Political Hatchet Job

by Ron West

Recently, Star Telegram reporter John Kirsh posted an article headlined “Activist files reports late”. It was based on a complaint filed with the Texas State Ethics Commission by former city councilman, Scott Turnage. The essence of the report was that I had failed to file required reports regarding my personal purchase of signs in support of the tax freeze. I have now received the official notice from the Texas Ethics Commission and am responding to them with the appropriate requested information. Within their notice to me was some very interesting information.

The first tidbit of information was that Mr. Turnage received information from Mr. Ken Sapp that Mr. Turnage represented as fund raising by me or my “organization”. Since at that time the Ron West Organization was only me – neither I nor my organization ever requested donations towards the purchase of the signs. A copy of Mr. Sapp’s email (ken4co) is within the copy of the complaint for your reference. Note the date of September 9, 2004 – prior to the election of 9/11.

The second interesting point is that Mr. Turnage signed his affidavit on 9/24/04 which was the Friday preceding the last council meeting in September.

On Monday, 9/27 – after an interesting council meeting that had a lot of things for Mr. Kirsh to report, he approached me aggressively asking if I had filed campaign finance reports. I told him that I was not aware that individuals were required to do so. The tone and nature of his questions led me to believe that he was planning some type of “attack” article.

On Wednesday, 9/29 I decided to contact the Texas Ethics Commission to see if some type of filing was required. An attorney on the TEC staff advised me that I was required to file, instructed me how to down load the forms and less than an hour after the call, the required reports were filed with the city secretary of NRH.

On Wednesday, 9/29 – after I filed the reports, I received another call from Mr. Kirsh and told him I had filed the reports. He then asked me if I was aware of the complaint filed the preceding Friday by Mr. Turnage. I told him no. (Such reports are confidential unless the filer or the person filed against chooses to publicize them.)

On Thursday, 9/30 – Mr. Kirsh published his article and quoted Mr. Turnage as taking credit for me obeying the law – which Mr. Kirsh knew was untrue.

The last tidbit that is really interesting is that the Texas Ethics Commission received the complaint on October 4, 2004 – after the article was published. Kind of makes you wonder when the complaint was actually mailed doesn’t it.

Mr. Turner, Mr. Sapp and Mr. Kirsh probably think they are providing a public service since this article and effort diverted needed public attention from the fact that Mayor Trevino disallowed discussion of the sign ordinance that appears to be illegal with regard to state law. The new members of the council were treated rudely by the Mayor and other old members of the council on the same night that Mr. Kirsh was so concerned with my filing status. Mr. Kirsh did not seem to find rude treatment, limitation of discussion or an illegal ordinance worthy of his attention in light of the overwhelmingly important fact that I – as an individual citizen - was required by law to file reports if I supported or opposed an issue.

It is evident that Mr. Turnage is still a sore loser from the May elections and Mr. Sapp is starting his campaign for the council early. If this is the “high ground” or “ethics” endorsed by Turnage, Sapp, Trevino, Metts and others, I would like to continue on the path that they so disdain.

A full copy of the complaint is available for your review: Turnage Complaint

A copy of Mr.Kirsh’s attack article is available for your review: Activist Files Late