Most cities and corporations use executive and senior-level search firms to hire the best of the best for important positions. According to open records, Affion Public appears to be one of the City’s go-to firms for executive and senior-level searches.
More importantly, recent 2026 recruiting activity shows Affion Public actively handling City of Frisco searches, including the Assistant City Manager search. A “Careers in Government” listing also identifies Affion Public as the recruiting firm for a City of Frisco executive search. The use of outside search firms is confirmed by the city’s website which reads, the city’s personnel policy uses outside search firms for executive, senior professional, and management positions when its normal recruiting process doesn’t quickly produce suitable candidates.
One important distinction: they don’t appear to handle most ordinary City jobs. The city generally recruits those positions directly through its own HR department and online application system.
Questionable Hiring Search
Back in April of 2026, when the city announced Fire Chief Lee Glovers retirement, Frisco City Manager Wes Pierson told Local Profile, “He will begin searching immediately for the next chief.”
According to information provided to Frisco Chronicles the City of Frisco hired Clear Career Professionals to conduct a nationwide search for the next Frisco Fire Chief. Frisco Chronicles knows the city likes to do things the “The Frisco Way” when it comes to operations. That is why Clear Career Professionals was a surprise when Affion Public was the city’s go-to-firm for years.
The fact is, a change in vendor can be perfectly legitimate, but the reason for the change may still be worth public scrutiny, leaving Frisco Chronicles with some important questions.
Question 1: Will the search be nationwide? Clear Career Professionals website describes it as a Texas-based professional recruiting and consulting firm. So, why not use a nationwide search firm? Will they publish the top 5 finalists for the job and hold a community meet and greet?
Question 2: When did the “SEARCH” start? Frisco Chronicles has not been able to determine the “TRUE” start date when Clear Career Professionals started the search process. Remember Wes Pierson said in April 2026, he will begin searching immediately for the next chief. The Clear Career Professionals website shows they posted the position on August 15, 2026.
Frisco Chronicles wants to know why the position was not posted on the Texas Commission on Fire Protection’s website? We did a search on August 22, 2026, and there is no job listed for City of Frisco?
Clear Career Professionals, a Texas-based firm, should know to post the job on the Texas Commission on Fire Protection if they have search experience in Fire Service Organizations. Why the delay in posting it to TCFP Careers? Frisco Chronicles did a new search today and guess what we found .. the job is now posted.
Question 3: Was the city aware of any potential relationships that could be an issue when choosing Clear Career Professionals? According to Frisco Chronicles sources inside the city a few have raised concerns about the selection of the firm, its leadership, and relationships involving people connected to the Frisco Fire Department.
At the bottom of the job posting, it lists the names of Michael Boese – President of Clear Career Professionals and Daniel T. Kistner as a Vice President. Immediately we wanted to know if Daniel Kistner doing the search was related to Frisco Fires Assistant Fire Chief, Kelly Kistner. From what we found there is NO FAMILIA RELATIONSHIP between the two gentlemen, however Kelly Kistner’s name will come up again in our investigation.
The Relationship Puzzle
Frisco Chronicles is going to put together a puzzle for you of these relationships. Daniel Kistner (search firm) previously served as the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Garland. Les Stephens also began his career at the City of Garland. Why does that matter? If our source is correct in that Les Stephens is the front runner for the job, Frisco Chronicles wants to know if Daniel Kistner picked Stephens because he is the most qualified or because of a 30-year friendship. Was Stephens chosen because he was the best candidate or because he is Kistner’s buddy?
Remember the name Kelly Kistner, the current Assistant Fire Chief in Frisco, well we have learned he worked for Les Stephens (leading candidate), previously when he was with the San Marcos Fire Department. The source says they are good friends and that Kelly Kistner is allegedly quietly advocating for the Former San Marcos Fire Chief Les Stephens.
Does the relationship between Daniel Kistner and Les Stephens have anything to do with why Clear Career firm was chosen? Frisco Chronicles has not independently established that the recruitment firm was selected specifically because of any relationship with Les Stephens, nor have we established or believe that Kelly Kistner has attempted to influence the selection process. However, the influence of relationships is a legitimate public-interest question in Frisco based on its history.
Question 4: Is Les Stephens, the Former Fire Chief of the San Marcos Fire Department a front runner in the search?
Les Stephens career speaks for itself. He spent 15 years with the San Marcos Department and has been recognized as Texas Fire Chief of the Year and inducted into the Texas Fire Service Hall of Honor. He seems well respected by others in the Texas Fire Services industry. Frisco Chronicles also learned the Les Stephens applied for the Frisco Fire Chief position in 2023 before they appointed Goofy Glover as the new Chief. Stephens later withdrew his application because he worked out a deal with San Marcos to stay on as Fire Chief.
Residents, taxpayers and possibly some fire fighters would like to know where he stands on the new 24/72 or 48/96 work model? While San Marcos already works on a flex schedule we have been told by a San Marcos local that Les Stephens did not like the flex models as much his Assistant Chief. So, where does Les Stephens stand on some type of flex work model?
Can Les Stephens rebuild a department as described in the 2011 Climate Report? He is walking to a department that was led for years by bad leadership, then in 2012 new leadership came in but the bad leaders still on the payroll worked against him behind the scenes and after he left, they brought back the leadership, being Lee Glover, who was mentioned in the 2011 Climate Report as part of the problem in the department.
When Glover was named Fire Chief in 2023, internally the department fell back years hurting our front-line firefighters. Ordering more bulky apparatuses which have a hard time maneuvering our city streets and traffic. Promotions were handed out based on friendships and not actual qualifications. The act of managing by fear and intimidation came right back up to the surface.
Does Les Stephens have what it takes to rebuild a department that is 2 to 3 times the size he has ever managed? A 2020 article by KXAN discussed how Stephens would like to hire 33 new firefighters to keep up with growth at the time in San Marcos. The article states, “Right now, the department staffs a minimum of 17 firefighters per 24-hour shift (though a typical shift is 22 firefighters).” Compare that to Frisco who needs a minimum of 62 per shift.
