Email From Bartlett Mayor James Grant
Below is an email I received from the Mayor.
Attachment Fri, Jan 27, 2012 at 4:20 PM
Reply-To: jmgrant@texsys.net
To: public.information@oag.state.tx.us
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is James M.Grant, and in May of 2010, I was elected by the
good Citizens of the City of Bartlett to be their mayor. As
background, the City of Bartlett is a Type A General law city, with a
mayoral and council form of government. After several aggressive
moves by the Council to overthrow the Mayor's office, the Council
passed a resolution in June of 2011 requiring the Mayor, and ONLY the
Mayor, to comply with The Great State of Texas' Public Information Act
in order to obtain ANY information from the City. By Council
resolution, the Mayor was twice ejected, under threat of arrest, from
City Hall and denied access to City records.
The Mayor, believing that the Council is acting in contradiction to
the Laws of the Great State of Texas, as outlined in Attorney General
Opinion JC-0544, contacted the County and District Attorney, offering
written, photographed, and audio evidence of their activities, got
only a brush-off statement that it is "small town politics," forcing
the Mayor to forward the information to the Attorney General - no
response.
Attached, you will find a copy of the letter affirming the Council's
resolution, and a copy of all the requests the Mayor has submitted in
an effort to perform his statutory duties as the Chief Executive and
Budget Officer for the City of Bartlett. You should find a request,
dated September 12, 2011, asking for a copy of an email wherein the
City's attorney allegedly advises that the Council is in conflict with
the laws of The Great State of Texas, in requiring the Mayor to comply
with the Public Information Act in order to obtain information. This
is further mirrored in a request dated December 28, 2011, wherein it
is evident that the City Council is denying the Mayor of even his
official communications.
Of particular note, is the first request. If you read the hand
written note, by Councilman Jamie Crathers, it is clear that she
intends to enforce the resolution and that ALL requests must be
cleared by the then City Administrator, Randall Holly. You may note
that she did not sign the second request from July 19, 2011, but that
is because it was not presented to her because the account is related
to her.
You should also note that on August 5, 2011, the Mayor had to
resubmit a sequence of requests after the first ones were "misplaced."
Although it is evident that the Mayor submitted requests, as he had
his copies, which are initialed by the City's Secretary, Diane Evans,
the Mayor submitted "clean" copies to ensure the City had "originals"
with colored date stamps.
It should be pointed out, that the Mayor has the City employee date
stamp the original, but the procedures do not require anyone to sign
for the documents, the Mayor then asks for a copy as a receipt, and
the original is then placed with the City Administrator. The Mayor
makes the City Secretary aware of the request, but as she recently
reaffirmed, the City Administrator, now Chris Hill, who has
independently changed his title to that of City Manager, demands that
all the Mayor's requests flow through him, and none have been returned
to Ms. Evans.
In regards to the request dated August 8, 2011, regarding
information necessary to prepare the City's budget, this is the ONLY
request that was even remotely responded to. A review of the
Council's "CITY OF BARTLETT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION" signature sheet,
will show that the Mayor signed for that response, but annotated that
it appeared much of the information was missing. Ironically, in Mr.
Holly's response, he states he was not given a copy of the of the
requested information nor instructions for its use, but then provides
not only a copy of an odd couple of the pages he denies he received,
but also the instructions given him by the Mayor.
It should be clear, to even the most casual observer, that the
Council intended to deny the legally elected mayor access to the
City's information, and to interfere with the Mayor's statutory
authority. It should also be blatantly obvious that most of the
requests are related to budget and fraud issues. What is not so
apparent, is that Mr. Hill is related to most of the Council as well
as several of the City's employees, and as Mr. Hill's lifelong friend,
Councilman Wally Capetillo stated, 'we ignored many laws and City
policies' to hire Mr.Hill. I still recommend that the Attorney
General listen to the Council's recorded April 2011 executive session,
also attended by the City's attorney, in which they allegedly
discussed their strategies to overthrow the Mayor's office and still
ensure their re-election, and when it is was agreed that Mr. Holly
would be given "all the power" over the City - effectively changing
the City's form of government. It should also be known that both Mr.
Holly and Mr.Hill have stated they have no intention of cooperating
with the Mayor's office.
Regardless of what other actions the Attorney General may take,
perhaps the investigation involving the City of Bartlett and CM
Energies, which exemplifies the Mayor's many concerns, should be
factored into this complaint. Nonetheless, the City's violations
regarding Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, must be addressed.
Respectfully,
James M. Grant, Mayor, City of Bartlett
James M. Grant
Reply-To: jmgrant@texsys.net
To: public.information@oag.state.tx.us
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is James M.Grant, and in May of 2010, I was elected by the
good Citizens of the City of Bartlett to be their mayor. As
background, the City of Bartlett is a Type A General law city, with a
mayoral and council form of government. After several aggressive
moves by the Council to overthrow the Mayor's office, the Council
passed a resolution in June of 2011 requiring the Mayor, and ONLY the
Mayor, to comply with The Great State of Texas' Public Information Act
in order to obtain ANY information from the City. By Council
resolution, the Mayor was twice ejected, under threat of arrest, from
City Hall and denied access to City records.
The Mayor, believing that the Council is acting in contradiction to
the Laws of the Great State of Texas, as outlined in Attorney General
Opinion JC-0544, contacted the County and District Attorney, offering
written, photographed, and audio evidence of their activities, got
only a brush-off statement that it is "small town politics," forcing
the Mayor to forward the information to the Attorney General - no
response.
Attached, you will find a copy of the letter affirming the Council's
resolution, and a copy of all the requests the Mayor has submitted in
an effort to perform his statutory duties as the Chief Executive and
Budget Officer for the City of Bartlett. You should find a request,
dated September 12, 2011, asking for a copy of an email wherein the
City's attorney allegedly advises that the Council is in conflict with
the laws of The Great State of Texas, in requiring the Mayor to comply
with the Public Information Act in order to obtain information. This
is further mirrored in a request dated December 28, 2011, wherein it
is evident that the City Council is denying the Mayor of even his
official communications.
Of particular note, is the first request. If you read the hand
written note, by Councilman Jamie Crathers, it is clear that she
intends to enforce the resolution and that ALL requests must be
cleared by the then City Administrator, Randall Holly. You may note
that she did not sign the second request from July 19, 2011, but that
is because it was not presented to her because the account is related
to her.
You should also note that on August 5, 2011, the Mayor had to
resubmit a sequence of requests after the first ones were "misplaced."
Although it is evident that the Mayor submitted requests, as he had
his copies, which are initialed by the City's Secretary, Diane Evans,
the Mayor submitted "clean" copies to ensure the City had "originals"
with colored date stamps.
It should be pointed out, that the Mayor has the City employee date
stamp the original, but the procedures do not require anyone to sign
for the documents, the Mayor then asks for a copy as a receipt, and
the original is then placed with the City Administrator. The Mayor
makes the City Secretary aware of the request, but as she recently
reaffirmed, the City Administrator, now Chris Hill, who has
independently changed his title to that of City Manager, demands that
all the Mayor's requests flow through him, and none have been returned
to Ms. Evans.
In regards to the request dated August 8, 2011, regarding
information necessary to prepare the City's budget, this is the ONLY
request that was even remotely responded to. A review of the
Council's "CITY OF BARTLETT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION" signature sheet,
will show that the Mayor signed for that response, but annotated that
it appeared much of the information was missing. Ironically, in Mr.
Holly's response, he states he was not given a copy of the of the
requested information nor instructions for its use, but then provides
not only a copy of an odd couple of the pages he denies he received,
but also the instructions given him by the Mayor.
It should be clear, to even the most casual observer, that the
Council intended to deny the legally elected mayor access to the
City's information, and to interfere with the Mayor's statutory
authority. It should also be blatantly obvious that most of the
requests are related to budget and fraud issues. What is not so
apparent, is that Mr. Hill is related to most of the Council as well
as several of the City's employees, and as Mr. Hill's lifelong friend,
Councilman Wally Capetillo stated, 'we ignored many laws and City
policies' to hire Mr.Hill. I still recommend that the Attorney
General listen to the Council's recorded April 2011 executive session,
also attended by the City's attorney, in which they allegedly
discussed their strategies to overthrow the Mayor's office and still
ensure their re-election, and when it is was agreed that Mr. Holly
would be given "all the power" over the City - effectively changing
the City's form of government. It should also be known that both Mr.
Holly and Mr.Hill have stated they have no intention of cooperating
with the Mayor's office.
Regardless of what other actions the Attorney General may take,
perhaps the investigation involving the City of Bartlett and CM
Energies, which exemplifies the Mayor's many concerns, should be
factored into this complaint. Nonetheless, the City's violations
regarding Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, must be addressed.
