budget needs of the Citywill result in other city departments being negatively impacted in order for the City to fund the performing arts center.”
George continued by saying he was told that the proposed 300-seat community theater included in this project will be used primarily by Prosper ISD. If that is true he continued “then the primary facility for most of our local arts groups will be extremely limited for their use.” In his opinion, this effort needs to be led by a local group of private citizens which raises private funds from individuals and companies for both building, operating, and maintaining the Arts Center. The city can then be approached to provide supplemental funding for the construction. Purefoy closed his comments by saying, “With all of the needs Frisco will have to keep up with the aging infrastructure in the not-too-distant future, the City does not need to create another major city obligation to fund on a continued basis.”
After making these statements Purefoy went to one of the Open Houses and updated his statements above. We also had an implant to attend the open house and several of the statements matched what Purefoy had said but we want to share them with you because these were comments by CITY STAFF.
In The Words of City Staff:
Public Private Partner & Construction Costs and Overruns: “City staff: It is accurate to state that the proposed project does not have a private partner that agrees to be responsible for all construction cost overruns. The city is in the process of selecting a venue operator through an RFP process. While it is accurate to say that to date, we don’t have a private operational partner in place,the city is pursuing an operator-at-risk model for the operation of the venue. This means the selected venue operator would assume financial responsibility for the ongoing operations of the facility without the City of Frisco providing financial guarantees for the day-to-day operations of the facility. Having this type of agreement in place is an important component of moving forward with the project.” Our implant was told they hoped to have it in place by May and Purefoy was told “It is anticipated that an LOI for an at-risk operator will be in place prior to the May election.”
Whistleblower Questions: Why is the city putting this project and proposition on the ballot for May, when it is incomplete? The city wants residents to “TRUST THEM” … NEWSFLASH FRISCO: WE DON’T TRUST YOU! You have given us no reason to trust you based on previous projects. Maybe instead of saying the city saying we hope, we anticipate, we want they need to say we have confirmed, we have signed contracts, we will once you have put the project together in its entirety. Right now, you are asking residents to vote blindly on items that are not final and cannot guarantee for your own personal shit’s and giggles.
When our whistleblower asked city staff about the “phasing” of this project we were told the city plans to update the FAQ’s and will not be going forward with that option. Then George Purefoy posted “The consultants at the open house for the Arts Project told me that the current plan is to hold construction costs to $200,000,000 or less, hold fees for design to $70,000,000 or less and go forward with bidding and make whatever changes are needed to hold costs to no more than $270,000,000 for the project.” Whistleblower wants to know HOW WILL YOU GUARANTEE THAT? IS IT WRITING? ARE THE DEALS INKED AND LOCKED IN?
When our whistleblower asked about cost escalation contingencies and parking from city staff we got a lot of hum, uh, oh, well, look at this big photo. However, George Purefoys updated comments after the open house read, “City staff: It doesn’t appear that cost escalation and/or contingencies are included in the numbers above. As should’ve been part of Gena’s explanation, the project budget is still in the rough order of magnitude stage. Our public presentations have stated a project budget up to an estimated $340 million. The direction to date is to plan for a budget that does not exceed $300 million. The project budget incorporates standard percentages for contingencies, cost escalations, and soft costs. As our project planning progresses the costs will be refined as the concept design aligns with a project budget not exceeding $300 million. The soft cost calculation of 35% should be applied to the escalated construction costs, and contingencies should be included as well.” Whistleblowers, until the city finalizes an RFP, signs an actual deal (NOT A LETTER OF INTENT) for Broadway, and has guaranteed cash in the bank from donors…someone will be holding the bag if things go south.
On the same Smart Frisco post in response to George Purefoy’s statements, local businessman Jason Young responded. Young said “Based on my meetings with some of the players (including private donors). I know of at minimum $50 million ready to go from private folks.”
Mr. Young, what meetings have you had with city leadership and what role do you play in these discussions regarding the FCFA? Are you willing to be it all on your own words that you know “of a minimum of $50 million ready to go by private donors?” Where is the money, Mr. Young? They could donate now or sign commitment letters. Better yet they could put the money in a trust for good faith to help voters feel better about voting for this. Instead, why are we being asked to blindly trust our city leaders and you that, these donors and plans exist. Once again, we ask who will end up holding the bag if those donors you claim “are ready to go” don’t come through. WHO WILL IT BE? FRISCO RESIDENTS? If something falls through the cracks, we will HAVE TO SUBSIDIZE IT! Lastly, to the city how in the hell do you NOT INCLUDE cost escalations and contingencies in the numbers WHEN YOU ARE ASKING RESIDENTS TO VOTE ON IT?
Parking: As for parking, we were told they were looking at options, however Purefoy was told that the current estimated need is 1300 parking spaces and the cost for this is included in the not to exceed $200,000,000 construction budget. Structured parking is preferred and if adequate private funding comes in, the structured parking will be constructed, rather than surface parking.”
Purefoy was also told at the open house that the local arts groups will have approximately 50% of the use of the small theater. However, the city’s FAQ states “Prosper ISD is anticipated to be the predominant user of the Community Hall.” It just happens to leave off the percentage of that use and we were told they would have 80% of the use of the small theater. WHICH ONE IS IT? WHY ARE THE ANSWERS NOT CONSISTENT?
We are glad to see George Purefoy speak out! While we have not agreed with every decision he made as City Manager we do agree on this that the burden and risk far outweigh the benefits to resident’s long term. In our next blog we are going to share with you the thoughts by Will Sowell, Brian Livingston and Shona Sowell who just announced she is running for Mayor. Stay Tuned
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another dazzling performance of Frisco’s Bond Ballet! A timeless masterpiece where the city pirouettes around financial transparency, leaps over budget concerns, and performs a breathtaking grand jeté over taxpayer skepticism—all while insisting, with a straight face, that no new taxes will be needed.
Every year, like clockwork, Frisco’s leadership takes center stage to pitch the latest and greatest “must-have” project—this time, a performing arts center. And just like in previous acts, the audience (a.k.a. the taxpayers) ask the same question: Where is the money coming from? But fear not! The City assures us that through the magic of bonds, reallocated funds, and a sprinkle of creative accounting, the show can continue without anyone noticing an increase in their tax bill. Bravo!
But why does this ballet feel so… familiar? Perhaps because it’s a revival of past performances—new costumes, same choreography. Whether it was the stadium, the library, or the latest infrastructure project, the script remains unchanged: Big dreams, vague funding plans, and a promise that it will all work out in the end. They city just wants you to grab your playbill (or financial statement, if you dare) and settle in for another encore performance of Frisco’s Bond Ballet—where the numbers may not always add up, but the show must go on!
To understand HOW THEY PLAN TO FUND the Performing Arts Center you must first understand what the Frisco Community Development Corporation and the Frisco Economic Development Corporation do and what their funds are for! Per the City of Frisco website, “Type A (EDC) and Type B (CDC) corporations were created by Texas law to help local municipalities encourage economic development. An Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is a nonprofit entity created to finance new and expanded business enterprises, subject to authorization under Texas law. Texas law defines what authorized projects EDC may participate in and allows for the adoption of sales and use tax to fund those projects.
Type A EDCs are authorized under Texas law to fund, among other things, manufacturing and industrial development projects and the provision of land, buildings, equipment, facilities, expenditures, targeted infrastructure and improvements that are for the creation or retention of primary jobs for projects such as manufacturing and industrial facilities, research and development facilities, military facilities, recycling facilities, distribution centers, small warehouse facilities, primary job training facilities for use by institutions of higher education, and regional or national corporate headquarters facilities, and certain infrastructural improvements to promote or develop new or expanded business enterprises.”
Type B (CDC) corporations, also funded via a sales and use tax, are authorized under Texas law to fund, among other things, the development of recreational and community facilities, including parks, museums, sports facilities, auditoriums, amphitheaters, and concert halls, in addition to all projects eligible for Type A funding or other participation.
Now that you understand the basics of EDC and CDC funding, let’s focus on what Frisco’s Bond Ballet! City leaders are trying to PITCH a state of the art performing arts center that will bring Broadway Shows. To get your “BUY-IN” they are using a grand performance of confusion when it comes to the actual cost and how they plan to use creative accounting to pay for it – so you think “IT’S FREE!”
The City of Frisco leadership and the Frisco EDC Bond Propositions are pushing to rewrite the rules of the game allowing them to reroute sales tax revenues meant for Type A (Economic Development Corporation) Funds for Type B (Community Development Corporation) Purposes. Citizens already voted in the past on how this money should be allocated to both the EDC and CDC so why are they trying to change it now? IT IS THE ONLY WAY KING CHENEY, TONE DEAF TAMMY, BOBBLEHEAD BILL, and the rest of the council and city leadership can get a Performing Arts Center because they know you “the voter” won’t approve a property tax increase.
Instead of using EDC money that is meant to keep FRISCO COMPETITIVE and stimulate local economic growth and attract businesses that bring good quality paying careers the city leadership and city council want to use it as their own personal piggy bank to fund their dreams and desires. City officials are interpreting the local government code broadly, arguing that the performing arts center qualifies as an economic development project.
Let’s pretend a PAC qualifies economic development as the code is written today – then why is the city asking us to vote on Proposition A and B? When you read both props look at the words we highlighted in BOLD and ask yourself why would they need me to vote on this?
Proposition A reads “The Frisco Economic Development Corporation is authorized to use proceeds of its sales and use tax, including all amounts previously authorized and collected, for projects related to the proposed center for the arts project, including but not limited to, land, buildings, equipment, facilities and improvements found by the Frisco Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors to be required or suitable for use for the proposed Center for the Arts Project in accordance with section 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.”
Proposition B reads, “The issuance of bonds in the maximum amount of $160,000,000 for a City-owned Center for the Arts Project, and levying taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.”
By bringing Prop A & B the city can tell you…. IT’S FREE! When you hear Smart Frisco tell you it’s FREE – it’s NOT! It is your Sales & Use Tax that funds the budget for the EDC. That means for every dollar you spend in Frisco, buying gas, groceries, or visit local businesses, a portion of the sales tax and use tax YOU PAY is GOING TO THE EDC! While tourists spend money, trust me residents spend more here so clearly, we are paying for it! While it may not be a property tax increase when you spend money in Frisco you are FUNDING THE EDC. The city is asking residents to be the Sugar Daddy for this project.
The latest act by the city, city leadership and the Frisco’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) starts with taking artistic liberties—not in the theater, but in the way it’s justifying the use of taxpayer dollars. The city sees this as an open invitation to bankroll the arts center, citing potential economic benefits such as increased tourism and commercial activity.
We would argue that this is a classic case of bait and switch or mission creep—where funds originally intended to boost Frisco’s business landscape are now underwriting a cultural project that primarily benefits a select group. Truth is we have done very well for ourselves in life, and we live comfortably, but Frisco is getting more and more expensive to live each day! The city leadership and council care more about Tourism instead of those who live here. Tourism is important but IT IS NOT EVERYTHING! What happened to Cheney Version 2017 where in his political video he talked about the quality of life for residents?
Before you vote YES to either of these propositions ask yourself, “If I get laid off and look for another job locally near me could I afford to live on what a Theater Attendant gets paid? What about a Park Attendant at Universal?” Face it young kids are not working anymore, and current businesses are struggling to find labor and now we are going to add more hourly labor – how is that creating good quality careers?
The question remains: Is this a wise and proper use of EDC funds, or is it just a budgetary sleight of hand to avoid putting the full burden on taxpayers? Either way, Frisco residents should be paying close attention. What starts as a reallocation for the arts today could and would set a precedent for future creative interpretations of economic development spending. After all, if a performing arts center is “economic development,” what’s next? A taxpayer-funded roller disco in the name of tourism? Stay tuned—this show is just getting started.
In our 15 to 20+ years living here in Frisco, this is the worst smelling project we have ever seen. They can smell the Shit Stink in Celina, Prosper and probably up to Oklahoma. The level of dirt our politicians use to cover up key details for this Performing Arts Center project from the public is unconscionable. In our next blog, we talk about what the city is not telling you! If it is city-owned who pays to operate it? Have they inked a deal for a venue operator? Over the years as the performance hall ages, who is responsible for the UPKEEP and how will we pay for it as it is a city-owned facility? The 50 to 60 million they plan to raise from donors and corporate sponsors – have any of these deals been locked in? If now, how do they know we won’t need to bring more money to the table? How will the local arts community have use of this facility, can they even afford the rental fees to host events there? How much time will we have on stage if we share it with Prosper ISD? How does this benefit our local theater group if Broadway shows are always on stage? Where do those funds come from? They keep talking about Broadway Shows yet have they inked a deal with Broadway Across America? Why would you vote to change how funding buckets are used when the truth is THE CITY IS WITH HOLDING DETERMINENTAL FACTS THAT COULD AFFECT YOUR DECISION ON HOW YOU VOTE FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS.
Welcome to the Greatest Show in Frisco—Starring Your Wallet! Ladies and gentlemen, step right up! Frisco has unveiled its latest act in the grand circus of civic spending—a $300+ million performing arts center! That’s right, folks, for the low, low price of just hundreds of millions of your hard-earned tax dollars, we, the citizens of Frisco, can enjoy the privilege of funding a shiny new venue for performances most of us will probably never attend.
And who’s leading this blockbuster production? The front line “sales pitch artists” include The City of Frisco and a company called Theatre Project Consultants Inc. Of course, they are using their friends at Community Impact to deliver messages to mailboxes of 30,000+ residents. But wait, there is more! Enter, SMART FRISCO, the newest political action committee in town, whose idea of “smart” appears to be convincing taxpayers that we absolutely, positively must have this arts center—or else the arts police will revoke our cultural credentials, and the ghost of Shakespeare will haunt City Hall!
Who is Smart Frisco? The website says it is a citizen-driven political action committee dedicated to informing and educating our community about the Center for the Arts Bond Initiative and its role in driving economic development. We went to the city’s website and looked up campaign finance reports and we found the Campaign Treasurer Report filing which lists Heather Eastburn as the treasurer and their HQ office is a UPS store in Frisco. Sound familiar? Just last year Bill Woodard (current council member) set up the Safety-First Frisco PAC against the Frisco Firefighters also HQ at a UPS store?
We looked up the Smart Frisco PAC on the Texas Ethics Commission website. First, we searched by the treasure’s name and found NOTHING! Then we searched by Smart Frisco and found NOTHING! Then we looked under Active Campaign Filer Lists for political committees with appointed treasures and NOTHING! Why is it so hard to find out who is behind the PAC and who is financing the PAC?
Smart Frisco recently just posted to their Facebook Page an eye-catching graphic showing a set of tickets that read “COSTS NOTHING CHANGES EVERYTHING!” The website has the same stylish, eye-catching “PRO-PROPAGANDA” wanting you to “VOTE YES” and telling you “IT WILL COST YOU NOTHING!” They want you to believe this project would be “By Frisco, For Frisco, and most importantly, IN Frisco!”
The post elicited several responses and questions like who will be paying the annual $6 million cost for theater operations? Newsflash Frisconians, there’s no such thing as a free lunch! Ever heard the quote, “one man’s ‘free’ is another man’s tax increase?” One thing we know for sure is compliments are free, but this arts center sure isn’t!
Smart Frisco refers to a Community Impact graphic on one post which states the city believes they can raise $50 to $60 million in individual gifts and another $50 to $60 million in corporate gifts. Then in May they are asking you to vote on a BOND which they claim pending approval, will be for no more than $160 million. Lastly Prosper ISD has committed $100 million to the project.
Prosper ISD? What about Frisco ISD? Frisco ISD, who is facing a budget crunch, is building their own Performing Arts Center using $43 million earmarked from the approved 2018 Bond. Remember in 2021, The City of Frisco, Frisco ISD and developer Hall Group entered a partnership to build a “JOINT” PAC at Hall Park. In August 2022, the city and school district announce they were parting ways and canceling the “JOINT PROJECT PLANS!”
FRISCO ISD is facing a BUDGET SHORTFALL, which they blame solely on the Frisco voters who did not vote to approve the last bond. Yet they, too, can justify the need to build a $50 million performing arts theater that belongs solely to Frisco ISD even though they are cutting some arts programs. They are blind to the fact that residents are demanding financial transparency on how they have already spent hundreds of millions of previous bond money on things other than what they promised it would go for at the time. That is a tangent for another blog!
Back to the question: Who is Smart Frisco? Honestly, we don’t know! We know the treasure has a mug shot, but we are not sure if that is relevant. I bet we will learn exactly who Smart Frisco is when they have to file their first campaign finance report. Remember, you can’t fill a gas tank for free! The purse must be filled to fund a PAC, so we believe the donor’s list will speak volumes on who is holding the marionette strings of the dancing dolls.
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.
In our December blog called Fairweather Frisco Friends, we told you about how the city went on a full-frontal attack, with Bobblehead Bill leading the charge against our firefighters in the May 2024 elections. Why would they do this? The Frisco Fire Fighters Association felt their relationship with the city deteriorated or went up in smoke to the point that they had no other choice than to bring propositions for Civil Service and Collective Bargaining. After the election, Angelia Pelham and John Keating promised on their election roads to make things better with the Fire Department and to work on solutions. Ever wonder how that turned out?
In our blog, 13th Storke of the Clock, we told you about the aftermath following the May 2024 election and how the city and city management held “HEALING SESSIONS,” aka mandatory in-service meetings. The point was for the Fire Department staff the opportunity to express their complaints and fears. The result was a 50+ page report that was no different than the 2011 Climate Report, which talked about how Mack Borchardt and Lee Glover were the direct cause of the problems.
That 2024 report was given to the city management for their review, and we are guessing Weasel Wes didn’t like the remarks about him in the report. The 2024 report noted that when it comes to the City Manager, Wes Pierson the FD doesn’t trust him or his judgement. The report went on to say since taking over in this city he has been dismissive, divisive, flat out ignored them, refuses to meet with them, and has been condescending to members of the FD fracturing a future relationship.
After wasting the departments time in the “in-service healing session meetings” the members of the Fire Department waited, and waited, and waited for possible change. One notable change was that Fire Chief Lee Glover was given a “counselor” to help him do his job better. The other notable change was staff started leaving like hot cakes. That’s right the “EXPERIENCE” in our fire department is dropping like flies but they don’t want the citizens to know that.
Sometime in December or early January, we were told the Fire Fighters Association again raised some member motions for a “VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE!” Bet you have not heard about that! We are told it passed but we are still working sources to find out the final vote outcome.
It was the February 2025 response from Weasel Wes that caught our attention. It reads that he received their letter dated 12/27/2024 regarding the results of the vote of no confidence in Fire Chief Lee Glover and how he appreciated meeting with two of the board’s directors to discuss the letter’s contents. Sounds good right? Not so fast!
Paragraph two states while Weasel Wes respects their prerogative to voice concerns, he is DISAPPOINTED that this vote was the chosen method to do so – especially since work is currently underway to address issues that have been raised. He continues “It’s equally disappointing that as far as I (Wes) know, there was no attempt to communicate about these matters before the vote.”
HEY WEASEL WES – WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? DID YOU READ THE 50+ PAGE HEALING SESSION REPORT, OR WAS YOUR HEAD STUCK IN A HOLE SOMEWHERE?
Next Weasel Wes acknowledges some changes have been made by Chief Glover that are viewed as unpopular but if those changes result in better service or value for the citizens he is inclined to support them. That must mean that Weasel Wes supports taking away Squad after they just asked for that money in the 2019 and 2023 bond for more Squad ambo’s. Funny thing is more and more cities are implementing Squad Units as Frisco takes it away. Weasel Wes must also supports Glover’s decision to go back to the big bulkier fire trucks that are hard to navigate the narrow Frisco streets lined with cars because no one knows how to use their garage or driveway. He supports the reduction of staff. After Assistant Fire Chief, Kyle Mills announced his retirement after 21 years with the department, Chief Lee Glover decided to redistribute rolls instead replacing that position. In 2024 they had Firefighter Stewart and Captain Graham retire. Then in October 2023, Deputy Chief Porter retired. Years of experience out of the door. The truth is many of them utilized their retirement options to leave Frisco and have jobs elsewhere. Porter is at Little Elm today and Mills took a job with the Texas A&M Forest Service.
We reached out to other local Fire Departments and asked if they would ever eliminate positions in their ranks, and we were told “not a chance” repeatedly. One commented off the record that eliminating positions is equal to department suicide because cities will never give you the money back in budgets in the future to reinstate those positions. Yet Fire Chief Glover thinks we don’t need more front-line staff, and he is willing to reduce his management staff. How does that benefit the citizens, Weasel Wes?
Weasel Wes then goes on in the letter to say he recognizes there are still opportunities for growth and improvement in the FFD and he will continue to encourage Chief Glover and his team to pursue efforts to improve our service delivery in a responsible way. He notes that Chief Glover has opportunities to grow as a leader, just as we all do…. Wait Weasel Wes, Glover has been with Frisco FD for over 20 years and held positions such as lieutenant, captain, deputy chief, assistant chief and more so don’t you think he should have GROWN THOSE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES DURING THAT TIME? Now, after all this time he should be ready to step in and not need a counselor or more opportunities to grow.
Ready for the hard facts and truth? The bulk of his email was written in a way like it is the first time he is hearing about these issues and that he is shocked to hear of the issues at hand. Weasel Wes writes it as if the rank and file and the association have never shared their concerns prior to this December 2024/January 2025 vote. The hard truth is they shared their concerns with Weasel Wes before they even hired Chief Glover which we documented in our blog, Turn Back Time. Then they continued to share their concerns after they hired Chief Glover with a survey in 2023, also at citizen input and in the May 2024 election. Lastly, let’s not forget about the cities own survey that resulted in a 56-page report (during the aka Healing Sessions) where it was mentioned over 100 times with the issues directly being related to culture, morale, leadership, vindictiveness, racism and retaliation like behavior. He closes the letter by saying everyone he talks to says the department is great – well Weasel Wes who are you talking to?
Weasel Wes couldn’t have been more disrespectful and very intentional with how he wrote the letter. Angelia Pelham and John Keating have not followed up on their promises “TO MAKE IT ALL BETTER!” We documented some of those in our blog, Wasted Time. Remember that next time they run! We can’t wait to see what Tammy Meinershagen promise on her campaign this year when it comes to fire fighters as she was on the front lines against them in May 2024. Our City Manager is not stupid, in fact he is quite calculating and is known for being arrogant from all the emails we receive from inside the city. His letter is an example of just that!
Next, Weasel Wes is going to act like he never knew the city was being sued by Former Assistant Fire Chief Cameron Kraemer for wrongful termination. We wrote about the case in our blog Kraemer vs City of Frisco. If he wins, the city will pay big time, which we wrote about in our blog, Big Time Casino Payout.
Frisco is the home of perfectly manicured lawns, HOA emails no one reads, and a voter turnout rate that could make a ghost town look politically engaged. Every election cycle, a handful of brave souls decide to throw their hats in the ring for city council, only to be met with the resounding enthusiasm of… crickets. Why would anyone subject themselves to this? Good question. Running for office in Frisco is basically signing up to shake hands with people who won’t vote, attend forums that barely fill a Starbucks, and post on social media only to get three likes (one from your mom). And yet, candidates still do it.
Let’s play a game: Ask your friends and neighbors what they know about the upcoming Frisco elections. Chances are, you’ll get a mix of blank stares, mumbled guesses, or the classic “Wait, we have an election?” Well, here’s a crash course: February 14th was the last day to file for a spot on the ballot (so if you were thinking about running, too late—better luck next cycle). The real fun begins with early voting on April 22nd, leading up to the final day to cast your vote on May 4th (not April 3rd, by the way). During this time, our fire stations and schools will be transformed into democracy hubs, filled with voting machines that will see depressingly low foot traffic.
Meanwhile, candidates will be busy breaking the city’s sign ordinance, because let’s be honest, rules only seem to apply to challengers. The city turns a blind eye when incumbents plaster their signs wherever they please, but if a newcomer so much as breathes near the wrong patch of grass, code enforcement swoops in like the fun police. It’s all just part of the charming tradition we call local politics.
Whistleblower is here to educate and let you know about the candidates! For City Council Place 2 we have Burt Thakur, Sai Krishnarajanagar against Tammy Meinershagen. Let’s dive into them!
Burt Thakur, a former Navy Veteran, and a longtime resident of Frisco previously made a run for Congress. Burt Thakur was born in New Delhi and raised by his maternal grandparents. He spent his childhood in India, where his grandfather was responsible for the care of the national forests, tigers, and land management. He moved to New York in the late 1980s and later attended Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Burt served as a nuclear reactor operator on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. He was honorably discharged in 2006, after serving for 6 years. Thakur is an engineer project manager who facilitates the construction process for large data centers. He also appeared on Jeopardy and was interviewed in the Winners Circle.
Thakur recently addressed the Frisco City Council to address the issue of the Performing Arts Center and fiscal responsibility. If passed, the measures would allow the city to use $160 million to build the Frisco Center for the Arts. The center, designed to host Broadway-level shows, is estimated to cost more than $300 million.
Burt Thakur’s website states he has a vision for a Stronger, Safer and Thriving Frisco. Burt is a champion for veterans and their access to care and has helped many veterans get access to their benefits. In Frisco, Burt wants to ensure a space is granted for veterans’ organizations like the VFW and American Legion to share. As his best friend from the military committed suicide, Burt knows first-hand the value that a community and shared space can provide to his brothers and sisters who served. He also states that “integrity” is a commitment to ethical leadership. He states “True leadership is built on honesty, transparency, and accountability. I have always stood for ethical decision-making, responsibility, and staying true to my principles.
Next, we have Sai Krishna who ran in 2020 for council place 3 back in 2020. According to the Dallas Morning News Voter Guide in 2020, Krishna is a Registered Nurse with an associate’s degree in nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a master’s in business administration. He also is an Insurance Provider. During his 2020 race, Krishna had only lived in Frisco for 3.5 years. According to the guide he had not served on city boards or commissions at the time of the 2020 race. We could not find a working website for Krishna, or anything published online about his 2025 run for council.
