Morning Coffee, Evening Wine

Music 4 Mutts - Music for Mutts Fort Worth

2010-10-10T22:16:00.006-05:00

Music festival for the Tarrant County dogs & cats. All proceeds will benefit 3 local animal rescue groups and Ft. Worth's only public low cost spay/neuter clinic. 2301 Scott Ave., Ft. Worth, TX 76103. Basically at I30 & Beach Street just east of downtown Ft. Worth. Band lineup is as follows (as of today - check website): The Vatican Press (11am), James Manning of Manning-Dickson, Brian Burke, The Second Hand String Band, The Foggy Possee (3:30), Nick Verzosa, Dirt Road Gypsies (6:30p), Jam Sandwich will finish the show. Bring lawn chairs/blankets and the dog(s). Sponsors include: IMC Facility Maintenance Services, Fort Worth Weekly, KTCU FM 88.7, Times Ten Cellars Fort Worth, Rahr & Sons Brewery, East Lancaster Vet Clinic, Painless Performance, Riverside Kennel, KL Vascular Corporation, Hands of Peace Massage, A1 Food Mart, Aztec Environmental and more.

Why won't a well connected, Dallas Animal Shelter Advisory Commissioner say when she first learned of the trapped cat that died in shelter walls?

2010-08-29T18:31:00.006-05:00

Last week, after presenting with very defensive and protective comments over the trapped cat incident at Dallas Animal Shelter, I asked Dallas Animal Shelter Advisory Commissioner, Rebecca Poling, via Facebook comments, when did she first learn of the trapped cat that was left crying and clawing for at least 6 days, in the walls of shelter before dying. Shelter Manager has been indicted on Felony Cruelty Charges; his boss, Kent Robertson quickly resigned after indictment of Tyrone McGill. Employees asked Tyrone to rescue the cat. Did Tyrone mention the trapped cat to Kent Robertson? If so, who did Kent Robertson mention it to? We the people deserve to know if any of the Commissioners knew of the trapped cat before it died. Just for the sake of integrity. Let's start with home base.

Guess what? Within two hours of asking Poling this evidently, daunting question, I lose my position of Ft. Worth Chapter President with Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN)! Commission Chair, Skip Trimble is Secretary/Tresurer of THLN. Poling, Mr. Trimble and other THLN leaders are good friends. What's up with all of this? I smell something.

No one is above being questioned and because it's been several days with no answer from Poling, tells me that something really does smell pretty bad.

Tyrone McGill, Dallas Animal Shelter Manager Charged w/Felony Animal Cruelty - why is he still on payroll?

2010-08-12T20:16:00.004-05:00

It shouldn't matter if he is convicted or not, he needs to be off the taxpayers payroll! He knew about a cat caught in between two walls at the Dallas Shelter and he didn't bother to rescue the cat. Cat died. Something is badly wrong here! And what about Kent Robertson? Where is he in all of this mess?!

Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) grows by leaps & bounds with Chapters all over the State, newest Ft. Worth

2010-06-27T18:54:00.006-05:00

THLN is the voice at the Texas Legislature for untold numbers of animals throughout Texas who suffer horrific abuse and tragic neglect at the hands of callous humans. If you agree that animals deserve compassion and their abusers deserve punishment, we invite you to answer the call to justice by joining Texas Humane Legislation Network. http://www.thln.org/

Knock, knock....who's there -- America 2010, Land of Foolish Enablers

2010-06-05T19:16:00.006-05:00

Knock knock, who's there? Your neighbor. I want to let you know that I know nothing about the value of personal responsibility; therefore, -- I want, and expect you, the taxpayer, to pay for my baby's prenatal care, birthing and any medical care my baby may need, cause I don't want to use a condom when me and the 16 year old girl down the street have sex. Also, since I don't wanna work -- I want, and expect you, the taxpayer, to pay for me to eat, drink and be a little merry throughout the day, each day. Also, I want a house -- I want, and expect you, the taxpayer, to contribute to my down payment. Oh, and, I don't really want to invest the time & effort into my children's education, schooling, emotional health or life and I don't really care what damage this envokes on their future -- I want, and expect you, the taxpayer, to pay for the detention, social services, counseling, rehabilitation, support, detox support, prison, food, care & clothing that my child will most likely need throughout his/her entire life. Another thing, I want a dog but can't afford it -- I want, and expect you, the taxpayer, to pay for all of my expenses related to the dog.

And the people say.....OK, we'll do.

This is America 2010! The land of foolish enablers. We need to desert this plan, and turn all of the social services business and hand outs, over to charity and take it away from our elected officials, they are abusing their powers and working against, not for, the taxpayers who supply their dollars to spend.

This is one way we should be solving the growing problem of dog overpopulation and rising taxpayer expense of Animal Control Services

2010-06-05T19:04:00.005-05:00

"The program partners with schools, juvenile detention facilities, community centers, community based organizations......" not to mention the benefit to our youth, communities and society.

http://www.knockoutdogfighting.org/

Ft. Worth Protecting Vagrants from the Law

2010-05-30T19:22:00.006-05:00

City Code Sec. 30-12 states: "It shall be unlawful for any person to enclose, build upon or make any other private use of any part of the street, sidewalk or other right-of-way, without first obtaining the express authorization of the city."

I have sent email to Councilwoman, Kathleen Hicks, who represents this area of Ft. Worth, asking for clarification of the law and why the law is not being enforced here in East Ft. Worth.

To my knowledge, it against the constitution to segment sections of society and protect them from the law. Gosh, I wished I were wealthy, I could then hire many attorneys to process my arguments in court.

To make private use of city street(s) right-of-ways.....is, according the Ft. Worth Code, unlawful! If you are not going to enforce the law, get rid of it!! Or is it racial -homeowner profiling -- they only enforce it on white people who own homes.

(The Salvation Army shelter is in the picture to the left -- they hand out freebies.)

That Big Bang Of A Dog-Fighting Bust Turns Into A Weak Whimper In The Courtroom - Houston News - Hair Balls

2010-03-04T20:01:00.001-06:00

That Big Bang Of A Dog-Fighting Bust Turns Into A Weak Whimper In The Courtroom - Houston News - Hair Balls: "prosecutors doled out light sentences because, in most instances, the defendants were spectators, and were not witnessed entering dogs in fights. (Participants in dog fights can face up to two years in prison; spectators can get a year in jail and a $4,000 fine)."

Vote Debra Medina for Governor

2010-02-21T23:07:00.003-06:00

We will all benefit for such a leader making the "executive" decisions for the State of Texas. She's really a cool person. Check her out before you vote!! http://www.medinafortexas.com/

Debra Medina must be our Governor!

2010-02-20T22:15:00.003-06:00

Or we lose as Texans!! I agree, if we are paying property taxes, we don't 'own' our property -- we LEASE it from the government! Debra Medina

Debra Medina is the Winner!!

2010-02-16T20:40:00.004-06:00

This candidate for Governor of Texas....I so hope she makes it in a runoff with Perry. She'd whip him across any stage in any debate! Debra Medina is the one to vote for now....in Texas!! http://www.medinafortexas.com/.

Ft. Worth City Politics affecting Animal Welfare

2009-11-22T11:12:00.004-06:00

Most animal control calls/concerns/problems/issues come from the same zip codes with greatest release of x-cons, heaviest crime, poorest residents, and the most populated areas of black & brown residents. Those are statistical facts. So, when Animal Control enforces the animal laws in the those areas and the City Council Reps., who represent those areas, holler racism or 'you're picking on my people,' or 'you're picking on the poor,' or any of that nonsense, it is the job of a leader to stay the course and address the facts. Funny how those City Council Reps don't have a problem looking at the factual stats when there's a chance of them getting taxpayer money such as with home foreclosures and such, but boy, let it be something that is sucking money from our pockets and they want to turn a deaf ear and blind eye. HA! Time for some real change in Ft. Worth!! I hope it comes soon.

Ft. Worth needs a new Animal Control Director

2009-10-20T22:30:00.006-05:00

It's time and it's overdue. Our elected 'officials' in Ft. Worth have been asleep at the wheel for far too many years. It's sad, disgusting, empowering and costly to the taxpayers! I won't go into details, just take my word for it.

1st Annual Conference for Texas Humane Legislation Network is History...now on to the 2nd Annual Conference...

2009-10-20T21:00:00.007-05:00

What a successful Conference! It was a personal experience for me and as a person who cares that animals are treated in a humane fashion ALL of their lives, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate Cile Holloway (and her mother who has passed on).....the Founders of THLN! Thirty-five (35) years in the making, it seems that now is THLN's time. For those of you who truly care that animals in Texas are treated in a humane fashion, please take the time to visit http://www.thln.org/ and donate money to this organization. The keynote speaker was Michael Markarian, COO & Exec. V.P. of The Humane Society of the United States. Profound quotes that I heard at Conference include:

"Change is a Process, not an Event," Cile Holloway, President & Founder of THLN

"It's not so much about 'Animal Rights' as it is about Human Responsibility." Michael Markarian, HSUS

Eighty nine percent (89%) of all marijuana violations are 'possession only.'

2009-09-15T22:08:00.010-05:00

" Present enforcement policies are costing American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, ruining the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans, and having no impact on marijuana availability or marijuana use in this country. It is time to end this failed policy and replace prohibition with a policy of marijuana regulation, taxation, and education." http://norml.org/
NOTE: Above is from NORML.org......I'm not endorsing any 'taxation'......NOT!!!
ANOTHER NOTE: Please consider voting Libertarian. "The thinking Party."

89%

2009-09-15T22:08:00.000-05:00

City of Fort Worth is attempting to help millions of neglected, abused animals.

2009-09-03T19:30:00.005-05:00

If you are a fiscal conservative like me and care greatly about the massive amount of dollars that the government takes out of our pockets, you hate it when taxpayers are held accountable for others' irresponsible choices and actions, such as animal neglect, abuse & cruelty to name one, of the issues that I'm referring to. Sign up to be a volunteer for Ft. Worth's Animal Control and let's change the way this city does business, help the animals & taxpayers in the process.

How many animals have to die before Gas Companies act responsibly and put up fences?

2009-08-29T20:31:00.003-05:00

"17 head of cattle died in late April after drinking "frac" water that entered their pasture."

http://www.fwweekly.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1994:the-big-takeover&catid=76:metropolis&Itemid=377

Texas Humane Legislation Network fundraiser - Monday, Aug. 31st, Grapevine, Texas

2009-08-26T22:05:00.005-05:00

Do you care about the neglected animals, cruelly confined animals, starving animals, stray animals in your neighborhood, community, city and/or state? Please attend our party or call and just donate over the phone, Monday, August 31st, 5p-7p, D'Vine Wine, 409 Main St., Grapevine, Texas. http://www.thln.org/. Guest speakers: Senator Wendy Davis, Cile Holloway, President of THLN, Rick Bousquet, Executive Director of THLN.

The Humane Society of the United States & Texas Puppy Mills

2009-08-21T23:47:00.007-05:00

I am so thankful for HSUS. The Puppy Mill raids have been a life saving experience for so many thousands of dogs, especially the Puppy Mill Mothers -- the dogs who's life is enslaved to having litter after litter. We need animal cruelty laws enforced and State cruelty law loopholes closed. Also, know who your Veterinarian is and if he is a member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. TVMA came out so strongly AGAINST the Puppy Mill Bill that was put forth the Texas Legislature last session of 2009, it was lost. Why? Money. This is wrong. We are better than this as a citizenry of the State of Texas. We are further along than this in the State of Texas. We can do better.