We would also like to know the plan Les Stephens has to rebuild the fire fighter’s relationship with the city management and city council members which has been in turmoil for several years now. Our city leaders know when to show up for a selfie with the department, but they don’t actually know how to stand up for the fire department
It sounds like Les Stephens is the front runner because he aligns with what Wes Peirson wants which is the same reason San Marcos maybe happy to see him go… As an Anti-48/96 Fire Chief.
If Les Stephens is the new fire Chief – we will welcome him. However, I would still like to know if he was chosen because he is the best of the best, because he has solutions to Frisco’s issues, that he will be a voice for our firefighters and residents. I hope he is not leading the pack because he has relationships with the recruiting firm and an Assistant Fire Chief already in the city and he will be a YES MAN FOR WES PIERSON.
Final Thoughts
We have hired a city manager with no experience running a city the size of Frisco which was a mistake. Now the city is considering hiring a Fire Chief who has never managed a fire department of this size. The concern with that is Frisco operates ten stations (62 minimum staff) and staffs eight engine/quint companies, three truck companies, a heavy rescue, HAZMAT/EOC unit, seven ambulances and a squad around the clock over 64 square miles.
Compare that to San Marcos which operates six stations and describes six fire districts covering about 39.9 square miles. Its website says it has three engines and three quints, with a minimum of three firefighters on each apparatus. Stephens would be walking to a considerably larger and more heavily resourced operation.
ISO Comparison
Frisco has maintained an ISO Class 1 rating since 2000. That puts Frisco among the very highest-rated fire departments nationally and in Texas. Stephens in San Marcos maintained a Class 2 in most of the city, with some areas classified 2X or 10 because of distance from hydrants or stations
EMS
One of the bigger changes is EMS. Frisco’s Fire Department operates its own EMS apparatus. Its current configuration includes seven ambulances staffed around the clock. San Marcos is different. The city’s website says that while ambulances are housed at San Marcos fire stations, San Marcos-Hays County EMS operates the ambulances.
Current Challanges
Les Stephens on paper looks like a great candidate for a Fire Chief but maybe for a slightly smaller department. Frisco Chronicles is having a hard time believing the city conducted a Nationwide Search for a Fire Chief and that the names Les Stephens and David Jones (from Addison) are supposed front runners.
The operational challenge alone is enough to be concerned, but these Chiefs have never dabbled in internal city politics in a place like Frisco. From this point of view, it appears Wes Pierson the YES MAN to the council is trying to hire his own YES MAN to himself in a Fire Chief.
Lastly, taxpayers have the right to know if Frisco is conducting a genuinely open nationwide search, or is the search process simply being used to formalize a decision that has effectively already been made? Those are two very different things. The city should be able to answer that question with documents, not assurances. Frisco taxpayers are paying for the recruitment process. Frisco firefighters will work for the person selected for many years to come. The next Chief could influence everything from department culture and staffing to scheduling, recruitment, retention and the future direction of the department.
If the process is clean, transparent and competitive, the city should have nothing to hide. If it isn’t, the public deserves to know before the name is announced, not after.
As for my money, I am betting the city will hire Kelly Kistner, another yes man as the new Fire Chief. That would be another failure to add to Wes Pierson’s list.
Disclaimer This article is written as opinion, commentary, and personal interpretation based on publicly available records, meeting observations, agenda materials, and information I have heard from community sources. Any statements involving motives, intent, conflicts of interest, contracts, relationships, or behind-the-scenes activity should be understood as alleged, suspected, or opinion unless directly supported by cited public records. Readers are encouraged to review the linked materials, attend public meetings, request records, and form their own conclusions. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as a final statement of fact about any person’s legal conduct, criminal behavior, or ethical violations.
While the search is on for the new Frisco Fire Chief you can be sure that Frisco Firefighters are advocating for a Chief who supports 4 persons staffing and the 48/96 Model. What is the 48/96 model? We asked ourselves the same question we heard them speak about it at citizen’s input.
The Frisco Firefighters Association has been pushing the Frisco Fire Department to move from its current 24/48 schedule to 48/96 schedule. For context, 48/96 means 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off which equals essentially two consecutive 24-hour shifts and then four days off.
Meanwhile, City Manager, Wes Pierson has been very upfront he is against the 48/96 model. City Manager, Wes Pierson has been very upfront he is against the 48/96 model and after Fire Fighters talked about it recently at Citizen Input his response this was an HR issue that needed to be discussed privately.
What is the 48/96 Schedule?
Across Texas, fire departments have been moving toward the 48/96 model in recent years. Locally here in DFW McKinney, Richardson, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Carrollton, Denton, Allen, and Grand Prairie all operate on a 48/96 model.
Just this year Mesquite went shifted to the new 48/96 model. Mesquite officials also say the change was overwhelmingly well received, and they have not seen a drop-in service.
Then there is Plano. It is the FWB understanding that Plano is moving in the opposite direction from the traditional schedules. It is transitioning from 24/48 to 24/72, with the transition occurring over several years and additional firefighters being hired to make it possible.
The Frisco Chronicles investigation found evidence that departments like College Station, Sugar Land, Pearland, New Braunfels, Round Rock, Waco, Midland Beaumont, Odessa, Abilene, Brownsville, Klien, San Angelo, DFW Airport, Tyler, McAllen, Longview, Wichita Falls, Woodlands, Bryan, Conroe, Georgetown, Pearland, and Temple also have adopted the 49/96 model.
So, why is Frisco Management so opposed to it?
Models of Proof
College Station is particularly useful for this investigation because it measured the results after implementing 48/96 in November 2024. The city reported an 11.8% decrease in accidents, 28.7% decrease in unscheduled absenteeism, 48.5% increase in training and 93% approval among personnel.
Longview provides another excellent before-and-after example. It had operated 24/48 since 1972, then switched to 48/96 on January 9, 2025, initially as a one-year test. By 2026, its firefighter job posting states that the department is operating on 48/96 model because it helps long term with recruitment.
Should Frisco Switch To the 48/96 Model?
The 48/96 schedule is not simply a scheduling preference. It is a question of what kind of fire department Frisco wants to build for the next generation. A 48/96 schedule would give firefighters 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off, creating longer recovery periods and a more predictable work-life balance. For a department asking its firefighters to work one of the most demanding jobs in public service, that matters. Fatigue affects morale, family life, retention and, ultimately, readiness.
