While our mayor saved the taxpayer millions of dollars in the last budget cycle, (Mr. Cones was out of town during some of the Budget workshops) it appears that he and Mr. Baron will continue to find savings and spend it. At the last council meeting this became evident when Mr. Baron and Mr. Cones wanted to bring in a facilitator to “rush” the charter review recommendations to a vote for the May election. Why is it now being rushed to the voters? Is this another “Public emergency” like the trash contract Mr. Cones helped push thought the council? While Mr. Cones and Mr. Nelson both were on the council when the final report was presented (November 2007) neither one did ANYTHING to start the process until a year later, so why the rush now? It was asked during the council meeting by Mr. Cones or Mr. Nelson (it's the same voice) if the facilitator (who will write the language that will be used on the ballot) could be here on Monday (Jan. 19th) without regard to how much of our tax dollar will be spent. Just like the 377,000 dollar dog park that Mr. Baron and Mr. Cones supported, it appears that cost to the taxpayer is not a consideration.
Below is an exchange that shows the level of concern Mr. Cones has about the cost to the tax payers regarding the project.
-----Original Message-----
From: Csilla Ludanyi
To: Mayor&Council CC: Chris Reed; City Attorney; Barbara Long; Diana Stapp; Hazel Henry; Jeanne Hammack
Sent: Wed Jan 14 15:33:24 2009
Subject: Charter Review Workshop scheduling
Mayor and Council,
After receiving feedback from the attorney, Monty Akers, who will facilitate the Charter Review Workshop, it has been determined that this workshop will take about 4 hours. In the interest of getting this workshop scheduled as soon as possible, the following dates have been proposed:
Friday, February 6th from 1pm to 5pm
Saturday, February 7th from 8 am to 12 pm
Please email me and let me know if either or both of these times will work for you.Also, in order to best prepare the facilitator and organize this workshop, an agenda will be prepared. Please send me any requests you have for items of discussion regarding the charter review and proposed amendments.
Thanks,
Csilla Ludanyi
City of League City, Texas
Email: csilla.ludanyi@leaguecity.com
*******************************
Please note, per the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552.002(b) most email correspondence pertaining to city business is subject to "open records requests" and is considered the property of the public.
The Mayor replies asking about the cost of this project.
From: Toni Randall
Sent: Wed 1/14/2009 4:18 PM
To: Csilla Ludanyi; Mayor&Council Cc: Chris Reed; City Attorney; Barbara Long; Diana Stapp; Hazel Henry; Jeanne Hammack
Subject: Re: Charter Review Workshop scheduling
Has anyone asked the cost of this project?
Toni Randall
Mayor
City of League City, Texas
************************************************************************
Please note, per the Texas Public Information Act, TexasGovernment Code Chapter 552.002(b) most email correspondencepertaining to city business is subject to "open records requests"and is considered the property of the public.
Mr. Cones replies
-----Original Message-----
From: Tommy Cones
To: Toni Randall; Chris Reed; Csilla Ludanyi; Mayor&Council
Sent: Wed Jan 14 17:07:30 2009
Subject:
RE: Charter Review Workshop scheduling
I'm sure the cost will be less than the investigation cost for the attorneys created by Cynthia and Travis.
And then the mayor replies.
-----Original Message-----
From: Toni Randall
To: Tommy Cones; Chris Reed; Csilla Ludanyi; Mayor&Council
Sent: Wed Jan 14 17:45:24 2009
Subject: Re: Charter Review Workshop scheduling
Or the lawsuits that you have caused
1 ameriwaste
2 glen cove
Oh that's right you have an EXCUSE You were not the only one voting.
Toni Randall
Mayor
City of League City, Texas
************************************************************************
Please note, per the Texas Public Information Act, TexasGovernment Code Chapter 552.002(b) most email correspondencepertaining to city business is subject to "open records requests"and is considered the property of the public.
22 comments:
cjm, i love it. please keep us informed as to the behind the scenes involving TC, JN and neil "i am an attorney and therefore i am right even though i am not the city attorney" barron. speaking of TC, has he already cashed scotto's check or he waiting until after the election to cash in?
just want to make sure everyone does not forgot about the price of a coucil seat in LC:
Reports beg the question: Are votes for sale?
By Sara McDonald
The Daily News
Published July 22, 2007
LEAGUE CITY — An analysis of council members’ campaign finance reports — a semi-annual form in which elected officials report donations they accept — shows that city council members’ votes often match up with the money that came their way.