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/texas_puppy_mil_081809.html

http://www.thln.org/

http://www.humanesociety.org/

Come ask questions of Candidate for Texas Governor, Debra Medina in East Fort Worth, Tuesday, August 25th

2009-08-18T20:31:00.003-05:00

Medina will be speaking at business offices of Painless Performance (hot rod electronics company), 2501 Ludelle St., Ft. Worth, TX 76105. She is the real deal, honest, genuine, tell it like it is, intelligent, balanced, impressive, well spoken candidate for our Texas Governor. Give her a chance, come listen, come ask your questions. Hope to see you there. www.medinafortexas.com

Ron Wilson, Chief Financial Officer of FWISD, did he resign/get fired? What's up? Where is he?

2009-08-16T20:37:00.003-05:00

Someone said he left his position in the middle of the night along with others in the department. Did our local paper report anything? Not that I've read, of course, I don't subscribe to the paper nor read it daily, so maybe I missed it. I bet now they write something. Local politics in Fort Worth, very entertaining to follow.

Watch the results of Puppy Mill Raid in Kaufman County

2009-08-13T21:38:00.001-05:00

http://video.hsus.org/index.jsp?fr_story=041631787a1a3c1da9474e82599210bfbcc5054d.

No coincidence that Land Developer was first in line at Ft. Worth City Council meeting Animal Ordinance Hearing

2009-08-12T19:46:00.004-05:00

Fort Worth City Council approved changes to the Animal Control Ordinance and first called to the microphone was none other than Happy Baggett, one of the largest land developers in North Tarrant County. A 3 year old relative of his was killed after climbing through the fence into neighbors yard and killed by neighbors dog. Very sad indeed; however, no sadder than anyone else who is killed by a dog, especially at such a young age. Remember several weeks ago when the gay activists were calling out the Mayor because he put them last on the agenda and he explained it as "somebody's gotta be last?" Funny how when a political buddy has something to say, not only is the issue put first on the agenda, but the friend is first as well. And you think everything that happens at City Hall isn't political? Better think again. If I were Mayor, whatever issue was expected to draw the most people (and they know), would always be first. Seems Mayor Mike Moncrief puts things on the back burner when he wants the people to go away and not be heard, and puts things first if he wants them to be heard, especially his high dollar supporters and friends. I'm sure he thinks he's sneaky and no one is noticing his slick moves. Funny.

"In the Fiscal Years 2006-2007, the City of Dallas had no choice but to euthanize 26,979 unwanted pets. It would take 550 DART buses to transport...

2009-08-06T20:12:00.008-05:00

the same number of people, or 63 Boeing 747 jets."

Homeward Bound Animal Rescue - Dallas, Fort Worth, TX

I just don't believe that your average American realizes the enormity of the out of control unwanted dogs/cats in this country, or in our municipalities. I am grateful for politicians who stand up and speak up for the dogs/cats.

Homeward Bound Animal Rescue is a great organization for animals needing rescued, adopted, cared for medically, etc. in the Dallas, Fort Worth area. They are on Facebook, please become a fan and send them twenty bucks.

Fort Worth Police Dispatcher, M180 says that FWPD only answers Certain Dog Related Calls

2009-08-01T21:50:00.002-05:00

Oh Really? So who is there to enforce the law between the hours of 5pm - 8am M-F and on weekends? Operator says, "Oh we only answer dog calls if the dog is aggressive or attacking someone.
I bet if I pushed it, we would find this is not the truth and unlawful for a City to say we only enforce the City Ordinances and State Laws at convenient hours of the day and week.

Ft. Worth's Mayor Mike Moncrief's response to the outcrys from gay activists at City Council meeting did not contain true statements.

2009-07-18T13:38:00.009-05:00

When questioned on why the Rainbow Lounge discussion was put last on the City Council agenda when there were "hundreds here to hear the issue," pleaded the protestor; Mayor Moncrief's reply was 'well there's hundreds here to hear the discussion on homelessness as well." Not true! There were maybe 10 - 15 there to hear issue on homelessness, and literally hundreds to hear about the Rainbow Lounge incident. All overflow rooms were full and people standing outside that could not even get in the door to City Hall. Of course, this issue was put last for a political reason but it back fired on Moncrief this time and will continue to do so until the light is beamed down on the truth about the excessive, brutal, unlawful force used by the Fort Worth Police Department in the gay bar, Rainbow Lounge Raid by FWPD & Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

http://fortworthgov.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2

Watch "Election of Mayor Pro Tem" for July 14th meeting and listen for yourself. After the homelessness issue, do you see hundreds of people leave? No! What else is the Mayor untruthfully telling us and hoping we will believe? That he doesn't know where the millions upon millions of tax payer dollars are, that are missing from City Hall?

Former Mayor Pro Tem, Kathleen Hicks, using the gay community to her political advantage

2009-07-16T09:51:00.005-05:00

Ft. Worth's councilmember (former Mayor Pro Tem) hasn't participated in Ft. Worth's Gay Pride Parade and has shyed away from the gay community and anything with the words gay or lesbian coming her way or near her BEFORE the Rainbow Lounge Raid. Her 'special best friend', Camille Rodriquez, even so much as walked up to a supporter of mine, Mr. Mike Phipps, at a debate forum during the last Council election race and threatened him with a lawsuit if he mentioned the word 'lesbian' in the same sentence with Kathleen Hicks' and Camille Rodriquez. She also said, she 'had people in places to take care of him' if he did so.

Now that she has a chance to pretend that she cares about the wrongdoings of the Fort Worth Police Department, she's using the gay community to do it. How many times has she questioned or held accountable the FWPD for complaints by citizens like myself and others when those complaints didn't make the local/national news? NONE!

In response to gay activists angered by being last on agenda, Ft. Worth's Mayor Mike Moncrief says "somebody had to be last."

2009-07-16T09:20:00.008-05:00

Of course someone has to be last, the Mayor, I'm sure hoped that by putting the Rainbow Lounge discussion last that most people would give up, go home and let the issue die. With all due respect, which isn't much at times, the Mayor has no idea how to handle this issue, how to glide and slide around the issue about Fort Worth police force using excessive and unlawful force that he, and 8 other council members are suppose to be knowing how they operate. You must watch this, it's great entertainment. http://fortworthgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=522 Go to about 25:00 into the meeting.

Please help Ernie by donating some spare change.

2009-07-12T20:08:00.004-05:00

"Ernie was found by a Homeward Bound, Bedford, TX volunteer just the other day. Boy this poor guy is in horrible shape. He has mange, he's heartworm positive, he needs surgery for bladder stones, he is sunburned, emaciated and dehydrated. The vet says they cant do surgery yet..."
Please donate here https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=75-2552165&source=GS&cmpgn=DNT&vlrStratCode=pvOWLmanj4Ddav2xszkQ6oN441cFLXP3gEJaUOx2hFIc0BLfjwQgwEVxCLePGaVS

Eye witness accountants to what happened at Ft. Worth's Rainbow Lounge Raid. BTW, Who ordered this raid, why and did Ft. Worth's Police Chief know?

2009-07-05T11:08:00.004-05:00

‘Tom Anable, a 55-year-old accountant who said he was in the bar during the raid, said that for more than a half-hour the officers entered the bar repeatedly in groups of three and escorted people out. Then around 1:40 a.m., he said, the officers started to get rougher, throwing one young man down hard on a pool table.
Minutes later, one of the state agents approached Mr. Gibson, who was standing on steps to a lounge at the back of the bar with a bottle of water in his hands, and tapped him on the shoulder, Mr. Anable said. Mr. Gibson turned and said, “Why?”
Then the officer, who has not been identified, twisted Mr. Gibson’s right arm behind his back, grabbed his neck, swung him off the steps and slammed his head into the wall of a hallway leading to the restrooms, Mr. Anable said. The agent then forced Mr. Gibson to the floor, Mr. Anable said.
“Gibson didn’t touch the officer,” Mr. Anable said. “He didn’t grope him.”
Two police officers and a second state agent arrived and helped subdue Mr. Gibson, kneeling on his back. A lounge employee, Lindsey Thompson, 23, said she saw an officer slam Mr. Gibson’s head into the floor while he was prone with his hands cuffed behind him.
The raid prompted swift action. Hours later, more than 100 people were protesting on the steps of the Tarrant County Courthouse. As the week went on, calls for an independent investigation grew, with a state senator, a group of local business leaders and two churches joining the chorus.’ New York Times, July 4, 2009

http://www.fwweekly.com/index.php?option=com_wordpress&p=711&Itemid=482

Ft. Worth's Mayor Mike Moncrief putting political spin on the Rainbow Lounge Raid

2009-07-04T15:17:00.004-05:00

'He's asking the U.S. Attorney for North Texas to independently review the police department investigation "...to ensure the department has thoroughly and impartially carried out its obligation to all the citizens of Fort Worth. I encourage the TABC to follow the same course."

http://cbs11tv.com/local/rainbow.lounge.gay.2.1070866.html

If the Mayor and the rest of City Council were doing their jobs well, they would be doing something about Fort Worth Police Department's poor job performance in enforcing the laws & city ordinances equally througout our entire City instead of selectively in certain areas and regarding certain laws. This incident is no surprise to us who know how the Police Department operates and see first hand the number of officers who abuse their authority. The City Council hasn't heard the complaints from us over the past few years -- they've chosen to ignore us and call us names like nay sayers and the like. Now they are shuffling the political cards in hopes they will fool enough people into thinking they know what they are talking about. Too bad they weren't voted out of office in May.

How many levels of 'Internal Investigation' are there w/in Ft. Worth Police Department?

2009-07-04T11:47:00.003-05:00

Regarding the differing accounts of the FWPD/Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Rainbow Lounge raid, Fort Worth Chief of Police, Jeff Halstead says, "The Fort Worth Police Department has taken a very serious approach to this issue and has initiated the highest level of internal investigation it can."

Fort Worth City Council members have ignored complaints against Police Department for years before the Gay Bar Raid

2009-07-02T15:46:00.007-05:00

I have sent email after email to all Fort Worth City Council members about the behaviors and inactions with the FWPD. Not one Council member responded. Yet when something happens such as the planned raid on the Rainbow Lounge and it makes national news then the career politicians come out of the woodwork and try to convince us that "we enforce the law equally, blah blah blah." How many times have I sent emails detailing the facts of poor police work on the Eastside and not one Ft. Worth City Councilmember has given a darn, not even my representative, Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks. Ft. Worth does not enforce the law equally. They protect the indigents, they protect the homeless and they selectively enforce the laws and ordinances. They protect each other, even the Department Heads and Police Chief. The egg belongs on the faces of every Ft. Worth City Council person except for Mr. Zim Zimmerman who was just elected to office. The Councilmembers don't have a clue to how the City Departments are managed and on what principles. I pray that the seats will stay hot for Ft. Worth's City 'leaders' regarding this incident.

What's up with Fort Worth Cops raiding a Gay Bar?

2009-06-28T22:40:00.005-05:00

What are the 'Good ol Boys' up to now? "One patron was seriously injured in the raid, several protesters said, as police used excessive force in making seven arrests. Police defended their actions."

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1458523.html

Thank you, Mr. Michael Jackson - the world isn't the same w/out you.

2009-06-26T18:33:00.007-05:00

Thank you for all you brought us. May your children be in loving, caring, nurturing, emotionally healthy homes and your legacy, music, and smooth moves, ('will') live forever and ever. May you rest in peace. You did it like no other and your voice was magnificent and above all (literally).

Grapevine Cops wouldn't do anything about this case of Animal Cruelty -- said there was no law against it!