Frisco has grown into one of the largest and most sophisticated cities in North Texas. Its fire department should not be stuck treating staffing practices as something that cannot be questioned simply because “that is the way we have always done it.” Apparently, even fire schedules are capable of becoming sacred cows.
The question for city leadership is straightforward: if other departments can successfully operate under a 48/96 model, why shouldn’t Frisco at least seriously evaluate it? There would be legitimate issues to work through. Staffing levels, overtime, coverage, response times, training requirements and budget impacts would all need to be examined. A schedule change should be based on data, not slogans. But Wes Piersons simple refusal to examine the option is just as irresponsible as adopting it without understanding the consequences.
New Fire Chief = Fresh Start
And this is where Frisco’s next fire chief could have an opportunity to make a real difference. A new chief inherits more than trucks, stations and personnel. He or she inherits a department with a culture, a history and firefighters who have spent years watching decisions made above them. The next chief has the opportunity to listen before dictating, to bring firefighters into the conversation and to demonstrate that morale is not merely something mentioned in speeches or employee surveys.
If the 48/96 schedule can improve quality of life, recruitment, retention and morale while maintaining adequate coverage, it deserves a serious look. And if it cannot, firefighters and taxpayers deserve to know exactly why. The next fire chief could make that decision one of the first signs that a new chapter has begun: listen to the people wearing the gear, examine the evidence, and make the decision based on what works best for Frisco.
Wes Piersons Biggest Failure
What Wes Pierson fails to understand is that a strong fire department isn’t built solely with new stations and expensive equipment. It is built by keeping good firefighters, giving them a voice, and making sure they are rested, respected and ready when the alarm sounds. For Frisco, the 48/96 question may be about a schedule. But the bigger question is whether city leadership is willing to rethink the way it does business when the people doing the work tell them there may be a better way.
Wes Pierson has already shut down 4 Person Truck Staffing which the Fire Fighters have been asking for. Both Pierson and several of the current city leaders claimed it would bankrupt the city – yet just this week the City of Celina approved 4-person truck staffing due to the city’s growth. Many North Texas Cities have 4-Person Staffing – yet only Frisco would be affected negatively by it. At least that is what our current YES MAN City Manager, Wes Pierson and several sitting council members want you to believe even though they have NO FIRE SERVICE EXPERIENCE.
For transparency purposes, Frisco Chronicles has never like nor trusted the new City Manager, Wes Pierson. Why? Remember Pierson came to Frisco after serving as the City Manager for the Town of Addison from 2016 to 2020. According to GovSalaries.com his annual wage was $294,102. Residents of Frisco are being asked to trust a man who previously managed “A TOWN” with a population of 17,247 people that covered approximately 4.4 square miles with a growth rate of .3% annually with what is best for Frisco’s future. Compare that to Frisco which covers 69.19 square miles with a tollway dividing the city and has a population of 245,057 and is growing at an annual rate of 3.42%.
Frisco Chronicles firmly believes Wes Pierson has no idea what “A CITY” like Frisco could possibly need and has no experience to rely on in his career history to help him in those situations. That is why good staff over the last two years have left, that is why the HR department has been a disaster. It is clear he was brought here as a “YES MAN” for the former mayor and current council. If he treats City Employees, the way he treats citizens with his nose up in the air and snarky attitude no wonder the exodus is happening.
Disclaimer This article is written as opinion, commentary, and personal interpretation based on publicly available records, meeting observations, agenda materials, and information I have heard from community sources. Any statements involving motives, intent, conflicts of interest, contracts, relationships, or behind-the-scenes activity should be understood as alleged, suspected, or opinion unless directly supported by cited public records. Readers are encouraged to review the linked materials, attend public meetings, request records, and form their own conclusions. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as a final statement of fact about any person’s legal conduct, criminal behavior, or ethical violations.
Read More: 48/96 Work Schedule Presented by: Engineer Todd Marty Firefighter/Operator Tim Swaner Firefighter/Operator Micah Rader. 48/96 Work Schedule. What is the 48/96?. 48 hours on/96 hours off Something different Something progressive. The 48/96 and the Fire Service. https://www.slideserve.com/ronnie/48-96-work-schedule#google_v
Recently, the City of Frisco announced the retirement of Fire Chief Lee Glover, bringing an end to a 35-year career with the Frisco Fire Department.
According to the City, Glover joined the department in 1991, when Frisco had just seven paid firefighters. He worked his way through the ranks before becoming Interim Fire Chief in September 2022 and being appointed Fire Chief on June 19, 2023. The City of Frisco announced his retirement on April 7, 2026, with his final day scheduled for August 3, 2026.
On the surface, it is the familiar story of a longtime public servant riding off into retirement. But there is considerably more history here. And after more than three decades inside one of Frisco’s most important public-safety departments, there are questions that deserve answers.
Lee Glover Timeline
1991: Joined the Frisco Fire Department.
2011: Frisco conducted an Employee Climate Survey examining conditions within the Fire Department and its leadership.
January 2012: The climate report documented serious concerns regarding morale, trust, intimidation, retaliation and fear within the department. The report also identified concerns involving senior leadership, including then-Assistant Chief Lee Glover.
September 2022: Glover became Interim Fire Chief.
June 19, 2023: City Manager Wes Pierson appointed Glover Fire Chief after a selection process involving five finalists.
April 7, 2026: The City announced Glover’s retirement.
August 3, 2026: Glover’s final day with the City of Frisco
Turn Back Time: The 2011 Climate Report
We have written extensively about the history of the Frisco Fire Department and the concerns raised about its leadership. The 2011 Employee Climate Survey remains particularly important because it was not simply a disgruntled employee complaining about a supervisor. It was a formal examination of the department’s workplace environment.
The report described serious problems involving trust, respect, morale and the relationship between firefighters and department leadership. It characterized the culture as one involving intimidation, retaliation and fear. It also reported that a significant percentage of respondents said they would leave the department if they could.
Our previous reporting noted the report identified Lee Glover as part of the senior leadership structure under then-Chief Mack Borchardt. The question that naturally follows is simple: What changed between 2011 and 2023 that convinced city management that Lee Glover was the right person to lead the department?
That question became particularly relevant when Glover was named Interim Fire Chief in 2022.