Respectfully,
James M. Grant, Mayor, City of Bartlett
JAIL CLAIMS CITY OF BARTLETT, TEXAS OVERCHARGING
Water Fight: Jail Claims City of Bartlett Overcharging For Services
by Deborah McKeon | Police Reporter
Published: April 28, 2011
Temple Daily Telegram, Temple Texas
by Deborah McKeon | Police Reporter
Published: April 28, 2011
Temple Daily Telegram, Temple Texas
Corrections Corp. of America filed a federal lawsuit claiming the city of Bartlett has been overcharging Bartlett State Jail for water since the summer of 2010 and, as a result of notification, that the city would disconnect services.
CCA and the City of Bartlett will appear in US District Court in Waco at 9 am today to determine if a preliminary injunction should be issued to prevent the city from shutting off water and sewer services to the jail. The court ordered appearance and temporary restraining order were signed April 19th by US District Judge Walter Smith.
CCA maintains in the complaint the city's water an sewer utility bills to the jail were excessive.
Bartlett councilwoman Gina Grove said no comment would be made until after the hearing today.
According to the complaint, the city stated in an April 14 letter that CCA owed $213,237(two hundred and thirteen thousand) for water and sewer services including the April bill of $179,500 and the $33,737 the city maintains was discounted without council approval, The payment as demanded by noon Monday..
"Failure to tender payment in full will result in water service being terminated for non-payment," said the letter, which was reportedly hand delivered to Jean Shuttleworth, assistant general council for contract management for CCA.
The letter read:"I regret that our first contact be of this nature, as you are aware, the city conducted tests on the meters servicing your facility. The tests indicate that your facility is actually receiving more water, than being billed.".
According to the complaint, meter testing March 4th confirmed the state jail consumed less water than Bartlett figures and water flow was not being measured accurately.
CCA contends that terms of an ordinance addressing utility billing disputes were not received until CCA submitted and Open Records Request Dec 14, 2010. CCA said a faxed copy was received Dec. 15.
The city faxed an invoice to CCA on Dec 28 dated Dec 17, 2010 for utility service from Nov 12th to Dec 13th, the complaint said.
On Jan 10th CCA said it submitted a dispute/protest, saying water consumption was overstated by 44 percent.The city did not respond to the protest within 5 business days, as required by city ordinance, the complaint claims.
Subsequent bills for utility services were faxed to CCA, to which they replied with protests, which went unanswered , it said.
CCA continued to receive faxed invoices, to which they filed complaints, the last of which was filed April 11th protesting the March bill.
CCA claims it attempted to pay the undisputed amounts of several bills, and the city took the checks payable to the city as the undisputed portion of the Dec bill, but has not cashed or otherwise used the check. In addition the CCA states the city would not take checks submitted along with their protests.
CCA gave the city a check on April 11th for dumpster charges on the December, January, February and March bill, however the dumpster charges were reportedly included in the checks sent along with the protests..
The complaint says because the city did not respond to CCA's protests, the balances due as determined by CCA should have been final, under the city ordinance, and they should not owe the entire $179,500.82, the city demanded.
CCA seeks a judgement that the city may not shut off or terminate utility services, and if the city does shut it off, even after CCA has complied with the city's dispute procedures, they would be violating CCA's due process.
CCA asked the court to award it reasonable attorney fees and expert witnesses and requested a jury trial.
In a supplement CCA contends that ordinance provides inadequate notice to request a hearing, the hearing is not by a neutral official, and there is no judicial review of the official's final decision.
Sutton G. Page hired by CCA, said he city meter doesn't accuarately measure jail water consumption. During his evaluation on Sept 09, 2010, he found that the pipe feeding into the city's meter from the tank is larger in diameter than the inlet to the City's meter. He contends that a meter's accuracy can be affected by immediate variations in pipe diameter or the presence of fittings.
William Johansen, a licensed professional engineer, and director of engineering at Colorado Engineering Experiment Station Inc., said the jail meters don't function properly, and can't reliably account for the amount of water flowing through.
Johansen observed the March 4 testing and recorded that the low flow meter was inoperable, and the flow measurement error was 100 percent. That of a properly reading meter should be 3 percent or less.
Johansen said the high flow meter had a flow measurement error of 14.4 percent to 95 percent, which,was 5 to more than 30 times the recommended standards.
Johansen said the type of meter has a rate of flow of 2,000 gallons per minute when operating at full capacity. He said the testing equipment that Bartlett used had a flow rate of only 150 gallons per minute in the high flow meter, at the highest measurement. .
email dmckeon@tdtnews.com
Bartlett High School Fight
I found this while surfing YouTube. Is this Bartlett, Texas High School? Who are these people if it is.
House Trauma In Bartlett, Texas
The Williams Family of Bartlett, Texas still live in this house. They endured the freezing weather we had with the roof like this. Apparently started out as a sag that caved in once, and then a second time which is making the wall on the south side of the house bulge. Louise Williams may be contacted at 254 527 4152 in Bartlett, it is her daughter that lives in the house. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, this is a low income family. There are some people working hard to get a lot cleaned off and furnish them with a trailer house.
 |
| From CITY |
The Story of Rudolph *Gene Autry
Gene Autry singing Rudolph
RePosted from last year.
This is a true story per Wikipedia.
**True Story of Rudolph & Gene Autry**
A man named Bob May, depresed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing.
Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.
Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears.
Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.
Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.
Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook! Bob had created a character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling.
Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.
Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph the Red- Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.
In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.
Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas.."
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.
This is a true story per Wikipedia.
**True Story of Rudolph & Gene Autry**
A man named Bob May, depresed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing.
Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.
Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears.
Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.
Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.
Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook! Bob had created a character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling.
Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.
Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph the Red- Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.
In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.
Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas.."
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.
I will be doing a story about my Great Grandmother Ellafair Brown Crumbley Autry
Lanada W Hill of Bartlett Texas Born Feb 13 1921 Died Dec 08 2009
Lanada's ashes will be laid to Eternal Rest Sat Dec 11 2010 at 2pm Bartlett City Cemetery. Methodist Pastor Douglas doing services.
VIDEO PART ONE
Unfortunately I only took two video's of Momma just prior to her severe heart attack. I had the camera only a few days, when she fell ill on Nov.09, 2009. Sometimes you think you have forever to do things. Below is Part 1 and a group of 11 video shorts. When one ends click the arrow for the next to start.
1.Nov 06 Momma sang Mary Had a Little Lamb---pic dark--
2.Nov 07 Lanada Hill and grandson Kevin--width of pic is off
3.Nov 09 911--Mother short of breath
4.Bartlett 1st Responders come quick
5.Momma on Oxygen, she states it helps
6.Transport to Scott & White Hospital
7.Going inside Hospital
8.Met Jane Vorwerk of Taylor her brother was in ICU
9.Momma is on the 4th floor Cardiac Vasuclar. My brother William (Buzz) his wife Joyce, my daughter Jana, and Jana's daddy James Vasek are there.
10.Momma looks very tired. Dr. Stone stated she had only 12 percent of heart function left, and was terminal, and they had done all they could. Dr. Stone, and the social worker Pam declined to be on camera. Dr. Stone and I signed a DNR (I said CPR was ok but no intubation) It's called a conditional Do Not Recusitate. They released momma later that day--it was the 12 of November.
11.I visited Jane Vorwerk's brother Jim Matyastik in Surgical ICU on the 2nd floor. He expired a few days later.
PART TWO
PART THREE
Link Below is to my Mother Lanada Hill's Brief Biography.
Please Sign the Guest Book
I will be posting a lot more information and also video of my Mother and Family in the near future. Right now I am still grieving.
Make donations to the First United Church of Bartlett Texas in the name of Lanada Hill.
LANADA WILLIAM CRUMBLEY HILL
Unfortunately I only took two video's of Momma just prior to her severe heart attack. I had the camera only a few days, when she fell ill on Nov.09, 2009. Sometimes you think you have forever to do things. Below is Part 1 and a group of 11 video shorts. When one ends click the arrow for the next to start.
1.Nov 06 Momma sang Mary Had a Little Lamb---pic dark--
2.Nov 07 Lanada Hill and grandson Kevin--width of pic is off
3.Nov 09 911--Mother short of breath
4.Bartlett 1st Responders come quick
5.Momma on Oxygen, she states it helps
6.Transport to Scott & White Hospital
7.Going inside Hospital
8.Met Jane Vorwerk of Taylor her brother was in ICU
9.Momma is on the 4th floor Cardiac Vasuclar. My brother William (Buzz) his wife Joyce, my daughter Jana, and Jana's daddy James Vasek are there.
10.Momma looks very tired. Dr. Stone stated she had only 12 percent of heart function left, and was terminal, and they had done all they could. Dr. Stone, and the social worker Pam declined to be on camera. Dr. Stone and I signed a DNR (I said CPR was ok but no intubation) It's called a conditional Do Not Recusitate. They released momma later that day--it was the 12 of November.
11.I visited Jane Vorwerk's brother Jim Matyastik in Surgical ICU on the 2nd floor. He expired a few days later.
Link Below is to my Mother Lanada Hill's Brief Biography.
Please Sign the Guest Book
I will be posting a lot more information and also video of my Mother and Family in the near future. Right now I am still grieving.