Lastly, we have Tammy Meinershagen who currently sits on the Frisco City Council in Place 2 and has lived in Frisco for over 20 years. In a recent January 2025, Local Profile highlight Meinershagen was asked what her first impression of Texas was, and she replied “I had such a bad impression of Texas — I really did not want to come. I didn’t want to move to Frisco, and I certainly didn’t want to become a Texan. I expected everyone to be in cowboy boots and hats, and I had heard several stories of racism in Texas that also concerned me. I just didn’t think I’d ever feel at home in Texas. I pushed really hard against it for many, many years.” She went on to say that her opinion has changed because she has realized the diversity Texas offers.
Since being here and getting invested in Frisco, she became the Multicultural Chair for the Greater Frisco’s Council of PTA’s which led her to get involved in The City of Frisco. She helped organize the first multicultural float for the community in 2011 and worked on the Citizens Bond Committee, where she advocated for the arts center. Meinershagen was named the “Spirit of Frisco” by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce and one of CEO MOM Magazine’s Power 15. She is also the first Asian-American to serve on the Frisco City Council, and she made history as the first Korean-American female elected to any City Council in the State of Texas. Meinershagen is also a professionally trained musician and can play the piano and violin.
She is asking for you to “Re-Elect” her but remember we never “ELECTED” her to begin with. Meinershagen was set to run against the incumbent, Shona Huffman, who choose to resign from her current seat and withdraw from the race to focus on recovering from a breast cancer diagnosis. An election was never held and Meinershagen “won by default” meaning we never ELECTED her. This will be her first actual race for City Council. A Community Impact article from Feb 28, 2022, reads, “Tammy Meinershagen to ASSUME Place 2 on Frisco City Council; May election for city to be canceled.” The article states that according to Mayor Jeff Cheney, Meinershagen will FILL THE SEAT and went on to say they are CANCELING the May 7, 2022, election since both races were uncontested.
Meinershagen made headlines recently on Frisco Chronicles when we wrote about her husband’s involvement with Ketchup Caddy. In 2022, her husband Todd Meinershagen AGREED to pay more than $525,000, including interest, for his role in market manipulation related to the company Ketchup Caddy.
Meinershagen is a very prominent supporter of the Frisco Arts and the new Performing Arts Center. She supports the bond being put before voters for a $300+ million-dollar theater that will cost residents anywhere from $5 to $6 million a year to operate of city tax dollars. Meinershagen also supported the controversial Universal Kids Studios project over objections by local homeowners. Remember the “BAIT & SWITCH” that changed at the last minute during the development meeting before the council vote. Meinershagen was one of the loudest supporters on social media selling us the part would only be operating from 10am to 6pm when it is was actually 8/9am to 9/10pm. She also told us rollercoasters would be 40 to 50 feet high, but they are actually able to go up to 100 feet high. She used social media to sell it one way when she knew the whole time they were going to make last minute changes.
Lastly Meinershagen, stepped out front and center against our Frisco Firefighters last year during the election. While they have been asking for more firefighters, she adamantly agrees with the stance of the city leadership that everything is just fine. She claimed she was not representing herself as a council person at the polls but just a regular old resident with a passion for the issue. Residents don’t often spend that much time at the polls holding signs unless it is for a purpose, group or team.
What are your thoughts on Place 2? Will you get out to vote? We will be sending a questionnaire to all three candidates soon with some hard-hitting questions so it will be interesting to see how they respond, or if they even will respond. Next up we dive into Place 4 and the 5 candidates running for that position.
After our Human Trafficking blog, we were surprised to see the number of comments regarding Frisco’s history of questionable businesses in the 80s. The City of Frisco works hard to maintain a squeaky clean and impeccable image and we were curious how hard is it to determine a reputable massage business versus a sexually oriented one.
We were surprised to find an article that looks to be written by former Mayor Bob Warren on FriscoStyle.com where he talks about the sexually oriented businesses otherwise known as “S.O.B.s, brothels, or houses of ill repute.” He states in the article “They came here after having been “flushed out” of neighboring cities … At that time, Frisco was just a little country town, barely a dot on the map, and four of the businesses landed along Texas State Highway 121, on Frisco’s southernmost border. There was the “Doll House,” the “Body Shop,” the “Tub Club” and “Michelle’s Ranch.” He said the most infamous was Aprils which was located on Preston Road where La Hacienda Ranch is today. Apparently, the mobile home stood out like a sore thumb to strangers passing by. Upon entering the mobile through dangling beads in the doorway you were greeted with very dim lights.
Warren ended the article with “It was not easy, but Frisco finally rid itself of the little S.O.B.s. Where they went, I do not know, but may they rest in peace, just not in Frisco.” But did they really rid the city of these businesses? We were curious how easy it is to find “Happy Ending” massage parlors. How many more in Frisco could there be? Why are the police not actively trying to shut down these businesses? Maybe they don’t want the whorehouses listed on the GIS Data to protect the reputation they have carefully crafted.
We googled “massage near us” and started reviewing Frisco locations. First up Spring Spa located Preston and Lebanon Road. From the looks of the website, everything looks on the up & up. We took the phone number right on the google business site and the website and googled massages xxx-xxx-xxxx and first thing to come is the website BedPage.com with the same address and phone as Spring Spa. Now do you think this looks reputable or like a “happy ending” hangout.
We also searched a website sent to us by a reader called Hot.com. The first one listed under Frisco is King Spa with a 3.7-star rating. It is located off Preston just across from the entrance to Preston Vineyards. On one erotic review site, we found 4 reviews from 2024/25 talking in code of course. The code refers to an HJ which we are assuming means “hand job” and another refers to the young lady taking the HF and for an extra $100 offering an HJ (hand job) and the customer to got to play with and suck on her tits. Through a website called Encounter, we found a post about “Lucy” where they describe her as 5’6 tall, skinny with black hair, flat aZZ, and naturally smaller boobs. She apparently offers “Premium Content.”
YL Wellness Center seems to be a HOT HOT place based on the reviews. Located very close to King Spa off Preston in between Preston Vinyards entrance and Rolater Rd. In one review from 2022 found on adultsearch.com we found a review written by DarkManHere that reads “Massage for 1 hr is $60. The massage was top notch. I had lower back pain so went for this massage. After the massage I felt a lot better. Relieved now. Offered just HJ for $40. By removing the dress and allowing me to touch, she charged $100. I went for $100. She came over me, rubbed her tits on me and then jerked me. Used hot towel to clean me up”
The next review was written by HereComesTheBoom in 2021, and it reads “Massage was okay, but after telling her that I was a virgin, she told me she loved virgins and would be more than happy to change that for me. So, then she gave me a blowjob and let me f*ck her and c*m inside of her. I will definitely be back again.”
Lastly, we found an ad on an escort network website with an address of 615 Main Street, Ste 112, Frisco, Texas and when we googled that address it came back to May Foot Spa. While the ad looked clean, we were curious about who placed the ad on the website. Why would you place an ad for a simple innocent massage on an escort website? Someone who works there had to and they included the business phone number and address for May Foot Spa. Innocent massage businesses are not going to post on sites like Bedpage, Hot, Call Girl Guide, Encounter, and more.
What did we discover? A simple search of most of these businesses can be found on other sites offering erotic massages and happy endings. If we can find it, then why can’t the Frisco Police? Here is a thought, create a task force and shut these operations in the hub areas of our city and nearby communities down. They are in shopping centers that you and I go to daily. As a community, we have to do better! Our leadership cannot avoid the problem and then say we are “One of the Safest Cities in America.” We need to be a safe city and while many may say this is not a crime that hurts others, we are pretty sure most of these girls are probably trafficked in some form and we should never say that is okay and turn a blind eye.
If you hear “Frisco, Texas” what is the first thing that pops into your head? Is it the glitzy new PGA lifestyle we have? Maybe it’s The Frisco Star, oh wait, the Cowboys would need to win a game first. What about The Mix or Grand Park, our bad, those are not built yet. Soon to be new downtown in time for FIFA? Maybe it is none of those things! Maybe you are more pragmatic and think of the CROWN JEWEL … that we are the #1 Safest City, where nothing bad ever happens, or at least that is what the city wants you to believe.
Certainly nothing bad is happening behind the tinted windows of countless “massage” parlors scattered across town, right? Nope, in the city that proudly boasts its title as the #1 safest place to live, there’s absolutely no way anything shady could be going on. If it were, surely our vigilant city council and ever-watchful police force would be all over it, right? Because it’s not like they’d want anything to hurt that squeaky-clean image or anything…
Back in November we received an email tip from one resident who was concerned about the number of POP UP “Massage Parlors” and how they seem to be as popular as the fast-food restaurants on every corner. The resident noted that she went to pick up an RX late one evening and while sitting in her car waiting in line, she noticed a massage business with tinted windows and a scrolling open neon sign saying open until 11pm with men coming and going the whole time.
She felt something was off and was pretty sure illegal activities were happening there, but like many residents turned a blind eye. It was not until her neighbor mentioned something two days later about going there to get a massage and was turned away because they were “busy.” The neighbor noted that there were no cars near the place, and it didn’t make sense. That is when she told her neighbor about her concern and what she saw when picking up her RX earlier that week.
The next day the neighbor who had been refused service texted (still upset) saying she googled the business, and she was shocked when the phone number pulled up sex ads. She texted her screenshots which prompted her to go look it up too! After finding the shocking info she decided to file a report with Frisco PD they were supposed to send her a statement form to fill out but never did. After a few weeks of no response to her call and email, she reported it to us, and we started looking into it!
When you first google the name of the business Massage Aces it appears to be very reputable! It is located at 423 & Stonebrook Parkway behind the CVS Pharmacy. They had a link to their YouTube Channel which showed a nice video of a reputable massage business. A simple search of the business phone number just like the tipster said, brought us to a whole new world.
The business phone number on the website pops up on multiple “other” websites like bodyrubsmap, bedpage, skipthegames, and craigslist. The ads offer massages, sex, clean girls, escorts, and call girls which all link back to the business address 400 Stonebrook Pkwy, and the business phone number. Disturbing pictures of rather young girls in sexually provocative poses and clothing.
We were shocked that this was reported sometime in late October, and nothing was done until the middle of February 2025. The tipster forwarded us the email she sent to Frisco PD, leaving us wondering – what took so long to take action? How many other massage parlors are there in Frisco, just like this? We determined within one day of getting the tip this was a front for a lewd sexually oriented business. Just google the phone number that offers sex in their “CLEAN ROOMS” with “CLEAN GIRLS!” We are left wondering if the issue of being the safest city will be on John Keating’s political mayor when he tries to run for Mayor! Frisco…the home of human trafficking and exploited underage girls! Ladies check your husbands’ receipts, if you see Massage Aces or Sandy Spa, it might be time to talk with them.
Our biggest concern is the safety of these young women being trafficked, the fact that it is 1/2 mile from our schools and backs up to our neighborhoods. At least we can assure you as of this week Frisco PD, Code Enforcement, or Building Inspections did stop by, and the business has a big “red tag” on the door! It was done with little fanfare, not to attract attention to it. The notice is for an “occupancy issue” under the new name Sandy Spa. The red tag notes it is a “sexually oriented business” and closed until further notice. Wouldn’t you like to know what the city and/or Frisco PD did to protect these women? Our guess is not much in hopes of quietly moving them to another city so it’s “not in our #1 backyard!”
While we know you are pawsitively waiting for our purrfect part three to Paw Patrol we must take an intermission break for some important information. For those who don’t know the City of Frisco is a “home rule” city, meaning it’s citizens or residents can vote to adapt a charter that acts as the City’s basic governing document. The city governance style is that of a “council-manager” style which means government functions are controlled by a six-person City Council and a City Manager.
According to the city website the City Charter must be reviewed at least every six years and not more often than once every two years. That is why the city has a Charter Review Commission, which is a board that contains ten citizens for a term of six months. They choose two alternatives in the event one of the members is unable to complete the term. The primary purpose or function of the board is to: (A) inquire into the operation of the City government under the Charter and determine whether any provisions require revision; (B) propose any recommendations it deems desirable to ensure compliance with the Charter of the City government; and (C) report its findings and present its recommendations to the City Council. The last Charter Amendment Election was held in May 2019.
We are curious if our readers of the Frisco Chronicles are aware of how important the City Charter is to our day-to-day governance. It made us curious and a little concerned about what proposed changes to the city charter residents will be asked to vote on in May. To be frank we don’t trust the city! We have not seen any public discussion on the charter review and no articles written about it. Apparently, citizens had the right to go to Charter Review Commission and speak at the regularly scheduled Wednesday meetings from June 2024 through October 2024, but were citizens aware of that? Was that announced anywhere?
Many voters will get to the ballot box and feel unprepared to vote on these changes. In our opinion it could leave many residents/voters in the dark about the potential impacts their vote can have on the city’s governance. Not to mention, the timing and approach of this effort should raise eyebrows because there has not been enough transparency, potentially limiting public input on significant decisions affecting the future of Frisco. With limited public awareness and a tight timeline, residents should be calling for more clarity on the changes and how they will influence the local community.
We decided to investigate, and we learned the Charter Review Commission presented the final report from the 2024 charter review to the city council on December 3, 2024. The next step following the report presentation is for the council to have the opportunity to review and revise the recommendations as Council finds desirable. Desirable? What are the changes being suggested?
On February 4th City Council Meeting Item Number 40 reads “Consider and act upon adoption of an Ordinance ordering a Special Election … for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the City of Frisco certain proposed amendments to the existing City of Frisco Home Rule Charter…” there was no discussion by the council on the proposed changes. Instead, Tammy Meinershagen made the motion to approve which was seconded by Bobblehead Bill Woodard. We pulled up the memo associated with the agenda which states there are twelve (12) propositions calling for the Special Charter Amendment Election. The memo references a January 21, 2025, City Council Work session so we pulled up the minutes for that, and as you can guess there is very little info available to the public. Then we went to the October 1, 2024 meeting referenced in the memo and found a large attachment of what the proposed changes are.
Curious yes, what the council wants to change? Words and punctuation proposed to be added are underlined; words and punctuation proposed to be deleted are marked with strikethrough.
Section 3.02 Limitations on Terms: No person shall serve as a Councilmember and Mayor (combined) for more than18sixconsecutive electedyearsterms.
If you read the current Home Rule Charter, it says “The mayor and each councilmember shall serve for a term of three years. Under limitations it reads “No person shall serve as mayor for more than three consecutive elected terms” which is a total of 9 years. Then it goes on to say “no person shall serve as councilmember for more than three consecutive elected terms” which is also 9 years. The last sentence of the limitation reads “No person shall serve as a councilmember and mayor (combined) for more than 18 consecutive years.” 18 YEARS? Do you think they should be able to serve 18 years? How does the city develop new and fresh perspective when someone can serve that long?
Oh yeah did we mention it also recommended adding a provision to the charter to allow the city council to fill a council seat by appointment when a council member vacates their seat with a year or less left on their term? The recommended charter amendment would not apply to the mayor. The appointment would require a supermajority (at least three-fourths) approval from the city council and would have to be made within 30 days of the seat being vacated. NO VOTE on who will fill that seat they get to appoint their friends who agree with them.
Section 3.04 Compensation: The Mayor shall receive compensation in the amount of $1,500.00850.00 per month. Each Councilmember shall receive compensation in the amount of $1,200.00 700.00 per month. On October 1, 2025 and annually thereafter on the same date, the amount of compensation shall be adjusted by an amount equal to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) over the prior, one-year period.
READ THAT AGAIN! READ IT CAREFULLY! The first issue we have is the council just asked us to raise their pay in 2019 which the voters passed raising the mayor’s pay from $500 per month to $850 and raising council members’ pay from $350 per month to $700. Now they are back for more! With the new proposed payout, King Cheney would make $18,000 a year to be Mayor. Our council Members would be making $14,400 per year. That does not include all the perks of box seats at events or paid city travel.
Issue number two is the blue sentence (read it carefully)! The amendment includes a note requiring compensation to be adjusted by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) going forward to take inflation into account. This ensures that future compensation amendments will not be necessary as it will change automatically. That means our right as voters to determine if they should be paid more is taken away from us because it “can change automatically.”
We are curious, what do other city council leaders across North Texas make? We found the answer in a 2021 Dallas Morning News article which pulled the information from a 2020 U.S. Census Bureau.
Plano – Population 285,494: City Council $1000 per month and Mayor $2000 per month
Arlington – Population: 394,266: Mayor: $250 per month & Council members: $200 per month
Dallas – Population: 1,304,379: Mayor: $80,000 & Council members: $60,000 a year
Fort Worth – Population: 918,915: Mayor: $29,000 & Council members: $25,000 a year
Garland – Population: 246,018: Mayor: $575 per month, plus $72 for regular meetings and $72 for work sessions preceding meetings. Council members: $288 base pay, plus $72 for regular meetings, $72 for work sessions preceding meetings.
Irving – Population: 256,684: Mayor: $1,200 per month & Council members: $900 per month
McKinney – Population: 195,308: Mayor: $50 per city council meeting (which comes to $1200 per year), $100 monthly phone stipend and $100 monthly stipend. Council members: $50 per council meeting (which comes to $1200 per year) and $100 monthly stipend
Mesquite –Population: 150,108: Mayor: $100 per month & Council members: $50 per month
Richardson – Population: 119,469: Mayor: $100 per meeting & Council members: $100 per meeting. Yearly pay is capped at $5,200.
We also found this totally monthly pay comparison chart in the City of Grand Praire from a review they did in March 2024.
Section 3.09 Meetings of the City Council: (1) The City Council shall hold at least two regular meetings each month and as many additional meetings as it deems necessary to transact the business of the City; provided, however, the City Council may, in its sole discretion, determine to hold one regular monthly meeting four two months out of the calendar year. The City Council shall fix the date and time of the regular meetings by ordinance. What does that mean? They want more pay and the ability to opt out of 4 meetings instead of only two. More money less work! They need this because of the number of public events they must do for a political picture grab.
Well, the intermission is over so it is time to get back in to the theater and wait for the rest. Yes, there are more changes you need to know about because we will be voting on them so stay tuned!
Frisco, Texas—where the city council somehow can ask citizens to vote on an EDC Bond for millions of dollars for a sparkling new performing arts center but can’t allow citizens to vote on a bond for an animal shelter or scrape together a dime for a much-needed animal shelter. It’s almost like the Mayor and City Council think the arts deserve a standing ovation while our four-legged friends get a pathetic round of applause… from the overcrowded parking lot outside paid for by citizens’ tax dollars. After all, who needs a haven for abandoned animals when you can have a state-of-the-art performing arts center hosting countless performances, funded city breweries, and a kid’s theme park that no one will remember in 10 years? Priorities, right?
In 2019, Community Impact did a story about how local pet advocates called Frisco’s Pet Project were advocating for Frisco to construct its own animal shelter. The article highlighted Marla Fields, one of the original organizers of the Frisco Pet Project who is quoted saying, “She said she saw a need for a Frisco-based animal shelter while rescuing cats from local organizations. Good Ole King Cheney (Mayor of Frisco) said, “city staffers have considered allocating funding to build an animal shelter in the past but determined the benefits of partnering with the county outweighed the negatives. We have a partnership with Collin County along with other cities to collaborate as a region to try to provide the most cost-effective services for this need.” The article went on to say that building an animal shelter would likely be funded through bonds, but the city did not include a shelter among the projects in the 2019 bond election.
In 2023, the citizens bond committee presented a recommendation for an animal shelter to be voted on by the residents. A DMN article noted that Frisco animal advocates made one last push for City Council to include an animal shelter in the May 6 bond election, but they did not prevail. The article quoted Marla Fields, founder of Frisco’s Pet Project, “It just seems like the finish line just keeps moving on us. You told us to be patient … we’ve done everything that you’ve told us to do. We followed your leadership and your advice. You said, ‘Wait for the bond. You have to speak to each member of the city council. Come to the winter sessions. Show us the data. Show us the plans. Show that you can do this with a return on investment.’ We did all that.”
The City Council’s vote on the bond package was unanimous, with council members Laura Rummel and Brian Livingston requesting a note be added to the record they support an animal shelter. Two votes stand out from that night – Laura Rummel who claims to be the “PET ADVOCATE” and John Keating. Laura voted for obvious reasons as she ran her campaign on animals and supported a shelter. Why Cheating Keating? We have a copy of an email that Councilman Keating sent to a resident where he told the citizen he would allow for it to go before the citizens if it was recommended by the citizens bond committee. But he lied! Are we surprised? No, because he has lied to the Frisco Fire Association and his ex-wife.
What might be even more sad is how the city uses local publishers to sell the community on the same boring, old, tired and worn message in hopes residents will buy the bull they are selling. After getting hit with questions at the Feb 3rd town hall regarding an animal shelter, Community Impact miraculously writes an article on February 5 titled, “Frisco identifies animal shelter site no timeline for project.” The article stated that the City Manager, Wes Pierson, confirmed the city has been trying to find a private public partner to help bring an animal shelter inside the city limits. “We’ve been working with a partner to try and find a model that would allow the city to have a public-private partnership for the operation of an animal shelter,” Pierson said. “We are still in the process of trying to develop that partnership.”
For the first time the city released a potential site located in north Frisco near PGA Parkway and Preston Road on the southwest corner called Luminant Tract. Then the city offers “another excuse” saying the animal shelter would go there once they had a partner and after they developed the North Texas Municipal Water district transfer station and commercial recycling center. Pierson goes on to say only then can they discuss timing of the facility construction. The hidden message we believe he is saying is delay, delay, and more delay because we don’t want an animal shelter here.
The article also states King Mayor Cheney as saying the Frisco Center for the Arts and animal shelter are unrelated. Unrelated? To pet advocates, they are related because for years the city has used “funding” as an excuse, but we can fund the arts with a simple vote from the public for an EDC bond. The same could be said for an animal shelter, OH WAIT, you won’t let the public vote on that which is why you pulled it from the 2023 bond even after it was recommended by the citizens bond committee. King Cheney only wants you to vote on what he wants!
The best comment came from the “So-Called Pet Advocate” on council Laura Rummel. “There are things that city government is not good at or doesn’t have the expertise at,” she said. “We do not have the expertise to have an animal shelter of our own, which is why we have been searching for a partner.” Based on our research THAT IS A NEW EXCUS and in our opinion, that was the dumbest comment we have ever heard. Do you think the thousands of cities across America that have an animal shelter had “animal expertise” when they opened their city-run and funded shelters? Ms. Rummel, what expertise do we have in Health Clinics, Performing Arts, Code Enforcement, Engineering Services, and Parks and Rec? None!!! That is why you hire someone to run the department that “HAS THE EXPERTISE” just like you have done in all the other city departments.
The article goes on to talk about “In The Meantime” the city has a partnership with Collin County Animal Services and how the city supported the November 2023 bond for CCAS to expand the animal shelter’s capacity and services by constructing a one-story, 10,000 square-foot addition to the north side of the CCAS building. What happened after the bond was approved?
Ask Ben Brezina one of the Assistant City Managers who led a crusade to gather other cities like Prosper, Celina, and McKinney to question “the billings statements” and how the impact fees and cost allocations were being split among the different cities. In an email from Ben Brezina to Wes Pierson, Chief Shilson, Henry Hill, and Ryan Pitman dated October 3, 2023, Brezina stated “Regarding future payments, Collin County Administrator verbally committed to updating the cost allocation amongst the Members (population-based). So, it is unknown yet the future costs for Frisco or any other Member, Prosper and Celina have grown significantly, and they will need to pay their fair share, same as unincorporated Collin County. We will advocate for a usage-based fee.” Frisco doesn’t want to pay their fair share based on population even though it was laid out that way from the get-go! They want to change the name of the game. Does that sound supportive to you?
In our final Paw Patrol blog, we are going to share with you the emails sent to us from a recent PIR filed by a resident. They sent us everything and based on those emails it is clear Laura Rummel has not been actively involved in conversations with the city on the animal shelters so-called public-private partnership. Yet, she has continued to tell residents how involved she is. It will also be obvious where the city stands on an animal shelter. Lastly, it will show how dumb John Keating is that he cannot even answer a resident’s questions posed to him in an email without getting an exact word-for-word statement from city management because he is clueless.
In closing, as Laura said we are not experts in running an animal shelter. Advocates have heard over and over the annual operating expenses are just too high year over year for an animal shelter, so it doesn’t make sense. HOWEVER, based on the moves this week at city council, Rummel and the rest of the council (minus Livingston) believe WE ARE EXPERTS IN THE ARTS which is why they voted to put an EDC bond on the ballet in the upcoming election. It appears we can afford the annual operating expenses for a PAC which ranges from $5 to $6 million, and we can HIRE EXPERTS TO RUN IT! King Cheney when you say the Performing Arts Center and Animal Shelter are unrelated …. THEY ARE RELATED! It just comes down to what YOU WANT MIGHTY KING!
Welcome to Frisco, Texas – a city known for its rapid growth, shiny new developments, and state-of-the-art amenities… except when it comes to an animal shelter for its four-legged residents. It is amazing how many residents here love pets and want an animal shelter. We hear about it on every town hall and often see comments online asking leaders…when, when it will be time for animal shelter? Frisco has been absolutely stellar at coming up with new and creative excuses for why that still hasn’t happened. It’s almost as if the city’s leadership has coined the term “We’ll get to it eventually” into an art form.
We have heard all the excuses, or should I say reasons – “We’re focusing on other priorities,” “We don’t have enough space,” “It’s a complicated project.” Blah, blah, blah. Because obviously, with all those new luxury apartments, multi-million-dollar sports complexes, and pristine retail centers, there’s no room for something as quaint as a place where animals can be safe and cared for. Why waste money on a shelter when you can keep building urban development centers, Performing Arts Centers, give a facelift to a soccer field, revitalize downtown into a Meca for the Mayors photo ops. Who needs compassion when you’ve got a sparkling new upscale grocery store when milk is already too costly for some households, right?
Each of our council members and Mayor has their “passion project” and the reason they ran for office! Regarding pets, Laura Rummel ran for her seat claiming to be the “passion paw patrol leader” for an animal shelter. She has been on council for a few years, but have we seen any changes? From what we can tell, no, and based on the countless emails we get from animal advocates across this city asking us to write about pets – they agree that nothing has changed.
We have been sent many things over the last two years by animal lovers since the conception of our page but because we didn’t know too much about the issue, we held of covering it until now. We know for years residents have been told that the city would prefer a public/private partnership instead of building its own animal shelter but what have they done to move the needle forward?