2009-06-22T21:44:00.007-05:00

Grapevine, Texas Police were called to the scene of 3 dogs chained in back of a pickup truck in 100+ heat with no water, shelter, food and cruelly confined. If a dog can't move because the chains around him are so tangled, that's cruelly confined. If you don't supply proper food, water and shelter for a domesticated animal, that's cruelty and against the law. Why won't our municipalities and County District Attorney's prosecute animal cruelty BEFORE the animals are dead?

The Facts are:

Sunday, 6/21/09 @ Uncle Julios Grapevine. 7:00 p.m. in 104 degree weather -- 3 dogs -- 2 chained in pick up bed. Couldn't move. No food, no water, 6 gasoline cans. Uncle Julios would only provide water. Management did nothing else. We asked management to call the police. They said they would. Grapevine police has since confirmed Uncle Julios never called. Grapevine Police Call Record # 43233

Two officers came out -- J Newman [badge 7500] and B Estill [badge 5216]. They had no idea there was a Texas law. They basically said they could do nothing. " [The only thing they could have done anything about was if the dogs were locked inside the pick-up - which wasn't the case here]." However, one could see that both officers [in their eyes] knew it was wrong what was happening with these dogs. Anyone with a heart would know it was wrong... And why would anyone tether a dog to the bed of a truck in 104 degree weather with six gasoline cans and no water? Nothing was done.

We have two of the dog's names: Bob [Black Lab mix] and White Sox ["Heinz 57"]; third dog was a yellow Lab. All three reside at 4101 Dundee Court in Colleyville, Texas.

THE LAW:

Texas Penal Code states:

(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:

(1) tortures an animal or in a cruel manner kills or causes serious bodily injury to an animal;

(2) without the owner's effective consent, kills, administers poison to, or causes serious bodily injury to an animal;

(3) fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter for an animal in the person's custody;

(4) abandons unreasonably an animal in the person's custody;

(5) transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner;

(6) without the owner's effective consent, causes bodily injury to an animal;

(7) causes one animal to fight with another animal, if either animal is not a dog;

(8) uses a live animal as a lure in dog race training or in dog coursing on a racetrack; or

(9) seriously overworks an animal.

(c) An offense under Subsection (b)(3), (4), (5), (6), or (9) is a Class A misdemeanor, except that the offense is a state jail felony if the person has previously been convicted two times under this section, two times under Section 42.09, or one time under this section and one time under Section 42.09. An offense under Subsection (b)(1), (2), (7), or (8) is a state jail felony, except that the offense is a felony of the third degree if the person has previously been convicted two times under this section, two times under Section 42.09, or one time under this section and one time under Section 42.09.

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/PE/content/htm/pe.009.00.000042.00.htm

Beloved family pet accidentally euthanized at Fort Worth Animal Shelter - a product of poor management & leadership of our Ft. Worth City Council

2009-06-14T19:40:00.011-05:00

Every City Council member should have to ride out with an Animal Control Officer at least once a year. Every City Council member should have to spend 1/2 day working at the Animal Shelter. Every City Council member should have to spend an hour each year taking dogs to the room to be euthanized. Fort Worth City Council did nothing in addressing the out of control stray animal problem until people like me started taking action and bombarding their inboxes with emails and facts about Fort Worth's animal problems. This link below tells a very sad story of what happens when government ignores a problem and sticks their heads in the sand. The system gets overloaded, things are chaotic and out of control as evidenced by this story. This is what happens when City Council Representatives ignore the issues happening in the neighborhoods they represent, this is what happens when Neighborhood Associations ignore the issues happening in the neighborhoods, this is what happens when enough residents don't speak up & out and do their part. The issues get out of control and things like this happen. Heads should roll at Fort Worth Animal Shelter. There is absolutely no excuse for this mistake. Sure, mistakes happen; however, ones like this should not be tolerated. Shame on Fort Worth City Council for complete lack of leadership on animal issues for all the years up before 2008 (when they were forced to do something about all of the egg on their faces regarding this issue).

http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou090612_mp_family-pet-mistake.75447828.html

Looks like Fort Worth's Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks is not telling the truth (lying).

2009-06-03T22:23:00.004-05:00

"Councilwoman Kathleen Hicks and Fisseler are named in the City Construction Company's incorporation papers as managers of the company. In an earlier interview both said they had no involvement with the company."
http://www.fwweekly.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1500:house-of-cards&catid=76:metropolis&Itemid=377

Fort Worth Police Officer says, "I don't like your attitude" (because I wouldn't do his job for him). Another Central/West Meadowbrook Crime.

2009-06-02T22:22:00.013-05:00

I told him I didn't like his attitude either. Is the police officer (Sargent) that stands on the side lines with his arms folded and doesn't bother to find out if any of us 3-4 people standing at the scene saw or heard anything related to the crime, worth his pay? You don't stand around and watch, you best get to work if I'm paying your salary! Even if you are one of 'Fort Worth's Finest,' you are still a paid employee of the taxpayers and you have a job to do, even if it is on the East side, even if it does involve another domestic violence case, even if it does involve another 4 year old endangered child!

I'll say it again, living on the East side, owning a business on the East side in Council District 8, I see more and hear more about the Fort Worth Police Department than probably any of you reading this blog site. I lay awake at night listening to police helicopters buzzing over my neighborhood more than probably any of you reading this post. Please don't discount my words as me just being negative, or me being a 'bitchy,' or anything but a concerned citizen, resident and business owner in Council District 8, East Fort Worth publishing my personal experiences while watching my neighborhood take a spiraling dive amongst all the beautiful historic houses, hundred year old trees hovering over our streets and backyards, well built houses from the 50's & 60's, and the elderly who have seen this neighborhood in it's best years and who now are being surrounded by criminals, irresponsible parents, people driving/walking the neighborhood eyeing their next target for burglary, high weeds, trash on their lawns from individuals who've been taught nothing about respect and values, streets filled with potholes and patches from the enormous amount of water main breaks, a corrupt City Hall and a career politician as a Council Rep and Neighborhood Associations who turn a blind eye to these truths and scream & holler if someone such as myself points them out. It's really bothering & sad to actually watch; however, I don't feel powerless and I will continue to do what I do.

Once again, the crime filled night ended in East Ft. Worth, Council District 8, Central/West Meadowbrook Neighborhood

2009-06-02T21:45:00.012-05:00

Neighborhood 'leaders' downplay the crime in our neighborhood. Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks downplays the crime in the neighborhood -- however, I'm here to show you the pictures (evidence) of such crimes. This crime filled night for criminals ended right here in my neighbors side yard. Evidently, the criminals had stolen a car in west Fort Worth, completed 3 robberies in Arlington and crashed into this yard that you see above. Not good!! Come on, Hicks, whatcha gonna do? Come on, Don Boren & Wanda Conlin (hubby & wife team), Harvey & Dolores Roberts whatcha gonna do about the crime in Central & West Meadowbrook?

Ft. Worth Police Officer tries to trample on my liberties - says "You can't take pictures." What?

2009-06-02T20:59:00.004-05:00

I was driving through my neighborhood in West Meadowbrook early one Saturday morning and noticed yet another crime scene at an East Lancaster bar in City Council District 8, East Ft. Worth. Stopped and spoke with some neighbors who were looking over at the scene. I asked what happened, they told me someone was murdered. I drove around to take pictures so that I could post it here on Morning Coffee, Evening Wine blog site. I got out of my car and started snapping shots to prove that no matter how much Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks and the leaders of West Meadowbrook Neighborhood Association like to ignore the fact that this neighborhood is crime filled, crime does happen here more than any other Council District in this great City of Fort Worth! The Fort Worth police officer says, "Hey, what are you doing, you can't take pictures, this is a crime scene!" I said, "Yes, I can, what law says I can't! What is your badge number?" Since I live, and own a business, in one of the worst areas of Fort Worth, I deal with the Fort Worth police force probably more than any of you reading this blog post. I see the side of the Department that not many see. I feel it is my duty and purpose to report what I see and experience. It is wrong for any police officer to abuse their power and I have seen it more than once or twice and everytime I see it, it makes me wish that my business could afford the luxury of a manager so that I could run for office and speak up for the taxpayers who pay the salaries of the entire police force and who continue to elect people to office who aren't doing their jobs well. No matter what people call me, I think the truth should be dealt with in an effective, open, efficient manner. It Fort Worth politics, I feel the truth is hidden, covered up, ignored and unspoken. I did report this officer and to my knowledge, the officer has been questioned and taught a lesson.

Shame on Fort Worth's City Council, including the Mayor for not being 'proactive' on animal welfare issues

2009-05-24T20:58:00.009-05:00

The out of control animal issues in Fort Worth's 'uneducated' neighborhoods is astounding. Thanks to our local out of touch government for sticking their heads in the sand for the past 5 - 6 years. Especially, Council District 8 Rep, Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks, Councilman Frank Moss, Councilman Salvador Espino, Former Councilwoman Wendy Davis and the current Councilman Joel Burns who's Districts are high in Animal Control calls and pick ups.

Did your dog come from a Puppy Mill? Texas Vet Association opposes the Puppy Mill Bill! Find out what your Veterinarian supports!

2009-05-24T20:22:00.009-05:00

There is a House Bill in committee to somewhat 'regulate' how dogs should be treated, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association came out against the Bill. Why? Are they putting money over the welfare of our beloved pets? I say "seems like it." Better ask your Vet if she/he supports the almighty dollar over the welfare of our 'domesticated' dogs!

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=prnw.20090522.DA21714&show_article=1

http://www.thln.org/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga-395CX6fY

Incumbent Ft. Worth politicians are substituting 'Mail in Ballots' for 'Pick You Up GOTV Vans' that take voters to the polls. Why?

2009-05-22T20:07:00.010-05:00

Because when you are unsure (or insecure) about 'The People' being behind your candidacy, you don't necessarily want to be taking them to the polls now do you? My point is......the more aggressive a candidate is in pursuing mail in ballots, the more 'shallow' (for lack of a better word) that candidate is, IMO because instead of putting your thoughts, opinions, views, solutions, and your passions (if you have any) up for public auction and knocking on those doors, and talking with the people, you take the easy way out and do it, by mail, to the most vulnerable citizens of the Council District. In my mind, that's a Red Flag in my world, of what I want my Representative to be about.

The Beauty of Fort Worth, Texas

2009-05-17T18:50:00.005-05:00

I decided to be 'positive' today.

Mail in Ballots on the rise. Why?

2009-05-11T20:04:00.003-05:00

In East Ft. Worth, they've always been pretty high but now we are seeing them rise in other areas. Why? I think it's because they are easier to obtain (if you have money to send out the applications for such on campaign flyers) than going door to door and selling your candidacy and/or you do it the unethical, illegal way and buy them from voters, which if you have the money is easier than selling your candidacy, especially if you are an incumbent that isn't all that popular.

Another Murder in West Meadowbrook Neighborhood, Council District 8, East Ft. Worth

2009-05-10T10:25:00.003-05:00

"Fort Worth police said a 20-year-old man was killed outside a nightclub early Saturday morning. Investigators said the man was shot after a fight broke out in the parking lot of Club Hypnotic in the 2900 block of East Lancaster Avenue. No arrests have been made."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30660341/

Ft. Worth Mayor doing robo calls for my opponent, Kathleen Hicks

2009-05-08T20:34:00.004-05:00

Obviously, Mayor Mike Moncrief likes puppets.

Fort Worthian, District 8 Business Owner, Adrian Murray has youtube videos from Ft. Worth Tea Party going viral and supporters are lining up

2009-05-02T18:31:00.010-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxoYhzF2phw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YMasi0pIvA&feature=related

Is there Mail in Ballot Fraud in Fort Worth's District 8?