It could be as receivers of the donations claim: Donors seek like-minded representatives. But some council members and skeptical residents wonder what the money is buying.
Evidence Of Influence
Homebuilder political action groups, developers and neighborhood groups have all written checks to their chosen candidates during and after election season.
The most recent round of campaign finance reports was due last week, although several officials haven’t turned theirs in.
Some contributors listed are unknown influences from Dallas, Houston or nearby suburbs. Other names are linked with subdivisions going up in League City.
Council member Jim Nelson, who promised to stop residential growth during his re-election campaign, took a $500 post-campaign donation from Maury Rubin, the developer behind the Centerpointe subdivision.
Tommy Cones and Phyllis Sanborn took donations from Nick Scotto, the developer whose deal with the city to demolish a bridge awakened the Glen Cove neighborhood into political activism.
In contrast, newly elected council member Tim Paulissen received donations from residents of that neighborhood, who said they were happy to help someone they thought would look at things impartially.
It’s also not always clear who is contributing. On Nelson’s April campaign finance report, he reported $2,100 in small contributions that don’t require detailed documentation. Council members could get as much as $50 from a person regularly and it wouldn’t ever be public record.
Stirring Suspicions
It’s a pattern that troubles council member Chris Samuelson, who was unopposed in 2006 and didn’t take money from developers.
“The most political issue here is development,” he said. “It’s probably fair to guess that developers give 10 times more than any citizen. It leaves a bad smell in the air.”
To council member Mike Barber, it’s more than just the appearance of wrongdoing. He said he’s sure his fellow members have been pressured into supporting projects.
“People act like it doesn’t matter, but it does,” he said. “It puts pressure on you.”
Despite the doubts that developers’ contributions can’t help but seep into the acceptor’s decision making, Cones said he doesn’t allow donations to influence how he votes.
“People, hopefully, give contributions because they believe in what you’re doing with the city,” he said. “I try to vote with the issue.”
The Glen Cove Issue
But the Scotto contribution Cones received incited criticism that he pushed the development agreement because of the money he received.
Scotto gave Cones $5,000 last August and also gave Sanborn $500 in December.
Months before the donation, Cones put an item on the council’s agenda to accept an agreement between the city and Scotto. That deal canceled the city’s plans to replace the bridge. More than a year later, he voted against investigating the issue when neighbors threatened to sue.
Cones said Scotto lives in League City. He also said he didn’t think that contribution was any different than Paulissen and former candidate Arnold Polanco getting campaign contributions from Glen Cove residents.
“What were they given money for?” Cones asked. “Because they liked them or because they wanted the bridge back?”
Paul Smith, a Glen Cove resident who gave $200 to Paulissen and said he also donated to Polanco’s campaign, said neither candidate promised him anything.
“What I was trying to do was allow some of the candidates that don’t have large development money to have funds for signs and mail-outs,” he said. “I know campaigns take money.”
Likewise, Jeff Hagen said his neighbors, angered about how the bridge was demolished without the city notifying them, researched candidates to decide who would be fair.
“(Polanco and Paulissen) were the guys we could expect to be more concerned about this in general,” he said. “Not necessarily our situation, but individual neighborhoods as opposed to big developer interests.”
Eliminating Influence
The promise to not take money from developers has become a campaign talking point for some candidates. Paulissen said he always emphasized he wouldn’t take development money.
That, said Hagen and Smith, helped him get $650 from Glen Cove residents.
But Paulissen said he wouldn’t favor Glen Cove residents over anyone from another neighborhood.
“They had an interest in making sure their interests were looked out for,” he said. “Almost all of my contributions come from residents. I want people who have a stake in what will happen.”
Cones said he accepts donations from developers because he’s in favor of good development. He added that he needs those contributions to finance expensive campaigns.
“It takes a lot of money to run for council,” he said. “If your friends don’t give it to you, who is going to give it you? Contributions shouldn’t influence anything. If they do, then you should not be on council.”
But Samuelson said he’d like to see caps put on individual campaign contributions for city elections.
“I kind of have a fundamental problem with anything that gives citizens a bad taste, gives the appearance of an unlevel playing field,” he said. “I, personally, don’t want to feel beholden to anyone.”
