Monday, March 9, 2009

The League City two face step

I have been informed that Chris Samuelson (as predicted) has dropped out of the race and at the last second Pat Hallisey (The "Sybil" of the old League City blog) has entered the race. Comments anyone ?

34 comments:

BHL said...

Say it aint so!!!

Does anybody really believe PH would act in the best interests of the city as opposed to carrying a grudge?

JCLEAGUE said...

yes, I do think MR. Halsey will do well

Anonymous said...

Question is... can multiple personalities vote? :)

Unknown said...

Wow, this is so funny! The Cones-Halisey-Baron trio couldn't find anyone else to run when Chris wanted out, so here comes "retread Halisey!"

I've heard about him and it really appears that he has a screw loose, to agree to do this again!

Looks like everyone underestimates Mr. Lee. I met him and found him to be very well-mannered and soft spoken, with tough thoughts and words about things in League City!

Betcha Halisey has met his match-again!

Paul Smith said...

Priceless!!!

JCLeague, Butler Oaks, Glen Cove Resident, Ihatekosky, Nick Scotto, Tommy Cones, and Neal Baron are all supporting Pat Halisey.

So that is Pat and three more.

It is going to take more than several $5,000 developer campaign contributions to win this face off.

Congratulations Mr. Lee.

No Richard:) Pat only gets one vote.

Unknown said...

JC,
Sweetie,did your wife sign off on this? It's hard to believe she would want to be embarrassed again.

Maureen B. said...

Okay, which Pat Hallisey.... the democrat or the republican? Oh wait, city elections are non-partisan. Whew, that narrows down the "personality" field.

Pat, buddy..... what are you thinking??????

BHL said...

Richard, only in Chicago

lcpd said...

If you want to know more about PH (as if we don't know enough) go to clearcreekshores.org and browse around the opinions and voter information sections and you'll get an idea of the type of person he is. As expected ph will be in this race and we'll see how much developer's money he brings in. between he and tc, i would guess 20k. can any guess who has been running for office for at least 15 years and has never won? Folks, that should tell you something about him! good luck ml and mp.

JCLEAGUE said...

Phylis has campaign money issues ranging back to her receiving over 12k in developer money. She wants to play like she is a good girl but war chest is lined with developer money. Just ask her, she is lying if she denies. Phylis, there money spends just anyone elses, doesnt it.

Morgan_Campbell said...

Wake up Pat-backers! Pat Hallisey is the kiss of death in any election. Tighter economics should minimize the money differences in this race; developers have to be smarter with their money than to support a consistent loser.

Paul Smith said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Paul Smith said...

LCPD,
I agree. Developer's money will fill voter's mail boxes with 4" x 10" glossy mail outs.

I was most impressed with the Citizens' remarks in last night's council meeting. Lots of discussion on the proposed west side bridge.

I went clearlakeshores.org website and was disappointed. They need someone to update their site. I have a friend that might be able to help. All the links to newspaper articles about Pat H are outdated and no information presented on current candidates. I also could not find any recent discussions or postings.

Hope to see some detailed discussion on this blog from the speakers at last night’s council meeting.

LC MONITOR said...

That was a low blow to Phyllis, Pat!

She did take developer money her first year to run--the year she slated with you and Mark Edelman!!

When she lost and figured out what a mistake she had made, she re-ran the next year and won, without slating with anyone or taking developer money!

She has matured very nicely in her political career and standing up for the people of League City--as some other folks like you and Mr. Cones have not.

Phyllis, Mike Lee, Mick Phalen, and of course Toni Randall, all have listened to the people of League City who have said NO DEVELOPER INFLUENCE OR MONEY in our elections!

Why are you and Cones not listening to the people you want to represent??

lcpd said...

paul, here's one just for beginners; more to come.



Council in League City appoints interim mayor

By RUTH RENDON
Staff

LEAGUE CITY -- Pat Hallisey, executive director of the Galveston County Beach Park Board, was named interim mayor Wednesday night at an emergency City Council meeting that two council members said was illegal.