2009-04-30T10:41:00.008-05:00

Take a look at the high number of mail in ballots for District 8 & District 5 in Ft. Worth http://tcweb.tarrantcounty.com/evote/cwp/view.asp?a=770&q=471950. Scroll down near bottom of the page and click on mail in ballot roster for the respective Council Districts, you'll see that most of the mail in ballots come from the zip codes of predominantly black areas of the Districts. WHY?

"Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, revisited his conclusion after years of testimony that there have been no cases of in-person voter impersonation in Texas. A bigger problem, Anchia suggested, is likely fraud by individuals abusing mail-in ballots."

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/politics/entries/2009/04/06/legislators_frame_voter_id_hea.html

http://www.voterlaw.com/media09172006.htm

http://tcweb.tarrantcounty.com/evote/lib/evote/forms/BBM_assistance.pdf

Fort Worth League of Neighborhoods - Candidate Questionnaires

2009-04-28T22:48:00.002-05:00

Come on Fort Worth Voters. Get educated on the candidates. Here's the link http://www.fwlna.org/elections.htm.

League of Women Voters of Tarrant County - Voters Guide for Ft. Worth May Elections

2009-04-28T22:38:00.005-05:00

Questionnaires are such a great way to get educated about who's on the ballot! I hope voters will take the time to read them. Here's the link http://lwvtarrantcounty.org/MayElections.html.

Ft. Worth City Hall pulls plug on Candidate Forums being televised

2009-04-22T20:43:00.004-05:00

All but two candidates in Ft. Worth Municipal elections taped a question & answer session with our opponents to be shown on the City's Cable Channel. City Hall (Probably, Mayor Mike Moncrief) has ordered that the tapings be halted due to the legalities of the City being involved in politics.
Our City of Ft. Worth is so full of corruption! The City is run like a ....well I won't say.
I hope Ft. Worth votes for change starting next Monday.
http://startelegram.typepad.com/politex/2009/04/tuning-out-.html

Another "forced rape" in the highest crime filled Council District in Ft. Worth - We need Change -- Vote Suzette for Council!

2009-04-22T13:08:00.006-05:00

My opponent and her supporters like to shake their head no when I mention that District 8 carries the highest amount of total crime in the entire City of Ft. Worth and has every single year that my opponent has been in office. Kathleen Hicks likes to say, "violent crime is down," I'd like to see her tell that to this victim of what the police department label as "forced rape!" You can find some of the crime stats here http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/issues.html. Forced Rape, Forced Sodomy, theft from building, vandalism of property, drug/narcotics, trespass of property are all crimes that are UP in District 8.

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1332805.html

My way of dealing with crime in this District would be to do the following:

1. Use my people skills, tenacity, belief in accountability of City Departments, reviewing of 911 calls in the District on a weekly basis, working with residents, providing more street lighting in areas that need it, enforcing the Class C Misdemeanor laws, holding offenders accountable, advocating for jail/prison reform that serves its purpose of deterring crime and changing people's way of thinking about how & why they make the decisions they make, holding parents accountable for being involved in their children's education and lives, holding neighborhood associations accountable for their missions -- involve and inform more residents of crimes in the neighborhood, etc. Basically working my butt off in an effective and efficient manner to better this District and rid it of the position of #1 in Crime!!

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

(Political Advertisement Authorized by Suzette Watkins)

My opponent & I at forum in East Ft. Worth

2009-04-21T22:42:00.006-05:00

Fun time had by all. I am so appreciative to Historic Southside Neighborhood Association and Mr. Al Piper, for stepping up to the plate and holding this forum for the voters. It's a lot of work to do, many hours of prep and organization. I thought is was well done! Food, drinks, laughter, community....it was all good. More Neighborhood Associations should do this for their residents and/or members.

Why I love the The Libertarian Party of Texas

2009-04-17T16:52:00.002-05:00

"The Libertarian Party of Texas supports more freedom and less government. We are fiscally conservative and socially tolerant.
We seek to restore the great American free enterprise system that made us the strongest, most powerful economy in the world: lower taxes, free markets, free trade, less regulation, and less red tape for businesses big and small.

We respect your right to live your life the way you see fit, and expect you to take responsibility for the consequences. "

Find out more at: http://lptexas.org/
Libertarian Party of Texas
Pat Dixon, Chair 512-771-3936
chair@lptexas.org
Robert Butler,Executive Director
512-758-9134
director@lptexas.org

This man is "mad as hell" -- I agree, WE THE PEOPLE......what about us!

2009-04-16T12:16:00.009-05:00

How many of us are tired of what's going on in City Halls, State Capitals and Washington? A non-partisan message I find I'm in agreement with http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA251zfrEKM.

Another show of difference in my opponent and me

2009-04-04T21:32:00.002-05:00

I won't show up to meetings late, and ask to be able to speak first because "I" have other events to attend. At this point, all candidates have events to attend. If I cannot make plans to attend an important voters workshop for the Disabled and wait my turn like everyone else, I won't go. I sure as heck won't walk in late and ask for, nor expect, nor will I feel entitled to, special favors for any reason! Another disgusting display of elitism by my opponent.

A letter of reference to an Attorney on behalf of an employee facing 40 years -- 3 felonies for drug possession

2009-03-31T11:12:00.007-05:00

Below is a letter I sent to the attorney for my employee. It's very disturbing to me that we have violent offenders (killers) walking the streets of E. Lancaster that we can't keep in jail, but we can't get non-violent offenders (who are putting forth great effort to remain clean & lead productive lives) out of jail. I'm for change!

Dear Ms. _____ –

So n so has been a part time employee of mine since December 2008. I have known so-n-so to be a very hard worker with a compassionate heart. I knew when I hired so-n-so that she had a criminal record with drug use. I purposefully hire people with a non-violent criminal history because I believe it is important to give such individuals a chance to work and participate in a productive cause for their life.

My business is in the middle of the homeless shelters in Ft. Worth so I get a bird’s eye view of the product of our system -- people with criminal records not being able to find jobs. It’s something that cost us taxpayers enormously! I am a huge proponent of “helping” non-violent offenders – not enabling them, but actually “helping” them get their lives back together. I am also a huge proponent of early childhood intervention and development of “at-risk” children as I believe that irresponsible parenting is the cause of most of our drug, crime & homeless problems in society.

Please let me know how I can help with so-n-so's case. I have witnessed so-n-so put forth a tremendous effort towards a drug free, responsible, hard working, productive life in the past few months and hope that our justice system will invest in keeping so-n-so clean & productive, especially since she has the desire to participate in, and work for the betterment of such.

Feel free to contact me anytime.

Respectfully,

Suzette Watkins

Formal Code of Ethics Complaint filed on Ft. Worth's City Council incumbent, Kathleen Hicks

2009-03-26T16:22:00.012-05:00

(Click on image for closer view) Section 2-236 of Ft. Worth's City Code states "public office and public employment are positions of public trust imposing the duty of a fiduciary upon all employees and officeholders, who are not to use their public position for personal gain."

Section 2-238 (5) states, "No city officer, employee or advisory board member, or their spouses, shall knowingly use one's position or office of employment, or city facilities, personnel, equipment or supplies for the private gain of the city officer..."

http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=10096&ekmensel=21_submenu_0_btnlink

Remember back in November of 2008 when my opponent, Kathleen Hicks' & Company, had me escorted out of the Town Hall meeting on basis of Criminal Trespassing? http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=7307

My opponent's Mother, Maryellen Hicks, shouted to me that there is "No Campaigning in the House of God allowed!"

Funny my opponent, claimed expenses to this event on her Campaign Finance Report. She used lots of City personnel (tax payer dollars) to staff her campaign event, she used city postage to send out the information about the Campaign event, etc. As you can see above...that's unethical!

Sec. 2-248. Defense of official, employee or advisory board member by city attorney.

Sec. 2-249. Review of complaints by city attorney.

Sec. 2-251. Preliminary hearing.

Sec. 2-252. Final hearing.

Sec. 2-253. Oaths, requests for subpoenas and information.

etc.

http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=10096&ekmensel=21_submenu_0_btnlink

GREAT EXAMPLE OF WHY WE NEED change IN DISTRICT 8 CITY POLITICS!

VOTE suzette watkins for city council, DISTRICT 8! Saturday, May 9th.

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

www.youtube.com/suzetteforcouncil

(Political Advertisement Authorized by Suzette Watkins)

At local Candidate Forum last night in Ft. Worth

2009-03-20T22:44:00.009-05:00

My opponent, Kathleen Hicks' Mother spoke for her, explaining how the "purse strings" had been cut at 17. Yeah Right, and you expect who to believe that statement?

Because I wasn't raised here in Ft. Worth and because I don't have family rooted in Ft. Worth politics, is an asset to my campaign! We need some new blood in Ft. Worth local politics. It would be good for the Eastside. It's needed. Too many tax dollars have been wasted and ignored on the backs of ...."the poor" and less affluent and less educated. It's definitely time for CHANGE! I am going to fight for it! http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

(Political Advertisement Authorized by Suzette Watkins)

More measurements should be done for each City Council District in Ft. Worth

2009-03-16T20:00:00.005-05:00

Otherwise the Council members should be elected at large instead of by Districts. If I get elected to the Council, I will beg for code violations, crime (is currently measured by District), Animal Control calls and impoundments, sales tax income, expenses on repair of infrastructure, etc. to be measured by District. I want full accountability for my seat and my work while in office.

Homelessness is not a crime, littering is -- can we get some Accountability in Ft. Worth?

2009-03-14T17:01:00.005-05:00

I love pictures, they tell 1 0 0 0 words! Can you spare a ten or twenty dollar bill? In order for me to have a voice on Ft. Worth's City Council, please, I need your help. I'll have 1/9 of a voice for a better Ft. Worth -- one that empowers by holding people accountable. It works -- we all know that, it's just that no politician has the guts to fight for it! Donate here http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/donate.html

(Political Advertisement Authorized by Suzette Watkins)

"Littering in Texas can get you a $500 fine, it is a Class C Misdemeanor (If what was littered was less than 5 pounds). Littering over 5 pounds is a Class B Misdemeanor which carries a fine of up to $2,000. Texas motto "Don't Mess with Texas"

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_there_a_fine_for_littering_in_the_East_Texas_area

Ft. Worth's City Council District 8 - Highest crime rate in entire City and has been for last 3 - 4 years.

2009-03-08T09:52:00.004-05:00

Always a good feeling when you wake up to a Crime Scene truck and police car sitting in front of your house! What would I do as a Council Rep to fight against crime? Look at police records every single week from my District, ask questions of and work closely with the FWPD, find out where the calls are coming from, hold everyone involved accountable, including, but not limited to, the apts who serve as a nuisance for the neighborhood, FWPD including NPOs, Code Dept., Neighborhood Associations, etc.

Vote for Change in District 8! Vote for a New Beginning in District 8! Vote for Solutions in District 8!

Vote Suzette Watkins for City Council, Saturday, May 9th! www.suzetteforcouncil.com

www.youtube.com/suzetteforcouncil

(Political Advertisement Authorized by Suzette Watkins)

Interesting conversation about Industrial Uses on Cemetary Property in Ft. Worth

2009-03-08T00:41:00.007-06:00

Ft. Worth City Council unanimously voted FOR Natural Gas Drilling Operations on Dedicated Cemetary Property. http://westandclear.com/2009/03/03/greenwood-waiver-goes-to-council-again/. I would not have voted in favor of that case until all sides were in agreement on either ditching the site or moving gravesites to allow for the Industrial Road through the Cemetary. To me, that is a vote of conscience.