+++
By The Numbers
City council campaign finance reports include:
• Jim Nelson
April: $2,100 not itemized
July: $500 — Maury Rubin, Centerpointe developer
• Tim Paulissen
April: $1,425
May: $1,075
June runoff: $1,150
July: $200
$650 from Glen Cove residents from January-July
• Phyllis Sanborn
January: $500 — Nick Scotto, $509 not itemized, no report filed for July
• Tommy Cones
January: $5,000 — Nick Scotto, $1,200 other contributors, $0 contributions for July
• Jerry Shults — $0 contributions reported, January and July
• Mike Barber — no reports filed
• Chris Samuelson — no reports filed
• Tad Nelson — no reports filed
Mallios please explain how the $177,000 of dedicated park funds used to build the Dog Park could have been spent to help ease the tax payers burden. Keep in mind that those funds are collected and dedicated to geogpraphic regions around the city. These funds had to be used in a park and no other purpose. So why dont you start telling the truth instead of twisting the facts for EK and your own evil uses.
LCLeague and Patty,
Galveston Daily News -Front Page
“Porretto family wins lawsuit over beach property.
Judge rules General Land Office illegally took their land.”
http://galvestondailynews.com/frontpage.lasso
Judge “Criss ruled on the takings claim, but a jury must assess damages. The jury had not made a decision by press time.”
My Comments:
So much for states and park boards claim of governmental immunity and the courts lack of jurisdiction. The paper says the jury is making recommendation for damages.
Congratulations to the Porretto family.
In this case the state allowed the Parks Board to ignore claims of ownership by the Porretto family and then leased their property to third parties.
Sound familiar?????
Please share with your buddy Cones and your employer.
"Mallios please explain how the $177,000 of dedicated park funds used to build the Dog Park could have been spent to help ease the tax payers burden. Keep in mind that those funds are collected and dedicated to geogpraphic regions around the city. These funds had to be used in a park and no other purpose."
Too easy... 1st, the money could have gone for maintenance or upgrades to existing parks. Now we get a new park that few wanted, and it will need to be maintained. That's extra burden on the taxpayers.
2nd, the funds can be used anywhere within the city for any purpose under allowable usage. It is not designated to "geogpraphic regions" as you imply it must be used in location A as opposed to location B.
Pat, It's one thing to have a differing opinion. It's another thing to try and advance that position through spreading lies and knowingly distorting facts. There's a price to pay for such deeds. It got you fired in this lifetime. It will get you burned eternally in the next.
Is that what you truly desire Pat? Riches in this world at the cost of you soul? Going to St. Mary's won't get you into heaven. Only recognizing that your ways are wrong, getting on your knees and asking for forgiveness, and then trading the yoke of your associations for the yoke of Christ will change your life. Put your trust in God and start seeing the benefits of eternal life now as opposed to seeing the curse of eternal fire later.
This is getting too serious. Let me lend a note of (bad) humor.
Let us all count the ways that Mr. Barron has lied and betrayed those that elected him.
Mr. Barron told Republicans that he was conservative and would safe guard their hard earned tax dollars.
Lie: Conservative public servants do not champion a $379,000.00 Dog Park in an economic recession.
Mr. Barron told Democrats that he would avenge their betrayal by Cones. Mr. Cones supported and endorsed Republican candidates: Henry Poretta, Jerry Shults, Tad Nelson.
Lie: Mr. Barron is helping Cones' re-election campaign.
Mr. Barron spoke at a Meadow Bend political function. He told his supporters that "if I lose this election, I will be back next year to run against Cones".
Lie: Mr. Barron is helping Cones' re-election campaign.
Mr. Barron came to our political forum and told supporters that "if elected he would be Tommy Cones' nightmare"... Tommy Cones would regret . . . Glen Cove."
Lie: Mr. Barron his helping Cones' re-election campaign.
Mr. Barron contacted his once (and no longer) supporter; inquiring about a good candidate to run against Ms. Sanborn.
Betrayal: Mr. Barron has now contacted the incumbents and has bequeathed his legacy of political prowess.
Mr. Barron campaigned for Ethics Reform.
Mr. Barron worked endlessly to pass the $379,000.00 Dog Park. Ethics reform is in the works to help jettison Cones back into office. We will be watching the skies.
Mr. Barron is Mr. Barron's worst enemy, and our best campaign worker.