Rummel will argue she has started a private 501c and originally, she said it was to help raise funds for an animal shelter. However nowhere on the website for this 501c does it mention anything about an animal shelter. It says the mission is to perpetually support the City of Frisco, Texas, its citizens, and its pets by providing animal education, support low-cost veterinarian options, and help reduce the homeless pet population. We think the second half of that mission statement is great, but it is the first part that leaves us concerned.
According to the dictionary “perpetually” means ALWAYS or in a way that will never end or change. When the mission statement says they will perpetually support the City of Frisco – well that means if the city doesn’t want an animal shelter, then Laura will ALWAYS support that. Yet that is not what she continues to tell her supporters! She tells voters she is advocating regularly for pets and that we have the land and money to fund it. She is “all in” for pets but is she actually “all-in” however the city wants it?
Our question for Ms. Rummel is do you agree with Mayor Cheney and what he said at the mid-year 2024 Townhall where he essentially said Frisco has more sophisticated communication tools to handle lost pets and that the city’s position is to REHOME pets, so they never end up at the shelter? Essentially if you agree with that, you are saying to residents that if your dog gets out you don’t deserve the pet back so we will rehome it instead of taking it to a shelter.
In the second half of his comment, he says those communication tools are Facebook Community Pages and apps such as Nextdoor and those are tools that don’t exist in other communities. Would you agree Ms. Rummel since you will always perpetually support the city, and Cheney is the Mayor of our city? No other city or community in America has the sophisticated communication tools of Facebook Lost and Found pages and neighborhood groups? The Nextdoor app was created for Frisco and does not exist in other cities? I had no idea those were exclusive sophisticated communication tools for Frisco, only!
We are also curious if Ms. Rummel perpetually agrees when Cheney says the city’s approach that “WE DO NOT WANT TO RUN OUR OWN SHELTER” and we are open to a public/private partnership option only.
Most importantly we are curious if Ms. Rummel agrees with Cheney attacking Animal Advocates in a public form saying that they are a case study in how NOT to advocate for a position? He continues his rambling by schooling them publicly in the PROPER way to advocate for a position and accusing them of tearing people down and spreading misinformation.
The pet voters would like to know if you agree Ms. Rummel. Is going to a city council meeting and speaking during citizens’ input, emailing council members presentations, thoughts and asking questions the improper way to handle it? If you perpetually agree with that Ms. Rummel then it sounds like what you are saying is that they should kiss the City of Frisco’s Ring, support the click campaigns, and bow down to their agenda or else they are doing it wrong.
My wife and I follow the city very closely and we often hear them say they are “exploring options” at the council meetings, work sessions and town hall sessions. The city leadership responses are PERPETUALLY THE SAME every time. We are exploring options but have no updates. Maybe that is why when Ms. Rummel is questioned online or in the comments of her posts about the status of an animal shelter (the platform she choose to run on) she gets defensive.
In fact, recently she snapped back at one resident who comments on one of her Facebooks posts stating nothing has changed and she has not moved the needle by sending him a private message that reads, “SO YOU THINK IVE DONE NOTHING” to which he responds “NO ANIMAL SHELTER. Is there one being built that I don’t know about?” They go back and forth, and she says we have the land, we have how we’d pay for it and we are still negotiating with a potential partner.
How much does our “Regional Partnership” cost? Do they have land? Do they know how they would pay for it? And who are they negotiating with as a private partner? We know the one they were talking to in 2024 is dead in the water based on the emails we have. Stay tuned for Part 2
Welcome to the dinner table where you thought the only thing spicy was the food. Have you ever felt like mustard fights with mayo and ketchup hold a grudge against ranch? You can have a classic ketchup and mustard coalition but beware the rise of the new contender: sriracha!
The reality is the table is full of a world of condiments and political debates! The next few months will be filled with a heated political election and your condiment choices are shaping the future—of your sandwich. So, grab your napkins, folks, because we’re about to dive into the bizarre, messy world where sauces aren’t just about flavor—they’re about power. Let the condiment campaign begin!
You’re probably wondering why we are talking about condiments! Now we are going to confuse you a little more! Have you ever heard of The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)? The FERC is an independent agency, that is a part of the U.S. Department of Energy, and it regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. We had never heard of them until we read a yahoo finance article. The more confusing thing about this article was the Commission ordered a company called Ketchup Caddy (Ketchup Who?) and its owner to pay about $27 million for using bogus demand response resources to make offers in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s capacity market.
What is Ketchup Caddy and what does the FERC have to do with Frisco, Texas? Ketchup Caddy is a company originally created in Frisco, Texas and they sell an in-car ketchup holder invented by Phillip Mango. On December 5th the FERC decided that the company and its owner engaged in Market Manipulation using a fraudulent device, scheme, or artifice to defraud the MISO market according to the FERC.
To do this they co-founder Todd MEINERSHAGEN, a computer programmer, registered customers using a random number generator on a website to cull data so Mango could contact them about enrolling in Ketchup Caddy’s DR program. Meinershagen AGREED in late 2022 to pay more than $525,000, including interest, for his role in the market manipulation. According to FERC, Ketchup Caddy “regularly distributed” MISO capacity payments to Mango’s and Meinershagen’s personal bank accounts totaling more than $500,000 apiece.
Have you made the connection yet? Todd Meinershagen is the husband of Tammy Meinershagen our city council woman who loves the arts. Seems they both want to use other people’s money to build things! Talk about transparency and honesty to the public. My mom once told me, you are who you associate with and if that is true Tammy is standing by her man and that means her character is questionable.
Tammy Meinershagen is now asking citizens to Re-Elect her to office when they NEVER ELECTED HER THE FIRST TIME. A Community Impact article from Feb 28, 2022, reads, “Tammy Meinershagen to ASSUME Place 2 on Frisco City Council; May election for city to be canceled.” The article states that according to Mayor Jeff Cheney, Meinershagen will FILL THE SEAT of Council Member Huffman. Cheney went on to say they are CANCELING the May 7, 2022, election since both races were uncontested. Bobblehead Bill Woodard had no one run against him so while he assumed the seat for a 3rd term he wasn’t elected for his 3rd term. The same for Meinershagen who was NEVER ELECTED so how can we RE-ELECT HER NOW?
The funny thing about Bobblehead Bill Woodard and Tammy Meinershagen is they both were on the front lines to say Vote No against our Frisco Fire Fighters and yet we never elected them! It’s a little bit Ironic, don’t you think? Frisco Residents need to get involved and have a voice. Who do you want leading our city and who do you want to ELECT TO THE OFFICE? It is time for change, time to have representatives who listen to the residents and don’t show up for just the photo’s ops.
If you were scrolling through social media over the holidays, you may have seen the holiday post from the City of Frisco. When we saw the post we stopped in our tracks, not sure if we were enamored with it like Ralphie in The Christmas Story with the Leg Lamp, or if we were in disbelief of their brazen audacity to say FU to their naysayers. Clearly, it was a message by our Elite Council to the Grinch naysayers who dare question them and what they do. We decided to be like Tammy and write a poem!
The Who of Whoville by FWB
In the City of Frisco, not far from the Square, sat a Whoville of leaders in plush swivel chairs. They believed they were the Who’s Who of Whoville and met every Tuesday to reign superior over those in the land.
“We’ll build a new park!” said Mayor Jeff Maywho with great flair! Thing 1 (Bobblehead Bill) stands up, Mayor Maywho, don’t forget bike lines – they’re only fair!” Thing 2 (Cheating Keating) chimes in, “How, ‘bout we build more roads to relieve the loads!”
Just as the Whoville of Frisco was set to agree, a voice from the chamber rose and said, “Not So Fast!” Martha May Who with a Pelham scowl, said “Have we thought this all through? It’s a real rat race!” The council just nodded, their eyes a blur, when Mayor Jeff Maywho called out “We’re solving it all, of that, I am sure! It will be to my liking, said the greedy and self-serving Mayor Jeff Maywho.
“Oh, Council of Frisco, so grand and wise, could you think for a moment with less compromise? Must every decision be voted through so fast?” Who speaks their bellowed Mayor Jeff Maywho. The light shines upon the voice and Ozzy steps forward and says, “Lets focus on projects that are built to last!”
Sweet little Cindy-Lou Who (Tammy) is undaunted while the Whoville of Frisco debates, talking about zoning and budgets and changing growth rates. She says although we’re not perfect (who really is?), we do our hardest to run this big biz.
Max “The Dog” Rummel stands up to pant and proposes a cheer, “Here’s to the Whoville Council of this great town, she juggles a smile, then shrugs, followed by a little frown. Her only job is to pant, beg, and not step out of line due to loyalty or fear and every now and then Mayor Jeff Maywho will throw her a bone.
Just remember no matter WHO you are, or you celebrate the season, we will be cheering and laughing at your disgust for Whoville because Mayor Jeff Maywho will have a prosperous and joyous New Year. The End.
In closing, when we saw the FU post, we were shocked at the audacity Mayor Jeff Cheney had to dress up as Mayor Augustus Maywho. Here is a Mayor who has been accused of using his position to further his own financial gain and he takes center stage in a city holiday photo to dress up as a character (red sash in all), who puts on a façade to his true nature: that of a rude, greedy, arrogant, and egotistical politician who is willing to exploit anything for his own benefit.
Look closely, the picture speaks volumes! Watch The Grinch and it will all make sense!
Goodbye, 2024, you chaotic overachiever, and hello 2025! Like every New Year, we dive in headfirst and pretend that turning the page in our calendar will suddenly fix our lives! We treat each year like a shiny new model, but are we expecting too much? Gym memberships rise, and vision boards are crafted, and plastered with our new year’s resolutions. Really those “visions” are like drunk promises we know we won’t keep.
By day three or four, we are tired of eating Kale and wish we had the holiday cookies still left in our pantry. One thing that never changes with each new year is that we know whatever promises or commitments we made in good faith will most likely never be met because they are just one of those New Year’s resolutions that fall by the wayside. Cheers to the illusion of change!
As we enter the new year one would hope our City Council members had an epiphany to put the community first over their own self-interests. Soon we will know because a new year also means a new city council election and guess what, it is right around the corner. The first day to file for a place on the ballot is January 15th and the last day to file for a place on the ballot is February 14th. Time will fly and soon it will be April 22nd, the first day to early vote. All of it will come to a close on election day which is May 3rd.
From now through election time, you can expect to hear how the candidates or incumbents will be transparent and represent you the residents. We will hear the same old tired-out slogans such as “We are the #1 this and the #1 that.” You can bet money the incumbents will talk about how “we are the #1 Safest City” and how they have a personal stakeholder position in making that happen. It leaves us wondering if residents will open their eyes to the fact that the city manipulates what we “need to know” versus the truth of what is happening around us! Remember John “Cheating” Keating (who hopes to be our next Mayor) threw the #1, #1, #1 in our face over and over during his election.
Even high-profile NFL athletes are not exempt from being the victims of crime. By now you have heard about the burglaries targeting the homes of NFL players, including Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, along with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Recently, local DFW news stations reported that on December 27th in the affluent upscale Preston Hollow neighborhood, the home of Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic was broken into. Reports say the thieves got away with $30,000 worth of jewelry. The FBI has gone as far as to warn the NFL and NBA that players need to increase the security of their homes when they are away playing, and they believe they have connected these burglaries to a “transnational South American theft group.”
The good thing is we can rest easy here in Frisco! We are the #1 SAFEST CITY! That means it would never happen here, right? One might think since Frisco is known as Sports City USA, we could be a target! If something like that happened here, surely the city and Frisco PD would put out a crime alert to warn the residents of Frisco. It would have made the local news stations just like Luca Doncic home break-in. Frisco has several affluent neighborhoods, filled with high-profile players, and I am sure their neighbors would want to know if that happened in their community.
FWB received a tip over the holiday break that it did happen here! In fact, based on the police report, the home burglary took place in our very own affluent community of Stonebriar Country Club. According to one website, residents of SCC enjoy a wealth of amenities in the exclusive guard-gated community that epitomizes luxury with elegant homes and a lifestyle of unparalleled sophistication and tranquility. Residents should know they are not exempt from this kind of potential danger.
When did this happen? November 28th just after Thanksgiving, during the Dallas Cowboys game against the New York Giants at AT&T stadium. The home game started at 4:30 pm and the report states the crime was committed 11/28/24 between the times of 15:05 (3:05 pm) and 20:44 (8:44 pm). Ken Wang is listed as the case officer and the Incident Report number is 24143447. The offense code is listed as Burglary of Habitation. The Frisco Police Report states 8 watches totaling $550,000 along with 2 purses totaling $100,000 were stolen. The remarks state unknown suspect forced entry into a home and stole $700,000 worth of miscellaneous jewelry. Luca Doncic got off easy!
To protect the NFL player, we are not going to release his name or address because his family has been through enough! We can tell you we googled the address, and we were surprised to see it on Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. One would assume that Realtors who handle multi-million-dollar listings like this would remove the photos once the listing is sold. The images on the Douglas Elliman listing, show the whole home, and the location and access points of the home. Douglas Elliman is a well-known, respected real estate brokerage which is why we are a little surprised the listing agent did not remove the photos after selling it. We are curious if those images could have helped the criminals figure out how to access the home.
I asked my neighbor, a Frisco Realtor if agents usually remove high-end listing photos after a sale. He said that good Realtors are usually proactive and to protect the privacy of both parties after a sale, they request removal of the images on luxury listings. He also told us while the listing agent can request the removal of photos after a home has been sold, there is no guarantee a third-party website will take them down. I asked him how an owner could request the images be removed and he told me owners can google how to remove the pictures of your home from real estate websites and each one has step-by-step instructions on how a homeowner can remove them.
Residents of Frisco had the right to know about a burglary of a habitation where over $700,000 worth of valuables were stolen in our opinion. Frisco PD could have withheld the player’s name and address but a warning to the community. How is it, that every other high-end pro-athlete burglary made the news, and this one didn’t? Did Frisco PD ask the FBI if this could be related to the other high-end thefts? How come we never heard about this burglary on the news?
The city does not point out we are a safe city, they always say we are the #1 safest city and to be honest, it does not feel very safe here anymore. We have had more crimes, shootings, and God knows what else because leaders manipulate want, they want to share so it fits their narrative. Just like they manipulated the sales presentation of Universal Kids. After it passed, residents learned everything they promised changed from the height of rides, the traffic congestion they claim will not happen, and the times the theme park would be open. In Frisco, the NFL stands for Navigating Frisco Lies!
We came across this post from the Allen Fire Department and felt we needed to share it! It is evident from this video how the Allen FD is committed to helping its firefighters work through mental health challenges. By sharing it, the City of Frisco leadership including the City Manager, Sassy Safranek in HR, and the City Council could learn something if they watch it! After you watch it catch the community follow-up Q & A session where Allen leadership answers the public questions by clicking here.
Why is the city still fighting a lawsuit with Former Assistant Fire Chief Cameron Kraemer? If you have not heard about this case, Frisco leadership tried to deny Kraemer’s PTSD as was work-related injury. Even after the courts confirmed that Frisco Leadership and TML were wrong, they continued to fight Kraemer!
A new lawsuit was filed on 8/2/2024 and involves Cameron Kraemer vs City of Frisco. Filed in Collin County under Case Number 416-05201-2024, Frisco is still fighting its duty and responsibility to care for a man who served in our community for 27+ years. It also defines how our city leadership and management will treat future firefighters when they have work-related mental illnesses. On 12/12/2024 the case was “SCHEDULED FOR TRAIL” by jury and Pre-Trial will begin on 7/24/2024 with a Jury Trial on 7/28/2025.
WHY SHOULD THIS MATTER TO YOU? Ask yourself, how many tax dollars have been spent fighting these multiple court cases? If the city loses the case, how much could the city payout to Kraemer in damages?
The truth is the City of Frisco and the entire leadership who stand up saying they are committed to our Public Safety Departments during elections should be ashamed of themselves for not having fixed this sooner. They should also be embarrassed and explain why they want to continue to spend OUR tax dollars to further show their lack of support for firefighters. By the looks of the docket, the City’s attorneys are going to try to convince a JURY that they did the right thing. Ask yourself, you have Allen FD trying to raise awareness and Frisco leadership who continues to treat those on the front lines of our public safety departments like crap and deny their firefighters can have work-related PTSD! What has to happen in Frisco for them to accept their responsibilities to help their firefighters???
We have been saying for a while that the Frisco City Council is like a group of “Fairweather Friends” meaning they are a good friend when it is easy, or they need something, and they stop being a friend when there are problems. We thought the city should have a new tagline and we came up with The City of Frisco – Home of Fairweather Friendships. You can expect the Frisco Cabal to react swiftly to this blog and say the council members are great, amazing, and stupendous. That is because the Frisco Cabal, The City, and the members of the Frisco City Council often project images of unity and commitment to the community.
However, there’s a growing perception that the council members are more “fairweather friends” than steadfast leaders. Their support and engagement often seem to waver depending on public opinion, personal interests, or political convenience. The inconsistency leaves residents questioning whether council members prioritize the long-term well-being of the city or simply their own political capital.
We saw it firsthand in the May 2024 election when the current city council members turned their back on our men and woman of the Frisco Fire Department. They went as far as standing on the corner of election locations holding “VOTE NO” to civil service and collective bargaining signs against the very men and woman who put their life on the line for the city. The amount of lies and accusations they put out led by Bobblehead Bill Woodard were over the top.
Then after the election was over, the Council, the City Management, and FD Management including Chief Lee Glover tried to do an about-face to show “they care!” That is why FD management began the “healing sessions” which were mandatory in-service meetings that allowed the FD to express their complaints and fears about the FD and the city. The result was that Chief Glover was given a “counselor” to help him do his job better. Did any of it work? Of course not!
The truth hurts, especially when the facts are presented: The current city council members rally around popular initiatives during election cycles, only to back away when challenges arise, or public scrutiny intensifies. While they’re quick to attach their names to high-profile projects or programs that garner praise, their enthusiasm often wanes when those efforts require difficult decisions or sustained support. This pattern of behavior risks undermining trust and stability in local governance. Moreover, their selective advocacy for certain neighborhoods, businesses, or interest groups raises concerns about equity and fairness. The council’s tendency to show up for celebratory events or media-friendly opportunities while avoiding contentious issues is proof of their Fairweather tendencies. The lesson is simple but hard for city leadership to understand which is to build lasting confidence, Frisco’s council members must demonstrate consistent engagement, even when the skies aren’t so sunny.
Tonight, my wife and I tuned in to watch the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight and many were disappointed. The reality of this ring fight is that Tyson is 58 and has been out of the ring for almost 20 years. Paul’s career as a YouTube sensation amassed him more than 5.3 million followers and a reputation for being annoying. That’s okay because Forbes has him as one of the highest-paid YouTube creators over the years. In 2018 he began his career as a professional boxer. What was supposed to be one of the wildest spectacles in recent sports history may have fallen short. However, we don’t think any fight will top when Tyson infamously bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear.
Why would they do it? Well media reports say Jake Paul could walk away with up to $40 million and Mike Tyson is expected to make $20 million. That is a good pay day for 8 rounds that were 2 minutes each! Now, you are probably wondering what this Friday Night Fight has to do with Frisco.
Well, it seems like everything in Frisco is a boxing match! There is a boxing match between the city and the Frisco Firefighters due to the city’s lack of trust in city management and the Fire Chief, Lee Glover! There is also the upcoming boxing match set in court in the case of Kraemer vs. The City of Frisco for being wrongfully terminated, which will cost taxpayers millions.
There is a boxing match between citizens and the City Council over all the Master Development Agreements and all the public investment the city is putting into them along with the “performance incentives” being dished out. The city leadership and elite want more apartments, Las Vegas-style hotels, and Kids’ Theme Parks. Meanwhile, Frisconians want them to deal with traffic issues and stop wasting our tax dollars. Don’t worry they say a kid’s theme park, the first of its kind, will not bring more human trafficking to Frisco. Yes, we have a big human trafficking here in our community and it is scary.
There is a boxing match between Frisco ISD leadership, teachers, parents, and residents. Residents are tired of the district spending money on all these public-private partnerships and then crying to the voters they need more money because they misused the funds from the 2018 bond. Many residents are questioning the level of amenities our district has for 16-year-old kids. The voters spoke pretty loudly about that at the recent polls.
There is a boxing match between the Council and the pet people who have been asking the city to do the right and humane thing by opening a shelter in Frisco to take the burden off the county. Everyone loves pets and it would be good for community engagement, volunteer opportunities, and educational resources for pet owners. Residents are tired of the Rummel leaders who promise to support something then turn their back and claim because they held an adoption event they are meeting their commitment.
There is a boxing match between residents, local Realtors, and the mayor as they question his relationships with some developers and the substantial personal wealth accumulation he has benefited from through this position. Residents are tired of the smell from what appears to be under-the-table dealings giving him a leg up and his cocky attitude. Look at the Tyson vs Paul fights from the angle of the residents; one side is benefiting by $40 million while the other is being asked to pay $20 million more taxes to support these zany development dreams the mayor has.
Our point, every time you turn around residents and/or employees are going head-to-head like a wild spectacle boxing match with the Frisco Cabel (a term coined for the Frisco elite’s inner circle). Our ringmaster should be Jerry Jones, and we can hold the matches at the losing Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium where if you get the wrong seat the sun may blind you and that can be your excuse you didn’t see the fight. Surely, one of the new tech companies coming to Frisco could buildout a premium subscription platform where we could hold boxing matches based on community issues for a monthly service charge of $22.99 to help build the Performing Arts Center. We at least get to lay our head down tonight knowing the Frisco Boxing Drams is free and not pay-per-view because Frisconian’s are running low on pocket change they are willing to part with.
In less than 24 hours the “Mother of Frisco” seems to be upset by our blog “Heit-end Controls.” We received a copy of her “Victim Card Post” that went up on FRWC Facebook page about an hour ago. To say we are dumbfounded and confused is an understatement and we feel it is best to address her post paragraph by paragraph.
Heit’s 1st Paragraph: “This Facebook group, my character and my personal integrity has been attacked in an anonymously written hit piece that is now being shared as fact in other Facebook groups…including a group that pretends to be a resource for Parents of Frisco ISD students (despite the fact that several of the admin don’t live in Frisco or have kids attending Frisco ISD schools).”
Our Response: Character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual and Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles and moral uprightness. If you read our article, we wrote that my wife has loved your page for many years and that we appreciate all the hard work you put into your page. We made note of the fact that we met you at a few local events and truly believe you are a kind, polite and genuine person. All we did was question how you choose to admin your page which disseminates information to over 20+ followers. That is not an attack on your moral qualities or principles.
Questioning someone is not an attack; if it is, then we are all up a creek without a paddle. We pointed out that the admin of the page, which is you, does not allow any opposing views regarding local political posts. That is not an attack on your moral principles or uprightness. As for people sharing our posts, our page is public therefore, we cannot and will not stop anyone from sharing our posts to any page or group. We also will not close comments, stop discussion, or interactive sharing of thoughts. You share posts/articles on your FRWC page every day. Even though your rules state no posts on political candidates, you share them as informational but don’t allow informational posts regarding the opposing candidates. Ms. Heit, calling you impartial is not nasty and we did not refer to you using bad language. disparaging terms, or foul names. We simply questioned how you choose to admin one of the largest Facebook pages in our community, and that is not an ATTACK on your character or integrity.
Heits 2nd Paragraph: Why am I being slandered? Well, because it is election season, and I am supporting the passage of the Frisco ISD Bond & VATRE ballot measures and the folks who are trying to defame me do not. They are online bullies—the exact type of bullies that I raise my children not to be. Many of them are in this group. I have patiently and repeatedly answered their questions and responded to their twisted facts about the school district.
Our Response: Slander is a legal term that refers to a false, oral statement about an individual that harms his/her reputation or standing within the community. 1) To be clear everything we posted and questioned … ARE YOUR OWN WORDS OR RULES! At the beginning of our article, we stated that you support the BOND and that as election day draws near many residents are searching social media for more information. We never said your supporting the bond was a bad thing. We pointed out you will not find any opposing VOTE NO position on your page. 2) We did not SLANDER or DEFAME YOU IN ANY WAY! Several people contributed to the whistleblower, and we have not asked any one of them how they plan to vote on the issue nor would we. We don’t care that you support the bond, we don’t care if you vote for Harris or Trump, this is America, and it is your GOD GIVEN RIGHT to support any candidate or measure you want!
What we care about is that everyone makes an informed decision, and you have said the same thing. When one of the largest social media community forums blocks information simply because it opposes the admin’s moral principles or moral uprightness, then the admin can’t claim in the newspapers to be impartial. Also blocking comments and asking people if they have questions to private DM you makes me wonder, why not just answer the question in a public forum. It feels like someone is trying to hide something and by blocking views you do not allow for educational discussion which helps members of our community to learn more. In many of your posts you have said you want to make sure residents are INFORMED so let them be INFORMED of the good, bad and ugly and make their own decision. You choose to post about the bond, you choose to shut off comments, you choose to layout your expertise, you choose to have these discussions in multiple social media groups, newspapers and community events. Now when asked a question, you are choosing to play the victim card to your own posts and words.
Heit 3rd Paragraph: For complete transparency, I have put in the work to serve on school district committees for the last 7 years and I understand what our school district is currently up against. Those slandering me for my support of the district have not put that work in and to be honest, they seem to think they know better than our entire District Instructional Support Team. Funny how that is!
Our Response: Since you feel we somehow slighted you on your accomplishments, we’ll let us apologize for that! HEAR YE, HEAR YE… FOR THOSE READING OUR BLOG: PLEASE SEE ALL OF MS. HEITS INCREDIBLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT SHE LISTS OUT IN HER OWN WORDS from the website CheckOutDFW.com. “After moving to Frisco in July of 2015, I led and organized a year-long community effort with the City of Frisco to find the most suitable location for a large multi-acre substation being planned along Legacy Drive. I have served on the Frisco ISD Long Range Planning Committee, the Frisco ISD Facilities and Programs Evaluation Committee and participated in the Frisco ISD Insight program. I also successfully co-chaired the 2018 PAC for the Frisco ISD Bond and TRE and have served on the marketing committee for Frisco FastPacs. I am currently serving on the Frisco ISD District Advisory Council and am a current member of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Frisco class. In addition, I am helping a new, soon-to-be formed 501c3 charitable organization, Pride Frisco, become established in our community.”