Make donations to the First United Church of Bartlett Texas in the name of Lanada Hill.
Clip From Oct 2010 Bartlett Council Meeting
City Employee Wutrich Being Asked Why He Doesn't Do Purchase Orders As Requested by Mayor Grant You can hear this but you will have to turn your volume way up.
Bartlett Texas Budget Hearings 2009 and 2000
I have reposted the Bartlett Budget Hearing Videos of 2009 and 2000. The Videos Speak for Themselves concerning the Years of Financial Mess the City of Bartlett suffered under Arthur Mason, and Art White.
Above Year 2009
Part2 of 2000 Hearing
James Grant being sworn in as Bartlett Mayor 2010
For more clips of Swearing in CLICK HERE
If you have trouble playing any audio or video files download a WinAmp or VLC player at CNet.Com a trusted source. The VLC player is an old reliable and will play most any file. Email me at LanaSueHill@GMail.Com with any questions
If you have trouble playing any audio or video files download a WinAmp or VLC player at CNet.Com a trusted source. The VLC player is an old reliable and will play most any file. Email me at LanaSueHill@GMail.Com with any questions
Two Old Photos From Bartlett's Past
Lana Hill's 1st Birth Day, I will name the other people later.
Bartlett Benefit BasketBall Game, my mother Lanada is holding the basketball. I know most of the other people but not all, email me at LanaSueHill@gmail.com if you know them. I will post identities at a later date.
My Daughter Jana Hill of Austin, Grand Daughter of the late Lanada & Jack Hill of Bartlett has recently become a Licensed Cosmotologist.
 |
| From Jana Hill |
Bartlett Benefit BasketBall Game, my mother Lanada is holding the basketball. I know most of the other people but not all, email me at LanaSueHill@gmail.com if you know them. I will post identities at a later date.
.jpg) |
| From Jana Hill |
My Daughter Jana Hill of Austin, Grand Daughter of the late Lanada & Jack Hill of Bartlett has recently become a Licensed Cosmotologist.
 |
| From Jana Hill |
Bart.ett Candidates Speak Out
I will take time and space this properly later today, I will also be posting the video of the meeting
Bartlett Candidates Speak Out
By Debbie McKeon
There weren’t any smoking guns after last night’s Meet the Candidate forum at Bartlett City Hall, at which candidates running for city council and mayor answered questions presented to them.
There were, however, some interesting moments that drew mumbles and grumbles at times and laughter at other times from the group of approximately 50 Bartlett citizens present to hear answers to their questions.
Mike Payne, Chamber of Commerce president, opened the session at 7 p.m. All candidates were present with the exception of Charles Johnson, incumbent. The rules for the evening were presented, stated that each candidate would have a total of three minutes to answer their question, with Butch Lyon notifying them when they had 30 second left to conclude their remarks. At the end of the evening, each candidate would be given approximately five minutes to state their political stand. Payne advised each candidate that they should be civil and polite throughout the evening.
What can you do to lower the utilities in Bartlett?
Jamie Crathers: The utility bills are too much and we need to come together to find ways to drop the cost, whether that means opening new businesses or whatever is needed.
Wally Capetillo: The bills are higher for some and not for others. We need to get inside City Hall and find out what is going on. But I can’t promise to get to lower the rates.
Barbara Sandobal: Lowering the utility rates would mean a lot to everyone. We should help people winterize their houses, see if the meters are being read correctly. First of all, go and see, don’t criticize, but something isn’t right. Many people are on fixed or low incomes. We need to work with the city people, the Bartlett Electric Cooperative or look elsewhere. But the city, Chamber and people have to work together.
Norris Ivey: There is no easy fix but we can explore other opportunities. More business means more revenue but it’s not a quick fix. He’s heard that sometimes meters are estimated versus being read and that should never be done. He’s heard of a person’s bill being overly high who had it researched and then ended up getting two months free.
Sharon Johnson: We need to help one other to get the bills lowered. The bills for elderly and others are too high.
Jim Pease: We have to understand the problem first. It’s going to take a while and a lot of work. Bills are erratic and inconsistent.
We need to look at the past. If times goes by and we can’t lower the bills, perhaps we need to get out of the electric business. And candidates can’t just come to the meeting, vote and consider their job done.
Reuben Lindemann: There’s no way to lower it. The City has that income to pay its employees so don’t complain. I have a four bedroom house. I know how to turn off the lights. Insulate and fix your roofs. Go to Holland or elsewhere and ask how they pay their bills. Pay your taxes and bills so the city can operate and pay them on time. The city employees have nothing to do with it so quit bitching to them.
Arthur White: I feel the same as Reuben about this. The city is like a business and a business has to have revenue. The city is over $2 million in debt from past years and has to pay for everything up front. We all need to cut back.
James Grant: It’s all about leadership. There is a problem in Bartlett and we don’t have the information to make an intelligent decision. We need to come together and work on the issues. Bartlett’s bills are 4-6 times the national average and no one can explain it. We need to get inside, find out what is going on and share that information.
What are your qualifications for providing better
government in Bartlett?
Wally Capetillo: I was born and raised here. I deserve that right to be elected. I’m asking for your help and I’ll promise to listen to you and try to find out the answers.
Barbara Sandobal: I was born here, left for a while and came back. I don’t want to see Bartlett wither and die. We have a right to grow. I’ve taken business classes and courses in litigation, bankruptcy and collections. Good common sense is what is needed and we need to work together. We need to get rid of the negative attitudes and look for the positive, along with getting a plan for the future.
Norris Ivey: I’ve lived here since 2006 and bought property here. I have 12 years experience in management with training in duties and practices, along with 20 years in renovating properties with my wife. We need to become a team and go forward.
Sharon Johnson: I have the same qualifications as everyone else. This town has gone down and people who are qualified don’t want to do things. They just want to put people down.
Jim Pease: I’ve lived here 28 years. I was proud of the town in the past. Everyone worked as a team. If someone had problems, City Hall worked with them and everyone knew they were on their side. There were good services. It’s sliding downhill. I am computer literate and have done sales in 26 states and am also experienced in quality assurance engineering.
Reuben Lindemann: My business runs to the end of my nose and so does yours. Past that it is someone else’s business. You can’t bitch and complain about everyone. Clean up your own backyard first. Everyone knows about the city ordinances. If you don’t like it here, get up and move.
Arthur White: I wasn’t born and raised here. I’m a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam and have lived here since 1972. Two of my children have houses here, six grandchildren have houses here and I have nine great-grandchildren all in Bartlett. The job requires a lot of common sense. There is money coming in and going out. I’m not computer literate. In running a city, there is a lot you can’t do and a lot you must do.
James Grant: Diversity is a major qualification for the job of mayor. The older folks are monopolizing the council and the things are getting done the same way all the time. It’s not working. We need other solutions in Bartlett. My main qualification would be diversification.
Jamie Crathers: I was born and raised here. I worked at Wal-Mart for 13 years and worked up to management after two years. I started at Bartlett ISD as an aide, then obtained my associates degree in computers and my BA in education. I’m a qualified citizen who cares. Don’t move it you don’t like it here. Work it out. Give me a chance to show you my qualifications.
What is your first goal to try to reach if elected?
Barbara Sandobal: My first goal would be the electric bill. We need to help people winterize or summerize their homes. Get Habitat to Humanity back here. The first time we tried, no one applied. Maybe they would now. It’s a good program. Electricity is out of reach. We also need to clean up the town, get the brush gone, make the town look appealing.
Norris Ivey: We need to look at what the problems are, including city council issues, policies and make sure the employees are doing their jobs right.
Sharon Johnson: We need to help the young folks and work on the electric bills.
Jim Pease: We need to work on the electricity, water quality and distribution issues. There’s a lot of work to be done. There are two cities on either side of Bartlett who are not selling electricity and both are doing okay. The bills are inconsistent and it’s not true that all are paying the same.
Reuben Lindemann: The city put in a new water tank. Pay your bill because the city has bills. Also there was the water well expense. We have proof that former city employees took money but still they are suing the City of Bartlett. Your bills need to be paid.
Arthur White: We need to get the audits done and that’s my fault. We’re past due four years. The filing system needs to be worked on. Do what you can to reduce your bills. As far as he knows all meters are being read, not estimated. The City spent over $180,000.00 recently and paid it in full and is now rebuilding accounts.
James Grant: My priority is the audit. The last one done was for the fiscal year 2004. There has not been a proper budget since 2005. I want to find out where the money went.
Jamie Crathers: I want water we can see through and that doesn’t smell. My house is properly weatherized and my bill is still high. What else can I do? I don’t know. My electric bill is more than my house payment or car payment. We need to provide help for the citizens where it is needed.
Wally Capetillo: I will sit and listen to the people. I haven’t seen that in the council meetings I’ve been to. People are asking questions. It takes me two paychecks to pay my electricity bill. That leaves very little left to winterize or do anything else. We need to find out what is going on and be a community. We’re not now.
What would you do to make the Bartlett Police Department more effective, if you think that is even an issue?