The 92.5% Question
When Glover became a finalist for the permanent Fire Chief position in 2023, the Frisco Fire Fighters Association conducted a survey of its membership.
According to the survey previously reported by Frisco Chronicles, 220 of 233 firefighters responded, and 92.5% said they did not want Glover to become the next Fire Chief. The survey also reported that 91.4% did not believe Glover had improved morale or restored trust during his time as Interim Chief.
Despite those numbers, City Manager Wes Pierson selected Glover. At the time, Pierson said Glover’s experience, knowledge and leadership made him the best fit for the department. That decision deserves scrutiny, not because an employee association should automatically determine who runs a municipal department, but because a 92.5% vote against a leadership candidate is an extraordinary number.
So the questions remain:
What did City Manager Wes Pierson know about the survey before selecting Glover?
Why did City Manager Wes Pierson believe the concerns expressed by the firefighters were not sufficient to disqualify Glover?
Did the City conduct any independent investigation into the concerns raised by the firefighters before making the appointment?
Did City Council members know about the survey results before Glover was appointed?
And perhaps most importantly: What did the City of Frisco do to determine whether the problems identified in the 2011 climate report had actually been resolved before putting Glover into the leadership role as Fire Chief?
Fast Forward: May 18, 2026
The City announced Glover’s retirement on April 7, 2026. Approximately six weeks later, on May 18, Frisco Police responded to Glover’s residence following a 911 call. We filed a Public Information Request seeking the police records associated with that call and incident.
The records we received were heavily redacted. The Case Report Summary identifies Alvin Glover Jr. as a subject and Jamie Glover as the reporting person.
The report states that Frisco police responded to Glover’s residence at approximately 7:41 p.m. on May 18, 2026. According to the report, Jamie Glover identified herself as Alvin Glover Jr.’s wife and told officers that he had recently become increasingly aggressive following a change that is redacted from the report.
The report also states that Jamie reported that Alvin had been displaying certain signs since “recently retiring,” although the specific information is redacted. Officers subsequently made contact with Alvin Glover inside the residence. The remainder of the report contains additional redactions.
A supplemental report was also included in the records provided to us. There is an important distinction here.
We know a police response occurred. We know the City’s records identify the individuals involved. We know portions of the report describe concerns involving Glover’s behavior.
We do not know everything that happened because significant portions of the records were withheld or redacted. That leaves questions.
What Happened After the 911 Call?
According to sources familiar with the incident, Glover was experiencing a serious personal crisis and was transported to a hospital following the police response.
Sources have also alleged that the incident involved suicidal behavior and that Glover may have had a weapon in his possession before officers arrived. Those allegations have not been independently verified by Frisco Chronicles and should not be treated as established fact without supporting documentation.
We are also told that Glover did not return to his normal duties following the May 18 incident and that his next public appearance connected to the department was associated with his retirement in August.
If that account is accurate, it raises some obvious questions:
What happened between May 18 and August 3? Was Glover placed on leave?
Was he using accrued sick leave, vacation, administrative leave or another form of paid leave?
Was he still designated as Fire Chief during that period? Was he performing any official duties? Was he receiving his regular salary? Who was running the Fire Department during Glover’s absence?
Did the City conduct any internal review? These are not questions about someone’s private medical history. They are questions about the administration of a taxpayer-funded public agency and the use of taxpayer-funded compensation.
Was Glover Treated Differently?
This may be the most important question of all. Firefighters work in an extraordinarily stressful profession. Mental health, trauma, substance abuse, family crises and other personal struggles can affect first responders just as they can affect anyone else.
The City should have policies governing how employees, including department leadership, are treated when they experience a personal or medical crisis.
So we have to ask: Are those policies applied equally to everyone? No. The proof is in the previous pudding.
Are rank-and-file firefighters given the same flexibility, leave options and confidentiality that are available to department leadership? No. The proof is in the previous pudding.
Has the City ever placed another firefighter or senior officer in a similar situation on paid leave while maintaining their position?
What are the City’s policies when a department head is unable to perform the duties of the position? Well history shows they terminated the Assistant Fire Chief Cameron Kraemer who was out on medical leave for PTSD and mental health issues.
Who had authority to designate an acting chief and did they formally appoint an acting Chief after May 18, 2026?
If not, why not? Those questions can and should be answered without disclosing someone’s private medical information.
The Mack Borchardt Connection
There is another piece of this history that cannot simply be ignored. Mack Borchardt served as Frisco’s Fire Chief for decades and later became Special Assistant to the City Manager. The City’s current staff directory still lists Borchardt as Special Assistant to the City Manager and states that he served as Fire Chief from 1981 to 2012.
Borchardt’s transition out of the Fire Chief position has been discussed extensively in connection with the 2011 climate report. He was terminated by the city then rehired by then City Manager George Purefoy (long time good ole boy friendship) who made him a “Fire Consultant Liaison within the City Manager’s office. He received a hefty salary and city vehicle. The 2011 report raised significant concerns about the department’s leadership culture at the time. It also identified concerns regarding the senior leadership structure surrounding Borchardt.
Glover was part of that senior leadership structure. Yet years later, Glover ultimately became the Fire Chief. That creates a legitimate question about whether the City actually addressed the problems identified in 2011 or simply changed the name on the office door.
City Management’s Role
There is another issue that deserves examination. The City knew about the 2011 climate report, knew about the concerns surrounding the department’s previous leadership structure, and knew that 92.5% of responding firefighters surveyed did not want Glover to become Fire Chief. With all that knowledge and information what led City Manager Wes Pierson to reach the opposite conclusion?
The City has said Glover was the best fit for the job. Fine. Then show taxpayers the work. What criteria were used? Who conducted the interviews? Who evaluated the finalists? What were the scoring criteria? What concerns were raised about each finalist?
Who recommended Glover? Were references checked? Were prior complaints or investigations reviewed? Was the Fire Fighters Association survey discussed during the selection process? And did Pierson or anyone else in city management conduct an independent assessment of the concerns raised by members of the department?
These are reasonable questions when the person being selected is going to oversee one of the City’s largest and most important public-safety organizations.
Retirement or Something More?
Now we come back to the original question. Why did Lee Glover retire?