Ft. Worth Mayor Moncrief says, "help me keep the current City Council intact."

2009-03-06T20:28:00.009-06:00

At a fundraiser for Sal Espino last night, Mayor Moncrief told the crowd that the current City Council has been doing the "right things for the right reasons" and that he'd like for them to help him "keep the current Council intact." He went on to say that he was sure everyone had heard that he had a couple of opponents in the race and he hoped everyone would help him "squash um like a bug."

(No, I didn't get any special invitation to the event, I responded to an invitational ad for the event in a local community newspaper.)

Ft. Worth's Council District 8 Sierra Vista Housing Project

2009-03-02T19:25:00.019-06:00

Three years ago, the taxpayers provided $3.2 Million dollars for the 232 unit Sierra Vista housing project at Berry & Riverside Drive in Council District 8. Ralph McCloud, City Council Rep for District 8 started the project. The current Councilmember Kathleen Hicks, served as McCloud's aide until June 2005 before she became the elected Rep for the District.

Of the 232 lots, only 80 houses have been built as of today. That's a mere 34% of sales in three years! The fields are empty around the fenced housing project and the project has not "spurred" ANY Economic Development around the area. Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks says, "Sierra Vista is coming along just fine." I disagree. I believe those $3.2 Million dollars could have remained in the people's pockets and never collected by the Government.

It's always interesting to me when Developers say, "Well, I grew up in Ft. Worth and I want to 'give back' to the community." "Give Back?" One would be "giving back" if they were investing their own money for a project and taking the risks as they will the "profits," as most of us business owners do. One is not giving back when the taxpayers are paying for the risks. That's what I call "taking", not.... "giving back."

In looking at the facts, Michael Mallick, (Vertex Investments) put in $3+ Million for the project; however, he turned around and sold all but 31 of the lots to History Maker Homes. So, in reality, he served as the middle man in the exchange of monies.

Below are some quotes regarding the project from years past:

"Vertex’s planned community, named Sierra Vista, will include the construction of 232 single-family homes, two outdoor strip-mall centers and a large grocery story. " (Hasn't happened.)

"“We are committed to ensuring an abundance of new economic opportunities such as new businesses, grocery stores and more commercial development in the area,” said Kathleen Hicks (Oh really? Where are the new businesses, grocery stores and more commercial development?)

"the project, which will serve as a neighborhood revitalization project." (Where is the revitalization?)

http://www.fwbusinesspress.com/display.php?id=4114

"Of all the urban revitalization projects under way in our city, one of the most astounding transformations will be the Sierra Vista project and the complementary activities at the intersection of Berry and Rosedale streets." (Complementary activities? Where are they?)

http://www.fwbusinesspress.com/display.php?id=5620

"It is anticipated that this project in conjunction with the adjoining Sierra Vista project will result in one of the most successful Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) districts in the country. " (Really?! How much money has the TIF gained because of these projects?)

http://www.synergyprop.com/happy-baggett.htm

Hicks "points to the two Mallick Group developments on the map. The Sierra Vista development will provide about 230 new single-family homes on the site of the old Riverside Village apartment complex, plus retail sites nearby. Hicks helped broker a deal earlier this year that created a tax increment financing district to include both Mallick Group properties. As tax income to the city increases because of the development, the extra dollars will pay for infrastructure improvements — perhaps one of the few instances when Fort Worth has used the TIF device in the kind of blighted area it was intended for. " (Really Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks --where are the extra dollars? We are still waiting!)

http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=4221

Briscoe, "The city gave Michael Mallick $4 million. Cash. They gave him money for demolition. We had demolition too. It cost us $300,000 to make our site useful." (So, what exactly cost Mallick $3+ Million?)

http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=4221

Ft. Worth's Mayor Pro Tem, Kathleen Hicks, wants taxpayers to "step up" and make sure Development succeeds

2009-03-01T07:32:00.007-06:00

IMO, making sure retail Developments succeed is not the responsibility of the tax payers. It is the responsibility of those who decide to take the risk and invest in the development. They, in turn, will make sure that their investments make sense and are profitable. Forcing the tax payers to socialize the risk is not what is best for the taxpayers. Hence, Sierra Vista Housing Project, Evans Rosedale Development and THER housing project that never got off the ground but thousands of tax dollars are gone and the taxpayers are having to repay right now. Thanks to Nehemiah Davis (President of THER, donor to Hicks Campaign and President of Ft. Worth's NAACP), Ft. Worth City Council members in 2003, 2004 & 2005 including Ralph McCloud (Kathleen Hicks was his Council aide) and others for allowing the thousands of taxpayer dollars to be given away.

http://www.zoominfo.com/people/Davis_Nehemiah_24285192.aspx

http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=6093

Government needs to stick to taking care of basic services and quit playing Mommy & Daddy with the taxpayer's dollars and quit passing them out to their friends and supporters (in the name of helping the poor, of course!).

We the taxpayers have "stepped up" enough and bailed out every Tom, Dick & Harry. I say it's time that we elect someone to Ft. Worth's City Council who understands the value of a taxpayer's dollar and who's campaign IS funded by the people as opposed to Big Business. I say it's time that we elect someone to Ft. Worth's City Council who is not ethically challenged and who truly "cares" about The People, The Neighborhoods and Quality of Life here in Ft. Worth. http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

(Political Advertisement authorized by Suzette Watkins)

http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2009/feb/24/fort-worth-city-council-looking-bring-large-retail/

http://www.fortworthgov.org/citysecretary/info/default.aspx?id=62960

http://www.pegasusnews.com/people/kathleen-hicks/

http://startelegram.typepad.com/files/hicks_jan.-15-part-1-1.pdf

http://startelegram.typepad.com/politex/fort-worth-city-council/

How In-Touch can Ft. Worth's Mayor Pro Tem, Kathleen Hicks be with the enormous stray dog issue if she thinks "spay" is pronounced "SPRAY?"

2009-02-22T10:03:00.011-06:00

Hello, it's "Spay & Neuter Clinic" not "Spray & Neuter Clinic!" Both Mayor Pro Tem, Kathleen Hicks (my opponent in the City Council race) and Councilman Frank Moss (both Represent two of the worst Districts in this City for irresponsible dog owners) pronounced "spay" as "spray" at the dedication yesterday for the Chuck Silcox Spay & Neuter Clinic at the City's Animal Control center.

It's rather amusing to me to see my opponent stand up in front of a crowd of Animal lovers and responsible dog owners and talk about how much she and the Ft. Worth Council care about the issue we have in this City with irresponsible dog ownership when it has taken this City Government 5 years to appropriate the approved bond money for this facility. It is because of the out of control Animal problem (mostly in their Districts), some community activists like myself pushing them to do something about it, and Mr. Silcox's voice and genuine concern for the animals on the Council, that helped make this happen. It was not because of any leadership that Kathleen Hicks provided, I am hear to confirm! She has done NOTHING in the way of leadership in the 3+ years that she has sat on the Council about this issue! NOTHING, but follow orders and vote yes when it's popular to do so! I find this appalling which is another reason I am running against her in the upcoming election.

It's definitely time for CHANGE in this District leadership!

For statistics on the matter: www.youtube.com/suzetteforcouncil

(Political Advertisement authorized by Suzette Watkins)

My first speech as a Candidate for Ft. Worth's District 8 City Council Seat

2009-02-20T07:47:00.009-06:00

Wednesday, Feb. 18th, 2009
Today, I officially filed for a place on the City of Ft. Worth General Election Ballot for the Office of District 8 City Council. Something that several of my lifelong friends have wanted me to do for a long time and when I told them what I was going to do, they said, “I can’t believe it’s taken you THIS long, Suzette!!”

The first thing people ask me when I tell them that I am running for office is…..are you a Republican or a Democrat. My answer is Both -- and none of the above …

I don’t really fit in any of the political boxes very tightly.

I will say, that I’m hoping that the

* The Republicans & Libertarians will approve of me for my fiscal conservative-ness

* and my very liberal social-tolerant-beliefs will keep the Democrats from throwing me to the wolves ………

* and The Independents will like me because I won’t be beholden to the Party ideology arguments for the sake of Party loyalty.

So when people ask me what I am, I say let me tell you a little bit about my value system and what I believe, and you decide where I fall and if you’d like to support me as a candidate for public office.

I was born in the southeast Texas town of Beaumont, TX. I was educated in the public school system, I graduated from Klein High School in Houston, TX in 1980. I moved back to Beaumont, married -- (a great man, BTW) Put myself through college and obtained an Associates degree in Management from Lamar University. Divorced 4 years later, moved to Dallas -- worked in Corporate America for several years (more times than not, frustrated because I thought that I could do the job better than most of my bosses) went back to college part time and finished with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from UNT.

What gets me here before you today, to be quite honest, is a love of proving that I can make things happen…….when I have a clear vision………. and having a lifetime history of jobs in customer service and I know ………that I have the skills for working with people which is what I think a City Council job is all about.

I have a vision for making District 8 a safer, cleaner, more business friendly & a more resident friendly part of this City….and I feel confident… that I can make a difference.. for the better; in the District.

I believe that w/in the first 6 months I can get the crime rate knocked down to at least second place. Every single year that my opponent has been in office, District 8 has had the most total crime of all the Districts in this City. This is unacceptable! … if I get elected to this office, I promise you, that will CHANGE – - - - District 8 will not remain the most crime infested District in this City of ours!

HOW WILL I DO THIS? It’s quite simple. It’s called holding people accountable. We have laws on the books for a reason. If we aren’t going to enforce those laws then we need to take them off the books. If we are going to leave those laws on the books, then we need to enforce them….every single one of them, even littering.

If the jails are full and can’t take anymore offenders – sounds to me like we need to look at the system and see if there is a more effective way of dealing with the problem. I say it’s time for jail reform.

If we keep getting the same repeat offenders of the same crimes, sounds like we need to look at the system and see if there is a more effective way of dealing with the problem. I say it’s time for jail reform.

If the police officers are frustrated because the people they take downtown are back on the street corners before the officers finish their mounds of paperwork, sounds to me like we need to look at the system and see if there is a more effective way of dealing with the problem. I say it’s time the beat officers have an advocate at City Hall.

Let me ask y’all a question……(this is a test, but it’s an easy one!) If you know the answer say HEYYY!

How many of you know the name of your Neighborhood Police Officer?

My point exactly. Our NPOs need to know WHO THE RESIDENTS ARE! How can you fight neighborhood crime if you don’t know the residents, how can you educate the residents if you don’t know them? How can you keep communication lines open if you don’t communicate? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not blaming the NPOs! What I’m pointing out is that there is a gap in lines of effective communication between the fancy offices at City Hall and street level workers in this City. I’m saying let’s talk about how many salaries we the taxpayers are paying----- for positions above the NPOs…what are the people in those positions doing and who is holding them accountable?

It is my understanding that it’s the City Council’s job to make sure that City Government is serving the people and businesses in the neighborhoods.
From what I’ve seen on the EASTSIDE of town, it appears there may need to be more questions asked about who’s doing what -- how they are doing it -- and is it effective.

A few ideas I have on ReBuilding our communities

– Neighborhood Police Officers riding bicycles and walking the neighborhoods

– getting a vibrant and effective community service program going that teaches self responsibility with the hope of instilling some pride & life ----- back into troubled & lost souls

– Holding leaders of NAs accountable for communicating with the residents and businesses in the neighborhood -- regardless if the residents or business owners aggravate them or not! -- regardless if everyone agrees! – no one will agree 100% of the time… we all know that!…. but if we are to call ourselves leaders, then it is our responsibility to stay open to communication IF…. we are to serve…. the common good of the people.