Norris Ivey: I have heard some complaints but I see them patroling. I don’t know if they are late at night or not because I’m not up and about then. Perhaps they could write tickets or reports in the car and spend less time in the office.
Sharon Johnson: There’s a whole lot wrong. They are not on duty much of the time and not patroling where needed. I’m going to keep my mouth quiet on that one for a while.
Jim Pease: I’ve seen many officers come and go. I believe what we have now is good compared to what we have had. There may be some communication problems to work out. I’ll be kind and courteous if elected and answer your questions, because that’s my duty.
Reuben Lindemann: Our PD is way above average now and there is no comparison to before. We have a good bunch now. The problem is with the residents. The kids are running this town now. We have some lousy people here and there are drugs, too.
Arthur White: We have a Class A police department here. With only three officers there can’t be 24-hour coverage. If you want that, your bills will be going up. There are lots of times no one is on duty. We also need more equipment for them and we’re working on that. You can’t pay minimum wage and have good officers.
James Grant: You’re not going to please everyone all the time. There are maybe things to do to get better people--screen properly, do proper background checks. Most of the bad ones are no longer with us. We need citizen input and leadership in all areas.
Wally Capetillo: The kids used to be able to play out all the time. The police department knew the kids. The cops need to learn to communicate with the people in Bartlett. Don’t just jail the kids the first time they do something wrong. Have them do community service here. I believe the cops are doing a good job. They just need to know the people.
Barbara Sandobal: The PD needs a lot of help. We need to put up signs to help prevent break-ins. With only three policemen, there are a lot of drugs and absent parents these days. A good youth program would help and give kids somewhere to go. A youth activity group with citizen volunteers would be good. Parents and preachers used to be there for the kids. With first time offenders, give them a chance in the community to show that someone cares about them.
There are dangerous
properties, junked cars, etc. in Bartlett. Is it okay to clean that up and how?
Sharon Johnson: There are a lot of places that are in bad shape but people are staying there. Yes, get rid of the cars, etc. if no one lives there or is taking care of them.
Jim Pease: Show me a town where there isn’t decadence. There are a lot of houses in Bartlett a 100 years old and it’s absurd for now. There are more important things than that out. Figure out a way to help people clean up, etc. Maybe a voluteer program would work instead of forcing people to do what they can’t.
Reuben Lindemann: Each person needs to take care of their own. City should not have to tell anyone. Most of us are over 21. Clean up around your own place. (At this point, Lindemann started to make comments about one of the candidates putting letters in the paper and bringing lawsuits against the city.)
Arthur White: I agree with Reuben. We can’t just go on private property. We have to get permission and go through a legal process. That puts the city in jeopardy. We need to work together to get things done.
James Grant: We have an obligation to protect the citizens and their health and welfare. Use the legal process or try to help people. The City has passed up many grants that would help about 10 people each to tear down and build new homes. I want to go after that and bring it here.
Jamie Crathers: Unlike someone’s comments tonight, everyone here has a brain. If it’s falling down and is a hazard with someone living in it, help fix it up. How long do you leave a dead horse lying in the street?
Barbara Sandobal: We need to enforce the ordinances and go the legal route. If there are back taxes, find someone who wants to buy it or let the city buy it and fix it up. It brings property values down for the neighbors. If a person can’t fix it, get a group together. There are plenty of pickups, trailers, etc. with people to drive them if someone agrees to haul off the junk. Don’t belittle people. We could also use the youth to help.
Norris Ivey: Yes, absolutely. If a place is derelict or trashed, it needs to be taken care of. No one is trying to take your homes. It needs to be a 100% community effort. Let the owner give what they can toward fixing it and a group do the rest. Keep the city clean. Plus, there need to be ordinances in place for downtown buildings.
At this point, one audience person ws recognized. He has been a minister and lived in Bartlett for 72 years. He said we are leaving God out of it. He was asked to keep it to questions.
Another person, Mark White, was recognized to speak. He wanted to ask a question to only one candidate and was advised that questions had to be such that each candidate could answer.
An audience member asked the following question:
What are your intentions on animal control?
Jim Pease: The city has not had a program in a long time. We need one.
Reuben Lindemann: It’s up to each person to control his own. If you can’t, shoot it.
Arthur White: Yes, animal control is needed but it costs money. People move and drop off or leave their pets, causing a problem. To get an animal control program, would have to raise electric bills.
James Grant: Yes, one is needed.
Jamie Crathers: I’ve called 911 several times because of dogs bigger than me chasing me. I’m tired of running from them. We need a program.
Wally Capetillo: Yes, each has to take responsibility for their own. I have a dog that sometimes gets loose, too. We could buy a loop and let the police department do it.
Barbara Sandobal: We’ve tried several times. I’ve had to call Williamson County before, but they won’t come if they’re busy. It will be expensive and it’s not just the dogs, it’s cats too.
Norris Ivey: We need it. We need to see if funds are available. The police department can’t do it. We need an animal control officer.
Sharon Johnson: Yes, we need it. I’ve had times I can’t step outside of my house, just like Jamie.
Butch Lyon asked a question.
When elected, what if you have differences with someone on the council? Can you overcome the obstacles and
work together?
Jamie Crathers: It’s what the citizens want that matters, not me. We should not have differences on the council because of other issues.
Wally Capetillo: I won’t badmouth anyone or write articles in the paper about others. We need to change things now. It’s not working.
Barbara Sandobal: Me working with others is never a problem. We need to put our ideas together to better things. We need to listen, research, get along.
Norris Ivey: I’ll listen to every person on the council and work together.
Sharon Johnson: This community is too small. If we have problems, we need to let it go and work.
Jim Pease: Sometimes someone is not wrong, they just have a different opinion. We must work together to accomplish things.
Reuben Lindemann: I have ideas. I’ll still bring them forward even if someone thinks they’re wrong. We need to give people a chance to do their job. If they don’t, run them off.
Arthur White: I know this job well. I can’t vote unless there is a tie. I can make recommendations and sometimes the council doesn’t listen. There is a seldom a tie in voting.
James Grant: A mayor’s major role is leadership. A mayor needs to talk to the people, find new ideas, package them and present them. The mayor needs to lead, participate and guide the council.
Cathy Payne asked a question from the audience.
A lot of the issues here seem to be about money. Do you have any ideas to bring in
new revenue?
Arthur White: We need new businesses but first we need to clean up and get on the right track.
James Grant: The amount of houses vacant or for sale is rising. We have infrastructure problems. We need to get a plan, execute it and bring in new businesses. Find some unique to draw and attract them here.
Jamie Crathers: Other places don’t have a pool or stores, and Bartlett has things here. We need to fix up what we have and use it.
Wally Capetillo: We have to attract people and have to grow. If you don’t like it, don’t leave. A lot of people have taken that advice and left. Bartlett has more kids in Holland and Granger schools than in Bartlett schools. Granger and Holland are doing better. We have to listen and learn. The kids are our future.
Barbara Sandobal: There are university programs to generate electricity that Bartlett can sell as revenue and grants available to get it. We need more stores, fix the park and get more youth activities.
Norris Ivey: We need more businesses and give people a reason to come, clean up the town and give it a more attractive look. People need something to come here for. Market the town!
Sharon Johnson: They already said it all.
Jim Pease: I agree with James Grant. We must have a partnership with people who invest in Bartlett.
Reuben Lindemann: People coming in with businesses must have enough money to live on for a year when coming into Bartlett.
At this juncture, Lyon informed the candidates they would each have three minutes to state why voters should select them on the ballot.
Jamie Crathers: I wrote a speech but I’m going to speak from the heart. We need someone to speak for the people. Vote for the person you think is best to represent you and a better Bartlett.
Wally Capetillo: At first I was scared--scared I wouldn’t be elected. I’m here because I want to help and to listen, not turn off your lights. No one deserves that. It’s hard to run a city but you have to have help from the people We’ve chased away people and businesses. If we want change, your voice has to count.
Barbara Sandobal: Voting is your voice. If you don’t vote, you show you don’t care and then don’t have a right to complain. I would like to have a meeting before council meetings where people can present their problems to the council and be heard. Maybe we can resolve issues by voicing them. I’ll listen, help and be there to help you if you call.
Norris Ivey: I want to bring change to Bartlett. I brought in my money (there’s not a lot of it) and am bringing in new businesses. I don’t mind sweating and working and looking for programs to help. With hard work, we can see the community come back and accomplish goals for the citizens. I can’t do it by myself. I’ll work with others.
smell. My house is properly weatherized and my bill is still high. What else can I do? I don’t know. My electric bill is more than my house payment or car payment. We need to provide help for the citizens where it is needed.
Wally Capetillo: I will sit and listen to the people. I haven’t seen that in the council meetings I’ve been to. People are asking questions. It takes me two paychecks to pay my electricity bill. That leaves very little left to winterize or do anything else. We need to find out what is going on and be a community. We’re not now.
What would you do to make the Bartlett Police Department more effective, if you think that is even an issue?