The city announced his retirement on April 7, 2026, nearly four months before his final day. The official announcement described it as the conclusion of a 35-year career and praised the department’s accomplishments during his tenure.
That may be exactly what happened. But the timing of the May 18 police response, followed by questions about Glover’s absence from the department, makes it reasonable for taxpayers to ask whether there was more to the story.
Was the retirement entirely voluntary? Was Glover ever asked to retire?
Was he facing an internal investigation? Was he placed on leave?
Was he medically unable to return to duty? Did he decide that retirement was the best option?
Did city management encourage or negotiate his departure? And were any agreements, benefits, payouts, leave balances or other financial arrangements associated with his retirement?
The Bigger Issue
This story is not really about whether Lee Glover had a personal crisis. If the allegations about the May 18 incident are true, that is a deeply personal matter, and nobody should use another person’s crisis as entertainment. The issue is whether the City of Frisco has one set of rules for ordinary firefighters and another for those occupying the corner office.
That is the issue taxpayers should care about. The Frisco Fire Department has grown enormously since Lee Glover joined in 1991. The city now describes the department as having 265 sworn personnel and 34 civilian employees. That is a massive public-safety operation.
The person sitting in the Fire Chief’s office has enormous responsibility. The public therefore has a legitimate interest in how that position is filled, how leadership problems are handled, how employee complaints are investigated, how leave policies are applied and how taxpayer dollars are spent.
The questions surrounding Lee Glover do not begin with the May 18, 2026 police call. They go back more than a decade. The 2011 climate report raised questions about culture and leadership.
The 2022 appointment of Glover as Interim Chief raised questions about whether those problems had really been resolved. The 2023 appointment of Glover as permanent Chief raised even more questions after the Fire Fighters Association survey reportedly showed overwhelming opposition. And now the circumstances surrounding his final months with the City raise another set of questions.
Maybe there are perfectly reasonable answers to all of them. If there are, the City should provide them. Because transparency should not depend on whether the person involved is a firefighter, a department head, a city manager or anyone else on the public payroll.
Frisco taxpayers deserve to know whether the rules are actually applied equally. And after years of controversy surrounding the Fire Department’s leadership culture, that is not an unreasonable thing to ask. It is the minimum.
What Is Next Next we will address the issues with hiring the new Chief of the Frisco Fire Department. We will examine some relationships and ask why the city is using a new company to do the search. Is Wes Pierson looking for the best candidate or the best candidate who agrees with him on the operations of the department.
This is Pierson’s first time working in a major city. He previously worked in Addison, which is 4 square miles and before that Corpus Christi before their growth boom. The leads us to ask does he have the background to make such a large decision. Sources inside say there is a lot of doubt when it comes to his decision-making process with the Fire Department. Stay Tuned for part two!
Disclaimer: This article is intended to report on matters of public record and public interest. If additional information becomes available this article may be updated accordingly.
This article is written as opinion, commentary, and personal interpretation based on publicly available records, meeting observations, agenda materials, and information we received from community sources. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as a final statement of fact about any person’s legal conduct, criminal behavior, or ethical violations.
“Wag the dog” is an idiom describing the act of using a secondary, minor issue or diversion to distract attention from a larger, often damaging crisis. It is most often used in political and media contexts, where leaders allegedly fabricate, amplify, or emphasize a dramatic situation to steer public focus away from bigger scandals.
The Frisco City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, was, in my opinion, one of the biggest political messes in this city’s history. And my mission at Frisco Chronicles is to expose the shady stuff. So, let’s begin.
The Frosting
The public comments portion of the evening reached an all-time high. Everyone was talking about line item #25. The passion in the room was palpable. There were extra police, yelling, swearing, reporters, escorts out, and social media influencers. The tension was raw.
But like many others, I believe most people missed what was sitting in plain sight.
In case you missed it, or are still confused, allegedly this was really about Mayor Jeff Cheney’s Legacy Line Item. In my opinion, he will go down in the history books to save his best work for last. Perfect timing before his pending exit. Played and executed like a true maestro.
Remember this time last year, when the mayor’s cherry-tomato head almost blew right off his shoulders after that horrendous $340 million Performing Arts Center deal failed by voters, along with his cohort Tammy Meinershagen’s re-election? There were too many alleged questions about that deal and who may have benefited from it. In my opinion, Frisco was smart about that one and dodged a bullet.
Well, friends, the deals that allegedly moved forward Tuesday night make last year look like a cheap appetizer. That may also explain Mayor Cheney’s DEFCON 3 behaviors at recent Frisco City Council meetings, when he started getting pushbacks from other council members. More on that soon.
In my opinion, the best way to describe what happened is by comparing the consent agenda to a triple-layer chocolate cake. Everyone got fooled because they were only paying attention to the three visible layers: the Jain temple, the Hindu temple, and the mosque. What I believe many people missed was the ooey-gooey, ever-so-sweet, rich chocolate frosting on top, hiding the rest. That, in my opinion, was the real story.
Before we once again deep-dive into the alleged cabal rabbit hole, let’s not kid ourselves. Open your eyes wide. It is election time, and in my opinion, it is the perfect time to wag the dog and play on voters’ fears while the recipe for the sweet frosting goes unnoticed.
How does an alleged political machine best distract voters? Well, while people were fighting over Islam, Sharia Law, temples, and fear, here is what I believe was really going on underneath the pretty frosting.
The 16 Layers
You missed the other 13 of the 16 development projects. Based on my best guess, this may have represented a development package that roughly ranges between a $750 million to $1 billion dollars.
The Planning and Zoning Commission consent agenda included 16 separate cases totaling more than 300 acres of development across Frisco, which were then sent to Frisco City Council for a vote. Here is a brief overview of what I call the full boxed-up cake deal:
Railhead Phase 1: 8.8 acres with 3 office buildings, 2 retail buildings, and 2 parking garages.
Best Brains Addition Lot 3: 1.7 acres for a childcare center.
Park 25 Block C: 15.6 acres with 2 offices, warehouse, and distribution centers.
Centennial Pediatrics/Islamic Center: 5.8 acres with a place of worship.
Coit & 3537 Addition: 4.4 acres with 3 retail buildings.
FM 423 Lonestar: 14.8 acres with a temple, medical offices, restaurants, a convenience store, and drive-throughs.
