Nancy,

Following the last P&Z Meeting, you, I and Ken Sapp stood in the parking lot discussing a few current issues.  During this discussion you again commented that the Mayor never speaks to you.  I suggested that it might be more accurate to say the Mayor has never spoke to you on a personal basis rather that he never speaks to you.

 During this discussion I did comment that I saw several reasons why the Mayor may choose not to visit with you on a personal basis.  One of the reasons I stated was related to the recent inaccurate reporting of what Mr. West tagged as the “Gag Order”. 

Again you are making inaccurate charges relative to the alleged “Walking Quorum”.  You, I and the rest of the council received a copy of a letter written by Mayor Trevino on the day of the appointment through the City Secretary Office, listing the potential appointments.  It happens also that someone posted an article on LNO listing the possible choices and predicting that Suzy Compton may be the selection.

 I recall the Friday prior to the announcement, Tim Welch and I trying to squeeze the Mayor for his decision, which he declined to provide, perhaps he was still sorting it out. I like you did not know who the Mayor’s appointment was until he requested that a motion be made to appoint Ms. Compton that evening.  His request for a motion of Ms. Compton was his announcement of his choice.  I reviewed the tape again today and failed to hear the quote “Who’s going to make the motion for Ms. Compton?” which you made in your letter of 2/15/05.  The Mayor’s request in the copy of the tape I have is “At this time I would like to have a motion on the nomination of Suzy Compton”. 

 Nancy, during the discussion at the goal setting session, which you choose not to support last night, we had discussions on a Code of Conduct and House Rules.  The purpose of those discussions was to develop ways that the council can work together though not agreeing on issues.  Your charge that “It was obvious they had discussed it outside the public’s view” is not only inaccurate but violates the Code of Conduct discussed to encourage civility and respect among fellow council members.  I submit as you continually charge mistreatment or isolation from the Mayor and fellow council members that it is through your actions and behavior which hold them from a more personal relationship with you.

Mr. West, as I know it is your habit to comment on statements made by council members, I request the courtesy, should you choose to elaborate on this memo, to reproduce by entire writing to your reading audience and allow them to draw their own conclusions rather than you drawing it for them.   

Nancy, I request the same consideration from any other supporters you may share this with.

 John H. Lewis

Councilman, Place 1, North Richland Hills

 NRHOnline Comments: 

    The intent of the "Walking Quorum" article was to try to shed light on the decision process by our current council.  Unfortunately, Mr. Lewis' email seems to be saying that the council simply does what the Mayor tells them to do without thought, discussion or even consideration.  Ms. Compton may be an excellent choice for council but according to this email, there was apparently no "vetting" by the council prior to the vote.  It is hoped that this is not the normal process for decisions by the council.