MY GOALS FOR DISTRICT 8 would be to have

– a District that attracts Economic Development on its own w/out having to be sub-si-dized by the tax payers!

– – a District that holds our police force accountable for enforcing the Class C Misdemeanor Crimes (what some call petty crimes)

– – a District that holds the DAs office and the FWPD accountable for prosecuting offenders to the fullest extent of the law

– – a District that provides bike lanes up & down the main corridors of District 8 so that we can inexpensively get people moving in & out of our side of town and maybe sell them a sandwich, salad or cold beverage in a safe environment like they do in other parts of our City.

– A District that has a Representative at City Hall that will actually know what’s going on and care what’s going on in the neighborhoods & in our Municipal Courts

– A District that has a Representative that will bring common sense to the money table and not ask for something just because everyone else is asking for it even when it’s not prudent from a business standpoint. It’s the right thing to do for the taxpayers -- - - (the owners of this City)!

– A District that has a humble, working girl, ready & willing to get her hands dirty and not be concerned about ruffling feathers in order to bring about NEEDED CHANGE!

– A District that values the historic charm of this City and protects historic homes in historic neighborhoods. I see no reason why we can’t work together and help neighborhoods rid themselves of crime & code violations and bring back some responsible homeowners to those neighborhoods.

If you will continue to support me through this campaign -- tell your friends, acquaintances, colleagues, business associates & certainly anyone you know on the Eastside that there is a girl running for the City Council seat in District 8 that

- means what she says and says what she means

- isn’t afraid of speaking up for the people & small businesses

- isn’t afraid to tackling the sensitive issues we have in District 8,

- A girl running for City Council who you won’t have to worry about doing shady housing deals that leaves the people in need with nothing -- the bandits with the money -- and the taxpayers picking up the pieces for bad business deals -- AND decisions made by ethically challenged politicians and their friends.

- A girl who won’t feel the need to sit on multiple Board of Directors and at the same time say that the District is so big I don’t have time to tend to the needs of the people!

- A girl who will be an advocate for personal responsibility, accountability and transparency, not only in the office of City Council District 8 but in all aspects of City Government and especially businesses that are getting money from the City of Ft. Worth on behalf of the taxpayers!

If you will help me spread this word, I can unseat the entrenched incumbent & we can restore this District to working for the people instead of working against the people and business communities of District 8 – we can help all of the taxpayers in Ft. Worth because there will be someone on their side for a change! Someone who will try her best to pick up where The Honorable Mr.Chuck Silcox left off.

- I can promise you that I will be someone following the money and making sure that everyone is held accountable. It’s the right thing to do for this District -- it’s the right thing to do for the tax payers of this City – it’s the thing I have to do personally… in order to look myself in the mirror each morning.

Last, but certainly not least! The dogs! This District is one of the WORST for having neglected stray dogs running around! Just last year (2008) there were 1,793 stray dogs picked up in District 8! That is roughly 150 dogs per month! Any you don’t want to know how many are euth-anized each day in this City! It is way past time for this city to consistently enforce the laws concerning humane treatment of the dogs!

and it is way past time for this City to address the problem of irresponsible dog ownership! It’s the right thing to do for the dogs, it’s the right thing to do for the taxpayers and it’s the right thing to do for our communities.

(Political Advertisement authorized by Suzette Watkins)

Donations are needed and accepted at http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/donate.html

My latest campaign video

2009-02-19T14:56:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/suzetteforcouncil

(Political Advertisement authorized by Suzette Watkins)

OFFICIAL Ft. Worth City Council Candidacy for Suzette Watkins in District 8 is kicked off with special guest, Lauren Whitener

2009-02-17T21:04:00.008-06:00

Ft. Worth's own, Rahr & Sons Brewery, 701 Galveston Ave., Ft. Worth, TX 76104; Wed., Feb. 18th 5:30 - 7:30. $20 per person, $35 per couple. Be there or Be Square.

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

http://www.youtube.com/

http://www.facebook.com/

(Political Advertisement authorized by Suzette Watkins)

Another rape in City Council District 8 - Near Southside of Ft. Worth

2009-02-14T18:48:00.004-06:00

"Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who attacked a woman last month, dragged her to a stairwell and raped her. "

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1202273.html

Another City Council District 8 Crime in East Ft. Worth

2009-02-13T22:31:00.004-06:00

" A woman told police a man dragged her into Cobb Park and sexually assaulted her Friday morning."
http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1203857.html

Meanwhile the currently seated Councilwoman is busy beefing up her resume and begging for more respect from community activists (see few posts down), while crime stays at the top of the list in the District she "represents." Time for real change you can count on! Please send money to Suzette for Council Campaign at www.suzetteforcouncil.com.

My opponent, Kathleen Hicks is doing this: Hicks is a member of Leadership Fort Worth and has served on the boards of Junior League of Fort Worth, Girl Scouts, Women’s Haven and chaired the Fort Worth Commission for Women. She helped found with her mother the African-Americans Against AIDS Taskforce. She currently serves on the board of the Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration Fort Worth, AIDS Outreach Center, Fort Worth-Dallas Birthing Project, All Church Home for Children, Presbyterian Night Shelter, Red Cross – Chisholm Trail Chapter and the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau. Hicks is a proud life member of the NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She also serves on the Mount Holyoke College Recruitment Committee in North Texas

http://www.fortworthgov.org/government/district8/

(Political Advertisement authorized by Suzette Watkins)

Another West Meadowbrook Murder on East Lancaster, Council District 8 East Ft. Worth

2009-02-13T22:11:00.005-06:00

"The pair had been smoking crack late Tuesday and got into an argument at the Luxury Inn, 2108 E. Lancaster Ave., said Sgt. Pedro Criado, police spokesman"

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1203824.html

Please help me unseat the current City Councilwoman, Kathleen Hicks. She is too busy seeing how many Boards of Directors she can add to her resume while the crime in our neighborhoods and business districts go untouched. Her District has had the highest crime of all the Council Districts in Ft. Worth her entire tenure of 3+ years on the Council! Shame on her!

I can do better! I can work harder, smarter and with better results!

Please donate to my campaign at http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

(Political Advertisement authorized by Suzette Watkins)

My Opponent's campaign worker sends out email begging for Respect of her Boss

2009-02-08T11:41:00.009-06:00

But says the email is on her "personal behalf". So, was she saying that her employment with the Hicks campaign had nothing to do with the email? Puh-leeze! You won't find me begging for respect, I believe that respect is earned the old fashion way, by hard work and being as good as your word. Here's the letter that the campaign worker sent to a community activist:

On Tue, 1/13/09, Ashley Baker wrote:
From: Ashley Baker

Subject: Some Thoughts

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 3:39 PM

I am emailing you on my personal behalf. In my personal opinion I think you've been nothing but rude to your council member. In an email you mention that you have always respected Ms. Hicks, and I would disagree on this matter. I do believe you are a very active citizen of our great city, and you want to see change; I don't think you'd disagree with that statement. The emails however you send are quite rude and disrespectful. In most emails you call your council member by her first name, not Ms. Hicks, or Kathleen Hicks, Honorable Kathleen Hicks, or Mayor Pro Tem Hicks, or any kind of name that shows respect. Second, every email has a very negative tone. When I read your emails I cringe, and everyone who I talk to does also. If your emails were written in a more positive light I really do think you'd get more traction. Ms. Hicks works night and day responding to city staff, citizens, her actual job, and on top of that finds little time to have a personal life. Yes, she signed up for it when she ran for council, and she loves doing what she does, but I find it frustrating for her when she works tirelessly for the citizens and she gets no respect. You asked for her to get council support to keep the drilling ordinance at 600 feet, and she did it. Time and time again she works with staff to make the best district 8 possible, and almost every day she gets an email from you saying she does nothing. I myself, get tired of hearing about meetings and adding new ones to her calendar; I find it difficult to even keep up with her most of the time. She's always working to better district 8, and I hate it when you think she's sitting back relaxing. My advice to you (take it or leave it) is to be a little nicer to Ms. Hicks, again she is just ONE human being. In addition to your questions, she has hundreds more from all of her other residents of her district. She has a good heart, and wants to find the answers to all the questions you ask, but remember again, she's one person, and can only do so many things in the 24 hours that are in a day. Feel free to email me as much as you'd like. -Ashley Baker

Campaign Expenditure Report here which shows Ashley Baker as a campaign employee: http://startelegram.typepad.com/files/hicks_jan.-15-part-2.pdf

My opponent tries to pride herself in being "open & transparent." PUH-LEEZE, the community activist is still waiting on a reponse from Hicks as to "who" Ashley Baker is, but my opponent, Kathleen Hicks, didn't bother to respond. Guess this activist has been zapped from open communication because the questions he's asking aren't allowed nor welcome in my opponent's way of thinking. She's above being questioned.

Please contribute today to my candidacy...I will do better than this!

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/donate.html

(Political Advertisement authorized by Suzette Watkins)

My opponent had me thrown out of her "District Town Hall" meeting on grounds of me "Campaigning in the House of God" but OK for her To Do.

2009-02-08T10:30:00.011-06:00

It is interesting that she claims expenses for the "Town Hall" event on her Campaign Finance Report which proves that this event was a Campaign Event in the "House of God." I wonder if the hosting church is as concerned about that as they were about my campaign vehicle wrap interfering with their tax exempt status (as the Pastor was quoted as saying). So, in all truthfulness, I wasn't thrown out because I handed out a couple of my campaign cards "in the House of God" or because of my vehicle wrap parked on the "House of God's parking lot". I was thrown out because my opponent thinks she's above having competition and does not want the residents in District 8 to know they have a choice in choosing a Council representative! She says that "everyone was welcome." That is an untruthful statement! She also says in her District newsletter that "Residents turn out for Town Hall Meeting," I say, that's a misleading statement as most of the residents in the District didn't even know about the meeting. Same as the two years prior, about 5 white residents, 3 brown residents and 30 - 40 black residents turned out -- definitely not a very representative showing of the District! I have never been a member of her "Advisory Board" as she stated -- that's another untruthful statement!

It's time we elect someone to this City Council seat who truly cares about ALL of the people & Business Owners in the District and who will be truthful with the people! All of the pretending and fronting must stop! It's hurting the District and it's costing the taxpayers millions of dollars.

http://www.fortworthgov.org/uploadedFiles/Mayor_and_City_Council/districts/8/Dist8News(1).pdf

http://startelegram.typepad.com/files/hicks_jan.-15-part-2.pdf

http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=7307

(Political Advertisement authorized by Suzette Watkins)

Why I didn't vote in previous City Council Elections -- Is it an issue with District 8 voters in Ft. Worth?