Point East Industrial: 44.1 acres with 6 warehouses and distribution buildings.
Lebanon South: 5.7 acres with a temple and community center.
Park 25 Block C: 15.6 acres with 2 offices, warehouse, and distribution centers.
Four Corners Shopping Center: 4.4 acres with 2 hotels.
Grand Park Canal South: 4.8 acres with a childcare facility and restaurant/office space.
Frisco Fire Station No. 8: 4.3 acres with a City of Frisco stealth antenna.
Northeast Community Park: 70.7 acres with a City of Frisco stealth antenna.
Firefly Park Lot 4: 10.9 acres with a parking garage and professional office.
Prosper High School #2: 98.3 acres for a public school, Prosper ISD.
Best Brains Addition Lot 8: 2.3 acres with retail, restaurant, and office uses.
Total: 16 cases and more than 312 acres of Frisco development.
Only 3 of the 16 developments involved religious institutions. The rest included warehouses, hotels, offices, a 98-acre public school, City of Frisco infrastructure, retail, and childcare. In my opinion, this was a treasure chest of Frisco development, not merely a vote on three rubber-banded religious institutions.
That is the cake. Sixteen layers. But the public was only staring at the frosting.
The P&Z Questions
Back when this was approved by P&Z, Chairwoman Brittney Colberg was absent for the vote, and Sean Merrell recused himself. Why? Election-time strategy? A conflict of interest? Something else?
New council member and former P&Z Chairwoman Brittney Colberg currently operate a Title Company. According to publicly available information, the business appears to cater to luxury real estate agents and top producers. Their goal, to help growth-focused real estate professionals’ level up their businesses, strengthen brand reputations, increase market knowledge, become industry leaders, and increase revenue.
Frisco Chronicles must ask, is there a potential down the road for conflict here? If Colberg’s business benefits, directly or indirectly, from any of these deals then the answer could be yes. We have not discovered anything as of now, but we will keep our eyes peeled now that she is elected.
Current P&Z member Sean Merrell, is listed as a licensed professional engineer in Texas for BGE, Inc. He is also the past president of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Frisco Chronicles wondered, does BGE, Inc., have any active applications in Frisco? What about previous contracts with the City of Frisco?
Surprise, surprise … well not really, Frisco Chronicles found what appears to be a warehouse project involving BGE, Inc. This may explain why Sean Merrell recused himself.
The agenda stated: “Consider and act upon adoption of an Ordinance to repeal Ordinance No. 2025-03-16 and grant a Specific Use Permit for an Office/Warehouse/Distribution Center on one lot on 98.1± acres on the north side of SH 121, 1,015± feet west of Independence Parkway. Zoned Highway with a Specific Use Permit for an Office/Warehouse/Distribution Center and Commercial-2. Neighborhood #26. Zoning Case No. SUP25-0009. Applicant: BGE, Inc. (Development Services/JH)” Ordinance 2026-04-34.
Did I mention this was the same warehouse project that Richwoods and Lexington residents were concerned about backing up to their community? That’s right the one that filled Frisco Chambers just a few weeks ago with our Indian neighbors who spoke against the development while our council listened on deaf ears.
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews and advances development items long before they ever reach City Council. Frisco Chronicles is wondering why were three completely separate projects, at three different locations, with different ownership groups and three different religions, allegedly bundled together under a single consent agenda line item?
I suspect a Christian church would not have been bundled in the same way. Could those projects have been separated and voted on individually? Probably. Was it poor organization? Doubtful, in my opinion. Political strategy? More likely, in my opinion. The epic wag the dog.
Create a distraction while other major development items quietly move forward.
The Council Meeting Moment
Who could see the forest through the trees, when the consent agenda came up? The only questions or pushback appeared to come from Councilmen Burt Thakur and Jared Elad. Both tried to bring up the many other items on the consent agenda that the public was clearly not focused on.
A motion to appeal was made by Councilman Burt Thakur and appeared to be ignored. There was no second motion. Instead, Mayor Cheney appeared to move the discussion into immediate executive session to consult with the city attorney. But why?
There does not appear to be a law requiring consultation with the city attorney to happen in private, away from the eyes and ears of voters and taxpayers. This proves Frisco Chronicles point that there is zero transparency, folks.
Mayor Cheney’s motion immediately received a second, and off they went behind closed doors. Just a guess but what followed behind closed doors may have been a heated discussion about the audacity of a couple of councilmen asking questions and suggesting an appeal. My guess is that the executive session was more of an attitude-adjustment session, the kind your mom gives you when you act up in a store and she walks you outside to the car for an understanding.
Mayor Cheney, in my opinion, was not about to let his alleged Legacy Line Item slip out of his sweaty red hands. Back at the dais, the consent agenda passed 6-0, despite Councilman Burt Thakur appearing not to have agreed with the direction things had gone. Yes, folks, this is what you voted for.
A city council can vote no on almost anything before it. Its primary responsibility is to protect the residents. In my opinion, threats of lawsuits over religious freedom became the wag-the-dog moment, conveniently burrito-wrapped into mega projects most residents were not paying attention to.
It is the opinion of Frisco Chronicles that the PANIC was not only about getting sued over the denial of a mosque but also may have been over the other 13 development deals not going through. Wake up, Frisco … You are being used!
Mayor Cheney does not care about mosques and temples. His track record shows he cares about cash, the deal, the development, and the legacy. This whole situation could not have been more perfectly orchestrated.
Do you really think it was just coincidental that the alleged Legacy Line Item was pushed through during one of Mayor Monopoly Cheney’s final city meetings?
The mayor yelled from the dais, “Stop making this political.” The audience pushed back, “No, you are!”
Councilwoman Angelia Pelham also appeared to join in with similar comments from the dais while defending Mayor Cheney. Ultimately, they were right about one thing: it was not just political. It was about development. The money. The deals. The legacy. The generational wealth. The frosting.
The frosting, folks, is the perfect camouflage for any cake. You really do not know what you are getting until you cut into it. Anything could be lurking under there: cheap angel food cake or the most luxurious and decadent dessert you have ever placed on your taste buds.
In this case, it was a 16-layer cake with top-shelf premier frosting used to camouflage the layers hiding underneath.