The meeting, called by Mayor Pro Tem Linda Isbell to appoint an interim mayor after the resignation of Joe Lamb, was protested by Elaine Kosty and Debbie McFadden, who abstained from the vote.

Both said the Texas Open Meetings Act limits government entities to calling emergency meetings only when "imminent threats to public health and safety or reasonable unforeseeable situations" require immediate action.

Kosty said she would take legal action as early as today to overturn Hallisey's appointment to serve until May, when there will be an election to fill Lamb's term that expires in May 1966.

The meeting was adjourned following Hallisey's appointment and after a Chronicle representative pointed out that continuing to meet would violate the Open Meetings Law.

"I recognize there are many folks here not happy with this move," said Hallisey, 44, who took the oath of office from City Secretary Norma Rodriguez. "Many people asked me to consider running in May. I realize the city has had a difficult time."

Hallisey, who was city parks director for six years, said he had considered running for mayor in May and, therefore, solicited council members to name him interim mayor.

City Attorney Mark Sokolow had said the meeting was an emergency because city employees' paychecks must carry two signatures, including the mayor's. City employees are paid every other Thursday.

Lamb, 56, resigned his position of 15 years earlier this week, after being convicted last month of felony official misconduct for using city-issued credit cards for personal use. He was sentenced to five-years probation and fined $20,000.

BHL said...

I take it back. PH isn't becoming another Leonard. He's sunk lower.

Paul Smith said...

LCPD,

Thanks for the article. What was the date? It sounds like a lot of old history that most do not know.

Please tell us more.

lcpd said...

1994, more will be posted between now and election time. we'll see how long it takes for ph to come out of the kitchen. He can only stay in it for so long before it gets too hot. It sure would be nice to have a website full of articles involving tc and ph. please feel free to cut and paste and forward them to your friends.

LC MONITOR said...

I understand that the Cones Senior Mailer hit the mailboxes today--way too early! Is he scared? He wants to get these votes in before all of his questionable deeds are publicly aired again for everyone to be reminded how many times he has taken advantage of the good folks of League City!

LC MONITOR said...

Where's Marc? Come on out to play, Marc.

Your friends are going to take a beating this time, and they need your help!

The Critic said...

---stands on soapbox---

You guys need to give Marc a break. He really does believe in the things he is discussing here. You should all be lucky enough to call him a friend. I VEHEMENTLY disagree with his "side" of the bridge issue. But, he is fighting for what he believes in, just like the rest of us. (I am NOT calling you out specifically MONITOR) He bailed out of here after someone took a shot at his business. That is completely uncalled for.

--steps down from soapbox--

Jimmy Trojanowski said...

I believe (dangerous to start a comment like that on this blog) there’s no single more dangerous thing in democracy than “No Choice”. When that happens it stops being a democracy and becomes something darker. Many of you were concerned when former councilwoman Benoit bailed out of the race at the last minute and allowed Councilman Samuelson to step into his seat unopposed. I thank Pat Hallisey and all of the candidates for giving me a choice. Does this mean I’m voting for him? Maybe. The flip side of the Hallisey coin makes me entertain the same concerns and notions about Mike Lee that I had when councilman Samuelson came to council. These are not intended to be accusations or endorsements though they’ll be interpreted as such. These are things that our current circumstances force me to consider. Again, thanks to all of the candidates for giving our citizens a choice.

lcpd said...

JT, don't know what the heck you're talking about, but i'll buy your next beer.
Critic, ME is a big boy, he can defend himself anytime he wants to join in. You're invited too PH.

Here's another one for you folks from 1994:

League City mayor says new vote fine with him

By RUTH RENDON
Staff

LEAGUE CITY -- Pat Hallisey said Thursday he would rather go through another vote and swearing-in ceremony to clear the air about any possible illegality concerning his appointment as League City mayor.

Hallisey, 44, executive director of the Galveston County Beach Park Board, was appointed mayor Wednesday night during an emergency council meeting.

Two council members contend the gathering was illegal.

Meanwhile, a specially called council meeting Thursday night was canceled after only three members showed up, one less than the number needed to officially convene.