2009-02-06T21:28:00.008-06:00

I have a suspicion that my opponent (there may be more), Kathleen Hicks, is going to make an issue out of my "no vote - no show" for City Council races in 2005 & 2007. Let me explain, in May 2005, I was your average 3rd shift hospital worker (Cook Childrens Medical Center - Ft. Worth, TX), I watched Main Street Media, cable news and a little bit of local news. How was I to know that there was a local City Council race going on? I was like the 90 - 95% of other Fort Worthians, I had no idea who my council person was, nor why it mattered, or why it was important for me to know. I never once, had a knock on my door, never once did I find any literature drop on my doorstep, never do I remember hearing much about any sort of local matter-to-me election going on.
In May 2007, same deal. However, at that time, I did know who my City Council "Representative" was, and what kind of attitude and demeanor she possessed. I wasn't impressed, nor would I have ever been a supporter of her politically. Her ways in dealing with me as a small business owner, in her crime filled District and a tax paying resident in her District, turned me against her, in a political sense. She had no opponent in the election, I surely wasn't going to support her candidacy, so why vote? Hold it against me if you so desire. It is what it is....that's my story, that's the truth, and I'm sticking to it.
I can do a better job at representing the people, than the currently seated Council member, Kathleen Hicks. I have better communication skills, I'm not uppity in my demeanor, I am an honest person, I have no desire to leave Ft. Worth, I am happy in Ft. Worth, I believe I can make a difference in this District; faster, and in a more diverse ways than my opponent could ever dream of doing. I have the experience in serving the public, I have the experience in working with people, I have a proven record of high work ethic, I have a history of honesty, I have a love for helping people (not enabling, but actually helping people!), I have an appreciation for accountability and I believe in personal responsibility....I care! I have political courage, I believe in my convictions, I am strong, I am a risk taker, I am an "old school," down-to-earth person who cares for my community.
Come see for yourself, Feb. 18th, Rahr Brewery, 701 Galveston Ave. Ft. Worth, TX 76104. $20 per person, $35 per couple. Award winning free beer, grilled Brats, live music from rising star, Lauren Whitener www.laurenwhitenermusic.com . Be there and have fun! http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/
(This Political Advertisement authorized by Suzette Watkins)

Ft. Worth's Dogs - two of the thousands of neglected

2009-02-04T18:44:00.006-06:00

The picture with the four clumps of hair is actually a picture of the casts of mats that we cut off of the dog's legs! A concerned neighbor called another neighbor about two abandoned dogs. The two dogs could not walk, terribly obese, mats like you have never seen in your life. Their nails were like spaghetti and inches long. It was the saddest case of dog abuse/neglect that I have seen. There are ones that are worse! What to do about irresponsible dog owners? I say, hold them accountable for their responsibility!

Is it legal for me to Advocate for my Candidacy for public office on this blog w/out a "Paid for.." disclosure?

2009-02-01T19:14:00.010-06:00

This blog is free, there is no money exchanged. A writer at the local newspaper (Star-Telegram) here in Ft. Worth asked me this question today. I replied that since this blog is free, I didn't think the rule applied.

(BTW, I'm a small business owner pretty much going against the status quo here. I'll bring, real, on time change for East Ft. Worth. Please send me money -- I really need it. You can donate here: http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/donate.html)

Comments/Opinions/Thoughts.....?

Political Advertisement authorized by Suzette Watkins.

Once again, The Ft. Worth Police Department Fails (at the Taxpayer's expense)

2009-01-31T10:37:00.012-06:00

For three years now, I have been spending hundreds of my personal volunteer hours doing the job that my opponent should be doing so that people like me, who live and/or work in City Council District 8, East Ft. Worth, can live, work, play and/or retire in a safe, clean, prosperous neighborhood in this great, beautiful City of Fort Worth.

I have sent countless emails to my City Council representative, Kathleen Hicks and other City Reps, spoken on the phone countless times with 911 operators, & Shift Supervisors, spoken personally with many beat police officers, Lieutenants, Captains, Sergeants, visited with many business owners around this Neighborhood, gone downtown to meetings about this issue with my Council Rep, gone to the Police Forums, gone to Town Hall meetings for the District, have even shown up at a few Neighborhood Association meetings, worked on Committees with the Mayors Advisory Commission on Homelessness, even pleaded with the Police Department to ENFORCE the criminal trespass law --10% of the time, they have enforced it.

I agree, Homelessness is not a crime; however, criminal trespassing is a crime.

Case and point: After much hard work, I got the District Attorney's office to approve me as a representative for my business neighbor's private property so that I could serve as the complainant on the Criminal Trespass warning that has to be written before one can be taken to jail for Criminal Trespassing. This letter, which I have faxed to the Captains that work this Division, authorizes the officers to issue a warning to perpetrators of the Criminal Trespass law. If the individual is caught on the property a second time, he/she goes to jail.

This tool works lovely because 99% of the individuals don't want to go to jail. It interrupts their druggin and drinking, so....they stay away from the area where they were given a Trespass Warning.

Problem is.....we as Business Owners on E. Lancaster cannot get the Ft. Worth Police Department to consistently enforce the law.

I called two nights ago on 4 people criminally trespassing on private business, posted property and requested that the Officers follow procedure and give me a copy of the trespass warning. Officers came out and did not issue a Criminal Trespass Warning. Nevermind that they gave tickets for drinking near a shelter, that's not the point. The perpetrators should have been issued a Criminal Trespass Warning along with their ticket for drinking w/in 1000 feet of a shelter.

The reasons that I have been given are the same reasons I've been given 100 times before: officer forgot, officers didn't know they were suppose to, officers aren't aware of the procedure, the Divisions are different now and we don't know the history, etc.

I have asked, pleaded, begged, along with several other Business Owners around E. Lancaster and we get NO CONSISTENT RESULTS!

What we do get is lip service from the Ft. Worth Police Department's Big Shots...(the ones who we taxpayers pay hard earned tax dollars to manage & lead their part of the deparment and to make sure the the communication flows up and down the Department) that there will be "zero tolerance" that there will be "community this and community that," I say that 50% of that talk has been nothing but BS! (Here in Texas, that means Bull Shit!)

I say, it's time that the people of District 8 elect a representative to the City Council office that really does give two hoots about what goes on in this District, someone that will actually advocate for, and expect change, someone that will hold all of those Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants of the Police force (whose salary is paid by the taxpayers) accountable to their words, someone that will actually get her hands dirty and not go along to get along in the bureaucratic game of politics nor go along to get along for fear of ruffling feathers in the name of personal political gain.

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/donate.html

Why would you hang out all day & night at a Convenience Store?

2009-01-29T14:25:00.004-06:00

The Good Neighbor friendly owner of this corner store has gone to the trouble to put up those shiny metal plates on the black post in order to keep vagrants from sitting there and passing the time, dealing drugs, drinking beer, smoking crack, loitering, and various other past times on his property. He also does not sell the 40oz. fortified alcoholic beverages which greatly helps the habitual drunkards from hanging around his business which greatly helps this intersection of E. Lancaster & Riverside from looking as filthy, unsafe & infested with criminal activity as it has looked in the recent past.

Another City Council District 8 - East Lancaster/East Ft. Worth/West Meadowbrook Neighborhood Crime

2009-01-28T21:08:00.011-06:00

"A woman was sexually assaulted in an east Fort Worth parking lot by a man who supposedly was going to help her after her car broke down, police said."

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1170884.html?mi_pluck_action=comment_submitted&qwxq=5581276#Comments_Container

When we allow Crime Activity to continue...this is what the neighborhood looks like

2009-01-28T17:03:00.018-06:00

This is in City Council District 8 East Ft. Worth, Texas -- the District with the most crime of all the Districts in Ft. Worth for at least the past 3 years. Hence, I'm running for this seat and I sure hope I am able to boot the current seated member out! I can do a better job! I have new ideas, I have a proven record. I'm not afraid to speak up. I'll move this District along faster. I'll address the issues. I will work hard in an effective manner. I will not take criticism as personal attacks. I will not request that you call me "The Honorable anything" or "Councilmember" or any of those other undeserving titles....my name is Suzette and you can call me Suzette, I won't be offended in any way, shape or form. I'm no better than the next person and see no need for the uppity titles/names.

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/ http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/donate.html

I love this CD...."Katsuk - 'Out In The Wind" (two dots go over the "u")

2009-01-25T19:11:00.003-06:00

Check this guy out...he's great! www.myspace.com/katsuk or http://www.katsukmusic.com/ ....he's coming to a Neighborhood near you (if you live in Fort Worth, Texas). The Perfect kind of music. I digg it! Something for everyone! True musical artist.

How do Ft. Worth City Council members know that FWPD is "Best in the Nation?"

2009-01-24T20:23:00.012-06:00

It's so comical to see the City politicians talking the political talk and pandering to the Fort Worth Police Department during Pre-Council meetings. Some say that "FWPD is the best in the Nation," what formula are they using to arrive at that conclusion? Does Ft. Worth have the least crime per capita? I think not. My opponent, Kathleen Hicks, says that the FWPD are doing such a great job because they show up and Neighborhood Association meetings? (see pre-council meeting Jan. 13th 2009) Give me a break! The FWPD are the finest because they show up at Neighborhood Association meetings? Really?
Elect me to office and your tax dollars will go further....I'll handle the talk and updates for the citizens at the Neighborhood Association meetings and the FWPD can remain on the streets where they belong. (Well, I'll request one officer be at the meeting for protection of the citizens, especially the elderly, who have to get out after dark to attend the meeting.)
If my District had the highest crime rate of all Districts in the City, I can promise you, I would not be praising the Police Department because they show up at a meeting. I would say the less meetings the better, and the more neighborhood streets they could be driving or walking down, the better!
To my personal knowledge, I believe that the FWPD is a City Department that has the same Corporate America politics as any firm in downtown Ft. Worth. I believe that the FWPD is like any other workplace, everyone must be held accountable or there will be slackers that get away with, well....slacking. It seems to be "human nature." Hence, the reasons for "bosses."
I remember talking to an officer about the police department raises. As usual, it's across the board raises -- everyone gets about the same 3 - 4% raise. So, my point is, police work is a "job," why should one work extra hard if it isn't going to make a difference in her/his pay? Another area in City Government that I will advocate for change! The good hard working officers get better raises and the slackers get no raise.
To make a long story short, help elect me to office, and City Council District 8 will not be #1 in total crime for the City of Ft. Worth, our neighborhoods will become more safe, cleaner and prosperous. I can promise you that we won't be tearing down Historic Houses in District 8 because the crime is so bad that we can't save them.
We need change in leadership in District 8! Help elect me to City Council. I have a clear vision, a record of success, willingness to be real with ALL of the people in District 8 and work hard for the betterment of the District.
http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/
(Funny, everything I mention on this blog, my opponent grabs hold of and runs with it -- that's what I call "coaching for free" on my part. It's good for the people in District 8, but it's deplorable that we don't have a City Council rep that can come up with creative ways and find solutions on her own.) http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

Animal Control hasn't been an Issue for my Opponent...(until now).

2009-01-22T08:49:00.007-06:00

Another two intact (un-neutered) stray dogs running around in Council District 8 which I was able to save from various things such as starvation, car tire, abuse, neglect, creating more intact stray dogs which creates more intact stray dogs and on and on. These two dogs were taken, as usual, to the Humane Society of North Texas. Funny this issue never has been a concern of my opponent's even though this Council District 8 is one of the top three Districts for Animal Control calls and problems and has been every year that my opponent has sat in the Council seat for District 8. The people of District 8 won't have to give me a heads up about issues such as this because I will be paying attention to the details of such and will be reporting to you, the people, about the progress being made every month in District 8 IF you will elect me to office and/or help me get elected to the office.

Next Opportunity to help me is:

Fundraiser Celebration

with special guest & rising star Lauren Whitener, Jazz/Blues singer (www.laurenwhitenermusic.com)

Wednesday, Feb. 18th 5:30 - 7:30

Rahr & Sons Brewery Company

$20 per person ($35 per couple)

includes free sampling of Rahr's award winning beers, hamburgers & some insight into my vision for a safer, cleaner and more business friendly Council District 8.