Norris Ivey: I have heard some complaints but I see them patroling. I don’t know if they are late at night or not because I’m not up and about then. Perhaps they could write tickets or reports in the car and spend less time in the office.
Sharon Johnson: There’s a whole lot wrong. They are not on duty much of the time and not patroling where needed. I’m going to keep my mouth quiet on that one for a while.
Jim Pease: I’ve seen many officers come and go. I believe what we have now is good compared to what we have had. There may be some communication problems to work out. I’ll be kind and courteous if elected and answer your questions, because that’s my duty.
Reuben Lindemann: Our PD is way above average now and there is no comparison to before. We have a good bunch now. The problem is with the residents. The kids are running this town now. We have some lousy people here and there are drugs, too.
Arthur White: We have a Class A police department here. With only three officers there can’t be 24-hour coverage. If you want that, your bills will be going up. There are lots of times no one is on duty. We also need more equipment for them and we’re working on that. You can’t pay minimum wage and have good officers.
James Grant: You’re not going to please everyone all the time. There are maybe things to do to get better people--screen properly, do proper background checks. Most of the bad ones are no longer with us. We need citizen input and leadership in all areas.
Wally Capetillo: The kids used to be able to play out all the time. The police department knew the kids. The cops need to learn to communicate with the people in Bartlett. Don’t just jail the kids the first time they do something wrong. Have them do community service here. I believe the cops are doing a good job. They just need to know the people.
Barbara Sandobal: The PD needs a lot of help. We need to put up signs to help prevent break-ins. With only three policemen, there are a lot of drugs and absent parents these days. A good youth program would help and give kids somewhere to go. A youth activity group with citizen volunteers would be good. Parents and preachers used to be there for the kids. With first time offenders, give them a chance in the community to show that someone cares about them.
There are dangerous
properties, junked cars, etc. in Bartlett. Is it okay to clean that up and how?
Sharon Johnson: There are a lot of places that are in bad shape but people are staying there. Yes, get rid of the cars, etc. if no one lives there or is taking care of them.
Jim Pease: Show me a town where there isn’t decadence. There are a lot of houses in Bartlett a 100 years old and it’s absurd for now. There are more important things than that out. Figure out a way to help people clean up, etc. Maybe a voluteer program would work instead of forcing people to do what they can’t.
Reuben Lindemann: Each person needs to take care of their own. City should not have to tell anyone. Most of us are over 21. Clean up around your own place. (At this point, Lindemann started to make comments about one of the candidates putting letters in the paper and bringing lawsuits against the city.)
Arthur White: I agree with Reuben. We can’t just go on private property. We have to get permission and go through a legal process. That puts the city in jeopardy. We need to work together to get things done.
James Grant: We have an obligation to protect the citizens and their health and welfare. Use the legal process or try to help people. The City has passed up many grants that would help about 10 people each to tear down and build new homes. I want to go after that and bring it here.
Jamie Crathers: Unlike someone’s comments tonight, everyone here has a brain. If it’s falling down and is a hazard with someone living in it, help fix it up. How long do you leave a dead horse lying in the street?
Barbara Sandobal: We need to enforce the ordinances and go the legal route. If there are back taxes, find someone who wants to buy it or let the city buy it and fix it up. It brings property values down for the neighbors. If a person can’t fix it, get a group together. There are plenty of pickups, trailers, etc. with people to drive them if someone agrees to haul off the junk. Don’t belittle people. We could also use the youth to help.
Norris Ivey: Yes, absolutely. If a place is derelict or trashed, it needs to be taken care of. No one is trying to take your homes. It needs to be a 100% community effort. Let the owner give what they can toward fixing it and a group do the rest. Keep the city clean. Plus, there need to be ordinances in place for downtown buildings.
At this point, one audience person ws recognized. He has been a minister and lived in Bartlett for 72 years. He said we are leaving God out of it. He was asked to keep it to questions.
Another person, Mark White, was recognized to speak. He wanted to ask a question to only one candidate and was advised that questions had to be such that each candidate could answer.
An audience member asked the following question:
What are your intentions on animal control?
Jim Pease: The city has not had a program in a long time. We need one.
Reuben Lindemann: It’s up to each person to control his own. If you can’t, shoot it.
Arthur White: Yes, animal control is needed but it costs money. People move and drop off or leave their pets, causing a problem. To get an animal control program, would have to raise electric bills.
James Grant: Yes, one is needed.
Jamie Crathers: I’ve called 911 several times because of dogs bigger than me chasing me. I’m tired of running from them. We need a program.
Wally Capetillo: Yes, each has to take responsibility for their own. I have a dog that sometimes gets loose, too. We could buy a loop and let the police department do it.
Barbara Sandobal: We’ve tried several times. I’ve had to call Williamson County before, but they won’t come if they’re busy. It will be expensive and it’s not just the dogs, it’s cats too.
Norris Ivey: We need it. We need to see if funds are available. The police department can’t do it. We need an animal control officer.
Sharon Johnson: Yes, we need it. I’ve had times I can’t step outside of my house, just like Jamie.
Butch Lyon asked a question.
When elected, what if you have differences with someone on the council? Can you overcome the obstacles and
work together?
Jamie Crathers: It’s what the citizens want that matters, not me. We should not have differences on the council because of other issues.
Wally Capetillo: I won’t badmouth anyone or write articles in the paper about others. We need to change things now. It’s not working.
Barbara Sandobal: Me working with others is never a problem. We need to put our ideas together to better things. We need to listen, research, get along.
Norris Ivey: I’ll listen to every person on the council and work together.
Sharon Johnson: This community is too small. If we have problems, we need to let it go and work.
Jim Pease: Sometimes someone is not wrong, they just have a different opinion. We must work together to accomplish things.
Reuben Lindemann: I have ideas. I’ll still bring them forward even if someone thinks they’re wrong. We need to give people a chance to do their job. If they don’t, run them off.
Arthur White: I know this job well. I can’t vote unless there is a tie. I can make recommendations and sometimes the council doesn’t listen. There is a seldom a tie in voting.
James Grant: A mayor’s major role is leadership. A mayor needs to talk to the people, find new ideas, package them and present them. The mayor needs to lead, participate and guide the council.
Cathy Payne asked a question from the audience.
A lot of the issues here seem to be about money. Do you have any ideas to bring in
new revenue?
Arthur White: We need new businesses but first we need to clean up and get on the right track.
James Grant: The amount of houses vacant or for sale is rising. We have infrastructure problems. We need to get a plan, execute it and bring in new businesses. Find some unique to draw and attract them here.
Jamie Crathers: Other places don’t have a pool or stores, and Bartlett has things here. We need to fix up what we have and use it.
Wally Capetillo: We have to attract people and have to grow. If you don’t like it, don’t leave. A lot of people have taken that advice and left. Bartlett has more kids in Holland and Granger schools than in Bartlett schools. Granger and Holland are doing better. We have to listen and learn. The kids are our future.
Barbara Sandobal: There are university programs to generate electricity that Bartlett can sell as revenue and grants available to get it. We need more stores, fix the park and get more youth activities.
Norris Ivey: We need more businesses and give people a reason to come, clean up the town and give it a more attractive look. People need something to come here for. Market the town!
Sharon Johnson: They already said it all.
Jim Pease: I agree with James Grant. We must have a partnership with people who invest in Bartlett.
Reuben Lindemann: People coming in with businesses must have enough money to live on for a year when coming into Bartlett.
At this juncture, Lyon informed the candidates they would each have three minutes to state why voters should select them on the ballot.
Jamie Crathers: I wrote a speech but I’m going to speak from the heart. We need someone to speak for the people. Vote for the person you think is best to represent you and a better Bartlett.
Wally Capetillo: At first I was scared--scared I wouldn’t be elected. I’m here because I want to help and to listen, not turn off your lights. No one deserves that. It’s hard to run a city but you have to have help from the people We’ve chased away people and businesses. If we want change, your voice has to count.
Barbara Sandobal: Voting is your voice. If you don’t vote, you show you don’t care and then don’t have a right to complain. I would like to have a meeting before council meetings where people can present their problems to the council and be heard. Maybe we can resolve issues by voicing them. I’ll listen, help and be there to help you if you call.
Norris Ivey: I want to bring change to Bartlett. I brought in my money (there’s not a lot of it) and am bringing in new businesses. I don’t mind sweating and working and looking for programs to help. With hard work, we can see the community come back and accomplish goals for the citizens. I can’t do it by myself. I’ll work with others.
Sharon Johnson: Everyone here knows me. You know that I speak my mind. But I’d be lying if I made you promises. But I won’t “shoot you,” I’ll help you.
Jim Pease: Each person is worth working for and helping.
Reuben Lindemann: What you see is what you get. If you don’t like it, don’t vote for me.
Arthur White: Continuity is why you should vote for me. If we keep swapping mayors, there will be no grasp of things and what’s going on. If you start with a new person, there will be a lot of missed steps. It’s not a 40-hour a week job.
James Grant: The function of the mayor is to manage the city on a day-to-day basis. He’s to work with the citizens and be their chief complaint officer. It’s like a 24-7 job and it’s all about the citizens and the community.