Earlier Thursday, Hallisey said intends to continue as mayor but is willing to go through another vote and oath-taking ceremony during a regularly scheduled meeting next week.

"I don't think there has been a final conclusion on the legality of that meeting. I choose at this point to believe the items that were covered (on the agenda) were valid. I realize there could be some question about it," he said.

Hallisey was appointed interim mayor to replace Joe Lamb, who resigned after he was convicted of official misconduct for misusing city credit cards. Lamb's resignation was effective Monday and Hallisey will hold the post until elections in May.

Council members Elaine Kosty and Debbie McFadden contend the meeting was illegal because none of the issues on the agenda, including the naming of an interim mayor, was of an emergency nature.

The Texas Open Meetings Law limits emergency meetings to consideration of issues involving imminent threats to public health and safety or reasonable unforeseeable situations.

Chris John Mallios said...

Good Morning Y’all,
(sung to the tune of we three kings)
We three kings, contributions by nick,
Independent thought we have not a lick,
Green fields turned to houses,
We are such louses,
Following Developer bucks.
Oh. the city’s is not all concrete,
We will not give up until that’s complete.
Get us elected,
developers will be protected,
While we collect developer bucks.

Marc,
I hope you understand that as passionate as you are about your stand there are others just as passionate against your stand. That is fair enough.  (well said critic) I do consider you a friend even though we speak on very few occasions now.  

Jimmy,
You always are the practical one. For that I thank you. I agree regardless of who is running they should be commended for running.  While I believe that some are running to forward a personal agenda laid out by at least one developer, I think the rest have nothing but the best interest of league city in mind. I understand your position and respect it.

Lcpd,
Thanks for the history. It’s seems some have a short memory and I am glad to see you taking the time to refresh it for the citizens.

LC Monitor,
You sound like Onzelo Markum giving advice on the timing of the senior mailer. Could you be he? Or are you someone who thinks they are the new Onzelo? If you are that smart you should know enough to keep your “prized information” to yourself and let them manage their own campaigns. Inflation not only can creep into our economy it creeps into some people’s heads.  

JC,
And please tell us how much Mr. Hallisey took from developers over the many failed runs for office. Let us know about Mr. Cones as well, since it seems you have such great knowledge about what the candidates have taken from developers. And please tell us about the rest of the candidates. Or are you just taking a pot shot at Councilmember Sanborn because you are a developer friend of Mr. Stations.

Sfoley said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
lcpd said...

yes cjm, some have short memories, some were not around then and others stick their heads in the sand AKA: denial. JCLeague sure has been quiet about these articles.

Here are this weekend's reading assignments.

Interim mayor named

Staff, wire reports

LEAGUE CITY -- For the second week in a row, the executive director of the Galveston County Beach Park Board was named interim mayor Thursday.

In a 6-0 vote, City Council approved naming Pat Hallisey, who had been sworn in Nov. 1 at a meeting council members Elaine Kosty and Debbie McFadden claimed was illegal.

Hallisey, 44, replaces Joe Lamb, who resigned last month following two felony convictions for official misconduct.

Kosty said she was disappointed at the lack of public input in naming an interim mayor but supported Hallisey for the sake of council harmony.

Hallisey will serve until the city's general election in May.



Injunction against League City mayor considered

By RUTH RENDON
Staff

GALVESTON -- A judge on Dec. 2 will consider an effort to have League City's newly appointed interim mayor barred from office.

State District Judge Roy Engelke this week denied League City resident John Murphy's request that he temporarily block Mayor Pat Hallisey from serving. However, Engelke will consider granting an injunction against Hallisey and the city at the Dec. 2 hearing.

Murphy, 32, a teacher at Space Center Intermediate School in the Clear Creek district, is suing Hallisey and the city.

He contends that the City Council violated the Texas Open Meetings Act when Hallisey was named to replace Mayor Joe Lamb, who resigned last month after being convicted of official misconduct.

Murphy said he filed the lawsuit because the council has no authority under the city charter to name an interim mayor. The charter, he said, deals only with appointing council members.