The Timing Questions
Conveniently and coincidentally, the appointment of the Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem was moved until after the elections. Additionally, the replacement of the open P&Z position was also delayed. With a contentious mayoral election happening, I believe they were not going to rock any of those boats until after the election. Just a guess but this was a political move.
Community Chatter Rumor Mill
This section includes rumors, community chatter, and allegations and Frisco Chronicles is not presenting these as proven facts. The reason for including them is because it helps explain the larger pattern that may deserve public scrutiny.
One source told Frisco Chronicles they have heard rumors that Jason Young, who recently won the Universal Liquor business, allegedly is a contender for the open P&Z spot.
Another source told Frisco Chronicles that allegedly, Lori Medina, may become Mark Hill’s new “Chief of Staff” if he wins the election. You may be asking, “Who is Lori Medina and why is she important?” Let’s look at Lori’s resume:
Lobbyist for Wilks Brothers who is building the billion-dollar Fire Fly Development near 380 and DNT
Former Chief of Staff for Mayor Jeff Cheney
Former Business Partner of former Councilwoman Tammy Meinershagen (star of the Tammy Tapes)
Current Campaign Manager or leader in the Mark Hill Campaign
Lori was also allegedly involved in a physical altercation with then-candidate, veteran, and South Asian candidate Burt Thakur
Lastly, Frisco Chronicles heard rumors that Jason Ford, current President of Frisco Economic Development Corporation, may allegedly step down or be forced out. His alleged replacement … Jeff Cheney.
Let’s face it, while all of this is alleged and rumors it does make sense. Greed is never satisfied and everyone knows Cheney does not want to let go of control on the development in Frisco. It is an addiction. Cake is good, and there is never enough cake.
Final Question
So, what was this about? Was it three religious institutions? Was it religious freedom? Was it fear? Was it development? Was it timing? Was it legacy? Was it money?
In my opinion, it was all the above. But the cake metaphor still says it best. The public saw three layers. I believe the real cake was sixteen. And the frosting was the distraction.
Appendix: For Reference Only
Frisco City Council Regular Meeting – Consent Agenda Items 19-25 on Tuesday, 5/19/26
19. Consider and act upon the approval of minutes. (CSO/KM)
A. Consider and act upon the approval of the May 5, 2026, City Council Work Session meeting minutes. (CSO/KM)
B. Consider and act upon the approval of the May 5, 2026, Regular City Council meeting minutes. (CSO/KM)
C. Consider and act upon the approval of the May 12, 2026, Special-Called City Council meeting minutes. (CSO/KM)
20. Consider and act upon authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement by and between Collin County and the City of Frisco to provide funding for the construction of Dallas Parkway PH5. (Engineering/WJ)
21. Consider and act upon accepting private donations raised by the Leadership Frisco Class XXIX toward the installation of shade structures at Hope Park at Frisco Commons Park. (Play Frisco/JC)
22. Consider and act upon adoption of a Resolution authorizing submittal of a Metropolitan Transportation Plan Policy Bundle, Round 6 application, to the North Central Texas Council of Governments for Transportation Development Credits. (Engineering/MD)
23. Consider and act upon adoption of a Resolution authorizing the submission of the FY25 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use grant application through the Bureau of Justice Assistance by the City Manager or his designee. (Police/LT)
24. Consider and act upon award of Best Value Bid #2603-050, Downtown Garage and Plaza Cleaning Services, to Ambassador Services. (Administrative Services/DF)
25. Consider and act upon whether to direct Staff to submit a written notice of appeal on behalf of the City Council to Development Services, pursuant to Subsection 6.19 of the Zoning Ordinance and/or Section 4.02 of the Subdivision Ordinance, regarding action taken by the Planning and Zoning Commission on any site plan or plat. Any written notice of appeal must be submitted to Development Services. (Development Services)
Disclaimer This article is written as opinion, commentary, and personal interpretation based on publicly available records, meeting observations, agenda materials, and information I have heard from community sources. Any statements involving motives, intent, conflicts of interest, contracts, relationships, or behind-the-scenes activity should be understood as alleged, suspected, or opinion unless directly supported by cited public records. Readers are encouraged to review the linked materials, attend public meetings, request records, and form their own conclusions. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as a final statement of fact about any person’s legal conduct, criminal behavior, or ethical violations.
Frisco Chronicles recently told you that local businessman, Jason Young, obtained a liquor contract allegedly worth millions of dollars with Universal Kids Resort and Universal Kids Theme Park. We published the liquor license on our Facebook page and questioned how Young always seems to appear whenever major opportunities land in Frisco.
Youngs longtime relationship with Mayor Jeff Cheney and current Mayoral candidate (aka his best friend) Mark Hill is hard to miss, as he brags about it on social media. It lends to the other rumblings sent to us that Young has alleged contracts with Toyota for the World Cup (FIFA) games and the ever-coveted PGA Championship events coming to town. One could ask, “Does being the current Mayor’s golf buddy have some benefits?”
It begs the question is nepotism, or favoritism based on relationships, at play in Frisco? Every resident should question when public projects, insider relationships, and massive money collide, why does it make transparency become a treasure map?
Frisco Chronicles would like to know how many other alleged or potential contracts may have been awarded to the same friends of Cheney and other committee members.
What do Public Records and Business Connections Reveal?
Through OpenCorporates you can learn about publicly listed businesses, business interests and more. My research started by creating a list of Jason Young’s business. OpenCorporates lists the following businesses.
Board and Bread LLC lists names include Donny Churchman, manager and Jason Young, agent & manager
The Parlour
Elaine’s Cocktail Kitchen
Alora Hospitality Group LLC lists Donald Churchman as the managing member, Erin Myers as the agent and managing member, and Young as a managing member.
Verona Villa Frisco LP
JYVV LLC, lists Jason Young as the agent and director
TexBev Services LLC listsJason Young as the manager and United States Corporation Agents, Inc., as the agent
Donny Churchman, Jason Young’s business partner and self-proclaimed “lobbyist for the Building Industry,” appears to have been a smart friend choice for Young. Churchman’s company lists were too long to share here. The question has been asked is his hand in the development of downtown Frisco deserves closer public review. You can mosey on over to OpenCorporates.com for the full breakdown.
