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.
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?
Cheney is so full of shyt! He can’t be gone fast enough. Vote Burt, Vote Elad! We need to start…
Thank you for enlightening us! It is about time people see the light.
If you have not figured it out our Mayor is not for the citizens of Frisco.
What a bunch of deceptive crooks! this election has turned into a movement. drain the swamp. get rid of the…
^^^ Disgruntled tammy supporter. lol probably a cat lady. likely a democrat. i'm gonna guess divorced, fat and over forty.…