"I'm upset with the process and with the open meetings violations," he said. "They're reading what they want out of the charter."

Hallisey said he was aware of the lawsuit but declined to comment because he had not seen it.

The lawsuit says the council voted to name Hallisey as interim mayor during an illegal meeting.

"As a result," it states, "both his appointment and the initiation of subsequent meetings were illegal."

Hallisey, 44, executive director of the Galveston County Beach Park Board, was designated during an emergency meeting on Nov. 2.

The meeting was protested by two council members and the Houston Chronicle, citing a violation of the open meetings law.

The law allows governmental bodies to call emergency meetings only to deal with matters in which there are imminent threats to public health and safety or reasonable unforeseeable situations.

"No viable emergency existed for the calling of such meeting," the lawsuit contends.


Interim mayor backed

Staff

GALVESTON -- A judge Monday refused a League City man's request to bar the city's interim mayor from office.

John Murphy, 32, had asked state District Judge Roy Engelke to enjoin Pat Hallisey from serving as League City mayor.

"Pat Hallisey is not the problem. It's the process in which they selected this person," said Murphy, a teacher at Space Center Intermediate School in Houston.

Murphy contends City Council violated the Texas Open Meetings Act when Hallisey was named to replace Joe Lamb, who resigned in October after being convicted of official misconduct.

He also says council had no authority to name an interim mayor.

Hallisey, 44, executive director of the Galveston County Beach Park Board, was appointed during an emergency meeting Nov. 2. After questions were raised about that meeting's legality, he was appointed again in a special meeting Nov. 10.

Babs said...

LCPD - Great job reminding is of the city's historical/hysterical cast of characters.

Interesting that the Texas Secretary of State does not recognize PH as ever being Mayor of League City. This is a guy who has run soooo many times, but has NEVER won an election!

Will you please share the story about the illegal dumping at Jack Brooks Park? Many suspect that PH ordered the dumping, and one has to wonder if he profited from it.

lcpd said...

babs, wow i had to go to my attic for that info, but hated to turn you down, so here it is-or at least part of it. Working on getting the info involving ph and he lawsuit on a former mayor.

By BOB SABLATURA
Staff

Copyright 1991, Houston Chronicle.

Texas Land Commissioner Garry Mauro used his political influence last December in an unsuccessful attempt to help a relative and two major political supporters land a lucrative contract to develop a Galveston County golf course at taxpayers' expense.

BSL Golf Corp. proposed to build a $5.5 million, 18-hole golf course on leased county property in Jack Brooks Park in La Marque. But the project was halted by a state district judge's ruling that Galveston County officials acted illegally by developing the golf course plans in secret.

BSL is owned by Houston businessmen Andrew Schatte and Richard Bischoff, and lists as an employee Don Mauro, the land commissioner's cousin and business manager. All three men have close political and personal ties to the state land commissioner.

Schatte and Bischoff, also major political supporters of Mayor Kathy Whitmire, recently borrowed $7 million from the city of Houston's Municipal Employees' Pension Fund to finance their investment in two golf courses, one in Houston and one in Austin.

The Galveston County Beach Park Board voted last November to lease 225 acres of land in Jack Brooks Park to BSL for the golf course development. The terms of the contract provided for BSL to pay the county a total of $50 for a 30-year lease on the property. The board also agreed to issue $5.5 million in revenue bonds to finance the project. The bonds would then be paid off by BSL through revenues generated by the golf course.

Don Mauro acted as the main contact with the park board and was listed as BSL's director of acquisitions in the financial information the company provided to the board.

Galveston County Commissioner Wayne Johnson filed a lawsuit against the county park board, claiming the lease and the financing were illegal because the board did not conduct public meetings and did not put the lease up for auction as required by state law.

Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, Land Commissioner Mauro called Johnson and asked him to drop his lawsuit so the project and its financing could remain intact, according to two sources familiar with the legal action. Mauro told Johnson that Schatte and Bischoff were good campaign contributors, the sources said, and hinted that the two men could become good contributors to the commissioner also.

Johnson confirmed to the Chronicle that Mauro called him to discuss the golf course development. He also confirmed the land commissioner asked him to drop the lawsuit.