In closing the meeting, Mike Payne told people present to vote for whoever they thought was best. “It’s all about you. Vote your conscience. I put my money here and it’s a lot less than the size of my mouth. It’s my dream to help Bartlett develop a business synergy to bring people in.”
The one candidate not present for the forum was Charles Johnson, incumbent.
Candidates vying for the mayor’s position are Arthur White, incumbent, and James Grant. Council incumbents are Reuben Lindemann and Charles Johnson. Others running for the three positions on the Bartlett City Council are Jamie Crathers, Wally Capetillo, Sharon Johnson, Jim Pease, Reuben Lindemann, Barbara Sandobal and Norris Ivey.
(My suggestion: Voting day is Saturday, May 8. Make your voice count by going to the polls and voting for the people you think would best represent you and the City of Bartlett. If you don’t vote, you can’t help Bartlett grow and improve. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.)
Debbie McKeon
Tribune-Progress
Bartlett Candidates Speak Out
By Debbie McKeon
There weren’t any smoking guns after last night’s Meet the Candidate forum at Bartlett City Hall, at which candidates running for city council and mayor answered questions presented to them.
There were, however, some interesting moments that drew mumbles and grumbles at times and laughter at other times from the group of approximately 50 Bartlett citizens present to hear answers to their questions.
Mike Payne, Chamber of Commerce president, opened the session at 7 p.m. All candidates were present with the exception of Charles Johnson, incumbent. The rules for the evening were presented, stated that each candidate would have a total of three minutes to answer their question, with Butch Lyon notifying them when they had 30 second left to conclude their remarks. At the end of the evening, each candidate would be given approximately five minutes to state their political stand. Payne advised each candidate that they should be civil and polite throughout the evening.
What can you do to lower the utilities in Bartlett?
Jamie Crathers: The utility bills are too much and we need to come together to find ways to drop the cost, whether that means opening new businesses or whatever is needed.
Wally Capetillo: The bills are higher for some and not for others. We need to get inside City Hall and find out what is going on. But I can’t promise to get to lower the rates.
Barbara Sandobal: Lowering the utility rates would mean a lot to everyone. We should help people winterize their houses, see if the meters are being read correctly. First of all, go and see, don’t criticize, but something isn’t right. Many people are on fixed or low incomes. We need to work with the city people, the Bartlett Electric Cooperative or look elsewhere. But the city, Chamber and people have to work together.
Norris Ivey: There is no easy fix but we can explore other opportunities. More business means more revenue but it’s not a quick fix. He’s heard that sometimes meters are estimated versus being read and that should never be done. He’s heard of a person’s bill being overly high who had it researched and then ended up getting two months free.
Sharon Johnson: We need to help one other to get the bills lowered. The bills for elderly and others are too high.
Jim Pease: We have to understand the problem first. It’s going to take a while and a lot of work. Bills are erratic and inconsistent.
We need to look at the past. If times goes by and we can’t lower the bills, perhaps we need to get out of the electric business. And candidates can’t just come to the meeting, vote and consider their job done.
Reuben Lindemann: There’s no way to lower it. The City has that income to pay its employees so don’t complain. I have a four bedroom house. I know how to turn off the lights. Insulate and fix your roofs. Go to Holland or elsewhere and ask how they pay their bills. Pay your taxes and bills so the city can operate and pay them on time. The city employees have nothing to do with it so quit bitching to them.
Arthur White: I feel the same as Reuben about this. The city is like a business and a business has to have revenue. The city is over $2 million in debt from past years and has to pay for everything up front. We all need to cut back.
James Grant: It’s all about leadership. There is a problem in Bartlett and we don’t have the information to make an intelligent decision. We need to come together and work on the issues. Bartlett’s bills are 4-6 times the national average and no one can explain it. We need to get inside, find out what is going on and share that information.
What are your qualifications for providing better
government in Bartlett?
Wally Capetillo: I was born and raised here. I deserve that right to be elected. I’m asking for your help and I’ll promise to listen to you and try to find out the answers.
Barbara Sandobal: I was born here, left for a while and came back. I don’t want to see Bartlett wither and die. We have a right to grow. I’ve taken business classes and courses in litigation, bankruptcy and collections. Good common sense is what is needed and we need to work together. We need to get rid of the negative attitudes and look for the positive, along with getting a plan for the future.
Norris Ivey: I’ve lived here since 2006 and bought property here. I have 12 years experience in management with training in duties and practices, along with 20 years in renovating properties with my wife. We need to become a team and go forward.
Sharon Johnson: I have the same qualifications as everyone else. This town has gone down and people who are qualified don’t want to do things. They just want to put people down.
Jim Pease: I’ve lived here 28 years. I was proud of the town in the past. Everyone worked as a team. If someone had problems, City Hall worked with them and everyone knew they were on their side. There were good services. It’s sliding downhill. I am computer literate and have done sales in 26 states and am also experienced in quality assurance engineering.
Reuben Lindemann: My business runs to the end of my nose and so does yours. Past that it is someone else’s business. You can’t bitch and complain about everyone. Clean up your own backyard first. Everyone knows about the city ordinances. If you don’t like it here, get up and move.
Arthur White: I wasn’t born and raised here. I’m a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam and have lived here since 1972. Two of my children have houses here, six grandchildren have houses here and I have nine great-grandchildren all in Bartlett. The job requires a lot of common sense. There is money coming in and going out. I’m not computer literate. In running a city, there is a lot you can’t do and a lot you must do.
James Grant: Diversity is a major qualification for the job of mayor. The older folks are monopolizing the council and the things are getting done the same way all the time. It’s not working. We need other solutions in Bartlett. My main qualification would be diversification.
Jamie Crathers: I was born and raised here. I worked at Wal-Mart for 13 years and worked up to management after two years. I started at Bartlett ISD as an aide, then obtained my associates degree in computers and my BA in education. I’m a qualified citizen who cares. Don’t move it you don’t like it here. Work it out. Give me a chance to show you my qualifications.
What is your first goal to try to reach if elected?
Barbara Sandobal: My first goal would be the electric bill. We need to help people winterize or summerize their homes. Get Habitat to Humanity back here. The first time we tried, no one applied. Maybe they would now. It’s a good program. Electricity is out of reach. We also need to clean up the town, get the brush gone, make the town look appealing.
Norris Ivey: We need to look at what the problems are, including city council issues, policies and make sure the employees are doing their jobs right.
Sharon Johnson: We need to help the young folks and work on the electric bills.
Jim Pease: We need to work on the electricity, water quality and distribution issues. There’s a lot of work to be done. There are two cities on either side of Bartlett who are not selling electricity and both are doing okay. The bills are inconsistent and it’s not true that all are paying the same.
Reuben Lindemann: The city put in a new water tank. Pay your bill because the city has bills. Also there was the water well expense. We have proof that former city employees took money but still they are suing the City of Bartlett. Your bills need to be paid.
Arthur White: We need to get the audits done and that’s my fault. We’re past due four years. The filing system needs to be worked on. Do what you can to reduce your bills. As far as he knows all meters are being read, not estimated. The City spent over $180,000.00 recently and paid it in full and is now rebuilding accounts.
James Grant: My priority is the audit. The last one done was for the fiscal year 2004. There has not been a proper budget since 2005. I want to find out where the money went.
Jamie Crathers: I want water we can see through and that doesn’t smell. My house is properly weatherized and my bill is still high. What else can I do? I don’t know. My electric bill is more than my house payment or car payment. We need to provide help for the citizens where it is needed.
Wally Capetillo: I will sit and listen to the people. I haven’t seen that in the council meetings I’ve been to. People are asking questions. It takes me two paychecks to pay my electricity bill. That leaves very little left to winterize or do anything else. We need to find out what is going on and be a community. We’re not now.
What would you do to make the Bartlett Police Department more effective, if you think that is even an issue?
Norris Ivey: I have heard some complaints but I see them patroling. I don’t know if they are late at night or not because I’m not up and about then. Perhaps they could write tickets or reports in the car and spend less time in the office.
Sharon Johnson: There’s a whole lot wrong. They are not on duty much of the time and not patroling where needed. I’m going to keep my mouth quiet on that one for a while.
Jim Pease: I’ve seen many officers come and go. I believe what we have now is good compared to what we have had. There may be some communication problems to work out. I’ll be kind and courteous if elected and answer your questions, because that’s my duty.
Reuben Lindemann: Our PD is way above average now and there is no comparison to before. We have a good bunch now. The problem is with the residents. The kids are running this town now. We have some lousy people here and there are drugs, too.
Arthur White: We have a Class A police department here. With only three officers there can’t be 24-hour coverage. If you want that, your bills will be going up. There are lots of times no one is on duty. We also need more equipment for them and we’re working on that. You can’t pay minimum wage and have good officers.
James Grant: You’re not going to please everyone all the time. There are maybe things to do to get better people--screen properly, do proper background checks. Most of the bad ones are no longer with us. We need citizen input and leadership in all areas.