Next step, compare the names of the business to the minutes for City of Frisco meetings, boards and commissions. Would we find any connections?
The Grant
The Frisco Community Development Corporation, or FCDC, offers the Rail District Reinvestment Grant Program. Based on the description of the program, it provides matching grants of up to 50% of private investments, with a maximum of $300,000 per project, to property owners and businesses.
The city states the program “aims to enhance the built environment of the Rail District” through partnerships with property owners and businesses. Another document states the overall goal is to enhance the architectural character, economic viability, and pedestrian experience in Frisco’s historic downtown. But what is the primary intent of the grant?
Well, according to the city website the grant’s PRIMARY INTENT is “to improve the architectural character and pedestrian experience of the Rail District through matching grants for building façades, streetscapes, and social spaces like patios and courtyards.”
The Connection: Found In The Agenda Details
While doing research, comparing Young’s company names to City of Frisco agenda and minutes – we found a connection! Surprise, surprise. Well, not really. The connection is item #16 in the agenda for the Frisco Community Development Corporation on February 19, 2026. It reads,
According to the minutes posted on this city website, Chris Leanord, Planning Manager, discussed the improvements requested and answered questions related to this item. Jason Young representing Elaine’s Cocktail Kitchen expressed appreciation for the program and highlighted the benefits these improvements would make to the Rail District. Ed Kelly moved to approve, and Secretary/Treasurer Ed Mahoney seconded the motion. The item was passed unanimously in a 7 to 0 vote by President Chad Brubaker, Vice President Joshua Meek, Secretary/Treasurer Ed Mahoney, Director Sadaf Haq, Director Craig Wax, Director Tracie Shipman, and Director Ed Kelly.
The Big Question
When downtown restaurants were hurting, falling into debt, and losing their businesses, why did Jason Young’s new business, Elaine’s Kitchen, allegedly receive one of these Frisco CDC $300,000 grants for a kitchen remodel?
Remember the Tier 1 core details of the grant program appear to include:
Eligible improvements: exterior building enhancements, streetscapes, patios, courtyards, interior improvements, and upgrades to building safety systems.
Match structure: reimbursement of up to 50% of approved development expenses after the project is completed.
Target area: restricted to properties located within the designated Old Town Commercial Zoning Boundary/Rail District Grant Zone.
Frisco Chronicles has to ask the qeustion: How does an alleged $300,000 reimbursement from the Frisco CDC for a remodeled kitchen fall under those rules?
Which other merchants in downtown Frisco were able to take part in this program?
Nepotism Running Rampant
Look at the list of names who voted for Jason Young to receive this grant. Then look at his social media and you will see these are not just Frisco CDC Board members but many of them appear to be good friends and political allies of Jason Young.
It leads one to ask, is that not the definition of “conflict of interest” and nepotism?
Imagine that money being used to help suffering merchants instead of allegedly reimbursing Jason Young’s kitchen remodel.
Who is Chef Nick? According to OpenCorporates, Dominic Sean Parks Jr. owns Chef-Nic Catering LLC. He is listed as the Director and Agent.
Frisco Chronicles also received information that Chef Nic, who provides meals and some catering for the city, may allegedly have the Universal Kids contract for his services.
The Famous or Infamous Jake Petras
While we are at it, Jake Petras, former Frisco P&Z commissioner, good buddy, and keyboard warrior of Jeff Cheney, appears to have allegedly cashed in as well. If my memory serves me right, Jake was allegedly down on his luck and facing serious personal financial stress, an impending divorce and that his alleged lover, former Frisco ISD President Renee Archambault, may have been strained at the time.
Jake’s company, LMIF Real Estate, LLC, where he serves as director, appears to have scored big last fall. According to the August 5, 2025 Frisco City Council Agenda Item #33, the applicant LMIF Real Estate, had a request to repeal Ordinance No. 18-10-56 consisting of 80.1+ acres on the southwest corner of Mahard Parkway and University Drive to AMEND the Zoning Ordinance to REZONE the property as Planned Development-271-Office-2/Retail/Residential, and to consider to direct Staff to prepare an Ordinance of the same.
Guess what, it passed 6-0. Could this be another example of nepotism or quid pro quo?
Zoning Case No. Z24-0002. Applicant: LMIF Real Estate, LLC. (Development Services/JH) Reference Links:
Another example of alleged Nepotism maybe the recent “warehouse” deal that upset our Richwoods community. We learned some interesting, alleged connections but we will talk about that in our next blog post – so stay tuned on that.
In Closing
I would like to know how many other contracts may have been awarded to the same friends of Cheney and other committee members. In Frisco, the question is no longer whether favoritism exists — it’s how comfortable city leadership has become with it. When grants, opportunities, and city-backed incentives repeatedly seem to land in the laps of those with the right relationships, the public starts to notice a pattern.
The average business owner filling out paperwork, paying taxes, and trying to compete fairly deserves to know the playing field isn’t tilted toward insiders with direct lines to City Hall. Yet time and time again, residents are left wondering whether qualifications matter less than connections. If you know the mayor, attend the right events, donate to the right campaigns, or move within the right circles, does the red tape suddenly disappear? Do the rules become “flexible”? Does public money somehow become easier to access?
That perception alone is dangerous. Government runs on public trust, and once citizens begin believing there are two sets of rules — one for insiders and one for everyone else — confidence erodes quickly. Transparency becomes theater. Accountability becomes selective. And taxpayers begin asking whether city programs are truly designed to benefit Frisco as a whole… or simply reward the politically connected.
Frisco deserves leadership that serves residents, not networks. Because when special treatment becomes standard operating procedure, it’s no longer economic development — it’s a country club with taxpayer funding. And in Frisco, membership appears to have its privileges.
Disclaimer
This article is written as opinion, commentary, and personal interpretation based on publicly available records, meeting observations, agenda materials, and information gathered from community sources. Any statements involving motives, intent, conflicts of interest, contracts, relationships, or behind-the-scenes activity should be understood as alleged, suspected, or maybe opinion unless directly supported by cited public records. Readers are encouraged to review the linked materials, attend public meetings, request records, and form their own conclusions. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as a final statement of fact about any person’s legal conduct, criminal behavior, or ethical violations.
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