Fort Worth Lack of Ethics Part 2

Yesterday we told you about the City of Fort Worth overuling and firing their Ethics Committee.  You should read the comments on FW Weekly Blotch from THE PEOPLE who attended the show.

It was revealed that there are supposed to be 5 members serving two year staggered terms, but the commission has been neglected by Moncrief’s Council and that before him. Clyde Picht, former councilman, as a parting recommendation when Moncrief was first elected, said that the commission should be revitalized and made active again. Moncrief responded that an Ethics Commission was not needed.    

Today, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is reporting on the fiasco.  Even the opening sentence would make people outside the Tarrant County corruption bubble say...WHAT??

City officials decided Thursday that it is not a conflict of interest for gas company employees to serve on committees that oversee their industry.

Is that like saying it is okay for the City Council to determine they are not in a conflict of interest because they profit from gas drilling and don't recuse themselves from voting on gas drilling items?  Or that turning over the Ethics Committee finding against themselves is ethical??? 

The comments on their article are quite telling as well.  What are THE PEOPLE saying?  Below are just a few examples, be sure to read them all, and tell your friends.

It's time for a recall election. This is an OBVIOUS conflict of interest.

Ashford's problem is he doesn't understand how the FW city council works. He lost because he brought facts instead of money.

The good ole city of FW continue to amaze me! They allow gas company employees to sit on a board that is to be the watchdog for potential violations of law (epa or health quality issues). Mayor Mike continues to have the world largest mud hole dug and spending money all the while the city falls apart. The current budget has over 85 million dollars set aside for the purchase of land for the Trinity River project. I think this money could be used to offset the deficit. Plus, the city gave Radio Shack a 10 million dollar tax break. Plus, we build a 65 million dollar hotel that the city owns that the voters rejected. (non binding referendum on the ballot) The city non-leaders need to wake up.