The voters will empower Mayor Randall to run the city for the good and the will of the people. Not for Ameriwaste. Not for developers. Not for frivilous "pet projects" .The obstructionists will be voted out of office. Shults and Nelson last year. Cones and Samuelson this year.
Power to the people!
Lcpd,
Thank you for the kind words and keep up the information. Mr. Baron and Mr. Cones have said a few times that voters have a short memory. As long as we keep reminding the voters their memory will be refreshed and they will not forget. Mr. Cones will attempt to run his campaign based on his “leadership” of the council and I for one will continue to bring up the facts regarding his leadership and how it has placed our city and citizens in our present situation.
JCLEAGUE, (All in Caps)
You sound more like Marc Edelman trying to defend his good old boys, Tommy and Big Deal Neil, than patty melt. Your numbers are incorrect (177,000) as well as the asserted “geogpraphic” regions they must be spent in. Please define “geogpraphic” as I was unable to find a definition at dictionary.com. If it was a typo I understand. I am just trying to enrich my vocabulary by using your extensive and vast “cerebral thought” process. BHL answered your questions very precisely so I do not see a need to do so.
BHL,
Thank you, very well said.
Ms. GCR,
So the tag team attorneys (Mr. Baron and Mr. Samulson) are looking for a replacement for Ms. Sanborn? OMG (oh my gosh) Have they found a good old boy yet? (PH or ME) Or is Mr. Samulson going to wait and “select” someone who will sign up at the last minute so that he can withdraw. What’s the old expression “fool me once same on you fool me twice shame on me”.
And thank you Richard M. The ABC link is great. But I don’t think my old bones can move like that anymore.
Mallios, check your facts. You are just flat wrong. Call the Parks Dept. and check the cost of the Park. Park dedication fees are required to spent in the same areas they are collected from and can not be comingled between areas of the city. As usual, you are shooting your mouth of half cocked. You need to wait until your brain and your mouth are full cocked before they go off. You are a few cards short of a full deck son. One should have there facts right before attempting to correct those with knowledge.
The phone lines were red hot last night.
A quad pro quo deal was suggested to the Mayor Friday evening. The caller was offering . . . . the possiblity to terminate a city employee . . . . in exchange for cooperation. Hell no was the printable answer, and the phone went dead. The Mayor hung up.
Mayor Randall contacted the city administrator and relayed the conversation. Now 2 people know the identity of a rat, I mean the caller.
Accolades to the Mayor. No deals cut. No back stabbing. No behind closed doors deals. Honest and open government. True transparent government. Integrity and Leadership. Characteristics that have been absent from the Mayor's office for quite awhile.
Power to the people.
I am sure the C.A or Mayor would welcome a phone call to verify a tale of betrayal, or a very bad dream.
Ms. GCR,
Sounds like someone is abandoning ship and trying to save their own tail feathers. Sacrifice a major employee to save their own reputation? Hmmmm. It sounds like the heat is getting too much in the kitchen for some. Or were they trying to play it both ways? Or could they have been attempting to “trap” the mayor into saying something that would damage her credibility. Either way the Mayor did what is in the best interest of the city and the citizens and said not just no but Hell No! Thank you Mayor Randall.
JC,
Don’t treat the citizens as fools. The total price is at least $ 377,000. If you don’t know that you have failed to do the research and are spreading misinformation as well as shooting your mouth off without having all the facts. As for your other thoughts, Most of what I have said on the blogs (including the one Marc was forced to shut down by Tommy) has been correct. (According to rulings by our last city attorney and our present one the whole city is the “geographical” area you speak of) And if you have truthful knowledge then why not share it with us and use your real name? No, you cannot because you fabricate, mislead and attack due to your dependency of those that feed you and it is very evident you are ashamed of what you say. It seems to me even on the coldest days in our city you and the good old boys you bow down to are feeling the heat. One last thought. My father taught me many things like standing up for what you believed in, you lie and hide in the shadows like a thief waiting for any opportunity. My father taught me right from wrong, not to be driven by power and greed as you are. If I were your “son” patty melt, I would have demanded a name change and moved far, far away.
From time to time we all get emails that allows us to see how some people deal with challenges. Sometimes those responses show us good concise “cerebral thinking” and sometimes they show the persons true colors.
Below is an email (sent on the company email address) and my reply to Mr. Marc Edelman.