As for your criticism of us that “we have not put in that work” and that “we think we know better than those who have” … 1) we have never claimed to know more than anyone and 2) you have no clue what we or any resident has done or not done so please hold your privileged condemnation. AGAIN, LIKE A BROKEN RECORD, we simply said we believe in educational dialogue to make informed decisions. We have NOT SLANDERED the work you have done or put in with our school district, but you did just slander any voter or about (99% of our community) by saying if they have not done what you have done that, they are not good enough to have an opinion or smart enough to decide how to vote. Some of us don’t have the privilege of Ms. Heit, meaning we do as much as we can for our community in our own way, while facing other issues in our lives.
Heit Paragraph 4 & 5: It’s ok that not everyone wants to support the public-school district’s ballot measures. That’s what freedom and democracy is about. I only ask that everyone be informed and make a decision based off fact and not hearsay or presumed facts.
But it is NOT ok to share a disparaging portrayal of my character and my commitment to spreading kindness in Frisco simply because we disagree on supporting public schools.
Our Response: We agree, vote how want on the district’s ballot measures. Again Ms. Heit over and over calls for “everyone to be informed” yet she won’t let an opposing factual view from the VOTE NO position respond. She implies those on the vote no side are working off hearsay and presumed facts. How does she know that? You are choosing to post about it so just let it play out in discussion and allow voters to make up their own mind. Lastly, Ms. Heit is choosing to play the victim again using big words such as “disparaging portrayal of my character” when we never disparaged her character for supporting public schools. If Ms. Heit is this upset by a single question, then Houston we have bigger underlying problems. We support our schools and teachers, Ms. Heit, we just disagree with the measures. Yet our opinion does not matter nor does 95% of Frisco residents because we don’t have the privilege of serving our school district for 7 years via a committee or our community to your expectation for it to count.
Heit’s last few paragraphs: But regardless of the election outcome, FRWC will remain a place for Frisco residents to come and seek recommendations, ask for resources and politely discuss issues facing our community. It will never, nor has it ever been, a place that fuels divisiveness in the community.
If you do not like this group, you are free to leave. If anyone tells you that they been removed from this group, it’s either because they are a spammer, a BOT, they have aggregiously broken group rules (likely more than once) or they refused to be a Frisco Resident Who Cares and were mean and ugly towards others.
I’m sorry I had to post this in the group to begin with. It’s honestly embarrassing that grown adults act like this on social media (I can only imagine what an example they set for their own children), but despite being a passive person, I will not allow my reputation or my group’s reputation to be hijacked and taken over by social media bullies.
Our Response: Regardless of the election, we stand by our original comments that we believe she is a nice person and seemed very genuine the few times we meet her. Our new page Frisco Texas Freedom Chatter will be open to all views. You can discuss local issues, political issues, post community events but we will not be shutting off comments. We have respect for both sides of the equation.
Ms. Heit, we never said FRWC fuels divisiveness, those are your words not ours! AGAIN, we simply questioned why you will not allow for discussion on local political candidates, propositions, and ballot measures. You post about it then shut everyone down from commenting or don’t approve oppositional posts so that is not impartial and that is all we pointed out. Ms. Heit closing commenting does not allow for others to politely discuss issues facing the community. Lastly, as grown adults we are not sorry about what we posted and when it comes to asking the question of how an admin can claim to be impartial when clearly, they are not, does not make it a personal attack, accusation, slander, or defamatory. THAT IS A FACT based on your own posts, words, and decisions.
You could have chosen not to respond to our article like most do in Frisco, but we want to say thank you for taking them time to write your “victim card post!” It happened just like we said in our blog closing, it would. How did we know? Whenever she feels attacked, Ms. Heit does a “poor as me post” for sympathy.
Now it is time for FWB to set the facts straight, we did not attack you, your character, or integrity in any way, shape, or form. However, we are a little perturbed now and ready to take a bite of the apple after you accuse us of such bad behavior! WE SIMPLY QUESTIONED YOUR ABILITY TO BE NEUTRAL WHEN IT COMES TO LOCAL POLITICAL POSTS. It is okay for you to do interviews with your comments about your need to be impartial, but it is slander if someone else questions you. You choose to put yourself out there, heck you just posted several articles that talked about you in the last few weeks. “Look at me!”
The fact is, you are not impartial when it comes to posts about local elections, candidates, or ballot measures. If FWB’s simple statement hurts your feelings, you have bigger issues to deal with. Having passion for a ballot measure is not a bad thing, many others would struggle to be impartial also in the same position. The difference is the other 99% don’t control or administer a page that goes out to 20K+ plus residents. We like your page; we find it very informative most of the time, you do great things in our community, and you are a well-accomplished Frisco individual which is why people trust you. That trust the residents put in you means you must be even more careful than normal to be impartial or fair. You can’t just type “be informed” and then control the narrative, tell them you will answer questions privately via DM, turn off comments, not allow opposing views, and expect no one to question you publicly. Your accusation that we are a bully is egregious and so is the fact you cannot spell it! You act as if we pillaged you at the center of town in our blog, but you were one of the first to laugh at our post as it went up today. Now… back to our regularly scheduled programming: “The Princess and the Pity Part Post!”
Over the last two decades, social media has transformed how we communicate with family, friends, and strangers. More importantly, it has transformed how candidates approach campaigning and how issues are pushed to the people including ballot propositions. Recently a comprehensive research project published the findings of a multi-year project, led by academics from U.S. colleges and universities and working in collaboration with researchers at Meta. It focused on how critical aspects of the algorithms that determine what people see in their feeds can affect what they see and believe.
These newly published studies from the project also show that social media algorithms used by Facebook and Instagram are extremely influential in shaping users and that there is significant ideological segregation in political news exposure. The result was algorithm adjustments made by social media platforms have been proven to alter the political news their users see and engage with. After reading it we wondered if they should study what power Facebook Admins of “local community group pages” could have on elections. If an admin only allows the dissemination of one side of a political perspective could that change, influence, or alter the readers’ perceptions? Could it influence a vote? Can you guess where we are going with this question?
A little over six years ago, in Frisco, Texas resident Jamie Heit formed a Facebook group called Frisco Residents Who Cares. Today it is a very important communication tool for the residents, the city, and for Ms. Heit! How did the group FRWC come about? Well, Ms. Heit answered that in her post in 2023 when she wrote “I have been the admin of this group since I created it in 2016, only about 6 months after my family and I moved to Frisco in the summer of 2015. The group originated under a different name and was devoted exclusively to a singular (then political) issue: the rezoning of a parcel of land on Legacy Drive that was being eyed as the future home for an 11-acre Oncor electrical substation. The substation was a complex issue that many residents were not happy about, but through many months of respectful discussions with city leaders, many compromises on both sides, and a lot of patience and trust in the processes, a mutually agreeable solution was eventually met. As a result of seeing what being an informed, respectful and involved resident could do, I decided to keep my group going. I renamed the page what it is today and have kept it going as a place for residents to connect and to share what’s happening IN, AROUND and TO the City of Frisco.”
My wife has loved the group for many years, and we do appreciate all the hard work Ms. Heit puts into being an admin for such a large page. We have met her before at a few city events and she was very kind and polite, and we believe she is a genuine person. With that said this is not personal at all, but when we receive over a dozen emails from residents, we have to offer a fair assessment of their concern about the dissemination of information on her page. My wife has mentioned a few times that as politics has become more divisive, she feels that the FRWC page has implemented some “Heit’end Controls!” The rules for the page state, “FRWC is not a platform to promote other Facebook groups, religious institutions, or political candidates.”
While Ms. Heit likes to claim to be impartial and have a respectful stance to ensure the information shared with the community is beneficial, it often appears to be a very one-sided perspective and that is Ms. Heit’s perspective. Residents must decide right now whether to Vote For or Against the Frisco ISD Bond & Vatre. Many residents are searching on social media to learn more about the pros and cons of the bond. We have seen at least 10 to 20 posts supporting the Vote For PAC posted by Ms. Heit on her FRWC page. We have yet to see, even 1 post for the Vote No position on FRWC. Why is that?
Ms. Heit mentions in her very first post she is in full support of the bond, why would she want anyone with an opposing view AGAINST the bond to post on her page to her 20.7K followers? She has 100% Heit’end Control over what is disseminated to her followers. In one article she claims she must be impartial and respectful, but the truth is, she can’t claim to be when she blocks the opposing view. She can require it to be a factual opposition and if it is she should allow for it to be posted.
On October 21, Heit posted for anyone looking for “factual information” about the bond propositions that were unable to attend the community presentations they could watch The Frisco ISD apple podcast with Dr. Todd Fouche, Kimberely Smith and Scott Warstler. If you don’t have a kid in the district, you may not realize this is the district’s own podcast, not an independent podcast about Frisco ISD. Heit fails to mention in the quick snippet on her post that Fouche is the Deputy Superintendent, Kimberly Smith is the CFO, and Scott Warstler is the Chief Operations Officer for FRISCO ISD. Obviously, the podcast will be in support of the bond 100%!
Then on Oct 22nd, Heit does a long post on FRWC about how she has seen questions and so much “MISINFORMATION” on social media today about the bond/propositions and states “I decided to post an explanation of the ballot items here as well.” At least in this post she did ALERT residents she served on the Bond Exploration Committee for the past year with other members and ends her statement with “WHY THEY ARE NEEDED, WHAT THEY WILL ACCOMPLISH AND HOW THEY WILL IMPACT YOU.” The “Heit’end Controls” are in action as there is no opposing view allowed to do an individual post.
What is the most offensive about this post is her closing which states “Lastly, I am closing the comments only to prevent misinformation from being shared. If you have questions, please feel free to DM me.” Heit’end controls any opposition to respond, she doesn’t answer residents’ questions publicly but in private DMs, and that right here…IS NOT IMPARTIAL! As admins of Facebook pages when you have the power to change an election you have a GREAT RESPONSIBILITY to be fair and Ms. Heit while we respect you, you are from FAIR!
Are the “Heit’end Controls” new on FRWC – absolutely not! In a post-dated April 13, 2023, Ms. Heit talks about the upcoming municipal and ISD contested races. She boldly states “THIS ELECTION IS A PIVOTAL POINT IN FRISCO’S HISTORY AND IN THE FIGHT TO KEEP FRISCO ISD ONE OF THE STRONGEST SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE STATE.” She goes on to say she encourages every resident to do THEIR OWN RESEARCH, and how we must remember this is non-partisan.
She continues a few things I ask myself when looking at candidates (like we are too dumb to know what to look for) is 1. Which candidates are supported by OUTSIDE MONEY? Will a candidate with OUTSIDE POLITICAL MONEY truly have the BEST INTEREST in Frisco/Frisco ISD? Can we say, “pot calling the kettle black!”
Ms. Heit, as a proud supporter of the bond, would you like to tell us HOW ALL THE OUTSIDE MONEY DONATED FROM SUBCONTRACTORS WHO STAND TO MAKE MILLIONS OFF THIS BOND PASSING, WHICH HAS FLOATED THE VOTE FOR FRISCO ISD PAC, is in our BEST INTEREST? The wind is blowing in a new direction this year for Ms. Heit, and we are guessing she does not want us to ask the “best interest” question this year.
Ms. Heit’s background is in Public Relations and Marketing with an emphasis on media relations and we think she is a phenomenal marketer. She should be very proud of her accomplishments including the most recent FRWC Community Gathering. Ms. Heit helped small businesses, worked with locals to get people out to meet each other, and oh by the way she was also going to have Frisco ISD leadership there to present information on the upcoming bond. Of course, not only did she get messages out online, but she took it to the people on the streets. We received numerous emails after the event there was a clear message being presented and it again was very one-sided.
In closing, we know Ms. Heit will probably play the victim card and say that we are beating her up once we publish this article but that is not our intent. While we truly respect and appreciate Ms. Heit, as a fellow resident, one thing is clear, Ms. Heit uses FRWC as her own personal pulpit. Heit carefully cultivates a marketing message for each post that reflects her views but sells it as an educational post for voters. She does not allow the opposition to post on her page and falls back on her rules of no politics or political posts. For example, in one of her posts from April 18, she writes “Admin Note – the following is an excerpt from the DMN article. It is not my (FRWC admin) words nor necessarily my opinion, but that of the editorial board of the DMN.”
Ms. Heit often posts pieces from newspaper articles that support her candidate or viewpoint. Crafted with care, she will never come out and say she is against the other candidate or viewpoint, but you will not see any posts supporting the narrative for those she opposes unless it is a negative piece. If Heit truly wanted to be impartial, she would have let both sides present and show her support in the comments for the position or candidate as a resident.
Another example was in 2021 when Ms. Heit did a post for a political candidate forum, and she tagged 4 others. The post starts off looking like a forum announcement. She talks about how Frisco has low voter turnout and encourages everyone to talk to the candidates all the while knowing they won’t. Heit’s support is clear by the tags and her last line I am more than happy to talk with anyone about who I support. If this was universal, why not tag all the candidates? During the election cycle, you didn’t see any posts on the FRWC Facebook page supporting candidates who were not tagged in her post. They may have been supportive in the comments but not individual posts.
Instead, she uses her position as the ADMIN to gain trust knowing her position does and will have influencing the vote. Just look at her post on Frisco ISD Parents where she starts the post with “Many of you may know that I am the admin for a Frisco Community Facebook group called Frisco Residents Who Cares.” Her statement is very calculated and said at the opening to gain immediate reader’s trust. She then promotes her community gathering not mentioning that the ISD board will be there but as soon as you as click the link to her “event” you will learn that.
What is our point? The “Heit’end Controls” on FRWC’s Facebook page are not impartial or a free flow of informative information. The fact is, FRWC is her page, and Heit can do, post, accept, and deny anyone or anything she wants. All we are asking for is transparency from Ms. Heit. Be clear and honest to the public that it is a page that supports her and her like-minded friends’ opinions and views and acknowledges that she markets it to others exceptionally well. We all as a community have to realize words are powerful. When you have control of a page with 20+ followers and want to claim to be impartial then be impartial! If you want to offer your view and only your view, then do so. Shutting off comments so that residents can’t speak or question you when your rules read, “Let’s try and make this a safe, informative, and welcoming place for residents to come to on social media. Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem” is a huge problem. You said in 2023 to residents “Do your own research” but now you are preventing that ability by not letting both perspectives be heard and communicating on the largest community forum we have in Frisco.
Some of the world’s biggest titans have fallen from grace because someone took the time to simply follow the money. If voters knew how to follow the money it would be a game changer in helping them decide how to vote. However, voters lack understanding and confidence in numbers and finance, so they follow the leaders on social media who tell them how to vote. While we normally don’t pay attention to Frisco ISD, when you ask for a 1-billion-dollar bond that does perk our interest. As we have said before curiosity kills and we were curious about who is behind the PACs in this Frisco ISD Bond election.
We are starting with the Vote For Frisco ISD PAC whose campaign treasure is listed as John Hoxie. What we found should shock you! The “TOTAL POLITCAL CONTRIBUTIONS” is listed as $116,929.00. It lists the PAC’s “TOTAL EXPENDITURES” as $46,483.55. As of the last day of reporting the “TOTAL POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAINTAINED” was $115,486.80. That is a lot of money, so where did it all come from? We started combing through the reports on the state website and then compared them to the Check Registers listed on the district’s website.
Now before you say we may be “barking up the wrong tree” I bet if we were to ask the Vote For PAC how they raised over 100,000 dollars so quickly, they would not offer up the tricks they have up their sleeve. Instead, I am guessing the response would be “It ain’t about the money, but it is about the principle of why they donated!” That means it is about the money, and they just don’t want to spill the beans and answer the question.
We immediately noticed that 95% of the donors are companies and all but one are outside of Frisco. Our first thought was that this is a repeat of the May 2024 elections when the city went to its “BIG DEVELOPERS” and pushed them to donate/fund the Vote No PAC against the Frisco Firefighters. We looked up each company and determined they were all direct providers or subcontractors for commercial general construction companies. It made us wonder, who is the biggest provider of general construction to the district and here is what we found:
Core Construction: $306,297,212.88
Joeris General Construction: $73,671,804.65
Crossland Construction: 45,569,957.31
Lee Lewis Construction: $39,688,799.95
Corgan Assoc: $18,591,228.20
Hellas Construction: $11,585,144.34
Then we started researching the individual donors to the Vote For Frisco ISD PAC! We pulled up the check registers from 2018 (the time of the last bond) to 2024 and made our own spreadsheet comparing the year-over-year spend with different vendors. We also checked to see if any of them were on the Frisco ISD payroll.
RLK Engineering in Allen donated $10,000, and they specialize in civil engineering consulting. That is the least they could do when the school district has spent $197,879.57 with them over the last few years.
Acoustics & Drywall in Carrolton donated $5000. Who is that? The actual name of the company is Lasco ADI and according to their website they worked for the General Contractor Core Construction on Panther Creek High School. The website also shows a the logo for Corgan & Associates.
Armko Industries in Flower Mound donated $5000. They are an Engineering Firm with Architects and Building Envelope Consultants on staff. They specialize in the building envelope which comprises the roof and exterior walls. Armko is on the districts payroll as well, and since 2018, Frisco ISD has paid them $1,709,038.83. If your meal ticket calls, asking you to fund the Vote For PAC that is probably a good idea when you are banking in return.
Basden Steel in Burleson donated $5000. They are a certified steel fabrication and erection company. On their website it shows the Frisco Public Library as one of the many projects they worked on.
CT Excavating in Greenville donated $500. They don’t have a very lengthy website.
Cooper Excavation in Lewisville donated $1000. They have no website we could find and also have another name C-Con Services, Inc.
DMG Masonry in Arlington donated $5000. While they have a website it is very basic so we can only assume they too are a subcontractor for the FISD project.
EMA Engineering & Consulting, Inc donated $20,000. They provide MEP and technology design and consulting services to architects and building owners.
Foodservice Design Professionals in The Woodlands donated $10,000. The design state of the art food cafeterias. Not like a little old Luby’s from my day!
Greater Metroplex Interiors (GMI) in Southlake donated $5000. According to their website they are a facility construction for essential infrastructure projects.
Hawk Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning in Fort Worth donated $3000.
J&E Companies in Grand Prairie donated $5000. They are a masonry, drywall, acoustical, plaster/stucco specialty subcontractor.
John Cook & Associates in Dallas donated $3333.00. They offer HVAC solutions.
One Source Building Services in Plano donated $2500. They perform commercial construction services. One Source Commercial Flooring in Plano donated $5000. They appear to be in the same location.
Precision Demolition in Lewisville donated $2000.
Progressive Services in Phoenix, Arizona donated $5000.
Redden Concrete in Melissa donated $1000, and they are a commercial concrete contractor.
Signature Casework in Dallas donated $2500, and their website was not working.
Ramsey Landscape Architects in Frisco donated $5000.
Sizelove Construction in Euless donated $5000, and they are a leading concrete subcontractor.
Vaden’s Acoustics & Drywall in Fort Worth donated $5000, and we could not access their website.
Webb Builders Hardware in Dallas donated $1000.
Wildstone Construction in Fort Worth, Texas donated $1500.
WHAT DID WE LEARN? We have filed a PIR with the Frisco ISD to find out if these companies are subcontractors to any of the general commercial construction companies that they have paid out over $500 Million to over the last few years. It is clear some of them are directly on Frisco ISD’s payroll which left us with a few questions:
Who in the Vote For Pac is so popular that they know someone at each of these companies and called them up and asked them to donate to a PAC that would support Frisco ISD at the end of the day?
If Frisco ISD made contact with these companies or their general contractors asking for help to fund the Vote For PAC then could that or would that be electioneering?
It seems random that several subcontractors with no direct link to Frisco ISD felt the need to donate out of nowhere, and out of the goodness of their little kind hearts, to a district it has no affiliation to, right? If the PAC expects us to believe that, then they think we are dumber than elephant dung. The only reason these companies would donate is if they were asked to by one of the major companies they subcontract for.
Is anyone else questioning how this PAC got funded so fast?
Voltaire, one said, “When it is a question of money, everybody is of the same religion.” In this case, that seems to be on point! Something underhanded and possibly crossing the line of ethical or even legal happened which funded this PAC. There are some hands in some serious cookie jars on this one!
Where does a school district’s money come from? School funding is largely in the hands of states. The primary job of the state finance system should be to account for differences between the districts in the cost of providing the right educational quality level, and then to distribute the funds. About 30 years ago the Texas Supreme Court ordered the Texas Legislature to fix the state’s unequal school funding system. The fix by lawmakers is often called the “Robin Hood” recapture plan. In 2023, three school districts voted to stop paying the recapture money to the state and two of those districts are here in North Texas. Carroll ISD and Keller ISD led the way and if other districts followed it would force the legislature to look at more options. If you received one of the recent postcards, they sure look misleading!
So, what is the funding system? According to a 2019 Texas Tribune article, “Texas guarantees every school district a certain amount of funding for each student. State lawmakers determine the base number per student, which is currently $5,140. Many educators argue that the state should regularly increase that base number, at least with inflation, to get all schools the money they need. But the amount has not changed in four years.” What many Texans don’t realize is that Texas consistently ranks in the bottom 10 to 12 states for education spending per student. According to an article by Texas Standard, Texas hasn’t increased school funding since 2019. It goes on to say to keep up with inflation over the last four years, state lawmakers would need to add almost $1200 per student. Two North Texas districts, Carroll ISD and Keller ISD, led the way and if other districts followed it would force the legislature to look at more options.
Remember when we were told if we approved the Texas Lotto, it would support education, where is all the money from the profits of these scratch-offs and power ball drawings? The truth is only 7% of the funding by the state for the state’s public school system comes from the Texas Lotto. However, the Texas Lottery is a better wordsmith to perfume the pig. The Texas Lotto website reads, “The Texas Lottery Supports Texas Education. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed $33.9 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas.”
While funding is an important part of the discussion so are the spending habits of some of these districts. How did our school district choose to spend their money? Are the funds being distributed properly? Are they spending based on a well-thought-out budget? We decided to investigate the spending habits via the Frisco ISD Check Registers on the district’s website. The district has 4 funds: The General Fund, Child Nutrition, Debt Service, and Capital Projects. We started with the General Fund!
$$ Legal Services: In 2024, Frisco ISD paid Abernathy Law $40,851.93, in 2023 they paid $85,913.58. We are curious, would it be a conflict of interest if the same law firm represented both the city and the School District? Was the legal advice received around these “Public-Private Partnerships” that are sold to residents as success ventures.
$$ Legal Services: In 2024, Frisco ISD paid Walsh Gallegos Kyle another law firm $411,336.57 and in 2023, $353,028.02. Why does the district have two different law firms? What kind of legal services is the district needing?
$$ Amazon: In 2024, the district spent $2,271,090.30 on “MISC SUPPLIES.” That is slightly higher than the 2023 spend, which was $2,047,880. That is a lot of Amazon!
$$ Dallas Physician Medical Services for Children: In 2022, the district opened a medical clinic to provide FISD employees with free access to health and wellness. As we know nothing is free! In 2024 the district paid DPMSC $470,000 dollars, and in 2023 the district spent $472,000 dollars. We are curious why they would partner with a medical service for children – when it is supposed to be for adult employees.
$$ Blue Star Frisco EV: In 2024, $457,915.28 for “Rentals”, in 2023 the district paid 359,028 dollars. When the public-private partnership was announced for The Frisco Star residents were led to believe this was a good deal for the school district as they would have use of the facilities. The city website reads “It houses Frisco ISD events such as football games, soccer games, marching band competitions, commencement exercises, and other similar events.” Everyone failed to mention how much the district would pay for it each year on top of what the district paid for in the original agreement.
$$ City of Frisco (Contracted Services): In 2024, the district paid the city $2,361,742.00 and back in 2023, they paid $2,135,134.56 dollars. What contracted services cost that much?
$$ City of Frisco/Park (FISD Debt Payment): In 2024, the district paid $4,511,073.80 and back in 2023 they paid $5,678,818.38. What is the district getting back from that?
$$ Hilltop Holdings (Yearly Investment): In 2024, the district paid Hilltop Holdings $63,301 and in 2023 it was $81,017.98. What is the yearly investment for?
$$ GCS Trails of Frisco (Contracted Services): Par for the course the city is paying for the use of the facilities for GOLF! In 2024, the district paid $61,555.85 and then in 2023 they paid $54,893.94. I thought the whole point of the PGA partnership was to have “USE OF THE FACILITIES” so why are we paying to rent facilities.
$$ Population & Survey (Demographics Survey): The most interesting expense was the 2024 payment for $115,700 for a survey. Then we noticed in 2023 they paid $113,450.00 for another survey. Why? For What? We plan to file a PIR for the information.
The district’s website reads “OUR MISSION is to know every student by name and need.” At Frisco Whistleblower our mission is to understand how the district spends its money and the need to ask us for more Bonds = More Taxes! There were many more payments in the 2024 and 2023 General Fund Report that some may question. While we wanted to highlight a few, we are still left with the question of what the point of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). If all we are doing is paying out on them then how are they beneficial? What are we getting back from these TIRZ if we now have to go and ask residents for another $1 Billion dollars? Next up we will look at the 22/23/24 Capital Fund spending. Until then, you can review the Financial Reports on the district’s website. Lastly, look over the check registers as you might find some interesting things like we did.
Frisco ISD has proposed a new 2024 Bond Vatre which the district and the so called “Vote For Frisco ISD PAC” are pushing hard for. They want us to vote on four (4) propositions that they claim will fund important projects. What is a VATRE? A VATRE is triggered when a board adopts a tax rate that exceeds the district’s voter-approval tax rate (VATR). The VATR is determined for each district by a statutory formula and is the highest tax rate a board can adopt without holding an election. A district’s adopted tax rate has two components: its debt service rate or its interest and sinking (I&S) rate, and its maintenance and operations (M&O) rate.