Wally Capetillo: The kids used to be able to play out all the time. The police department knew the kids. The cops need to learn to communicate with the people in Bartlett. Don’t just jail the kids the first time they do something wrong. Have them do community service here. I believe the cops are doing a good job. They just need to know the people.
Barbara Sandobal: The PD needs a lot of help. We need to put up signs to help prevent break-ins. With only three policemen, there are a lot of drugs and absent parents these days. A good youth program would help and give kids somewhere to go. A youth activity group with citizen volunteers would be good. Parents and preachers used to be there for the kids. With first time offenders, give them a chance in the community to show that someone cares about them.
There are dangerous
properties, junked cars, etc. in Bartlett. Is it okay to clean that up and how?
Sharon Johnson: There are a lot of places that are in bad shape but people are staying there. Yes, get rid of the cars, etc. if no one lives there or is taking care of them.
Jim Pease: Show me a town where there isn’t decadence. There are a lot of houses in Bartlett a 100 years old and it’s absurd for now. There are more important things than that out. Figure out a way to help people clean up, etc. Maybe a voluteer program would work instead of forcing people to do what they can’t.
Reuben Lindemann: Each person needs to take care of their own. City should not have to tell anyone. Most of us are over 21. Clean up around your own place. (At this point, Lindemann started to make comments about one of the candidates putting letters in the paper and bringing lawsuits against the city.)
Arthur White: I agree with Reuben. We can’t just go on private property. We have to get permission and go through a legal process. That puts the city in jeopardy. We need to work together to get things done.
James Grant: We have an obligation to protect the citizens and their health and welfare. Use the legal process or try to help people. The City has passed up many grants that would help about 10 people each to tear down and build new homes. I want to go after that and bring it here.
Jamie Crathers: Unlike someone’s comments tonight, everyone here has a brain. If it’s falling down and is a hazard with someone living in it, help fix it up. How long do you leave a dead horse lying in the street?
Barbara Sandobal: We need to enforce the ordinances and go the legal route. If there are back taxes, find someone who wants to buy it or let the city buy it and fix it up. It brings property values down for the neighbors. If a person can’t fix it, get a group together. There are plenty of pickups, trailers, etc. with people to drive them if someone agrees to haul off the junk. Don’t belittle people. We could also use the youth to help.
Norris Ivey: Yes, absolutely. If a place is derelict or trashed, it needs to be taken care of. No one is trying to take your homes. It needs to be a 100% community effort. Let the owner give what they can toward fixing it and a group do the rest. Keep the city clean. Plus, there need to be ordinances in place for downtown buildings.
At this point, one audience person ws recognized. He has been a minister and lived in Bartlett for 72 years. He said we are leaving God out of it. He was asked to keep it to questions.
Another person, Mark White, was recognized to speak. He wanted to ask a question to only one candidate and was advised that questions had to be such that each candidate could answer.
An audience member asked the following question:
What are your intentions on animal control?
Jim Pease: The city has not had a program in a long time. We need one.
Reuben Lindemann: It’s up to each person to control his own. If you can’t, shoot it.
Arthur White: Yes, animal control is needed but it costs money. People move and drop off or leave their pets, causing a problem. To get an animal control program, would have to raise electric bills.
James Grant: Yes, one is needed.
Jamie Crathers: I’ve called 911 several times because of dogs bigger than me chasing me. I’m tired of running from them. We need a program.
Wally Capetillo: Yes, each has to take responsibility for their own. I have a dog that sometimes gets loose, too. We could buy a loop and let the police department do it.
Barbara Sandobal: We’ve tried several times. I’ve had to call Williamson County before, but they won’t come if they’re busy. It will be expensive and it’s not just the dogs, it’s cats too.
Norris Ivey: We need it. We need to see if funds are available. The police department can’t do it. We need an animal control officer.
Sharon Johnson: Yes, we need it. I’ve had times I can’t step outside of my house, just like Jamie.
Butch Lyon asked a question.
When elected, what if you have differences with someone on the council? Can you overcome the obstacles and
work together?
Jamie Crathers: It’s what the citizens want that matters, not me. We should not have differences on the council because of other issues.
Wally Capetillo: I won’t badmouth anyone or write articles in the paper about others. We need to change things now. It’s not working.
Barbara Sandobal: Me working with others is never a problem. We need to put our ideas together to better things. We need to listen, research, get along.
Norris Ivey: I’ll listen to every person on the council and work together.
Sharon Johnson: This community is too small. If we have problems, we need to let it go and work.
Jim Pease: Sometimes someone is not wrong, they just have a different opinion. We must work together to accomplish things.
Reuben Lindemann: I have ideas. I’ll still bring them forward even if someone thinks they’re wrong. We need to give people a chance to do their job. If they don’t, run them off.
Arthur White: I know this job well. I can’t vote unless there is a tie. I can make recommendations and sometimes the council doesn’t listen. There is a seldom a tie in voting.
James Grant: A mayor’s major role is leadership. A mayor needs to talk to the people, find new ideas, package them and present them. The mayor needs to lead, participate and guide the council.
Cathy Payne asked a question from the audience.
A lot of the issues here seem to be about money. Do you have any ideas to bring in
new revenue?
Arthur White: We need new businesses but first we need to clean up and get on the right track.
James Grant: The amount of houses vacant or for sale is rising. We have infrastructure problems. We need to get a plan, execute it and bring in new businesses. Find some unique to draw and attract them here.
Jamie Crathers: Other places don’t have a pool or stores, and Bartlett has things here. We need to fix up what we have and use it.
Wally Capetillo: We have to attract people and have to grow. If you don’t like it, don’t leave. A lot of people have taken that advice and left. Bartlett has more kids in Holland and Granger schools than in Bartlett schools. Granger and Holland are doing better. We have to listen and learn. The kids are our future.
Barbara Sandobal: There are university programs to generate electricity that Bartlett can sell as revenue and grants available to get it. We need more stores, fix the park and get more youth activities.
Norris Ivey: We need more businesses and give people a reason to come, clean up the town and give it a more attractive look. People need something to come here for. Market the town!
Sharon Johnson: They already said it all.
Jim Pease: I agree with James Grant. We must have a partnership with people who invest in Bartlett.
Reuben Lindemann: People coming in with businesses must have enough money to live on for a year when coming into Bartlett.
At this juncture, Lyon informed the candidates they would each have three minutes to state why voters should select them on the ballot.
Jamie Crathers: I wrote a speech but I’m going to speak from the heart. We need someone to speak for the people. Vote for the person you think is best to represent you and a better Bartlett.
Wally Capetillo: At first I was scared--scared I wouldn’t be elected. I’m here because I want to help and to listen, not turn off your lights. No one deserves that. It’s hard to run a city but you have to have help from the people We’ve chased away people and businesses. If we want change, your voice has to count.
Barbara Sandobal: Voting is your voice. If you don’t vote, you show you don’t care and then don’t have a right to complain. I would like to have a meeting before council meetings where people can present their problems to the council and be heard. Maybe we can resolve issues by voicing them. I’ll listen, help and be there to help you if you call.
Norris Ivey: I want to bring change to Bartlett. I brought in my money (there’s not a lot of it) and am bringing in new businesses. I don’t mind sweating and working and looking for programs to help. With hard work, we can see the community come back and accomplish goals for the citizens. I can’t do it by myself. I’ll work with others.
smell. My house is properly weatherized and my bill is still high. What else can I do? I don’t know. My electric bill is more than my house payment or car payment. We need to provide help for the citizens where it is needed.
Wally Capetillo: I will sit and listen to the people. I haven’t seen that in the council meetings I’ve been to. People are asking questions. It takes me two paychecks to pay my electricity bill. That leaves very little left to winterize or do anything else. We need to find out what is going on and be a community. We’re not now.
What would you do to make the Bartlett Police Department more effective, if you think that is even an issue?
Norris Ivey: I have heard some complaints but I see them patroling. I don’t know if they are late at night or not because I’m not up and about then. Perhaps they could write tickets or reports in the car and spend less time in the office.
Sharon Johnson: There’s a whole lot wrong. They are not on duty much of the time and not patroling where needed. I’m going to keep my mouth quiet on that one for a while.
Jim Pease: I’ve seen many officers come and go. I believe what we have now is good compared to what we have had. There may be some communication problems to work out. I’ll be kind and courteous if elected and answer your questions, because that’s my duty.
Reuben Lindemann: Our PD is way above average now and there is no comparison to before. We have a good bunch now. The problem is with the residents. The kids are running this town now. We have some lousy people here and there are drugs, too.
Arthur White: We have a Class A police department here. With only three officers there can’t be 24-hour coverage. If you want that, your bills will be going up. There are lots of times no one is on duty. We also need more equipment for them and we’re working on that. You can’t pay minimum wage and have good officers.
James Grant: You’re not going to please everyone all the time. There are maybe things to do to get better people--screen properly, do proper background checks. Most of the bad ones are no longer with us. We need citizen input and leadership in all areas.