Mauro, in a written response to Chronicle questions, admitted that he called Johnson to discuss the project but denied he asked the commissioner to drop the lawsuit.

Both Johnson and Schatte are friends of his, Mauro said, and he did not like seeing two friends in a fight.

"I called Wayne to tell him that Andy was a good guy that he should get to know," Mauro said. "I suggested he call Andy to see if they could work out their differences."

Don and Garry Mauro have a close business relationship and have been involved in many common business ventures over the last decade.

Garry Mauro said he has no financial interest in BSL or in any project the company has developed.

The land commissioner does have close ties to the two owners of BSL, according to records obtained by the Chronicle. In a 1990 bankruptcy case filed by Don Mauro, the land commissioner's cousin revealed that Schatte guaranteed $450,000 in loans for the cousins to purchase a ranch near Rocksprings.

Schatte and Bischoff also were frequent Mauro companions on hunting and fishing trips taken by the land commissioner, according to internal General Land Office records obtained by the Chronicle.

Mauro said he was not aware of the loan guarantees on the Rocksprings ranch and did not believe he owed Schatte any money.

In a scathing opinion on the proposed Galveston County golf course, state District Judge Ed Harris blocked both the lease and the golf course's financing because the board did not award the lease following a public auction.

Pat Hallisey, the executive director of the parks board, defended the golf course project and denied his group acted in secret. He said the lawsuit was the result of a longstanding feud between board members and Commissioner Johnson.

Hallisey served as Galveston County campaign chairman for Mauro in last year's election.

Financial documents provided by BSL to the county parks board last year also conflict with financial information provided to Houston officials during negotiations for loans from the city's pension fund.

The balance sheet provided to Galveston County officials by BSL indicates the company was insolvent, with liabilities outnumbering assets by more than $1.7 million.

Al Haines, a board member of the city of Houston's pension fund, said his group was told the company had a positive net worth larger than the loans the fund was making to BSL.

The pension fund board voted to make two loans to Schatte and Bischoff, totaling $7 million, so the pair could purchase a 25 percent share of a Houston golf course and an Austin real estate development, which includes a golf course. The remainder of the two projects was purchased by the pension fund itself.

Chris John Mallios said...

Lcpd,
So to summarize pat and jerry could have been twins separated at birth.

BHL said...

I wonder what justification ME would have for PH's golf course antics.

Striaght Talk said...

Precinct 4 candidates take dissenting roles

By Carter Thompson
The Daily News
Published October 13, 2002


Mallios was fired for frequent insubordination, being a disruptive force in the department and coercing another employee to resign amid allegations of kickbacks, according to his personnel file. The allegations — which were not described in the file — were not substantiated, wrote department executive director Dennis Harris, and the employee recanted and asked for his job back in a handwritten note.

Mallios blames his exit on his blunt manner and the knowledge that he was going to seek political office. He was an ally of former department leader Pat Hallisey, who quit in 1997 during a legendary feud with then Commissioner Wayne Johnson.

Chris John Mallios said...

Straight Balk,
One should ask what method Mr. Harris used to determine that the allegations were not “substantiated.” One must ask why Mr. Harris refused the request of Chris Mallios to let the Galveston County Sherriff’s department or the D.A.’s office investigate those allegations. And if Chris Mallios could not prove there was a kickback then why was he not taken to court by the “alleged” injured party? I still have my paper work and the files regarding the situation. I do not doubt that SEVERAL individuals do not want this situation brought out in public. But I have no problem with it.

In that article I did say as well “I represent the interests of my constituents and that’s all that matters to me,” he said. “If anyone thinks Chris Mallios is a good old boy who is going to yuck it up with the good old boys, they don’t know Chris Mallios.”

The article was an interview done when I ran for County Commissioner. As you can tell I haven’t changed. As I have stated many times if I had it to do all over again I would not change a thing.