From: Marc Edelman [mailto:marc@pc-cable.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:40 PM
To: Chris Mallios
Subject: FW: Hi (name deleted)
Hey you big lying turd, I hear you are saying that Neil tried to get (name deleted) to run against Phyllis. Well it is not so, and if you put on your piece of shit blog, I suggest you post a retraction. Quit using my name on your blog, cause I am not going to dignify anything you have to say, and if you continue to, lets meet at the park at night alone and settle this like men.
Marc
From: Chris john mallios [mallios@comcast.net]
Sent: Tue 1/20/2009 8:21 PM
To: 'Marc Edelman'
Subject: FW: Hi (name deleted)
Marc,
How nice to hear from you. You are too funny. LOL What seems to be the matter? Nice try Marc but you are incorrect as usual. I see you are still doing other peoples bidding without checking the facts. Your ears need some help or your information needs to be from a credible source. I am familiar with this situation. Why would you attempt to say that I said such a thing? Name calling Marc? Didn’t you say that name calling is the last resort of someone who does not know what they are talking about and has no defense? And as for meeting at the park at night? Well I thought we got rid of all that type when they cleaned out Hopkins park. But I guess some just went underground. However if you would like to meet for lunch in a public place (your dark park thought makes me wonder) I would love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss any problem you may have in a grown up Christian way.
Your friend,
Chris
Thanks to all of the above, for pinning the real matters of substance down.
I almost enjoy the hysterical antics of patty melt (love that, Chris) and his ever feeble attempts to grope for straws as his ship continues to sink around him and sharks draw nearer. He just keeps shooting himself in the foot and doesn't know when to quit.
Wake up and smell the coffee, Pat. You're through. See ya.
Chris,
My offer stands.
Hello everyone...I am new to this town and blog...I used to hang out on another blog in League City when I moved here but something must have happened to my old home because I can no longer go there. I stumbled across this blog one day while surfing the web.
Most of you probably don't know me but my name is Don...Don Ceres.
Now I know very little about this town and it's happenings...but a little birdie told me that there are some real shenanigans going on at City Hall. I have spent most of my waking life absorbed in local political scenes and all the surrounding dramas. I live for it. I have even brought an idea to NBC for a television series based around our City Hall. It would be sort of like Melrose Place but in League City instead of Hollywood...and the stars wouldn't be as good looking and a bit older and not quite as fit.
By the way...did you hear that a certain someone went to work down at City Hall and gave nasty looks to a coworker? Interesting...I will keep you posted on any further developments to this exciting storyline.
Marc,
Please tell me someone is impersonating you.
Will the real Marc E come forward.
Are has the real Marc been possessed by multi-headed crazy known as JC League/Bultler Oaks and Glen Cove Resident?
What's UP?
Paul,
I'm afraid the blogger account is the same from his previous posts (matching profile IDs)... So I doubt anyone is impersonating him.
I'm not sure what's going on, but it sure looks like politics is getting nasty again. :(
- Richard M.
Marc,
Thank you for “dignifying” my blog with your reply. I must say I have better things to do at night than to meet you in a park. My offer still stands and I will even buy your lunch.( I know times are tough for small businesses) You see Marc the difference between us is that I believe in conducting business in the light of day not in the dark corners of some unnamed park. Are you reading the catholic subscription (the word among us) I sent to you? As a Christian I will continue to offer my help to you. I believe that no one is so lost that they cannot be found. Even in the darkest of “Knights” deep down inside there will always be the light of day.
Mr. Smith,
I believe Marc has been replaced with a pod. (invasion of the body snatchers)
Richard M,
Unfortunately it appears you are correct. Some individuals cannot run on their record so they will try to destroy what they cannot control.
I see one of Pat's long forgotten personas has come back....
On another note, I find the common link between Tommy, Marc, and Pat very interesting. I wonder what the Pope would say. I know what Christ would say.
BHL
You are correct.
There is another in this link.
Question One:
Can you name this developer?
Question Two:
Are there other links between these four?$
Richard M.
thanks AGAIN for clarification.
It is Roger Baker. He is on Hallsey, Sanborn, Cones and Edlemans reports.
JC Confused
Hmmm. Thanks for the New Info.
Does this include Planning and Zoning and financial contributions?
Please tell us more.
BHL
Yes, I think there is another link. Tommy, Marc, Pat, and ????
BHL: "I wonder what the Pope would say."
so confused
tell us about Roger. Is he a good guy or a bad guy?
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