I spoke at the council meeting regarding some concerns I’ve seen in the last few months regarding decorum and professionalism. I’ve posted the full video here. A transcript of my comments is below.
Mayor and Council,
I had planned to speak on this topic and wrote these comments last week prior to your work session agenda being posted.
As you all know I’ve been involved in Frisco for 20 plus years. In my neighborhoods, scouts, various non-profits and clubs and of course 17 years of volunteer work with the city itself.
In all my years on that dais one of the things I was most proud of was the professionalism the various board and council members exhibited. No matter what our personal relationships were, positive or strained, whether we all agreed on a topic or had differing opinions, when it came time to step foot on the dais everyone was professional. When traveling to represent the city, everyone was professional. Certainly there have been times for levity and to show a more relaxed side, but when it matters, everyone was professional.
In the last 6 months, however, I have observed or been made aware of the following which concern me for the reputation of the city and more specifically this council. And yes, after 20 years I still receive calls from other local leaders, within Frisco and surrounding cities. I feel in a unique position because I have been there “in the thick” of things but have now had time to step back and observe with a level of knowledge and experience few have.
My Observations….
- A wildly inappropriate, if not racist, joke told on the dais.
- A council member on an exchange trip wearing shorts as an official representative of the city, when clearly this was not appropriate attire for the meeting.
- “Bunny ears” behind people on camera after a council meeting
- Use of Chatgpt to figure out what questions to ask during a work session (yes, people can see what you are doing).
- It shows an utter lack of preparedness.
- Absences and Tardiness. I’ve counted more meetings in the last 6 months where members were noticeably late too, wholly absent from, or left early, from meetings than I can remember in years.
- Personally, I missed 3 meetings in 9 years, and less than that in the 6 years prior on P&Z. While I understand work commitments the citizens of Frisco expect and deserve representatives show up to do the work. On time and prepared. Its not only disrespectful to the citizens, but to colleagues and the staff who tirelessly work for everyone.
- It’s also disrespectful to RSVP to a charity event in which one is supposed to represent not only the city, but promote said charity, then No Show. And not only no show but post about being at another event in Dallas.
- I heard from other surrounding city leaders we had a contingent on a Washington DC trip that, and I quote “Embarrassed the City of Frisco”. I didn’t bother asking who or what happened. These are respected leaders and if that was their takeaway and perception of our leadership from this dais, then we did something tragically wrong on that trip.
I had originally planned to make my comments general, but as I prepared them, I realized there are some that need to be direct.
Jared and Burt, in the last couple of meetings the two of you look like elementary school kids, at times poking each other and joking around during meetings. It’s one thing to have a side bar for purpose, it is another to act the way you do in front of the public during a meeting. Your actions have an unprofessional appearance.
Burt. You mentioned my name in a comment during the November 4th council meeting saying that I was given the courtesy of being Mayor Pro Tem because it was quote “My last term”. Saying I set a precedent
You were nowhere when that vote was taken in 2024. You hadn’t been to any council meeting to that point, and you certainly could not have known what was, or was not discussed. While it may have been my last term and I may have requested to serve in the position, it was my colleagues that I had earned the respect of that allowed me to represent the city for my last year. It was an honor and privilege, and it was never about “me”. It was always about serving the city and the citizens. These positions should be earned through respect, knowledge and an ability to professionally represent the city in the absence of the Mayor. A piece of advice. Don’t speak of things to which you have no knowledge.
Further, your comments politicizing the position and questioning Angelia’s integrity and her ability to be neutral are offensive. As her friend I know she would never compromise her integrity like that. While she may not say anything about those comments I will. Shame on you for even insinuating such a thing. Respect must be earned to serve for those positions; you haven’t been around long enough to earn that.
Oh, threatening to sue residents? That’ll be comments for another day.
I am certain there will be someone somewhere that is going to take my comments, tear them apart, find instances that I, or others may have also failed at doing the right thing, I’ll accept that criticism now, I know I’m not perfect. While some of my comments have been pointed, I do hope, for better or worse they are taken in the spirit they are intended, to make us, our city better. I’m not trying to be a referee blowing a whistle to call someone out. More like a watchdog that loves his home and wants to protect it and keep it a place we all want to live, regardless of our differences.
We do not all have to agree, but we should certainly strive for a more respectful, professional mentality. Our reputation in the region, the state, and nationally matter. People and companies that want to move here DO watch you. It takes a lifetime to build a reputation, but it can be destroyed in an instant.
I can say from experience, governing is much different than campaigning. Please, focus on the governing. Focus on professionalism, think about what others will see and let’s present the best view of our city when you’re sitting up there.
Thank you all for your time tonight.
