Vacation Is Almost Over!

by Ron West

    This website has been a real privilege for me to create and write articles for.  Unfortunately, I take myself more seriously than I probably should and the pressures of watching our current NRH City Council operate with total disregard for the citizens and for common sense in a lot of cases creates a feeling of pressure for me.  There is always something to write about but once in a while I guess I need a break.  I have taken that time since the last posting in November to work with my son in a new business adventure and that has been both challenging and rewarding.  With things there appearing to be under control, I hope to have plenty of time to continue my personal crusade to try to at least publicize the wrongs of our city council.

    Should I be writing about the "good" things they do.  While there are a few good things, I do not see that as my role.  If you have visited or viewed a North Richland Hills Council Meeting, you have probably seen at least a little of the self aggrandizing and back patting that they do for themselves.  To listen to them the only good in the city is a result of their collective effort only.  With that in place, balance is needed and this website is dedicated to presenting at least another view point. 

    I do not expect full agreement from any quarter but I do hope what I write will trigger you thought processes and perhaps independent investigation on your part.  The current machine in control of our city has numerous apologists for their "issues and positions" and most of those folks are not burdened with either truth or facts.  As citizens I think we deserve both truth and facts we can depend on from our city government.

    The continued defense of the indefensible killing of one of our citizens is underway with no end in sight.  The case involves a false warrant, a no-knock raid, the killing of a defenseless citizen 1.7 seconds after our police knocked the door down, documented corruption of the killing scene by our police, false depositions that were recanted by two city officials, the withholding of records and what appear to be lies under oath for current city officials.  The case is headed for a jury trial and if it reaches the jury without a settlement, I strongly expect a verdict against the city in the millions of dollars.  The city has so far refused to even discuss settlement.

    Recently Burger King was denied the right to use a previous Burger King sign but friends of the council (developers) were granted variances.  Favoritism and political reward are common practices in NRH.

    If the last newsletter is correct, soon after the first of the year, the city budget director will make the full city budget available on the city website.  I continue to find it strange that our city can spend over $80 Million without any real citizen input, without providing full documentation prior to budget approval and can operate under a budget that the City Manager (Cunningham) can change at will without public knowledge and without council approval.  As you may be aware, several of the council members have written to tell me that I am incapable of "understanding the law" or "understanding their budget process".

    Soon our illustrious council will be approving more bonds - called certificates of obligation - without voter approval or your input.  They can and often do borrow money to spend as they see fit - outside the budget - without telling anyone what they are doing.  Watch upcoming council meetings for this action.  The portion of your property taxes to pay for such bonds are mandated by state law and all debt increases that portion of your property taxes.  The continued growth in property valuations masks the continual increase in money to our local government.

    Well despite all of the above - I want to wish all readers a very happy and prosperous new year - despite the local city government of North Richland Hills, Texas.