701 Galveston Ave

Fort Worth, TX 76104

(Near Southside)

It's official...Council District 8 Highest in Total Crime for past 3 years

2009-01-16T13:47:00.002-06:00

Time for Change. Three years is more than enough time to show your skills as a Council Representative. My opponent, obviously, does not know how to get the crime rate down in this district. I do. Find out how I will do this by attending my fundraisers. Next one will be on Wednesday, Feb. 18th at Rahr Brewery, 701 Galveston Ave 5:30 - 7:30pm. Sign up for campaign news at http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/ or send me your email address at suzetteforcouncil@gmail.com and I will make sure you get invites. Vote Suzette Watkins for Ft. Worth's City Council District 8. I promise you that the crime rates will not remain at the top while I am in office. I know how to get things accomplished, I know how to work hard, I have the vision, the passion and the desire for change in ALL of District 8. Please help me get elected to office. You can donate here anytime http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/donate.html.

Lauren Whitener - what a voice and love of the stage

2009-01-14T21:54:00.009-06:00

She'll be in Ft. Worth soon. A must see for vocal, piano, lead quitar and musical appreciationists. Such an awesome act to see. Stay tuned. If you click on the link, be sure to listen to "You Don't Know Me," "Take me to the River", "Aint no Sunshine" and...."God only Knows."

http://www.laurenwhitenermusic.com/music.htm

Another drug deal gone bad involving a shooting in Council District 8 East Ft. Worth

2009-01-13T13:01:00.006-06:00

" man getting shot in the leg late Monday outside a homeless shelter"

"The victim told police that he believed he was mistaken for another person who normally stands on the corner of Cypress and East Presidio and sells drugs," Henderson said

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1139926.html

This is in the Near Eastside Urban Village along with Presbyterian Night Shelter as the article explains above -- just east of downtown off of E. Lancaster. There is no reason, at all, that anyone should be allowed to "normally" stand on a street corner and sell drugs.

Please come to my fundraiser and find out how I would combat criminal activity in District 8. My approach is a whole different approach than the current seated City Council person's handling of the business of crime in this District. District 8 has had the highest total crime percentage of all Council Districts in the City of Ft. Worth for the past two years and 11 months inwhich my opponent has been in office. This will not be the case should I be elected to represent District 8 at City Hall. I promise you.

Find out how & why my plan will work for the betterment of District 8 here:

Wednesday, Feb. 18th 2008

Rahr Brewery Fundraiser

701 Galveston Ave

Ft. Worth, Texas

$20 per person ($35 per couple)

Free beer, live music, food and a first hand account of my vision for District 8.

Hope to see you there.

Thank you Senator Jim Webb for speaking up for the need of Prison Reform

2009-01-10T10:39:00.004-06:00

"Drug addicts and the mentally ill take up cells that would be better used for violent criminals. And politicians have failed to address this costly problem for fear of being labeled "soft on crime." Senator Jim Webb

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/28/AR2008122801728.html

I wonder if our local reps have the courage and/or wisdom to address such. Reforming jail & prison systems -- such a needed task! Such a failed system on which the politicians waste so many billions of our tax dollars. So many lives lost due to the negligence and courage-lessness of our politicians. Such was the case for Mr. J.B. Rai who lost his life in East Ft. Worth's neighborhood of West Meadowbrook (Council District 8) to a violent killer who had served 10 years in prison and been arrested recently for violent Misdemeanor crimes but only held in jail for 2 months and released back to the streets of Ft. Worth. Why? Because we don't have any true leaders in government who give enough of a damn and are willing to truly advocate for real change we can believe in, in Ft. Worth and the State of Texas regarding prison & jail reform.

Another reason to vote for me for District 8 City Council seat in Ft. Worth. District 8. The District has carried the most crime in the City of Ft. Worth for at least the past 3 years while my opponent has sat in office and done nothing about it.

Come to my $20 Rahr Brewery fundraiser on Wednesday, Feb. 18th and find out how I will lower crime in this District and what my plans are for the betterment of City Council District 8. Something my opponent hasn't been able to do in the three years she's been in office.
http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

Ft. Worth fund involved in Madoff Scheme

2009-01-10T07:56:00.004-06:00

"Taxpayers could have a stake in the problem. Like most pension funds, the Fort Worth fund invests contributions from both the city and municipal employees and pays benefits to retired employees. If the investments don’t earn enough, the city can be forced to make up the difference."

"Five years ago, Fort Worth invested $7.5 million in Rye Select Broad Market, which in turn invested most of its money with Madoff’s firm."

"In 2004, Fort Worth invested $6 million in the Bayou Fund, another hedge fund that also turned out to be a Ponzi scheme. In this case, the retirement fund invested directly with the hedge fund"

"The Fort Worth pension fund has been under scrutiny for more than two years."

"The Fort Worth City Council voted in 2007 to increase its contribution to the fund to close the gap. In April, the fund reported that its shortfall had dropped to $237 million."

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1134619.html?mi_pluck_action=comment_submitted#Comments_Container

We need CHANGE in our local City of Ft. Worth government. Someone who won't necessarity go along to get along because they are more concerned about their political careers than they are the people they are supposedly representing. http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

East Ft. Worth suspected Killer had past Criminal History

2009-01-07T19:58:00.004-06:00

"According to Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials, Coulter was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 1994 on an aggravated robbery conviction out of Amarillo. He was paroled in August 2004, after serving almost 10 years, and his sentence completed in February 2007.
Tarrant County court records and Fort Worth police reports show Coulter had two misdemeanor convictions in 2008 for assault with bodily injury – one involving a 61-year-old male victim and the other a 52-year-old female family member. In both cases, Coulter was sentenced to 60 days in jail."

http://www.star-telegram.com/229/story/1127459.html

How many times have I said that our elected officials must start to CHANGE the way we punish criminals. Especially, first time, non-violent offenders, drug offenders, Misdemeanor offenders, etc. Putting criminals in a room for a period of time and expecting them to be a changed person when the door is open is a waste of millions of our tax dollars.

Help me get elected to the District 8 City Council seat and you will see an outspoken working girl for the people. You will see someone advocating for DIFFERENT ways of conducting business in our City Hall, jails, municipal courts, county jails, state prisons, neighborhood homeless shelters, neighborhood motels, police department staff duties and accountabilities, neighborhood associations, etc. With a seat on the Council, I will be better able to directly influence CHANGE for the taxpayers, the homeless population, the criminal population, the non-profit businesses....everybody! Everybody is somebody in District 8 and everybody needs some accountability thrown their way. What we do in government MUST work for the people....the taxpayers....the owners of government!

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

www.meetup.com/suzette-watkins

www.youtube.com/suzetteforcouncil

Murder in West Meadowbrook Neighborhood Today

2009-01-06T14:45:00.008-06:00

Shame on the current City Council person (my opponent) for not caring enough about the crime in the neighborhoods of District 8 to do more than dog & pony shows about the safety of District 8. The entire time, 3 years & 7 months that she has sat on the City Council, crime has not gone down in District 8 and District 8 has won the prize for having more total crime than any other Council District in the City of Ft. Worth.

Nor has my opponent pushed for the CFW to take aggressive action on places of business that habor criminals and criminal activity (like the Motel next door to the gas station where this murder took place).

Please bring me garage sale items for my Garage Sale fundraiser by Jan. 23rd and/or come to my $20 fundraiser on Feb. 18th, Rahr Brewery, 701 Galveston Ave. Ft. Worth, Texas and hear my plan for improving the safety & scenery for East Ft. Worth's Council District 8.

More information here: www.meetup.com/suzette-watkins

Campaign website here: http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

Donate here: http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/donate.html

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1125511.html

Your Property is Infringing upon my Rights

2009-01-01T18:38:00.006-06:00

In Ft. Worth's City Council District 8, "A pit bull terrier mauled the 61-year-old man in a vacant field as he strolled home from a neighborhood convenience store."

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1119353.html

When we can't walk the streets of our neighborhoods, when children can't ride their bikes around the neighborhood, when we can't walk our dogs around the neighborhood because of the actions of an irresponsible dog owner, something must be done (and should have been done a long time ago when Animal Control statistics revealed the problem). So don't tell me, Local & State government officials, that you "care" and/or "concerned" and are "pro-active" about Quality of Life issues in East Ft. Worth. I ain't buyin it!

Attend my campaign fundraiser on Wednesday, Feb. 18th 5:30pm Rahr Brewery - 701 Galveston Ave, Ft. Worth, TX 76104 and hear my solutions for such issues in District 8.

www.meetup.com/suzette-watkins

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/donate.html

Remembering Stephanie Tubbs-Jones

2008-12-31T20:33:00.008-06:00

I loved watching interviews with the Congresswoman. I thought she was real. She was genuine. She was passionate. She had convictions. She was fair. She was one of the truly great politicians. I believe she cared for the people.....all of the people. No matter the color. I respect that in a person. I will always remember STJ. I will learn more about her and hope to carry out some of her ideas and ways of thinking right here in City Council District 8, Ft. Worth, Texas.

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

The delicate and lively

2008-12-29T21:29:00.005-06:00

A gift from two very close friends/supporters of mine and the card reads as:

"In China, the delicate and lively goldfish is revered as a
symbol of wealth & good fortune - in fact, its Chinese name - jin-yu - sounds like "gold in abundance." Traditionally, eight yellow and one black goldfish are placed
in an aquarium to attract money. But having a school of our little guys in
the house couldn't hurt."

Oxford American Dictionary defines "fortune" as: "chance or luck as a force in human affairs; a person's destiny; predictions about a person's future."

I will treasure this through the year of 2009. I have a great feeling about 2009. It rates somewhere up there with self actualization. Yes, I am a big believer and proponent of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and I think we need to revisit it as communities. More on this topic later.

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

The money would be worth the home & backyard tour

2008-12-24T15:40:00.013-06:00

The Owner/Designer of this home has volunteered to have a backyard fundraiser party for me. Such a wonderful place..check out the garland in the dining room that he designed and constructed. It is fabulous!! The tree and the wreath were done by him as well. It's a must see place. Donate $50 to my campaign for City Council, District 8 in Ft. Worth by January 3rd http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/donate.html and I'll make sure you get an invitation.

http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/

www.meetup.com/suzette-watkins

www.youtube.com/suzetteforcouncil

Who has been held accountable for Ft. Worth's $1.45 MILLION dollar discrepancy? Where's our money?

2008-12-23T18:37:00.020-06:00

Words below were taken from FW Weekly Article written in June 2007.
"From 1996 to 2005, the city received HOME allocations to build low-income affordable housing totaling more than $41.3 million but spent only about $29.6 million. The report also said that two nonprofits the city has been dealing with do not meet HUD guidelines — and the city not only has been ordered to immediately cease funding those two organizations but will also be required to pay back the money already granted to them.
HUD recently forced the city to set aside $1.45 million that may have to be used to pay back federal funds misspent between 1999 and 2004. The figure is based on a 2003 HUD audit that found discrepancies in the way the city housing department had accounted for federal dollars on projects such as the Mercado commercial development on the North Side and the Evans-Rosedale redevelopment project on the East Side. Both projects have cost millions, and neither has delivered the promised commercial and residential redevelopment of the surrounding low-income areas.
Because of housing projects, jump-started with federal funds, that are now being foreclosed on by banks. They include the Victory Arts apartments on Hemphill Street ($287,000), Women’s Second Chance transitional housing project ($61,000), and the Rolling Hills/Glen Eden housing development off Riverside Drive ($253,628.) The city housing department was also cited in the reports for failing to diligently oversee its contractors, failing to keep proper accounting records, and failing to follow HUD rules regarding the use of government funds that passed through its coffers from 1992 to 2006. "

http://www.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=6093

1997 - 2005 Ralph McCloud, City Council Rep, District 8
Kathleen Hicks, Aide to Ralph McCloud (for about 8 of those years)

2005 - present Kathleen Hicks, City Council Rep, District 8

Talk about needed CHANGE. How about it?! Vote Suzette Watkins, City Council, District 8
http://www.suzetteforcouncil.com/