While a bond election authorizes the issuance of bonds to generate funds for a district’s buildings and infrastructure and to be repaid from I&S revenue, a VATRE approves an increase in the district’s M&O tax rate, which can only be used for items related to programs and people, such as teacher salaries and stipends, training programs, educational programs, and other student activities, such as extracurricular programs. Confused yet?
The school district and the Vote For PAC are selling it to you on the basis that the priority has shifted from building new schools to maintaining the district’s existing facilities. A key piece of the proposed bond is refreshing aging schools and the supposedly includes a refresh for 20 Frisco ISD campuses that are 25 years old. The VATER portion according to the district’s website is needed to increase teacher pay and be more competitive. The district claims this will affect every campus, but they promised similar things in the 2018 bond, and we question if the money was used as they promised. Now they are back, asking us to trust them again but remember they DO NOT HAVE TO USE IT FOR THE REASONS THEY ARE ASKING FOR NOW. That means you can vote for it and then they can change how they or what they use the money for just like they did in 2018.
Getting the information out to the public about the upcoming propositions is not cheap. In fact, principals and the district are trying every avenue possible to get the information out, from using the PTA’s to hold informational sessions to ADVERTISING! Community Impact is one of the largest community papers for Frisco and for a long time we have thought they are in bed with Frisco political powers. We have never seen them write a hard-hitting story or an investigative story, instead most of the articles are “watered down” informational pieces. We have always had one burning question when it comes to Community Impact, how much does it cost to advertise during campaign season. I mean we know Jeff Cheney can afford it because he always owns the back cover for his business – but at what cost?
We started looking into these questions awhile back and set what we had found to the side until we saw a post on social media asking, “How much did Frisco ISD pay for the four-color glossy sticky notes located front and center in the recent Community Impact?” The paper has several different avenues of advertising such as an insert, sticky notes, direct mail postcards, online presence, and in-paper display ads. If our research is right, we can tell you!
We were sent a copy of their Frisco Elections Advertising PDF and according to the document, Community Impact goes out to 85,264 mailboxes in Frisco and their online presence in Frisco hits about 10,176 daily subscribers. Not bad coverage for a city with voter apathy! You can also bet they are working their inside connections in the Desis community as they alone can decide this vote.
Drum Roll Please…… Sticky Notes cost $0.15 each! If the district did 85,264 sticky notes to the Frisco readers, then the district spent $12,789.60 for one paper. Additionally, inserts are $0.15 each, sticky/insert combo is $0.25/set, and direct mail postcards are $0.26 each. If they decided to use the website ads on communityimpact.com it would cost $300/month per market for 30 days. If they choose to advertise via the morning impact email newsletter that goes out to 10,176 subscribers, it will cost $500 for the top of the newsletter and $450 for the middle of the newsletter.
We have a lot of questions:
Should the district be paying $13k for advertising when there is a Vote For PAC who has organized?
Are they advertising clearly, correctly and honestly? For example, on the districts website it reads “100% of bond funds stay in the district and is not subject to recapture by the state.” Will it really stay “IN THE DISTRICT” such as our schools and facilities, or will any of it (even $1 dollar) go to one of the public-private partnerships they have? You might have heard the City of Frisco approved a $182 million renovation for Toyota Stadium, but did you know Frisco ISD pays part of that bill? The recent headlines don’t alert you that the ISD is paying part of that BIG BILL!
That is right, $77 million of the $182 million comes from the public-private partnership TIRZ for the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD. They just did stadium improvements in 2016 for Toyota Stadium. I thought the point of all these public-private partnerships was to make money not just spending it. They also have a TIRZ / public-private partnership for the PGA Golf Course, Ford Center, Expansion of Dr. Pepper Arena, etc. Read more about it on their website.
While they are claiming 100% of the bonds are staying in the district, they are not telling you the VATRE is subject to recapture. According to Community Impact, “the new tax rate would generate an additional $11.5 million in revenue for the district. In total, the increase would generate $19.5 million in revenue, but $8 million would go to the state in recapture.” But they are not advertising that, are they? FISD voters last approved raising the M&O portion of the tax rate by $0.13 per $100 valuation in 2018.
We are just diving into the ISD stuff but as of right now we are not sold on voting for this bond/vatre. Just a few concerns include, we question if Waldrip the Super Intendent is the right might to lead the district as the last city he was in didn’t want him. We also don’t trust the school board President who has a history of personal financial problems to oversee tax dollars. We also don’t believe Frisco ISD is being smart, transparent or effective with the money they have now and we are unsure if throwing more money in the pot is the best solution. Last but not least our ISD needs to explain if any of this money will ever be used for public-private partnerships because if it will that makes it a no for us!
There is a magical art behind asking for something you want and then getting it! I read an essay many years ago that talked about how culturally it was not always the norm to ask directly for what you want and when we do, we are usually bad at it. People tend to hem and haw and often walk away from asking because we cannot clearly articulate the message. For example, many are uncomfortable asking their boss for a raise or salary bump.
Persuasion tactics are strategies that can help you convince people to see things your way and being good using these tactics is usually an art form. To be good, or to be great you must first know exactly what you want and what you need others to “buy in” to. Second you must ground yourself in why you are doing it and make sure it resonates with you so you can “sell it from the heart.” Third, you must be able to state clearly and with no confusion what you are asking for or trying to sell to the people. It must be direct, clear and specific. Lastly, you must be selective and targeted about who you ask or when you announce it.
In Frisco, one man is very good at Persuasion Tactics and his name is Mayor Jeff Cheney. When he “wants” something in Cheneyville, well he gets it! He is very good at “telling you” what you want versus “asking” residents what they want. For example, he has put together his team and he has been gathering his clan of supporters to push for the Performing Arts Centre. When he hit a no with the public/private partnership with the school district and Hall Group, he didn’t stop. Nope, he just changed course and came back at it again with his little clan in toe. Next thing you know he will get what he wants, residents will bitch, and no one knows the wiser of how we ended up here.
The talk of a Performing Arts Centre is not new, but what is new is we are curious “How much has this cost taxpayers?” The city has spent $1.6+ million on the current Theatre Projects assessment or feasibility study, but how many others have we done in the past? What were the costs to taxpayers in the previous studies? Why are we doing so many studies? When it comes to wanting studies and assessments what is the magic number of how many we will do before we say enough is enough? We did some research, and this is what we found:
Feb 17, 2015: Under the consent agenda for the city council meeting item 17 reads, “Consider and act upon approval of publishing a RFQ for the development and implementation of a study to examine the feasibility of a performing/theatre arts facility within the corporate limits of the City of Frisco.” We looked high and low and could not determine how much any of this cost. We could not even find the RFQ they approved to publish.
2015: Frisco Association of the Arts commissioned a “Facility Programming Report” by Page Southerland Page. According to the minutes for the Citizens Bond Committee on 01/26/2015, Tammy Meinershagen provided an update that a feasibility group has been identified to conduct a study for the PAC in Frisco. She went on to say it would take about six (6) months to complete the study and has an estimated cost of $200,000 dollars.
2018: The City of Frisco commissioned a “Needs Assessment” by Webb Management Services and Parkhill Smith & Cooper (PSC). According to a Community Impact article, the study showed there 14 performing arts groups that have 667 days of demand for performance facilities in Frisco. According to the study, the majority of this demand—466 days—calls for a facility with 225 to 500 seats while 177 days of demand calls for a facility of 1,001 to 1,750 seats. At the June 2018 Council Summer Work session, PSC Associate Michael Howard presented the findings and told the council there is not enough capacity in Frisco right now. At that time Cheney told Community Impact that “it was council’s preference to use available bond funds to build a 300- to 500-seat facility to meet the current demand of community arts groups with the hope of working with a private partner to build a larger performing arts center.” Of course, Cheney always changes his tune later! The CI article goes on to say the Councils “Performing Arts Committee is in the middle of a feasibility study to determine the size and needs of a potential PAC.” HOW MUCH DID IT COST – We don’t know! We can’t find anywhere in an agenda search where this shows up from 2017 to 2019.
August 2020: Frisco ISD commissioned a “Programming Report” by Schuler Shook. We can’t determine how much this one cost our ISD Taxpayers either. We have sent a PIR asking for that information.
October 2020: The City of Frisco and Frisco ISD commissioned a “Feasibility Report” by Garfield Public Private and Schuler Shook. Well Shocker – we cannot find anywhere what this one cost taxpayers either!
September 2021: Frisco Arts Foundation commissioned a “Market & Feasibility Study” by Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc. We cannot find out how much this one cost either. However, we are guessing since each year the city “FUNDS” the FAA through Hotel/Motel Fund somehow Taxpayers still paid for it.
May 2022: City of Frisco, Frisco ISD, and Hall Group commissioned a “Space Analysis Narrative by Corgan + Studio Gang. In February of 2022 the city council authorized an agreement for services in the amount of $175,000 dollars. Remember in late June of 2021, the city and Frisco ISD entered a public-private partnership with developer Craig Hall to construct a $67 million performing arts center. The city has agreed to contribute $14 million in voter-approved bond money, while Frisco ISD will contribute $43 million from the 2018 bond package, and Hall will contribute $10 million. Remember this is the one that “FELL APART” and truly if the city had wanted a PAC would have been the best option for everyone involved but we have learned from city insiders that “to many chiefs got involved” which caused the band to break up.
July 2022: Hall Group commissioned and performed a “Proposal and Outline” and we could not find out what the cost of this study was.
January 2023: The City of Frisco commissioned and executed an agreement with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc., for consulting services related to a performing arts venue in the amount of $99,300 which was to be paid for by Bond Funds
September 2023: The City of Frisco commissioned part two of the agreement with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc., in the amount of $1,415,500 dollars. Recently in 2024 after some CLARITY they Upp’d that amount to $1.6 million as we told you in our last article.
We did learn a few interesting facts along this deep dive…
According to the Dallas Morning News, “Frisco leaders also launched the HEARTS Project initiative — an acronym for Hall, Education and the Arts — to crowdsource an additional $100 million in donations for auxiliary upgrades. The amenities could include a large video screen facing The Star in Frisco, box suites, a VIP arts club with membership benefits, Frisco summer musicals, and a restaurant or bistro, according to the campaign website, but would not contribute to additional seating.” The 2021 article went on to say that “although city officials have previously said the center could host professional performances, the petition states that the limited seating capacity is too small for consideration by Touring Broadway. Experts recommend between 1,750 and 2,000 seats, according to the petition, which cited Theatre Projects’ market assessment and feasibility study for Frisco.
Next, we found it interesting just a few years ago in 2021 Frisco ISD had committed $43 million from a 2018 bond package and now they are back in 2024 asking voters to VOTE FOR the new 1-billion-dollar bond because they are broken penniless poppers! Just a few years later, they are begging for us to vote in favor of the bonds so the Frisco Kids can have an 11,000,000-tennis center.
We also learned Keating was a huge fan of the arts from a 2018 article in Lifestyle Frisco. He is quoted as saying Deputy Mayor Pro Tem John Keating said, “This is our chance to blow it out of the water, Frisco style!” Remember, Keatings motto in his last re-election we are #1 this, #1 that, #1 here, #1 there! Now he is closing on his house in The Preserve at Fields the #1 most exclusive community in King Cheney’s Frisco.
In closing, the city has buried how much these things cost deep in agendas, under nicknames and code words, hoping that you or I will give up looking. We did but what we can tell you with the most recent study in 2023 plus the other three we are at about $2 million alone in just “STUDIES, ASSESSMENTS, ANALYSIS” done for a Performing Arts Center. That means we are going to keep paying money for these via the bonds, hotel/motel tax fund, or something else until King Cheney gets his Performing Arts Center. You can bet little pretty Princess Tammy will be right next to him the whole way. Trailing behind will be their wingman “John “The Infamous Cheating” Keating.
Diving into all this has taken a lot more time than we expected and unless you understand the arts and all these studies it is a bunch of well-pitched jargon crap to confuse the residents of Frisco. We will continue our deep dive into this because we know the city is about to hit us with a bond. It will be through the City or the secret weapon “THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD”. Just wait and see…. the EDC will make the pitch because the city has been called out.
Anytime you travel, you generally pick the destination for a purpose. For example, if you want to clearly see The Northen Lights or Glacier Bay National Park you head to Alaska. If you want to see the Grand Canyon, you head to Arizona. If you have kids who love Disney, you are packing up to go to California or Florida. Each place has is “draw” that brings in visitors and I highly recommend if you are every in Colorado Springs you visit the Garden of the Gods, a national natural landmark.
If you love country music you probably hit up Nashville, Tennessee and drop by Memphis to hit Elvis Graceland while you are at it. If you love politics then Washington D.C. will fill your cup with historical museums, monuments and The White House. When you think of Texas you probably think of LBJ Space Center in Houston, The Riverwalk in San Antonio, The School Book Depository Building where Oswald Shot Kennedy or the Dallas Botanical Gardens in Dallas, and of course the Fort Worth’s “Stockyards!”
My wife is a lover of the ARTS and when she wants to see something of substance you can bet, she is dragging me on the next flight to a city that never sleeps. That means west to Las Vegas or east to New York, New York, and we can all agree neither disappoints. Both cities have amazing nighttime activities including light shows, theaters, concerts, and anything else your heart desires. Last time we went to New York, my wife and I saw 3 Broadway shows on our short holiday and we collected the “Playbills” for each one. What made it one of the best trips ever, was the “whole experience” and not just the building where the show was held. It is not about the whole atmosphere of the city, the food, and the walk along Broadway in a city that never sleeps and that is something you will never find in Texas. When you want to see a Broadway show and have “The Theatre” experience, you will not say “hey babe, book us two tickets to Frisco, Texas!
That is the mindset that Mayor Jeff Cheney and his sidekicks “The Council Amigos” want you to believe is in Frisco’s future which is why they are pushing for this Performing Arts Center. On September 17th the city council tried to sneak into the “Consent Agenda” item 16 which reads, “Consider and act upon authoring the City Manager to finalize and execute the First Amendment to the Agreement with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc., for consulting services related to a performing arts venue.” What does that mean?
In September 2023, the council approved $1,415,500 for a professional agreement with Theatre Projects to include “exploration, development, costing, and preliminary design for the proposed performing arts venue.” Other elements include multiple costing studies, site analysis, comprehensive community engagement, economic impact assessment, design concept facilitation, capital stack/funding study, and refinement of a final business plan.
Fast forward to September 2024, the council has approved another $214,350 taxpayer dollars because “As this study has progressed, there is more clarity for the upcoming Phase Two scope of services, resulting in this requested First Amendment.” Clarity? Who knew “CLARITY” cost so much? What is the CLARITY going to get us?
The First Amendment will address an extension to the Phase One service through October 1, 2024. The added cost for the Phase 1 extension services and related direct expenses is $49,850.
The Phase Two services have been refined with a duration of 10 months anticipated, from October 2024 to the end of July 2025. Key elements include concept design team selection, facility concept design coordination, project management, and partnership program development. The updated Phase Two fee is estimated at $628,000 (inclusive of travel). DID YOU MISS IT…the keyword ESTIMATED….
All these expenses mean the council has to revise the original contract which results in an increase of $214,350 from the original contract. That means the city has spent a total of $1,629,850 in Tax Payer Dollars aka BOND FUNDS.
One of the elements mentioned above talked about “comprehensive community engagement” and we were curious in such an apathetic town like Frisco where we can’t even get people to show up and vote – how did they conduct this COMPREHENSIVE ENGAGEMENT? According to the website they had 2 in-person open house sessions on May 15, an online survey for almost two weeks, and a virtual open house via Zoom on May 29th. We received an email from one of the zoom participants who said there were not more than 10 to 15 people in attendance, which included representatives of Theatre Consultants. That sounds REALLY COMPREHENSIVE for a town of 200,000 plus people who will be footing the bill for this project.
What is even more interesting is we filed a PIR for all of the studies done over the last 10+ years and of course, you would think the city would want to be TRANSPARENT as they plan to bring a request for a bond through the Economic Development Corporation before the citizens but nope – they felt the need to provide some documents and send some to the Attorney General. Yep, they fought us from getting everything we asked for which begs the question, WHAT ARE THEY HIDING FROM US?
Why is any of this important? Remember, Craig Hall has pulled out and is no longer offering to be a private partner or land donor for this project. For such a large project, why won’t the council answer basic questions such as where might the PAC go? How much will it cost taxpayers? Do you plan to try sliding it through the EDC? It is time for Intermission Break so until next time….
Click Here: To visit the landing page for the Frisco Center For The Arts Planning Updated 09/17/24
If you have read George Orwell’s well-known dystopian novel, Nineteen Eight-Four (1984), then you may remember the opening line, “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” Have you ever wondered, what does it mean? If you thought it referred to military time, you are incorrect. References to a thirteenth stroke of the clock indicate that some event or discovery calls into questions everything previously believed. In other words, the thirteenth stroke of the clock calls in question not only the credibility of itself but the previous twelve strokes.
For Orwell the key was “clocks” referring to more than one, so we must believe he was referring to all the clocks in the world. It was Orwell subtle way to tell the reader that statements of truth in a fictional society should always be called into question. The proverb puts forth the notion that if just one of someone’s proclamations or statements is wrong, or something in a process is wrong, then the correctness, accuracy and truth of all the previous proclamations, statements and steps in a process need to be called into question.
What does the “Thirteenth Stroke of the Clock” have to do with Frisco Fire Department? In a 13 Stroke attempt the city wants you to believe Glover is just the phenomenal department head who has transitioned all the negative out of the FD and things are just peachy now. In their own attempt at the “Thirteenth Storke of the Clock,” on video in their own words, we have Mayor Jeff Cheney – lying, Butt Hurt Bill Woodard – lying, Angelia Pelham – lying, and Mr. Valor John Cheating Keating – lying!
The most recent In-Service Meeting notes are no different than the 2011 Climate Report and all of that falls on the city, former city manager George Purefoy, the mayor and council and our newest tool – Wes Pierson. You might think “that can’t be that much more left,” to uncover, but you would be wrong! In 2012 when the city went outside the department to hire (Mark Piland) that was a thorn in Lee Glovers’ side because in his mind he was always the successor to Mack Borchardt. For ten years Glover had to watch a new Fire Chief, who could have cleaned house and fired him – but didn’t do the job he felt he was owed and deserved.
In fact, the In-Service notes state that repeatedly “Glover would talk shit about the department at lunch, would brag about retiring, and not caring about the job,” but now he is the new Fire Chief. The notes also say that some of the firefighters feel that they have seen their former Fire Chief Mark Piland more since he retired than they have Glover, since he took the position as the new Fire Chief. The most damming statement of all in the report, “We have managers and leaders. Leaders we would follow to the end of our career. The Fire Chief (Lee Glover) is NOT a leader!”
During the recent election cycles, the Mayor and City Council members all talked about how they valued our firefighters, as they treated them crap calling them lazy, greedy, and master manipulators / liars. What do you think the result of that election was? Well according to the notes “The PAC (run by Bill Woodard, funded by Cheney’s big developer friends) drug the name of the Frisco FD through the mud, damaging their image and trust with citizens.” It goes on to say the secretly backed by the city PAC, “made poor judgement decisions using social media, and they crossed the line making attacks extremely personal and not about the issues. The city blurred the lines of politics by backdoor financing the political PAC, and the FD has lost complete trust in City Hall and the Council.” Even further manipulation was when the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, who likes to play they are independent, but receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from the city, cut off the voices of the firefighters at their forum has left the FD with a very bad taste and lack of trust. “We don’t trust them, and they don’t trust us!”
When it comes to the City Manager, Wes Pierson the in-service notes said they don’t trust him or his judgement. Goes on to say since taking over in this city he has been dismissive, divisive, flat our ignored them, refuses to meet with them, and has been condescending to members of the FD fracturing a future relationship.
The city wants you to believe they have done everything, given everything, spend ½ the annual budget for public safety and that the firefighters are just lazy! Yet the city is running out of people to blame it on, and we have caught them boldly lying about Glover which means we now have to question everything else they have said in the past. The lies are on tape! Actual video evidence in their own words, LYING to citizens. We fully understand now why the FD has a lack of trust with the FD management, City Manager and Mayor + council.
Staffing is the biggest issue that was brought up over-and-over from the 2011 Climate Report to today. This is the biggest tipping point: 3-person truck or 4-person truck. It makes me wonder why firefighters would be fighting so hard for staffing if it was not a problem. We found a 5-year Strategic Staffing plan in one of the PIR’s that we filed. It was done by Former Chief Mark Piland, and according to a city hall staffer this is what the Fire Chief turns into their boss – the city manager. It stats the following:
FY 2018 Add 7 Positions Total FD Personal: 260
FY 2019 Add 8 Positions
FY 2020 Add 27 Positions
FY 2021 Add 13 Positions
FY 2022 Add 24 Positions Total FD Personal: 332
Full Copy of 5-Year Strategic Plan written by Mark Piland:
Based on that strategic plan – how many do you think we hired? We have filed a PIR asking just that question. We did pull up the FY 2023 Budget which has the Fire Department clearly listed by department area. We wanted to focus on the “Tactical” personnel because when you call 911 that is the group that shows up at your front door. On the “tactical personnel” side it shows they went from 230 in FY 2021 to 239 in FY 2023. Yep 9 people!
The strategic 5-year plan that Cheney talked about in the 2023 election is what city goes by, shows by FY 2023 we should have had 281 “tactical” positions. Now the city council has been telling citizens we are staffed just fine at 239. It really hit home for us when we looked at it visually on the organizational chart. Frisco’s current population is 225,007 people, which makes us the 101 largest cities in the US and growing every day. The actual FY 2023 budget for the FD covers 279 personnel across different areas of the department from administrative, fleet, tactical and more.
If you look at the 5 Year Strategic plan Piland wrote in 2018 it shows for FY 2023 that we should have 332 personnel across the different areas of our fire department. That is a difference of 53 personnel – most of those positions are on the “tactical side.” Why did the city not meet the Strategic Plan in place? We posted the video of Mayor Cheney in our last blog, and he is talking about how the city has a “strategic plan,” they go by, so why do the numbers not match the plan MAYOR? Now I understand why the firefighters are so passionate about the staffing issues – it makes sense. If staffing was an in issue in 2011 and then per the strategic plan for 2018 – 2023 we are short staffed that means we are WAY BEHIND THE 8 BALL.
Then we remembered, during the election at the Stonebriar Forum, Angelia Pelham said she liked to look at FACTS aka DATA. She said in 5 years 57% of the Fire Department will be eligible for retirement. Hold up, wait a minute! As a resident that should concern you if you care about the welfare of your family. While it is not likely, let’s pretend all 57% of our those eligible in our fire department decided to take retirement in 5 years because they are sick of “The Frisco Way” and if the city does not go along with the current strategic plan (which we have filed a PIR for) for the next 5 years, it could decimate our department.
Let’s look at this another way. It takes about 1 to 2 years to train a Firefighter with class and hands on experience. We also know through PIRs in Frisco and other cities that when it comes to candidate testing for new firefighters – they are not coming to Frisco. They are going to other cities with a more favorable view of the fire department. Let’s assume we were already short-staffed in 2011. Then the city has been short staffing the fire department against the advice of the Fire Chief for the last ten years, plus it fails to follow the current 5-year plan to hire 55 new firefighters, and then you add on 57% of our Fire Department chose to retire in 5 years when they hit eligibility, what does that mean?
It means we will face a catastrophic shortfall of well-trained experienced firefighters. Our tenured firefighters have already been retiring and then going to other departments because they are not done working, they just don’t want to work in FRISCO anymore. The best training comes from experience and the “tenured firefighters” give real life saving mentorship to new firefighters who have yet to go down a 10-to-15-year career. If 57% leave in 5 years when eligible and the city which is already short staffed doesn’t follow the plan or hire more immediately than there will be no tenure in the department and that is a LIFE-OR-DEATH matter to firefighters, citizens and the council’s favorite…tourists.
We reiterate, Mayor Cheney, Angelia Pelham, John Keating, Bill Woodard, and Laura Rummel (Livingston has remained quiet), have all talked about the increase of staffing when we open the new Fire Stations 10 & 11. We wrote in depth about the Fire Department and Bonds in our blogpost 007 and if you have not read it, you should! Voters approved Station 10 in the 2015 bond, and in 2019 they asked Voters to approve Station 11.
Funny thing is they asked voters in 2023 to approve Fire Station 11 AGAIN along with a remodel of Station 4. You paid for STATION 11 – 2 TIMES!
Here is where we need you to buckle your seat belt. According to a leaked email we received, Station 11 has been scraped and put on an indefinite hold with no plan in the next several years to build it. YOUR COUNCIL MEMBERS RUNNING FOR OFFICE LIED TO YOUR FACE WHEN THEY SAID IT WAS IN THE WORKS AND ALREADY PLANNED OUT! Remember every single one of the council members above said we will hire to staff the two new stations but in the 13th Stroke of the Clock there will be No Station 11 = NO HIRING OF FIREFIGHTERS. We filed a PIR Friday for the status of Station 11 and all documents, notes, emails, and plans for it to confirm the email we have so let’s see if they turn it over.
Our city council continues to lie to us, and we continue to take it with a grain of salt. They probably sit in their executive sessions and laugh at how stupid we are because they continue to have the 13th Stroke of the Clock ring out and no one is putting 2 + 2 together. Tick Tock, Tick Tock….
The ticking of time is the invisible heartbeat of our lives and affects every moment of our consciousness. Time and self are in perpetual handshake – for example, a human trapped in a completely dark cave would still be governed by the circadian rhythms of their internal clocks. There are many careers in which “time” is a critical component. Metrologists have technology that is incredibly accurate to measure the passing of minutes, seconds. Surgeons in an operating room live on a time clock and those who take too long could kill someone. Professional surf boarders must be able to catch the perfect wave and football players have to make the play in a certain space of time or face penalties. Various factors are crucial to our construction of the perception of time such as memory, concentration, emotion and the sense we have time is somehow located in space.
When it comes to the job of a firefighter, time plays a critical component. Imagine your house catching fire, flames coming out of the windows and roof line while you hear loud pop and bang sounds from things exploding inside. As you watch the firefighters attack the house fire, you become almost paralyzed, and time comes to a standstill. As you stand there seeing the chaos around you, it begins to feel like an eternity of time. For the firefighter the stress put on their body fighting your house fire can prompt their brain to speed up its internal processing which helps them face life or death situations.