So now let me ask what that has to do with any candidate running for office in League City? And please tell us what that has to do with this thread. Straight talk tell us how much money Hallisey has taken in contributions from developers? How much has Tommy “Two Tone” Cones taken from developers in contributions? Do you want to talk straight or are you just there to try to deflect the truth about Good old boys and developer puppets Tommy, Pat and Mr. Stations?

Unknown said...

Oh, what a tangled web we weave...when we practice to deceive!
What are you all so afraid of?
Pat and Tommy love League City ... what have you done lately to help or improve the City of Oaks & Once Friendly Folks?
Let's see...what Election did you ever win Chris M? Are you the guy that when you were down and out and needed a job....who did you call? Ghostbusters? Nooooooo! you called Pat....and he assisted in getting you a career which you screwed up! After our conversation 2 weeks ago...the next day there was a conversation with the guy YOU PAID to print that news rag.....Liar! Your Mother would be disgusted with your politics! and ashamed!!!
And Elaine...one day friend...one day foe Elaine! with Elaine...you never know!
which is it today Elaine? The last time we spoke...we were going to go out and have Coffee? You never told me the day you stopped being my friend...remember the picture we took with you, me and Ms. Kelly? We were all so proud of all far we had come....The day you helped me rush Pat to the hospital when he was gravely ill...and you brought up a huge fruit basket? I still thank you and John for the help then. Remember the customized bottle of wine I brought you for a Chrismas gift recently? Next time we meet will you be the Elaine that called me and asked me to forgive you the time you "tried" to have me arrested? I said no need....of course I do...What do I get in return...the grief and jealousy you pour out on Pat and Tommy.
Decent people respectfully agree to disagree...but you end friendships like they are a dime a dozen...and hook up with BM, JS, RT and others...-I still have an email where you described her/BM, with every name in the book! what is up with that? You encouraged me not to help with the Butler Museum...because of the people that were on the Board...you called them SELF SERVING, wasn't it?
and the rest of you!!! show me, tell me...what you do for LC? when? where? Some worked on the Butler Museum....Why isn't it opened YET?
You help the LCHS! another joke..Pat, Tommy and I raised more $$$ for that place...than any of you!
The proof is in the checkbook or in the signage on the buildings!

A handful of us...put on the biggest and most family oriented event in the town...as volunteers!
Elaine even rode in in this year! Fun wasn't it?

What do the rest of you do accept play patty cake with the new guru in town. Amazing how Phyllis talks out of both sides of her mouth....my friend Phyllis! We did have coffee together 2 months ago....What she says and what she does...are 2 different things now. For that I am sad.
Very sad to watch! What happened to: "I would never do anything to hurt Pat! or I love Tommy Cones!" or the Guru is difficult to work with BUT I have to...work with her? you kiss her ass every turn you turn around....its difficult to watch the meetings because of it. I miss the old Phyllis that I have loved for 20+ years. So do many.
P...You took Pat and Tommy's help when it was convenient...right in my living room....took their contacts, email lists, went to their parties, however, now we aren't good enough? You can imagine what I think of that Phyl? I haven't told our daughter a thing about all this....how could I ever explain it!
you all hide behind some ridiculous names on a blog.....makes me wonder why Tommy or Pat would even give you the sweat off their brows...they have more class and commitment to their communities while all you guys want to do is malign people and tear down our community! Right-- MP is such an honorable guy...goes and makes a false police report..what a guy! Will that be in print Mr. P by Friday? And ML..who calls and emails Pat....saying, "I'm not involved in that newspaper that went out!" such honesty! & integrity!
And speaking of old newspaper articles-We know the truth. That's what really counts when we lay our head down at night.
In response to the contribution made:
in Memory of...
he was so consumed with hate and evil...it killed him! So Beware of what that can do to you!

Don't waste your time...responding...I will never open this again...your personal lives must be so empty and unfulfilling. I feel sorry for each and every one of you...all of you have my email...so feel free to hate away....go for it! Pat & Tommy are winners this Saturday either way with their heads held high with pride in knowing they ran an honorable Campaign! What funny name can I dream up? how about PARADE QUEEN

Unknown said...

BARBARA DID NOT WRITE PARADE QUEEN COMMENTS....I DID, JH