Wally Capetillo: The kids used to be able to play out all the time. The police department knew the kids. The cops need to learn to communicate with the people in Bartlett. Don’t just jail the kids the first time they do something wrong. Have them do community service here. I believe the cops are doing a good job. They just need to know the people.
Barbara Sandobal: The PD needs a lot of help. We need to put up signs to help prevent break-ins. With only three policemen, there are a lot of drugs and absent parents these days. A good youth program would help and give kids somewhere to go. A youth activity group with citizen volunteers would be good. Parents and preachers used to be there for the kids. With first time offenders, give them a chance in the community to show that someone cares about them.
There are dangerous
properties, junked cars, etc. in Bartlett. Is it okay to clean that up and how?
Sharon Johnson: There are a lot of places that are in bad shape but people are staying there. Yes, get rid of the cars, etc. if no one lives there or is taking care of them.
Jim Pease: Show me a town where there isn’t decadence. There are a lot of houses in Bartlett a 100 years old and it’s absurd for now. There are more important things than that out. Figure out a way to help people clean up, etc. Maybe a voluteer program would work instead of forcing people to do what they can’t.
Reuben Lindemann: Each person needs to take care of their own. City should not have to tell anyone. Most of us are over 21. Clean up around your own place. (At this point, Lindemann started to make comments about one of the candidates putting letters in the paper and bringing lawsuits against the city.)
Arthur White: I agree with Reuben. We can’t just go on private property. We have to get permission and go through a legal process. That puts the city in jeopardy. We need to work together to get things done.
James Grant: We have an obligation to protect the citizens and their health and welfare. Use the legal process or try to help people. The City has passed up many grants that would help about 10 people each to tear down and build new homes. I want to go after that and bring it here.
Jamie Crathers: Unlike someone’s comments tonight, everyone here has a brain. If it’s falling down and is a hazard with someone living in it, help fix it up. How long do you leave a dead horse lying in the street?
Barbara Sandobal: We need to enforce the ordinances and go the legal route. If there are back taxes, find someone who wants to buy it or let the city buy it and fix it up. It brings property values down for the neighbors. If a person can’t fix it, get a group together. There are plenty of pickups, trailers, etc. with people to drive them if someone agrees to haul off the junk. Don’t belittle people. We could also use the youth to help.
Norris Ivey: Yes, absolutely. If a place is derelict or trashed, it needs to be taken care of. No one is trying to take your homes. It needs to be a 100% community effort. Let the owner give what they can toward fixing it and a group do the rest. Keep the city clean. Plus, there need to be ordinances in place for downtown buildings.
At this point, one audience person ws recognized. He has been a minister and lived in Bartlett for 72 years. He said we are leaving God out of it. He was asked to keep it to questions.
Another person, Mark White, was recognized to speak. He wanted to ask a question to only one candidate and was advised that questions had to be such that each candidate could answer.
An audience member asked the following question:
What are your intentions on animal control?
Jim Pease: The city has not had a program in a long time. We need one.
Reuben Lindemann: It’s up to each person to control his own. If you can’t, shoot it.
Arthur White: Yes, animal control is needed but it costs money. People move and drop off or leave their pets, causing a problem. To get an animal control program, would have to raise electric bills.
James Grant: Yes, one is needed.
Jamie Crathers: I’ve called 911 several times because of dogs bigger than me chasing me. I’m tired of running from them. We need a program.
Wally Capetillo: Yes, each has to take responsibility for their own. I have a dog that sometimes gets loose, too. We could buy a loop and let the police department do it.
Barbara Sandobal: We’ve tried several times. I’ve had to call Williamson County before, but they won’t come if they’re busy. It will be expensive and it’s not just the dogs, it’s cats too.
Norris Ivey: We need it. We need to see if funds are available. The police department can’t do it. We need an animal control officer.
Sharon Johnson: Yes, we need it. I’ve had times I can’t step outside of my house, just like Jamie.
Butch Lyon asked a question.
When elected, what if you have differences with someone on the council? Can you overcome the obstacles and
work together?
Jamie Crathers: It’s what the citizens want that matters, not me. We should not have differences on the council because of other issues.
Wally Capetillo: I won’t badmouth anyone or write articles in the paper about others. We need to change things now. It’s not working.
Barbara Sandobal: Me working with others is never a problem. We need to put our ideas together to better things. We need to listen, research, get along.
Norris Ivey: I’ll listen to every person on the council and work together.
Sharon Johnson: This community is too small. If we have problems, we need to let it go and work.
Jim Pease: Sometimes someone is not wrong, they just have a different opinion. We must work together to accomplish things.
Reuben Lindemann: I have ideas. I’ll still bring them forward even if someone thinks they’re wrong. We need to give people a chance to do their job. If they don’t, run them off.
Arthur White: I know this job well. I can’t vote unless there is a tie. I can make recommendations and sometimes the council doesn’t listen. There is a seldom a tie in voting.
James Grant: A mayor’s major role is leadership. A mayor needs to talk to the people, find new ideas, package them and present them. The mayor needs to lead, participate and guide the council.
Cathy Payne asked a question from the audience.
A lot of the issues here seem to be about money. Do you have any ideas to bring in
new revenue?
Arthur White: We need new businesses but first we need to clean up and get on the right track.
James Grant: The amount of houses vacant or for sale is rising. We have infrastructure problems. We need to get a plan, execute it and bring in new businesses. Find some unique to draw and attract them here.
Jamie Crathers: Other places don’t have a pool or stores, and Bartlett has things here. We need to fix up what we have and use it.
Wally Capetillo: We have to attract people and have to grow. If you don’t like it, don’t leave. A lot of people have taken that advice and left. Bartlett has more kids in Holland and Granger schools than in Bartlett schools. Granger and Holland are doing better. We have to listen and learn. The kids are our future.
Barbara Sandobal: There are university programs to generate electricity that Bartlett can sell as revenue and grants available to get it. We need more stores, fix the park and get more youth activities.
Norris Ivey: We need more businesses and give people a reason to come, clean up the town and give it a more attractive look. People need something to come here for. Market the town!
Sharon Johnson: They already said it all.
Jim Pease: I agree with James Grant. We must have a partnership with people who invest in Bartlett.
Reuben Lindemann: People coming in with businesses must have enough money to live on for a year when coming into Bartlett.
At this juncture, Lyon informed the candidates they would each have three minutes to state why voters should select them on the ballot.
Jamie Crathers: I wrote a speech but I’m going to speak from the heart. We need someone to speak for the people. Vote for the person you think is best to represent you and a better Bartlett.
Wally Capetillo: At first I was scared--scared I wouldn’t be elected. I’m here because I want to help and to listen, not turn off your lights. No one deserves that. It’s hard to run a city but you have to have help from the people We’ve chased away people and businesses. If we want change, your voice has to count.
Barbara Sandobal: Voting is your voice. If you don’t vote, you show you don’t care and then don’t have a right to complain. I would like to have a meeting before council meetings where people can present their problems to the council and be heard. Maybe we can resolve issues by voicing them. I’ll listen, help and be there to help you if you call.
Norris Ivey: I want to bring change to Bartlett. I brought in my money (there’s not a lot of it) and am bringing in new businesses. I don’t mind sweating and working and looking for programs to help. With hard work, we can see the community come back and accomplish goals for the citizens. I can’t do it by myself. I’ll work with others.
Sharon Johnson: Everyone here knows me. You know that I speak my mind. But I’d be lying if I made you promises. But I won’t “shoot you,” I’ll help you.
Jim Pease: Each person is worth working for and helping.
Reuben Lindemann: What you see is what you get. If you don’t like it, don’t vote for me.
Arthur White: Continuity is why you should vote for me. If we keep swapping mayors, there will be no grasp of things and what’s going on. If you start with a new person, there will be a lot of missed steps. It’s not a 40-hour a week job.
James Grant: The function of the mayor is to manage the city on a day-to-day basis. He’s to work with the citizens and be their chief complaint officer. It’s like a 24-7 job and it’s all about the citizens and the community.
In closing the meeting, Mike Payne told people present to vote for whoever they thought was best. “It’s all about you. Vote your conscience. I put my money here and it’s a lot less than the size of my mouth. It’s my dream to help Bartlett develop a business synergy to bring people in.”
The one candidate not present for the forum was Charles Johnson, incumbent.
Candidates vying for the mayor’s position are Arthur White, incumbent, and James Grant. Council incumbents are Reuben Lindemann and Charles Johnson. Others running for the three positions on the Bartlett City Council are Jamie Crathers, Wally Capetillo, Sharon Johnson, Jim Pease, Reuben Lindemann, Barbara Sandobal and Norris Ivey.
(My suggestion: Voting day is Saturday, May 8. Make your voice count by going to the polls and voting for the people you think would best represent you and the City of Bartlett. If you don’t vote, you can’t help Bartlett grow and improve. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.)
Debbie McKeon
Tribune-Progress
Baartlett Texas City Wide Garage Sale This Sat. April 3rd
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| From ebay |
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| From ebay |
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