When the process began to search for a new chief, the firefighters quickly realized the city had an agenda and that former Assistant Fire Chief Lee Glover from the “Un-Happy Days” was about to be their new commanding officer and Chief. The Frisco Firefighters Association did a survey and provided it to the City Manager and Council. In Survey Says we told you about that survey and its results. Question 1: Do you want Interim Fire Chief Glover to be the next Fire Chief of the Frisco Fire Department? Survey says … 92.5% said NO. City Manager Wes Pierson and his office, along with City Council, were given the results and they chose to disregard the voice of some 200+ firefighters and make Lee Glover the new Fire Chief.
When we were reading through the “In-Service Meeting” notes it was noted that firefighters believe it is their Chiefs job to fight for them and defend them but instead they feel Glover ignoring the staffing issues and only doing what is being asked of him by City Manager Wes Pierson. They don’t believe their current leader and Chief supports them in any way and the result is they have no voice with city management and city officials. One comment noted, “we are not being heard and it will take one of them dying before Glover or the city take notice of staffing issues.”
Who is responsible for hiring and firing in the city? Mayor Jeff Cheney addressed this issue in the 2023 Mayoral Campaign at the Star Patriots Candidate Forum. The Council hires the City Manager, and it is the city managers responsibility to manage and hire and fire department heads. If something goes wrong, you can bet Cheney will excuse himself from responsibility and put it all on Wes Pierson.
Another comment from the most recent notes reads, “we work under the fear of retaliation and feel we are disciplined for the simplest mistakes.” We feel like we have heard this before – oh yeah, we have in the 2011 Climate Report when Lee Glover was the Assistant Fire Chief. The 2011 Climate report reads “firefighters talk about getting in trouble for small things and being required to write memos on things they done (and re-writing them over and over until the Senior Officer is happy with it).” It goes on to read “they are being threatened with their job, being moved to the day shift, being belittled, yelled and treated like children.” Proof is in the pudding!
The “In-Service Meeting” notes also address promotions and annual evaluations. Officers feel they meet their rankings, do their job, and then they are told they must do more than that to get to move up. Now the promotional process is based on a “taskbook” which is a checklist that shows what a firefighter or officer understands and has been cleared in, to show they are proficient in the job they will be stepping into. It was recommended by one of the committees to implement the taskbook in 2025. The 50+ pages of notes said some complete the taskbook, but others can be prevented from completing it by the Battalion Chiefs which prevent them from testing. One comment was the process was very “subjective” and “some are allowed to test, while and others are not allowed to test for promotions.” We know from talking to several inside sources that just recently a handful of firefighters applied for the LT positions, and they were not allowed to test even though they qualified which matches the statements made by the firefighters at the meeting. We also learned that Fire Chief Lee Glover choose to ignore his committees (another complaint in the notes) and implement the taskbook requirement now and that did not give all the candidates time to complete it before the test.
After reading this, we honestly feel like we are on a Merry-Go-Round that is not so …merry. We pulled up the 2011 Climate Report that reads “firefighters’ perceptions of the hiring and promotion process is that it is manipulated by the Chief and Senior Officers.” It goes on to read “firefighters would like to see a hiring and promotion process established, published and followed that does not allow for manipulation of the data of tests and who is selected.” So basically, what is in the 2011 Climate Report matches the feelings of the 2024 In-Service Meeting Notes and the one common denominator is … Fire Chief Lee Glover!
We think that City Manager – Wes Pierson, Mayor Jeff Cheney, and the City Council suffer from Echolaia, which is the repetition or echoing of words that you hear someone else say. If not Echolaia, then they suffer from insanity which is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. If they don’t have either of those two medical conditions, well then, they suffer from just simple stupidity. Voltaire noted that the more often a stupidity is repeated, the more it appears to be wisdom.
In a nutshell the council hopes we are “STUPID” and if they just repeat the same thing over and over, we will begin to believe it. They are like Dorothy in the Wizard of OZ clicking together her ruby red slippers but instead of saying there is no place like home they are saying Chief Glover is the best, Chief Glover is the best! Just look at Mayor Jeff Cheney at the Star Patriot forum in 2023 when he was running for re-election. After seeing the FFA Survey showing a vote of NO CONFIDENCE in the new Fire Chief Lee Glover, he went to a candidate forum and directly lied to our faces talking about how great Glover was and how he was already improving things at the fire department. LET THAT SINK IN FRISCO RESIDENTS: MAYOR CHENEY KNOWINGLY LIED DIRECTLY TO VOTERS and thought he would never get caught.
Remember, the entire goal of the city and its leadership at all levels these past two years has been to blame Piland, blame the power grab on the “small portion of firefighters”, and to blame anyone and everyone but themselves. They have LIED…. and in the most recent election for the propositions the Frisco Fire Association even made a video pointing that out.
The only mistake the City of Frisco and Frisco City Council made was thinking people would not get tired of their BS and start to pay attention. That failure is what allowed the Whistleblowers to rise up!
Did you know each new day brings us 24 hours, 1440 minutes, or 86,000 seconds. When we were kids, my mom used to say don’t waste a damn minute of your life because each second, each minute, each hour, is loaned to us by God. One day when you meet him, he is going to ask you how effectively you used that time. I developed the same fascination with time and when my kids were growing up, they would always say, “dad, do you have a minute?” I would reply with a poem I heard or learned (can’t remember where or who wrote it).
I have only just a minute, only 60 seconds in it;
forced upon me; can’t refuse it;
didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it.
But it’s up to me just how I use it.
I must suffer if I lose it, give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it.
When you waste time on a useless task, activity or endeavor you are essentially choosing to squander 24 hours, 1440 minutes, or 86,000 seconds. Now you are probably wondering why we are writing about time, well lately we have been pondering how much wasted time it will take our City Manager – Wes Pierson, Mayor Jeff Cheney, Bill Woodard, Angelia Pelham, John Keating and the rest of the council to “man up.”
During the most recent election for council John Keating knowingly spread false accusations about his opponent from any microphone handed to him. We were curious after knowingly spreading false lies and false accusations saying Retired Fire Chief Mark Piland was fired and the cause of the problem in the Fire Department, will he “MAN UP” now and publicly apologize after reading the 50+ page In-Service notes? I mean he has the 2011 Climate Report and now 50+ pages of In-Service notes all pointing to the same person – Chief Lee Glover! According to his own soap box moment he should step up and do the right thing for our firefighters and former city employees because in a few years he is going to ask us to vote for him for MAYOR!
In the world of a firefighter seconds and minutes in a fire fight are very important and as they are risking their life. That is why reviewing these 50+ pages of notes from the mandatory June In-Service Meeting are so important. For them to do the job well they need to understand the training and vision for the department. According to the most recent in-service notes, the most alarming statement made was that the firefighters still have no idea of Glovers “vision” for the department outside of the Strategic Plan.
Communication or should we say the lack of communication was the next big topic. Firefighters have concerns over the lack of visibility and communications from Chief Glover. It was noted that Chief Glover does not even take the time to send an e-mail to motivate the department after catastrophic events. They also don’t believe Glover listens or consults with his committees which could help him build relationships with those under his command.
After reading the part about communication I thought back to a recent story on the news about the storms hitting Fire Fighter Row in Celina. Imagine you are a firefighter enjoying a nice sleep and you awake to alarms and the sound of wind pushing in the walls of your home. You quickly realize your entire street is in the eye of a tornado and when it is all over, several neighbors who are also firefighters in the same department have their homes destroyed and your normal life just became chaotic in minutes. Would you expect a phone call from your Chief asking how you and your family were doing? Would you expect an email to go out from the Chief asking the command staff and front-line members to pray and donate their time to help with the clean up or whatever needs to be done? As the Chief, would you grab your clothes and tools and head out the door to support your brotherhood in person? The Frisco Firefighter’s Association showed up, raised money for the families, spent countless days cleaning up and lending hands. How long do you think it took Chief Lee Glover to do any of these things? Tick Tock, Tick Tock the seconds and minutes pass and the hands just go around the clock!
The firefighters feel they are on a path with the Fire Chief and City Manager of do more with less which the In-Service notes say is destroying morale. The frontline feels they are falling behind and going backwards. One comment was the firefighters have been left to drowned and the emotional and mental beat down is affecting the whole department.
What will it take for City Manager -Wes Pierson to drop his arrogant attitude, “MAN UP” and simply do his job?What will it take for the Mayor and City Council to admit the problem was never Fire Chief Mark Piland but a problem of their own doing that was 1000% avoidable? Rewind the clock and go back to the 2011 Climate Report that we talked about in our article Humpty Dumpty, which stated that then Fire Chief, Mack Borchardt and upper management command staff had run the department into the ground. That report led to the city council demanding he be “let go” but his good ole buddy City Manager, George Purefoy got him a nice and rather large retirement package. Then Purefoy gives him a golden parachute job in the City Manager’s office so the two best buddies could be together forever. Well, Purefoy retired but Borchardt is still with the city, in the same job today, making 6 figures and has a city vehicle?
The 2011 Climate Report also named Assistant Chief Lee Glover at the time as part of the problem which is why he was not named Chief in 2012, and the city brought it in Mark Piland. Now they want to you to believe Piland is the problem – yet the Association did not go for Civil Service under Piland. There are no 50+ page reports of Piland’s bad leadership and his yearly EVAL’s have him top notch. We are not saying things were perfect nothing ever is but it does seem the department was making changes and progress in the right direction. Now the City Manager and Council want you to believe Piland is a disgruntled employee and the “cancer” that plagued the department, because they had to hide that HR falsified documents. Even though they knew Glover’s past and previous issues (of which there are many) they choose to make him the new Fire Chief. Now that the bubble has burst and the public knows the systemic problems of 2011 followed Glover (old dogs don’t develop new habits) into his role as the current Fire Chief, they want you to believe a new story. Now everything is the fault of the Frisco Firefighter’s Association because they want more personnel to do their job safely and better workman’s comp benefits.
Here is where we are hung up, why, in what world or universe, did the City Manager Wes Pierson or the Frisco City Council think making Lee Glover the new Fire Chief was a good idea? A wise man once said if you repeat the mistakes of the past don’t expect a different outcome! After slowly making progress and change the last 10 years, in a department filled with trust issues, today our fire department is back in 2011. They are unhappy, the days of fear and lack of trust have resurfaced, have a City Manager who could not give two shXts and a City Council who blames the issues on the men and woman of the association, which is almost our whole department for the problem.
IT IS TIME FOR A COME TO JESUS as my mother used to say with the belt in her hand. Every single member on our city council, minus Brian Livingston have spoken against the men and woman in our Fire Department. Our City Manager has an ego bigger than the State of Texas and according to insiders in several departments, his arrogance is destroying the city from the inside out and he turns his nose up to the concerns of the Fire Department. At this point they will all have to pull a rabbit out of hat to blame next because we are pretty sure they are running out of employees to blame it on as they clean house to cover things up. Want the STEVE AUSTIN “COLD HARD TRUTH” …. The CITY COUNCIL IS THE PROBLEM; THE CITY MANAGER IS THE PROBLEM AND THE CURRENT FIRE CHIEF LEE GLOVER IS THE PROBLEM! Until citizens “wake up ” we will just let the clock go “Tick Tock, Tick Tock!”
The other day I was reading an article about the most common 6 phrases people say to gaslight and manipulate you. What is gaslighting? It is a manipulation tactic often wielded by emotional disruptive abusers and is insidious in nature making it hard for a person to recognize the tactic is happening. What happens when someone tries to gaslight you?
Gradually you begin to question your own judgement, memories, feelings and questioning reality. The article quoted therapist Shannon Thomas who stated that “people who cannot authentically argue their point of view or stand behind their words turn to gaslighting as a tool.” She went on to say ’they resort to confusion creating tactics, and that it really is a true sign of character weakness.”
It made me think back to our recent elections and the mixed messaging the city tried to sell to citizens while attacking our Frisco Firefighters relentlessly while also saying they support our first responders and dedicate at least ½ our annual budget to public safety. They also attacked and tried to destroy the reputation of Former Fire Chief, Mark Piland by saying he was the problem and the reason for the low morale. The solution, to make Lee Glover, the new “SAVING GRACE” Fire Chief. Based on the In-Service notes we have reviewed, the city may have failed “BIG TIME” and the leader driving the bus is our very own City Manager, Wes Pierson!
After the election was over there was a large disdain between our Fire Department and the city so they planned a weeklong set of In-Service Meetings, aka “Healing Sessions” to listen to the firefighters’ concerns. We filed a PIR for anything related to those meetings and after reading the 50+ page report of notes one thing became very clear, the city council knowingly and repeatedly lied to citizens during the election.
Example 1: The Vote No PAC, funded by Frisco Developers, and run by Mayor Pro Tem Bill Woodard
Councilman Woodard was interviewed by Jack Fink with CBS Texas and when asked why the Fire Fighters were bringing the propositions to the ballot, he specifically said due to the “FORMER LEADERSHIP” of the department, referring to Former Fire Chief Mark Piland. We assumed we would see some of those issues noted in this 50+ page report, however only 2 comments were made, which is one the environment is a little more relaxed now (uniforms) and that Piland may have tended to over communicate to the department.
However, they had a lot to say about the current Fire Chief, Lee Glover. When it comes to budgeting and purchasing new equipment, they feel the Chief Glover is out of touch with today’s firefighting tactics. Firefighters said Glovers’ only tactic since arriving has been cost cutting measures to look good to the City Manager’s Office and council and that means he his neglecting his duty to his command.
Remember the Blood Program, otherwise known as which was carried by the Squad Unit? Refresh your memory by reading our older articles “Another One Bites The Dust” and “Make It Look Pretty.” At the time Councilman Woodard was the “city mouthpiece” across social media supporting Glover’s decision to end the Squad program and transfer the blood program to two battalion chief vehicles. The report talks about Glover’s cost cutting measures and how the firefighters believe removing the Squad Unit and transferring the Blood Program was a huge failure as it took away two extra working people on calls and losing the expertise of the Squad members could be and will be deadly to citizens.
What is the end result of the firefighter’s statement above about their concerns with Glover being out of touch with today’s firefighting tactics? Chief Glover has cut valid programs, training and they believe he is purchasing the wrong equipment. Glover has also de-incentivized training under his command, and today they have less training which is dangerous. Courses and training are required for promotions to the next rank and other departments pay for employees to attend training, but Glover is telling his command to “put stock in your own training.” As for equipment, Glover is buying more Quints -the big bulky fire trucks of the old days, which are hard to get around the neighborhood’s tight and crowded streets. The firefighters prefer more engines and tillers. We are told engines are quicker and shorter in size making them a better choice. We are also told the tillers are an advantageous truck because they can go anywhere, carries more tools and is quicker to vent with 107’ ladder.
Are we done yet? Oh no, we are just getting started! There is so much to go over that we are going to break it up into multiple articles this week. Tonight, we leave you with three questions:
1. Why is the City Council and City Manager gaslighting residents into believing all of these issues are due to Former Fire Chief Piland who was endorsed by the Frisco Firefighters Assocation this year during the election?
2. Why is the City Council and City Manager gaslighting residents into thinking the problem is our Fire Association, who they called Greedy Bastards, power hungry and lazy during the election?
3. Why is the City Council and City Manager dying on a sharp sword for Fire Chief Lee Glover who in all respects to his command his nowhere to be found and neglecting his duty to his command?
We leave you with a strong remark in the In-Service notes which we stated above, “Firefighters believe Glover’s only goal is to look good to the City Manager’s Office and City Council which results in him neglecting his duty to his command.” ….. come back tomorrow for part two
UPDATE: PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE MADE CORRECTIONS TO OUR ARTICLE BASED ON MORE DETAILS RECEIVED. CORRECTIONS CAN BE NOTED IN RED OR WITH A STRIKETHROUGH MARK.
Recently we received an email that read “I follow your page and have always wanted to speak out as a Veteran in this town. I hope you will share my thoughts on your page. I have titled it Stolen Valor at Frisco City Hall. Sincerely, a Frisco Veteran”
Hello Frisco Veteran, and of course we would be more than happy to share your thoughts with our readers. Below is the letter that was attached to this email. Nothing in the attachment has been changed or altered. Thank you for your service and for following our page. Enjoy!
The Frisco Veterans Memorial located in Frico Commons Park is a testament to the men and women who served in uniform. You can take an audio tour to learn about the Memorial and it’s meaning for veterans and the residents of Frisco. The Battlefield Cross, Wall of Honor and Gold Star Families Memorial Monument remind us of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform made in service to our country.
This struggle and sacrifice aren’t exclusive to members of the armed forces, it’s just as meaningful for our Police Officers, Firefighters and First Responders. We’ve had devastating accidents happen to our Frisco Police Officers and Firefighters in the line of duty and the effects are still being felt by the victims and their families.
Supporting those injured in the line of duty is our responsibility yet when the opportunity came for City Hall to do the right by a Firefighter, our City Manager Wes Pierson failed. Cameron Kraemer was a former Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Frisco for 27 years, yet he was fired after the City of Frisco denied his Workers Compensation claim for PTSD. In late 2023, the Texas Department of Insurance ordered the City of Frisco to pay Mr. Kraemer his back benefits via lump sum. On August 2nd, 2024, Mr. Kraemer filed a Wrongful Termination suit against the City of Frisco after the DOJ ruled that he could sue.
Frisco City Manager Wes Pierson’s actions toward Mr. Kraemer sent a terrible message to our Police Officers, Firefighters and First Responders. Mr. Pierson destroyed any credibility he had with the Police and Fire Department, to make matters worse every time the courts rules in Mr. Kraemer’s favor the distrust and resentment grows.
The City of Frisco claims to be a “Veteran Friendly City” and has multiple events that celebrate and honor our veterans. Often when people think about veterans, they think about our service members abroad. Our Police Officers and Firefighters put their life on the line, every day in service to our community and should be treated with the same level of honor and respect. Next time you see Mr. Pierson at a Veterans function or event with Police Officers or Firefighters, Never Forget his act of Stolen Valor against Mr. Kraemer.
If you live in Frisco, then you should know the name Cameron Kraemer. Kraemer, the former Assistant Fire Chief, was fired after 27+ years with the city. During his time with the Frisco Fire Department, he served as Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Firefighter and Paramedic. But last year in 2023 Kraemer’s name was the subject of many headlines. Community Impact’s headline read, “Frisco Assistant Fire Chief Kraemer fired after nearly 30 years” and The Dallas Express headline read, “Local Assistant Fire Chief Kraemer Fired.”
Why would the City of Frisco fire such a long-standing employee? Kraemer’s history with the city goes deep, his dad Tom Kraemer, who recently passed away, worked for the city’s communications department for around 19 years. A Facebook post by the Frisco Fire Fighters Association on May 2, 2023 read, “Regrettably, Assistant Chief Kraemer has been terminated by the City of Frisco after 27 years of service, without being given the opportunity to go through the appeals process and contested case hearings,” the post read in part. The post went on to say that Kraemer went on leave in August 2022 for post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the Frisco Fire Fighters Association, Kraemer filed for workers’ compensation for PTSD in December 2022, citing Section 504.019 of the Texas Labor Code. The department denied Kraemer’s claim. He is appealing the decision. The post closed with the following remark, “It is disheartening to witness the dismissal of a Firefighter with significant tenure in this way, particularly in a city that prides itself on its care and regard for its employees.”
At Frisco Chronicles, we felt something smelled like a freshly cooking, Cowboy Cow Pile Patty, smoldering in our Texas 110-degree summer heat. That is a nice way of saying something smelled like ShXt. We started to dig, and we uncovered some dirty back door dealings about the city which we disclosed in our 12 days of Christmas Articles (check the archives). We were curious what would happen next with Kraemer, and we didn’t have to wait long to find out.
Cameron Kraemer took his workers’ compensation case before the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) claiming he was undergoing treatment for long-term post-traumatic stress when the city terminated him and denied his claims for medical coverage. On September 21, 2023, the case went before the TDI in Dallas and the administrative law judge who heard the case ordered the City of Frisco, which is self-insured, to pay Kraemer benefits and any accrued but unpaid income benefits in a lump sum with interest as provided by law.
On October 12, 2023, the Frisco Firefighters Association released a Press Release that was posted to their Facebook page that reads, “The state ruled that Cameron’s injury was compensable under the workers’ compensation law. We are working with the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters to review Cameron’s options for going forward.” Attached to the post was a Press Release and it quotes Matthew Sapp, President of the Frisco Fire Fighters Association, as saying “Cameron Kraemer was undergoing treatment for LINE-OF-DUTY injuries clearly recognized by the state legislature and medical experts, but the City of Frisco CHOSE TO BREAK THE LAW, deny him insurance coverage and terminate him.” The press release noted: The city WASTED TAXPAYER RESOURCES on this case!
The win was also reported across local news and newspapers. The Dallas Morning News headline reads “Frisco Firefighter fired while on medical leave WINS WORKERS’ COMP CASE.” The article noted Kraemer was still undergoing treatment for long-term post-traumatic stress disorder. Kraemer is quoted as saying, “They took away my job, it took away all my benefits, they took away everything, and they wanted me to retire.” Kraemer refused to retire and went through the appeals process. “I’m still young so I’m penalized for retiring before the age of 50 as a first responder. I’m only 46,” he said. “And the reality is I’ve got three teenagers, and they had to walk through this process with us. And the amount of strain and tension and stress and anxiety that it puts on the house, you can’t even quantify it.”
While many don’t believe that PTSD is a real issue, it is! Ask yourself this, if you saw a 45-foot Frisco Fire Truck back up and pin a fellow firefighter against the wall of a city building, then after you had to clean up the blood and bodily fluids at the scene and notify the fellow firefighter’s family, COULD YOU HANDLE IT? The incident, discussed in the DMN articles is what Cameron Kraemer and our fellow Frisco Firefighters see every day! As a holistic person I can only imagine the impact it has on your mind, body, spirit and soul. Do you think Sassy Lauren Safranek, the City HR Director, or any of our fellow city council members have witnessed anything like this or worse? How about seeing it throughout your 27-year career, are you sure you could handle it?
Truthfully, my wife and I could not imagine seeing the devastation and destruction these men and woman in both our Police and Fire departments see daily. You probably think the city did the right thing but of course they didn’t. Instead, they sent their attack boar Bobblehead Bill Woodard on social media to pass out false information on Kraemer’s case and attack our first responders during the most recent election. Why is a city councilman releasing personal details in an ongoing case on social media? We are glad he did because it made our spidey little senses rise and we started investigating and will write about that in our next article.
Where is Cameron Kraemer now? Well, he is still receiving treatment, and his case had to go before the DOJ to determine if he was able to sue the city for his wrongful termination. Yesterday, we learned from sources inside the city that the DOJ ruled Kramer can sue and we are betting he wins big time! Meanwhile Bobblehead Bill Woodard wants you to believe our firefighters are lazy (his words during the May 2024 election), however it is not in their nature to lay down without a fight. Kraemer is going to use the legal process to take a wrecking ball to the city in court, which he should! Infact, the case was filed on 8/2/2024 in Collin Countys 416th District Court under case number 416-05201-2024.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU THE TAXPAYER? That means taxpayers on top of spending money on Performing Arts Centers, downtown revitalization, and the upcoming Grand Park, will also be subject to a BIG TIME CASINO LIKE PAYOUT to Cameron Kraemer and rightfully so! To be direct, the city who lolly gagged around, could have tried to settle this issue but choose to swing their cajónes around and now taxpayers will foot the bill for it. NOW YOU CAN SEE WHY THEY ARE ABOUT TO ANNOUNCE THEY ARE RAISING OUR TAXES!
Tick-tock, tick-tock sounds the clock! Days go by, and the tick-tock never seems to stop. Meanwhile City of Frisco leadership sits behind closed doors while we watch the clock, just tick-tock! Precious moments fading away and citizens still are not standing up to ask, is everything okay? What happens when time runs out…? Tick-tock they will try to approve a $300-$500 million dollar Performing Arts Center and announce they plan to raise taxes!
Back on June 18th at the Budget and Audit Committee Meeting we learned from the agenda that both the Committee Chair – Councilman Bill Woodard and Committee Members –Councilwomen Angelia Pelham and Laura Rummel were present. They had a discussion regarding the “PRELIMINARY FY 2025 Budget” and our Chief Financial Officer, Derrick Cotton talked about potential revenue generating items. It is the last paragraph where it says Mr. Cotton talks about the “Homestead Exemption” and presented changes in the adjusted taxable values and discussed a possible tax rate change for FY25 that had our attention.
They plan to pick up the discussion this Tuesday August 6th at 3pm at the next Budget and Audit Committee Meeting. Then we noticed Tuesday nights city council meeting Agenda Item 32 calls for a public hearing on the FY 25 budget. In fact, the city memo reads “Consider and act upon adoption of a Resolution calling for a public hearing on the City of Frisco FY 2025 Budget, Frisco Economic Development Corporation FY 2025 Budget, and Frisco Community Development Corporation FY 2025 Budget. (Budget/TA)”
Why does a city call for a public hearing on the potential adoptions of the budget? Well according to Texas Local Government Code, Title 4: Finances, Subtitle A – Municipal Finances, Chapter 102 – Municipal Budget (wow that’s a mouth full) there are several reasons. Section 102.005 specifically states that if they are proposing a budget change it must be available for public inspection.
(b) A proposed budget that will require raising more revenue from property taxes than in the previous yearmust contain a cover page with the following statement in 18-point or larger type: “This budget will raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by (insert total dollar amount of increase and percentage increase), and of that amount (insert amount computed by multiplying the proposed tax rate by the value of new property added to the roll) is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.”
Once they conclude that so called “PUBLIC HEARING” they can adopt a budget according to the law. So based on what they have been discussing, based on the public hearings they have quietly posted, we can guarantee you the city is about to announce a Tax Increase! Right now, those city leaders are just hoping you are not paying attention and all the other political distractions around the country will keep you from recognizing the destructive path they are.
Now you should say, wait a damn minute Mayor Cheney – you just ran a year ago on the fact you have lowered taxes. Let’s not forget John Keating and Angelia making the 2024 rounds campaigning for your vote claiming they lowered taxes and plan to continue lowering taxes, but all the while they knew they were going to propose an out of this world Performing Arts Center and raise taxes.
Didn’t this city council pull out all the stops to get votes to VOTE NO against the Fire Fighters because they claimed it “WOULD INCREASE TAXES” when they already knew they were going to do it anyways? What they were not telling you then is they planned to raise taxes but just for things they want for their own selfish reasons. Who cares what citizens actually need….
In a time when inflation is high and we are facing a presidential election these mice are running around in the clock hoping we don’t pay attention to the TICK-TOCK, TICK-TOCK of the clock. If any one of our council members vote to raise taxes – VOTE THEM OUT! Why are we, one of the flushest cities, according to Cheney talking about revenue generating ways for the city to make money. It is simple, CHENEY-VILLE COSTS A LOT TO BUILD. The old red head wants you to just do as he say’s and not ask questions ASK QUESTIONS!
While we know there are a few who don’t care for Frisco Chronicles (guess who), every day our viewership and website traffic continue to grow. We are getting more emails from fellow whistleblowers tired of the way the City of Frisco staff and leaders continue to operate behind closed doors. Obviously with our popularity growth you can imagine some leaders don’t like the attention and decided to block us from their official and unofficial social media pages so we 1) can not comment, call them out, or ask questions and 2) because they think that it will stop us from finding out what they are doing.
According to the ACLU, one of the core purposes of the First Amendment is to allow people, regardless of their views, to hold the government accountable through expressions. That means if an elected representative has an official Facebook page where they invite comments, they cannot block you from the social media page. In 2019, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the interactive portion of a public official’s Facebook page is a “public forum,” so an official cannot block people from it because of the opinions they hold. However, in recent years the question of blocking or deleting comments has gone back to the Supreme Court for further review.
In March 2024, the issue again was before the U.S. Supreme Court that ruled public officials who post about topics relating to their work on their personal social media accounts are acting on behalf of the government, and therefore can be held liable for violating the First Amendment when they block their critics, only when they have the power to speak on behalf of the state and are actually exercising that power. The key is in bold lettering “when they have the power to speak on behalf of the state (or city). Jeff Cheney can block us from his personal page or business page claiming that he is not speaking on behalf of the city, and it is his personal comments. If you ask us, he uses both his personal and business page to post at the mayor which is clear from just two recent posts in 2024.
On an official page it becomes a very slippery slope. Can he block us from his official Mayor Jeff Cheney page – we would argue no because he is clearly using that to speak from his position as Mayor on behalf of the city. The city has not told the council to shut their OFFICIAL PAGES down because they have no authority to speak on behalf of the city and communicate city information. So technically by them allowing them to have official pages they are in essence approving each one of them as a spokesman for the city.
We decided to file a PIR this year on May 11th that reads, “Copy of the list of “BLOCKED USERS” which can be found under Settings & Privacy, then “Blocking” related to the city council’s official “Social Media” pages or personal pages used for political purposes or posts: Any pages in which they communicate any official city business or city news. For Example: Brian Livingston For Frisco, Official FB Page for Angelia Pelham, Frisco City Council Place 3, and her page Angelia Pelham Official Page for Mayor Jeff Cheney Official FB Page and personal page Jeff Cheney, Bill Woodard serves in Place 4 on the Frisco City Council Tammy Meinershagen Official FB Page, John Keating For Frisco Official Page and John Keating personal page Laura Rummel, Frisco City Council Place 5 and personal page Laura Rummell.
The city then waited until May 24th to send us a message asking for “CLARIFICATION” of our request. They always wait out the 10 days to respond to delay PIRs. On May 30th we wrote back and attached a clarification letter that reads: Per your letter “requesting” clarification we hope this helps: 1. Platform: Facebook 2. Accounts: Any FACEBOOK account that a current City Council Member or Mayor has where they post topics related to their work (on city council or for the city) that are effectively communicating or acting on behalf of city government as that one would assume the information presented is being done so by a representative for the council. For example, Mayor Jeff Cheney, Angelia Pelham, John Keating for Frisco, Laura Rummell, Bill Woodard, Brian Livingston and Tammy Meinershagen. Then we provided instructions on how to find the “blocked list” of users on their pages so they would not have to search for it.
Well as you can imagine our CITY and CITY LEADERS who claim to listen to their constituents, be transparent, and work on our behalf and not their own selfish interests turned over the blocked list for each of their pages with no issue! JUST KIDDING! Of course they didn’t turn them over. Instead, we got the following note back from the City Secretary that reads, “Following a request for clarification, the scope of the request was narrowed to Facebook platform only. The City of Frisco has reviewed your request and has determined that the information you are seeking does not fall within the definition of public information as defined by the Public Information Act. As a result, there are NO DOCUMENTS responsive to your request.”
To be fair we didn’t expect they would turn over anything from their personal Facebook pages, but we were hopeful they would be transparent and turn over the blocked list from the official pages of council members. Ask yourself, why would City Council leaders block any constituent or resident they represent? Why would they block Frisco Chronicles? Why would they block anyone who spends money in Frisco which is tax revenue for them? Direct from the horse’s mouth “Jeff Cheney” we heard over the last two elections “we listen to our residents, and we are totally transparent” yet he has blocked numerous people from his official mayoral page. In fact, he has blocked almost everyone who disagrees with him or calls him out. Residents should be asking if you are really working hard for us, then WHY WOULD YOU BLOCK ANYONE? They block those who disagree or want to speak out against something like the upcoming Performing Arts Center that they plan to shove down our throats for $500 million dollars. They don’t want you to see those who disagree or argue that what they are doing is wrong. If that does not concern you, it should!
We believe it is very humorous that city leaders have blocked Frisco Chronicles aka Whistleblower because in their private comments to other city leaders and citizens, they say Frisco Chronicles is no big deal, they are not worried about us, we are not important, no one is reading and following along with our reports. Truth is they are scared to death, and they are questioning every day who they can trust. Newsflash folks … people in the inner circle are singing like canary’s. Have something to say reach out to us by email FriscoWhistleBlower@protonmail.com – we protect all sources and never reveal identities.
Our team members have filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General in regard to the City of Frisco and Public Information Requests. The city has been notified and we will see how things roll out in the coming weeks.
Time after time we send requests to a city who likes to claim they are TRANSPARENT when really, they are using every avenue to withhold information from the public. We are hopeful the Texas AG will see that the City of Frisco is using their office to weaponize and withhold public information.
Recently we noticed our Mayor Jeff Cheney took a trip to Las Vegas on taxpayer dollars. Where did he go? Las Vegas for the annual global real estate ICSC Convention which stands for International Council of Shopping Centers’ annual global real estate convention. According to the website, it is the world’s largest gathering of real estate professionals. It is a two- to three-day gathering of dealmakers and industry experts, who are driving innovation and evolution in commercial real estate. The event provides an opportunity for attendees to network, learn about the latest trends in retail real estate, and do business with thousands of exhibitors.
The website states the exhibit hall features over 1,200 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. These exhibitors include retailers, shopping center owners, developers, architects, and other vendors. Another important aspect is the networking opportunities. The event provides attendees with numerous opportunities to connect with other industry professionals, including receptions, parties, and other social events. These events allow attendees to make new contacts, share ideas, and form partnerships that can help them succeed in the retail real estate market.
Many local Frisco residents have questioned if Mayor Cheney uses his position as Mayor to help his personal business The Cheney Group, a real estate firm. Before we assumed the worst, we asked ourselves, why would he go to this convention on taxpayer dollars? What would the value to the city be? According to the expense report we found it says he went with the Frisco Economic Development Corporation.
In an email to Karla Horton, Jeff Cheney who uses his business email to conduct city business submits his receipt with a note that states to please consider the Saturday night stay and the food and beverage expenses to be personal expenses and do not file those for reimbursement. The only items for reimbursement would be the Sunday and Monday hotel room charges which comes to $1140.60.
Just looking at the expense report we have some serious questions. First, we noticed the room was in Jeff Cheney of The Retail Connection in Dallas, Texas. What is The Retail Connection? Then it states his departure date as 5/19/24 and return date as 5/20/24 but there are hotel charges on his ARIA Invoice for 5/18, 5/19, and 5/20. Why is he expensing two nights for a hotel when his report states he left on the 19th and returned on the 20th? Why not expense one night? How did he get to Las Vegas? Where is his expense for airfare?
When he travels to the city, he does have a per diem amount towards food, but he noted in his email to the city that the food expenses should not be submitted to the city as they are personal expenses. Then we noticed a charge that reads “$25 ARIA Refreshment Center charge for $25.00”. On two of the days, he was charged once for that but on 5/19 we see the charge twice. Then we noticed on 5/18 (the personal day) he hung out at the pool because there is a charge at the ARIA Pool Service Bar of $100.53. Then we noticed on he must have hung out at the pool bar on 5/19 the day he was supposed to be at the convention because there is another charge for the Pool Service Bar of $70.73. Plus, he has an additional charge on 5/19 at the ARIA Salt & Ivy Café Food for $95.11.
We are still questioning how the Frisco EDC and Mayor Cheney traveling to Las Vegas for a commercial real estate industry event would benefit the city? The website for the convention mentioned attendees can expect to meet with key decision makers from the shopping center industry, connect and network with over 34,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors, view the latest industry products and services that are critical to your business, take part in professional development courses, and educational opportunities for retail real estate professionals. Lastly you get to attend after parties and industry networking events and do a year’s worth of business in just three days.
The Cheney Group has a dedicated agent to the commercial real estate market so the question we continue to have, is the trip beneficial to his personal business because we can’t see what city business he would have there. What do you think?
Do you love Amazon? It is hard to believe that there is one website where you could literally scroll and find anything and everything you want. Half the time, you can find items to buy that you did not even know you need, until low and behold your eyes see it! The dangers of scrolling can hit the pocketbook. We like to look at how the city spends our tax dollars, and it is kind of like Amazon. They spend money like they are shopping on Amazon, adding items to the cart and when they are bored they just look for something that tickles their fancy.
Imagine our surprise when scrolling through the city agendas, we found another interesting item from the July 2nd City Council Meeting related to purchasing authority. Daniel Ford, Director of Administrative Services sent a memo to the Mayor, Members of the Frisco City Council, and cc’d in Wes Pierson – City Manager and E.A. Hoppe – Assistant City Manager asking them to consider a change to the ordinance granting purchasing authority to the City Manager or his/her designee for all budgeted items not exceeding $100,000.
In 2017, the City Council approved a threshold increase from $25,000 to $50,000. Why are they now wanting to change it to $100,000? The memo states the request is being made to streamline the contract approval process, expedite routine non-controversial purchases, and to reduce the administrative burden on staff, while maintaining compliance and transparency.The word transparency made us laugh!
The memo goes on to read that in 2018 the purchasing of items on the consent agenda was 117 for the full year. Now they claim it has gone up to 245 for the full year and this change would reduce the administrative and processing time for putting council items together by almost two weeks. It also states the increase would allow more flexibility and efficiency to handle these agreements. HOW DOES MAINTAINING TRANSPARENCY AND FLEXIBILITY GO TOGETHER?
Would you be surprised to learn that Agenda Item #30 passed and was APPROVED 6 – 0. The new ORDINANCE 2024-07-32 basically allows the city to spend more with less oversight. How is that transparent? Who determines what is a ROUTINE AND NON-CONTROVERSIAL purchase? Oh yeah, the city determines that that! If one of the council members knocked on your door and said I need 100,000, don’t ask questions, just trust me, would you? The staff is asking to reduce the administrative burden they face so they want to be paid the same but have their workload made easier or do less work.
Does anyone besides us see an issue with this Ordinance? Interesting how they threw it on the agenda before the Summer Vacation break, don’t you think? Why does the city always claim they are taking steps to be more TRANSPARENT, yet they send almost every single PIR to the Attorney General and hide information from the public? If you think this is a bad change then you should email your city council and city manager. Now they claim in this memo they want to spend more with less oversight to be more transparent.
We have told you before you can learn a lot about what the city is trying to do by reviewing city council meeting agendas. We noticed the Frisco City Council approved a master agreement on July 2nd with a company called FW Development LLC. The master agreement provides up to $94.5 million in “PERFORMANCE-BASED INCENTIVES” to the developer of the $660 million mixed-use development known as Fields West. The goal is to ensure the developer adheres to its intended construction timeline and scheduled opening date.
Who is FW Development, LLC or Fields West? Well, it was created by The Karahan Co. which is owned by Fehmi Karahan. According to sources we spoke to inside the city, they believe the project will help achieve the council’s directive to activate North Frisco. The Dallas Business Journal made mention of it, along with that the project is expected to bring in $400 million annually in new sales and purchases for Frisco.
We went back to watch the meeting and we learned that Mayor Jeff Cheney recused himself from the vote. We are guessing he did this because of this known relationship between The Cheney Group and the residential part of Fields (aka The Preserve). However, his little marionettes knew what to do and approved it in a 6-0 vote. After watching the vote, we are curious why John Keating participated in the vote. Remember, he recently recused himself from a Fields vote due a to “conflict” because he was going to be closing soon on a lot in The Preserve.
In the discussion of the project, Keating talked about how he remembers years ago going on a walkthrough of Legacy West with Fehmi Karahan. He remembers the attention to detail in the development from the park benches, to how the bricks were laid in the crosswalk, and how it is lit up at night so it’s safe 24/7.
We are guessing that John Keating does not remember Christina Morris, or better yet could care less to remember her because it is not about his Cowboy Fit Club. Morris went missing in August 2014 from the Legacy West parking garage. In March of 2018, it was announced that remains found in a wooded area of Anna, Texas had been identified as Morris. In March of 2022, there was a shooting of a restaurant at The Shops of Legacy? Safe is relative Mr. Keating!
Keating also noted this was a flagship project that will be great for the surrounding residential neighborhoods to enjoy. Wait, you mean Resident Keating who is about to close on his lot in The Preserve at Fields? Yeah, this is the exact reason WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE RECUSED YOURSELF ALSO!
The next question, what does a developer have to do to earn $94.5 million in “PERFORMANCE-BASED INCENTIVES?” According to the memo on the city council agenda the performance requirements require the developer to construct by a certain date, a minimum of:
350,000 square feet of upscale retail and restaurant space
320,000 square feet of Class A office space; and
1,100 multifamily residential dwelling units (not incentivized)
Where does these $94.5 million dollars come from, the city purse or personal savings account? First, the Separated Materials Sales Tax Grant will provide up to $7 million in City, Frisco Economic Development Corporation, and Frisco Community Development Corporation sales tax revenues generated by project construction material and service purchases. Secondly, the Frisco EDC Qualified Infrastructure Grant will fund up to 50 percent of the cost to construct a planned water feature (not to exceed $2.5 million in incentive value) and up to 50 percent of the cost to construct internal streets built to city standards (not to exceed $10 million in incentive value). Lastly the TIRZ #7 Funding will finance the construction of 3 public parking structures accommodating a minimum of 2,430 public parking spaces to serve the development. This debt service will be funded by TIRZ #7 property tax revenue generated by the Fields West development and supplementary sales tax revenue generated by the Fields West development.
It just leaves us wondering, how do we have all this money? Where is all this money coming from? It is like the city has a SUGAR DADDY funding it! With that said we were told during the recent election that if Proposition A & B passed it would bankrupt the city – so how is it we have money for one thing but not another? Oh wait, Cheney can’t make money or build his stature or status up on our first responders.
A conversational narcissist is someone who constantly turns a conversation toward themselves and is often uninterested in what other people have to say. In a fast-paced world, they’re eager to get their point across quickly without making true connections with others. Often a conversational narcissist has an anxious aspect to their personality which is why they talk about things familiar to them such as their business or themselves! Signs of a conversational narcissist include one-sided conversations. They have their own agenda, and they can’t move away from it long enough to engage with someone else or to hear someone else’s opinions. Conversations with them are never interpersonal or interactive, they are more of a monologue or lecture. They often feel they are the center of the universe, and they will never admit they are wrong and often interrupt. They will appear visibly uncomfortable, bored, contemptuous, or distracted when other people are talking. Lastly, they come across as arrogant when speaking to them.
Does this sound like anyone you know? Well, we think it sounds a lot like Mayor Cheney. Just look at city council meetings and often you will find Mayor Cheney “schooling” the public or other city council members. At the recent State of the City luncheon put on by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor also displayed traits of a conversational narcissist during his 76-slide presentation. If you want to see Mayor Jeff Cheney’s State of the City Presentation then just visit the city website.
Over our lifetime we have lived in many cities, and rarely did we hear about State of the City Luncheons until we moved to Frisco. This was our first year to attend and according to the Frisco Chamber Website you should attend because “Frisco is a city like no other! As for who attends, well it is a who’s who of Frisco for sure. Individual Tickets were $100 per person, or you could sponsor a table for $900. But if you want to be a Visionary Sponsor that is $2000 or better yet be an Innovator Sponsor for just a mere $3000.
The mayor of course took pride and time talking about the 2024 Council Top 10 Priorities. Specifically, the master planning of Grand Park, a new Performing Arts Center, World Cup 2026, and Downtown Frisco. He could not stop boasting about how great all these things would be for Frisco.
We found the slide about Foreign Direct Investments interesting which stated according to Duns & Bradstreet, there are 71 companies in Frisco owned by a parent company that is ‘OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.”
The next interesting thing was the “developments” coming. All we could hear was cha-ching, cha-ching, and cha-ching!
Downtown Redevelopment: $70-million project
Northwest Community Park: $40-million budget
4th Street Downtown Redevelopment: $16-million budget
Grand Park Development: Budget TBD
Fire Station 10 – Spring 2025: No Budget Listed
Police Annex: No Details Given
One thing not covered in depth was the desire for a NEW PEFORMING ARTS CENTER. On the city website it states that in 2023, the City of Frisco participated in the Americans for the Arts AEP6 Study, which found the arts sector generated $21.3 million in economic activity in Frisco in 2022! Read the full report here (PDF). So that is why they are trying to find a way to get that $500 million Performing Arts Center. In fact, Cheney didn’t say we hope to have one, he said we will have one because he has wanted it since 2017. It always has been about what he wants, right? That’s it!
That is the State of the City here in Frisco according to Cheney. We only have one question; HOW CAN WE AFFORD ALL THESE PROJECTS? Yes, we have bond money set aside, but when you think about it, we are spending money like its water just going down the drain and at some point, these city leaders are going to lock us into a rock and hard place financially.
If you are from the DFW area you may recognize the name Robert Tilton, an American Televangelist and the former pastor of the Word of Faith Family Church in Farmers Branch. His ministry peaked in the early 90’s and it has been reported his infomercial style church program aired in some 225+ American television markets. It has been reported that Tilton brought in $70 to $80 million dollars per year. The message he pushed upon viewers was the importance of “vows” aka financial commitments to the Tilton ministry. The minimum vow was $1000 but if you wanted to receive a personal “word of knowledge” from Tilton you had to “vow” anywhere from $5k to $10,000 dollars. If you sent a prayer request with a vow, then Tilton claimed to lay on top of the prayer request to heal the weak.
Tilton’s demise came in 1991 when word got out that he may be a fraud or over promising “blessings” to viewers. Some “garbologists” who worked for ABC’s Primetime Live spent over a month dumpster diving outside of Tilton’s many offices and what they found was shocking. Over 10,000 lbs. of prayer request letters cut along the edge with the vow removed and the prayer request still inside the envelope, untouched and discarded in dumpsters. Lawsuits commenced by followers, the Tilton’s headed to divorce court and many felt it was an attempt to protect their assets. Now, why am I reminding you of this Tilton character? Well, he was full of it, kind of like our city council.
For years, our city leadership has made grand promises when it comes to some projects, but then they vanish into a cosmic void, much like matter falling into a black hole. The city has been talking about Grand Park since before most of us were born. Well after several municipal bonds, environmental studies, we have a walking trail, but no grand park (remember like Central Park in NY) or lake as promised. Then there is Wade Park which later become known as Lake Lebanon which sat for years after the developer went belly up. It later became known as The Mix, which we have heard about for the last two years and yet…still nothing but a fence around the property. Then we had the Frisco Theater, a grand place for plays and as of late now Broadway style shows. Well 5 to 7 studies later over 8 years, still nothing! Oh wait, now they want us to buy into a $500+ million theater run by the city on taxpayer dollars. My point is, they council is much like Robert Tilton and his “Word of Faith” ministry who make grand gestures and promises, ask us to pass more bonds, potentially increase our taxes and yet nothing seems to actually be coming together.
Picture of Lake Lebanon (formerly Wade Park) before it rained and filled up with water. Note it is now supposed to be The Mix. Side note we had a lake here it was just not in Grand Park like they promised. Picture by Dallas Morning News
Another example, the city has been talking about the revitalization of Frisco’s Downtown area as far back as 2016-2018. Well, after spending at least $50 to $75,000 visiting different cities to “study their downtown areas” we finally broke ground to fix downtown. The city has dragged its feet since 2016, spending money on tours and trips but only now that FIFA is coming in 2026 is there a push for this project to be done in time so we can look good for the many “visitors” it will bring downtown.
The sad part is we have had Frisco locals take interest and invest in our downtown area way before this city or the council have done anything. While we may not always agree with Donny Churchman, he is one man who has had a passion for downtown and the Frisco Rail District. In a 2018 interview with Lifestyle Frisco, he notes the downtown area has been ignored during all the development. He talked about the name change of downtown Frisco to the Rail District has a lot to do with Frisco’s history and the BNSF railroad and we could not agree more with him on that.
He started investing years ago in the downtown area with The Patio at the Rails and Tower at the Rail, then came the Nack Theater. His overall goal is to “restore downtown Frisco” and it is a passion for him. We are curious how Churchman feels today, with the city bending over backwards offering tax incentives for Rollertown Beerworks, a venue that features a two-level taproom and 4,320 sq ft outdoor beer garden. Did the city break their back for Churchman’s investments. We don’t know but would be curious to find out more.
Along with Churchman, many residents who own historic homes downtown have spent time and money to meticulously renovate and update them while keeping that 1900s charm about them. All this local money and passion bringing life in to downtown, and yet our city has sat on it since 2016. Many of these locals have advocated for something to happen downtown for the last ten years as everything seemed to develop around it. If they can do it then why did it take FIFA coming here for the City of Frisco to finally do something.
The June 2024 announcement of the new grand downtown plan made us wonder, if we went back 5 to 10 years what “priorities” did the city have and which ones have been completed. We found a town hall video discussing the 2018 Top Ten Priorities, which include the following:
1) Implement Traffic Innovation
2) Increase Capital Expenditure Fund
3) Performing Arts Center
4) Downtown revitalization & finish the master plan
5) Grow and expand our Economic Development Corp to go after fortune 500 companies
6) Lower property taxes
7) Development of the North 380 Corridor & its Growth,
8) New facility expansion options like city hall or the library
9) Final master plan for our future parks
10) Legislative Plan to Protect Frisco
Awe, the dreaded word in this town…Traffic! Cheney said the first priority was Traffic Innovation because we have become more congested (DUH!!). The priority aims to use new technologies to help relieve that congestion such as adaptive signal control systems which communicate with cars and autonomous, or self-driving, buses in Frisco by this year, used in the private sector. Seven years later, if you drive Frisco – TRAFFIC SUCKS! Not sure the signal control systems are working, and we don’t have autonomous self-driving buses in Frisco but guess what we do have…ROUND-A-BOUTS and TRAFFIC! If we were grading the city on this priority, they would get a big fat F!
One of the other 2018 Priorities was the Performing Arts Center Strategy. Cheney told Community Impact in 2018 that he would like to see it as a public-private partnership. The article also said they were in the middle of a feasibility study to determine the size and needs of a potential PAC. Well in 2024, we are on our 6th or 7th study, they are proposing a city owned theater at the taxpayer expense, but they hope down the road could be a public-private partnership, and several discussions over the years for a PAC have failed and fallen flat. We would give this a priority a big fat F as well!
The 2018 Priority for finishing the downtown master plan started with them approving a contract with a consulting firm to update the 20-year-old downtown master plan. Cheney told Community Impact at the time that the council and city official plan to continue to work with the private market to explore old downtown Frisco options. Remember, the cool market with a beer garden that Frisco Market developers promised? Well, we have the market but no beer garden and downtown has not changed that much except for the private development by Churchman and residents.
What has the city done downtown? Not much, but now that FIFA is coming, we have a $70 million dollar renovation downtown happening and you can bet it will be finished in time for the visitors to come. We give them a big F for this too. Just look at what they finally say they will commit to in 2024.
The next big priority was the Northern Corridor and creating an identity for it. Cheney told Community Impact that their plan for 2018 was to attract more business and residential developments to the area. Well, they must have known something we didn’t, we are referring to the December 2018 announcement that the PGA of America was relocating its headquarters to the “Northern Corridor” of Frisco. This was a good win for Frisco, and we gave them an A+ for it! However, they get an F for the shady business dealings, friendships, and conflicts of interest that came from some of the development around the new PGA for Cheney and some council members.
As for the expansion of city facilities, we have a new 65-million-dollar library, new court building, city hall in 2023 started an expansion inside and facilities just opened a new building in the last year. As for the masterplan of parks well you can bet Bobblehead Bill got his bikes and trikes trails. As for Grand Park, well that is still…not Grand at all but if you want to see a butterfly you can walk the trail they put in.
Back to Robert Tilton, he was about big words, fancy clothes, and was about “putting on the show” to get your vow. He promised to pray for his flock, but he failed when money took over. What we have learned is that the importance of a project in the City of Frisco is determined by a select few who sit on council. We have also learned they love to talk about things and promise things for many years but the truth is they are failing us as residents. When those sitting on our city council run for office, they each run for their own purpose or passion project. That is okay but they should be representing all of us and the truth is our council only represents the WEST SIDE, which is where you have seen all the investment in the last 5 to 8 years. Why do we say that? Well just ask our council members where they live.
Not one person sitting on our council today lives on the East Side of the tollway or the Collin County side, maybe that has something to do with where all the money is going. They all live in the Denton County side of Frisco which is WEST of the tollway. That’s right folks, Tammy Meinershagen, Laura Rummel, John Keating, Jeff Cheney, Angelia Pelham, Brian Livingston and Bill Woodard all live on the WEST SIDE OF THE TOLLWAY. Maybe that is why they get the PGA and the Frisco Star, and the East Side is getting Universal and Business Warehouses Developments along PGA Parkway.
One of the main reasons people choose Frisco for their home is because of the school district. Frisco ISD is often talked about and revered as one of the best districts in North Texas. The districts website even notes, “Many families choose to call Frisco ISD home due to our outstanding reputation for academic excellence, innovative programs and wealth of extracurricular opportunities and experiences.” Frisco ISD currently enrolls more than 67,000 students in 12 high schools, 18 middle schools, 1 intermediate school, 43 elementary schools and 3 special programs schools. We were curious, how great is it?
With our kids being grown, we have not paid too much attention to ISD news. To be fair, we have had several whistleblowers send in tips and information but in general it is hard to follow up on and investigate. But sometimes there is news you come across that you have to share because it is about the safety of the children and the families right to know.
My wife, like most woman, loves to scroll social media and recently she found a post from May 2022 about a Ruben Bustillos, former employee at Frisco ISD, who had been arrested after police said they found “inappropriate” images at an elementary school. He was charged with sale, distribution, or display of harmful material to a minor which is a Class A misdemeanor. In Texas, a Class A misdemeanor is the most serious type of misdemeanor offense which is punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $4000 fine, or both. Types of charges include carrying a gun without a permit, second DWI offense, resisting arrest and assault causing bodily injury. At the time very few details were released about what led to the arrest and the Frisco PD nor the ISD identified which school it was found at. We were curious, what happened to the case?
Well, we decided to look up Bustillos case in Denton County which can be found under Case No. CR-2023-01499-E. It shows the case was filed on 3/7/23 in County Criminal Court #5. From the court documents, it appears that on 5/30/23 Bustillos pleaded “No Contest” to charge #1 of Sale/Distribution/Display Harmful Material to a Minor. The “disposition” meaning the outcome was “DEFERRED ADJUDICATION” which is a term that generally refers to a “PLEA BARGAIN” wherein a defendant pleads guilty or no contest to the charges against them. He was sentenced to 15 months’ probation with 80 hours of community service. Hope that community service is not done around children! The total court costs he had to pay was $692.00. Do you think that is a fair and just outcome for a man who was around Frisco ISD children?
Then in May of 2023, Kendal Augustus, a Frisco Police School Resource Officer was arrested after allegations surfaced that he had an “INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIP WITH A STUDENT.” The allegations dated back to 2017-18 and involved him and a 14-year-old Frisco ISD student. When the allegations surfaced the Frisco Police Department put him on administrative leave and began an investigation. Augustus was later fired and arrested on June 14, 2023, at which time he was charged with sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child and sexual performance of a child. His bond at the time was set at $55,000. Ever wonder what happened with this case?
Well in a search of Denton County’s 367th Judicial District Court we found three case numbers: F23-5117-367, F23-5118-367, and F23-5119-367. All three charges are considered a 2nd Degree Felony in Texas. Besides Augustus trying to modify his bond conditions on 12/20/2023 a True Bill of Indictment came in on all three charges. What is a True Bill? It simply means nine grand jurors determined that there was probable cause that an offense occurred. Then on 5/31/24 it appears they appeared in court to present a plea bargain data / continuance data, but we are not really sure what that means. As of right now, it appears the case is still moving through the court system.
Then we came across a recent Facebook post from June 14th in a group about Collin County Jail Records, and we are guessing one of their teachers might need to answer some questions. It appears on 6/14/2024 Taryn Glasgow, a Newman Elementary teacher at Frisco ISD, and her husband Randy Glasgow were both booked by the Celina Police Department on 6/14/2024 for Injury to a Child, Elderly Individual or Disabled Individual. According to a jail records search, Taryn Glasgow was booked #2024-BK-07569 and Randal Glasgow was booked under #2024-BK-07568. Both had a $25,000 bond with conditions. Just from the booking photos we can tell the couple may have had one to many that night.
We had to look up the penal code because we wanted more details. The Texas Penal Code § 22.04. for Injury to a Child, Elderly Individual, or Disabled Individual reads, “(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence, by act or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly by omission, causes to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual: (1) serious bodily injury; (2) serious mental deficiency, impairment, or injury; or (3) bodily injury.”
It goes on to read, “(c) In this section: (1) “Child” means a person 14 years of age or younger. (2) “Elderly individual” means a person 65 years of age or older. (3) “Disabled individual” means a person with one or more of the following: (i) autism spectrum disorder; (ii) developmental disability, (iii) intellectual disability.”
As for the court case there is not much information currently. They appeared in Magistrate Court under case number DCMAG-46229-2024 and DCMAG-46228-2024 both of which appear to have been heard on 6/14/2024. According to the Collin County website “the Collin County Magistrate Court includes advising the defendants of their rights, determining probable cause, setting bond, and issuing warrants in criminal cases. The Magistrate may also issue and enforce bond conditions. A defendant is considered to be a person charged with a crime.”
We are not trying to embarrass the couple but if these charges are in any way true then parents who sent their kids to Newman have a right to know. They are serious accusations related to a potential child. As a parent I would want to know and since this has already been posted several times across social media, we felt the need to share.
Have you ever wondered if Frisco ISD is the top tier district you think it is? You can always read the Texas Education Agency Report Card. We found the 2023 Federal Report Card for Frisco ISD online and you can click here to read it. According to SchoolDigger.com Frisco ISD ranks 41 out of 968 districts in Texas and has a 5-star rating. So why do we keep having issues with Frisco ISD staff? Does the district do backchecks every few years on current employees or only at the time of hiring? What is the policy of the district when it comes to reporting something like this to them? What is the policy when it comes to informing parents? Parents should be armed with all of the information when it comes to the safety of their children.
Unless you are Cheech & Chong who smoke too much weed or ate one too many gummies, then you know when you hear the words Fields Frisco it is referring to Fehmi Karahans development on the Northwest side of Frisco next to the Frisco PGA. According to the Fields Frisco website, Fields is built on the big idea that when you build something so different, so magical and so enticing, they will come. Built on the big idea that pure and simple architecture is elegant, fresh and true to its core. Built on the big idea that the great outdoors is equally as important as the great indoors. So, we’re making both great.
We initially thought that Fehmi Karahan must have liked the movie Field of Dreams. Then we thought, maybe he read our blog Field of Dreams where we told you about a 2019 email involving Mayor Jeff Cheney and the “UNOFFICIAL VIP LOT LIST” he was pitching at fancy dinners. Either way, Fields Frisco is already known for its steep slopes, breathtaking views, and the winding creeks and trails soon to come. Of course, it is also known for being the development with the most exclusive new neighborhood being built called “The Preserve” aka the ESPN lots, that will look over the new PGA Frisco golf courses.
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We have been following this development very closely and written several blogs on questionable business relationships that have come from it and “expanded” some political pockets in town. We have also called out our current leadership and their need to recuse them self from certain votes due to potential conflicts of interest we felt existed. You also know we follow the city council meetings closely and review the agendas when they are released looking for hidden agenda items.
When the agenda came out for the January 16, 2024, City Council meeting we reviewed it as normal, and nothing really stood out. Then while watching the council meeting, we were surprised after the reading of Agenda Item #60 when out of nowhere Mayor Cheney and John Keating announced they would be recusing themselves from the vote and discussion on the agenda item. The agenda item reads, “Consider and act upon approval of proposed modifications to Table 4-1 as permitted by Planned Development-280. Zoned Planned Development-280. Neighborhood #3, #52, and #53. Applicant: Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.” Seems pretty generic right?
What is Agenda Item 60 about? The Preserve at Fields Frisco! We decided to file a PIR for the recusal paperwork to learn more. At the meeting, Mayor Cheney announced he had clients who purchased in The Preserve. The recusal paperwork states he had a conflict with the agenda item as it could have a benefit of ECONOMIC INTERESTS for 1) myself and/or one of more persons related to me or 2) my client or customer. Economic Interest refers to a legal or equitable interest in real property, personal property or contractual rights with a value of more than $50,000.
Then we noticed an asterisk that says for the purpose of Section C of this Affidavit, a “person related to me” refers to a person within the second degree of consanguinity (parent or child, sibling, grandparent) or the second degree of affinity (spouse or in-law). Now this has got our attention because we have said for almost two years that Jeff Cheney had a lot in The Preserve right next door to his best buddy John Keating. We wrote about it in our blog The Preserve Lots and showed you the plat map photo taken from a builder’s office. Cheney has repeatedly denied to the public, the Dallas Morning News, to other outlets about owning any property in The Preserve.
We know Cheney and his brokerage have sold lots in The Preserve which has not stopped him in the past from speaking on agenda items or overseeing council votes on the issue. So why now? Why is Mayor and Real Estate Mogul Jeff Cheney RECUSING himself and claiming ECONOMIC INTEREST now? We are interested in what you think. Do you think Cheney owns a lot in The Preserve? Do you think he could have bought a lot for “some clients” meaning he put in a family member’s name? He knows if we find a lot in his name it will show him as a liar, especially if it is one of those great ESPN lots on the bluff over the 8 hole that sold out rather quickly on the street nicknamed “Billionaires Row.”
Next, we looked at John Keatings recusal paperwork from the same meeting and same agenda item. Remember he announced he had purchased a lot and while the lot was still in the builders name, he would be closing on it in the coming months, so he needed to recuse himself. Keating checked the Real Property option which states, I and/or one or more person’s related to me have an interest in real property with a fair market value of $2500 or more that is involved in the agenda item, or located within 200 feet of that property, and it is reasonably foreseeable that action on the item will have a special economic effect on the value of the property. It then denotes with an asterisk that a “person related to me” refers to a person within the 1st degree meaning a parent, child or spouse.
Our questions for Keating are obvious, he has openly declared on financial forms he was a “househusband” while married to his former wife. After being a stay-at-home dad and cheating on his wife of 20+ years who filed for divorce, he either A) got a lofty divorce settlement to buy a home in the most prestigious new gated community in Frisco or B) won the lottery. While Mr. Keating does have his REAL ESTATE LICENSE NOW, we cannot find any listings he has sold to show he made an income in the last year. We also don’t think military benefits are enough for a home in the new most “exclusive Frisco neighborhood” The Preserve.
Now fast forward to May 7, 2024, and the Consent Agenda Item #16 that reads “Consider and act upon authorizing the City Manager to execute a Third Amendment to the Second Development Agreement by and between the City of Frisco and the following Delaware limited partnerships: FHQ Development Partners LP F/K/A FHQ Holdings LP, Fields Preserve Investment Partners LP, Fields Midtown West Investment Partners LP, Fields Point West Investment Partners LP, Fields Midtown East Investment Partners LP, Fields East Village Investment Partners LP, Fields Point East Investment Partners LP, North Fields Investment Partners, LP, and Fields University Village Investment Partners LP. (CMO/MD)”
Item 16 is a development agreement, between the City and Developer, related to the public infrastructure construction and assessments dated February 10, 2021. In a nutshell, the Developer is responsible for the delivery of certain defined roadways, hike and bike trails and related infrastructure called “Developer Improvements” for the Fields project. We would assume those “Developer Improvements” would have a direct correlation to the value of the properties Cheney’s clients and Keating purchased which means they pulled the item from the consent agenda to recuse themselves from the vote on the item correct? No, they did not and in fact it was Mayor Pro-Tem John Keating who moved to approve the Consent Agenda item with Angelia Pelham seconding his motion. Why did they not pull the item and recuse themselves this time?
Then just two weeks later at the May 21, 2024, council meeting we found Agenda Item 21 on the Consent Agenda which states, “Consider and act upon authorizing the City Manager to modify the Deed of Trust as security in lieu of physical improvements for final acceptance.” We learned the agenda item is also about The Preserve Phase 1 and 2 private gated subdivisions currently under construction. The developer was requesting final acceptance on both phases prior to final completion. The acceptance is for landscaping (including screening; hardscape; plantings of trees, shrubs, sod, plants, etc.; soils; and fine grading), irrigation improvements, sidewalks, barrier-free ramps, pavers, permanent signage, and all other appurtenances and improvements related thereto. A Deed of Trust was approved by Council as a part of the Fields Second Development Agreement.
We can only assume that landscaping and the so-called improvements listed above would also have a direct correlation to the value of the properties Cheney’s clients and John Keating purchased. They obviously pulled the item from the Consent Agenda and then recused themselves, right? Nope! John Keating was the first to recommend passing the consent agenda as is. Should he have voted on this project as it directly affects the “REAL PROPERTY” he now is closing on in The Preserve?
In closing, we would love for you to comment on this blog and answer the following questions. Do you believe Jeff Cheney owns a lot in The Preserve under his name or a relative’s name? Do you think they should have to recuse themself from any item on the agenda that is related to Fields Development? Why do you think after all these years Mayor Jeff Cheney and Real Estate Mogul Cheney is now claiming the need to recuse himself when has had clients buy in this community since it was announced? Agents within his brokerage, that he owns, have sold homes in this community which means he got paid as the broker. Why is there just now a CONFLICT OF INTEREST? Last question, why do you think the city intentionally hides the development names on the Agenda Item? Do you think the agenda’s need to be more forthcoming so citizens can clearly see what is coming before the council?
The City of Frisco is asking taxpayers to consider a new Performing Arts Center that has a rumored will cost taxpayers a rumored price tag of $300 Million up to $600 Million+ dollars. The city has started a “Sell It to the Public” campaign with a company called Theatre Projects on social media which begins with residents taking a survey to gather feedback on the grand idea. They announced plans to host open house sessions at City Hall, talk to local arts organizations, and will host listening sessions for the public.
We received an email this week from one reader who attended their “Zoom Session” and guess how many residents participated? Maybe 15 plus the representatives from Theater Projects who is doing all the dog and pony work for the city. I guess the small attendance still counts towards feedback but compared to a city of 220,000 people it does not like seem a great sample to us. The email also said how they are currently looking at two properties to potentially house this Performing Arts Center which we find very interesting.
The website which has been set up talks about the Project History and how the city has been studying the possibility of a new performing arts center for over 6 years. It refers to several studies and assessments done to support the future planning of the “critical Frisco asset” for our community. It also has a link to the 45-page 2023 Business Plan put together by Theatre Projects. Even though the 2023 Business Plan put together by Theatre Projects shows the Hall Group vision, our inside source says Hall Group is out! They will not be a part of this theatre project in any way shape or form, and they are not offering up the land for it any longer. Hence why on the “zoom” we mentioned earlier, they stated they were “eyeing two different potential sites for this PAC.
They are using every avenue to make sure we know how great and grand this project is and to show us how badly we need it. The city’s friends at Frisco Enterprise, the paper in their back pocket, wrote an article and it states that “Back in September, the Frisco City Council approved a $1.4 million professional services agreement with consultant Theatre Projects.” Part of that agreement is that the city leadership and the team from Theatre Projects would do venue tours to gather data and talk to venue operators. We “the taxpayers” are paying for all this travel, plus we are paying for the additional travel cost for the Theatre Projects team to attend. In case you are wondering that additional expense is not included in the $1.4 million agreement we have with them for consulting services.
According to the Frisco Enterprise, the visits included the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida; the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida; the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences in Lubbock, Texas and the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
We figured since they were on this whole “Sell It to The Public” Road Show, we would file a Public Information Request for more information. We asked for the complete copies of the performing arts center studies and any associated documents related to the reports including those from consulting groups or 3rd parties like Frisco ISD or Hall Group. We asked for all 6 of the previous studies they have done that we were able to find in meeting minutes.
We assumed that it would be no issue getting any documentation because of how badly they want to “Sell It Like a Cheap Cheney Piece of Real Estate” to Frisco taxpayers. Imagine our surprise after paying $16.74 yesterday and today the status changed to “SENT TO AG FOR A RULING.” The did release the 7 studies to us, but the “other supporting documents” are subject to copyright and will be available in the City Secretary’s Office for viewing only. Who wants to go review the documents for us and report back what is in them? Email us at FriscoWhistleBlower@protonmail.com
What did they send to the AG for review? How much are they withholding from US, THE TAXPAYERS, whom they are going to pitch a tax increase to soon so they can spend hundreds of millions of dollars for a performing arts center which will be city owned and operated. Then we always hear them quote “copyright” as a reason to withhold things. We are just confused, when does copyright matter to the city? They made it clear during the recent political election when council members were using the “copyrighted” city logo in their campaign materials they did not care and in fact they said they could not do anything about it. Strange because the city websites states in black and white they CAN NOT USE THE CITY LOGO for political campaigning so why have a rule you can’t enforce about a copyrighted logo? Now when it comes to documents related to the Performing Arts Center, they want to say copyright matters. It seems they use that word copyright when it is convenient to withhold information, they don’t want you or me to see.
The way we see it is simple! The city is spending millions of bond approved tax dollars on studies for a PAC, then they want to claim copyright to withhold those details from those of us who are paying for it! Just release all the documents and stop trying to play games because it is getting really old.
Oh, one last thing, Frisco ISD got tired of the games a year or so ago, and they are currently building their own Performing Arts Center because outside influences kept delaying the project. That means you, the taxpayers will be paying for multiple Performing Arts Center. Feels like an episode of Oprah, where she yells “You get an arts center, you get an arts center, and you get an arts center!”
Wouldn’t the world be such a simple place if someone’s nose really grew when they told a lie? Think about it for a moment, we wouldn’t have to spend so much time trying to determine if someone is telling the truth or a lie. It is much easier in person through verbal and non-verbal ques to tell if someone is lying or withholding the truth from you than it is through filing a Public Information Request. However, PIR’s are all we have here at Frisco Chronicles to get to the truth.
Recently we filed several PIR’s based on leads we received from “whistleblowers” to see if the city would disclose “The Truth” to us through PIR requests. One of the PIR requests read, “We would like the list of the complaints made about political signs to code enforcement or the city secretary for the period of 1/1/2024 to present. We would like a copy of any complaint made about electioneering at the election polls from April 20th to May 5th.” It is a very simple request and after we paid the $6.30 we thought we would get a handful of responses. Instead, we found that the city left a lot of complaints out of our request. We know this because many folks sent us copies of their complaints to the city and they are not in the disclosed information given to us even though it fits the criteria of the request.
The first email we received a copy of was from Councilman John Keating, sent to Kristi Morrow on May 4th, Election Day. It states “poll greeters are playing loud music at FS 8 (they turn it down, then turn it back up). Also, this truck passed through the parking lot several times. Within 30 minutes of receiving the email Kristi Morrow forwarded it to Amy Moore in Code Enforcement who made her way out to Fire Station 8. This is the incident we reported about in our blog Election Playbook: Code Enforcement.
The interesting thing about this email is that John Keating failed to mention to the City Secretary his own team including himself, The Cheney’s, and his friends were electioneering in the parking lot for almost four hours that morning. It is documented with pictures in our blog and proves our point that it is okay for John Keating to break the rules, but others can’t. Just “PAR FOR THE COURSE” in the city council world.
The next email we received in our PIR was about “Illegal Signs” that was sent by Judy Adams on May 3 to City Secretary, Kristi Morrow. It states, “These signs are placed by polling stations all over the city. It is in violation since there are no disclaimers. Very sad that ‘these people’ are claiming to uphold the law and order but are breaking the law by doing the things they accuse others of. I believe they should be removed immediately.” The picture just barely shows the corner of a sign, but we did recognize it.
Why did we recognize the sign? It is a Frisco Chronicles sign! Now to be clear we did not buy these signs, we did not put them out, and we have no clue who did. With that said we do love them, and they gave us a good laugh! We received an anonymous email from a whistleblower that they put them out to spread the word of our site. They did confirm they were all placed on private property and none of them were placed on city property or at any fire station. Lastly, it is not a political action committee, it does not support a candidate, so it does not need a disclaimer.
Judy, think about carpet cleaner signs or we buy ugly houses signs, do they need disclaimers? We suggest Judy Adams focus on what she does best which is blowing people aka blo me! Now get your mind out of the gutter! We are referring to her focusing on her new Blo Bar she just opened for those who need a good blow, or maybe her real estate career, or her closed coffee bar instead of silly illegal signs on private property. Better yet maybe she should make her own BLO ME signs with a phone number to make an appointment, if she does, we will make sure to have readers call them in for being illegal signs.
The third email we received was from April 22 from Jeff Cheney to City Secretary, Kristi Morrow. It is important to note the email was sent from JCheney@friscotexas.gov so clearly, he wrote this as the “Mayor of Frisco” and not as an individual resident. It states, “Pretty clear this is not in compliance with the maximum size of 10×10” referring to the Firefighters tent at Station 7. Kristi Morrow sent the email to Amy Moore in Code Enforcement and Amy replied Justin was on his way to the station. Then Kristi Morrow replied and asked Amy to call her when she gets a chance. Wonder what they talked about?
The next email we received was on April 25th, from Councilman John Keating (JKeating@friscotexas.gov) to City Secretary Kristi Morrow and Assistant City Manager, Henry Hill. He questions if “these are allowed as they are showing up at polling stations. He specifically notes the one at Fire Station 7 in the picture he submitted. He is referring to a Voter Guide Stand that is put out at every election by a political conservative group called Red Wave. You can see at the bottom of the voter guide it says Pol Ad Paid For Red Wave Texas.
Why does Keating not like the voter guide stand? Oh, that is because it has listed for Place 1 Mark Piland and for Place 3 John Redmond. We want to know how often John Keating votes in elections. These have been at polling sites during several election cycles. If he is just now seeing it, then we are curious if he has been doing his civic duty to vote? Maybe he just didn’t like it because it was not his name on the guide!
Lastly, we received an excel spreadsheet of complaints. Not sure what to make of it!
Here is the problem, our request was very simple and straightforward which states, “We would like the list of the complaints made about political signs to code enforcement or the city secretary for the period of 1/1/2024 to present. We would like a copy of any complaint made about electioneering at the election polls from April 20th to May 5th.” We have several emails sent to us which reported about in our blog, Breaking All The Rules related to John Keating, Angelia Pelham and the Safety-First Frisco PAC putting up signs at 9am on Sunday April 21st which was 6 to 9+ hours earlier than they were allowed. We have several emails about the 4 x 4 political signs at Station 7 and questioning if they are on city property that were sent to us.
We also have several emails sent to the city secretary regarding electioneering occurring at the polls, some even documented with videos and pictures.
Yet none of these emails and others we have were given to us in our Public Information Request. They fit the issue, time frame and criteria of the request we made so why don’t we have them from the city. What other emails have they withheld that we don’t know about? Readers and have sent them in but our own city will not be forthcoming and turn them over in a Public Information Request. We have proof the city HAS WITHELD PUBLIC RECORDS…AGAIN! The city claims TRANSPARENCY, yet they can’t even be honest with a public information request and fulfill it as they should. WHY DOES THE CITY LIE AND HIDE INFORMATION FROM TAXPAYERS?
We have a PIR out right now for the body cam footage from the Code Enforcement cameras worn during the election, but they have sent that to the Attorney General. Why do they not want us to hear the conversations they had at the polls with the political candidates or the firefighters regarding code enforcement complaints called in?
Most concerning is how our Mayor and Councilman Keating act like winey children when it is something they don’t like so they use their city emails and position to make complaints which are acted upon immediately by the city. However, the numerous complaints about the signs being put out early at the fire stations by these same folks had no action or fines taken against them for clearly violating the rules. Rules that they should know as they are sitting active council members. Remember John Keating has 16 years on council so if he does not know the rules by now, then he truly is dumber than a bag of rocks. In fact, those complaints are not even documented apparently, or they would have been in our public information request. This is Frisco folks! Rules for thee but not for me!
While the election may be over, the desire to learn more about it, is not. The Safety First Frisco PAC Facebook page has been deleted and the website removed, literally overnight. However our curiosity about a few things has not faded and over 2 months ago we filed two PIR’s that today “have been sent to the AG for a ruling”. We would love to say the City of Frisco surprises us, but truly they don’t.
The first PIR was filed on 2/26/2024 and was very simple in nature. We asked for a copy of any PIR requests and the corresponding documents made from the following: Bill Woodard, Mike Simpson, Dick Peasley, and the Safety-First Frisco PAC from 1/1/2022 to Present.
The second PIR was filed on the same day. We asked for emails, texts, or handwritten correspondence between city officials, including the city manager’s office, assistant city managers, deputy city managers, city council, and department directors regarding the Frisco Fire Association Prop A & B regarding Civil Service and Collective Bargaining. Including emails or communications marked as confidential or with a code name for Prop A & B from 1/1/2022 to Present.
The response to both The City of Frisco has reviewed its files and has located documents responsive to your request. However, due to issues of confidentiality, the City has chosen to seek a ruling from the Office of the Attorney General regarding the release of the responsive documents. You will be receiving a letter from Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, PC, attorneys for the City of Frisco, informing you of the City’s decision to seek a ruling from the Office of the Attorney General. The Office of the Attorney General has up to 45 business days in which to make a ruling regarding your request.
Ask yourself, why would the city be holding this information from the public? If the city had correspondence with the PAC in any way, would that be considered electioneering? It is interesting to us that two separate PIRs are being held back but the Mayor hosted a Sheryl Sculley who spoke against the measure. Councilman Bill Woodard went on the news and did a full interview with Channel 11 as his title in that broadcast was not Bill Woodard (citizen) it reads “Councilman Bill Woodard” and he specifically talked about how the measures could hurt the city. Technically if you ask us, he was speaking on from his experience on the council and using his knowledge acquired as a councilman so therefore he was representing the city talking against measures on the ballot. Is that against the city’s own Code of Conduct?
The city and the council want to claim they are transparent, and residents can trust them, but if they expect us to believe that then they need to release the PIRs sent to the Texas Attorney General. Better yet vote on it at a council meeting to release it like you did a in 2023. We strongly feel something underhanded has happened here and we are considering filing our own complaint with the AG. They can’t use city information to fight propositions then say its confidential later when the citizens ask to see it.
Okay Ezra - who are we? You want to comment so comment.
recall Frisco Whistleblower. We know who you are. Just waiting for the rest of Friso to catchup. Stop blocking people…
None of that changes the fact that the black kid murdered someone in cold blood. Like many of the fake…
Did not mean that to be directed at you ... toward the people libeling the murdered teenager and parroting the…
great where. would love to read it.