For Immediate Release Texas Supreme Court Agrees to Hear TRWD Voting Rights Abuse Case
Tarrant County (March 13, 2014) – Yesterday, the Texas Supreme Court commanded the TRWD to file a response to Plaintiffs’ Writ of Injunction by 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2014.
The TRWD Board is attempting to extend the terms of its elected Directors beyond the maximum four-year term allowed by the Texas Constitution by refusing to hold elections in 2014. Individual Defendants named in the suit are current board members Victor W. Henderson, Jack Stevens, Marty Leonard, Jim Lane and Mary Kelleher. Ms. Kelleher has publically stated that TRWD is required to hold an election in 2014. Plaintiffs John Basham and Texans for Government Transparency filed an appeal with the Texas Supreme Court on March 7, 2014.
"The fact that the Court only gave the TRWD two days to file shows that they have some questions about how the TRWD has been operating," said Attorney Christopher Kratovil. "We now have the attention of the Texas Supreme Court," he continued.
TRWD Board candidates Craig Bickley and Melissa McDougall have continued to follow the suits against the TRWD intently. "The TRWD’s exploitation of legal loopholes is finally getting some attention. I’m grateful to those who are fighting for the taxpayers of Tarrant County. Voting is a fundamental right, and I’m confident that the people will be heard," said Craig Bickley.
"The TRWD has failed its mission, and they must be held accountable. It’s time for the people to decide, not a few crony politicians," said Melissa McDougall. "I will fight to protect the water supply, improve its quality and safeguard the community."
About Melissa McDougall Melissa has served her community for many years. She works for a retirement fund, is the River Trails Home Owner’s Association president and citizen on patrol captain. She was appointed by Forth Worth City Council to serve as District 5’s zoning commissioner and also helped found The Historic Randol Mill Valley Alliance, a multi-neighborhood alliance that champions the interests of neighborhood associations, schools, businesses and churches in the Randol Mill Valley portion of the Trinity Valley. Melissa and her husband John have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of two sons.
About Craig Bickley Craig holds a degree in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University and has spent 14 years in Tarrant County working in engineering, personnel and project management. A family man at heart, Craig has been married to his wife Nicole for 14 years and is the father to three daughters. He is active in the community and teaches Sunday school to young children.
UPDATE: After posting the above press release, we then received an email from someone at the Texas Supreme Court. Yeah, we were surprised too. We didn't realize those employed by the Supreme Court read local blogs. Must be due to the fact they can't find it in the 'news'paper. The employee stated that the Court hasn't agreed to "hear" the case. Apparently they have only agreed to "look" at it. We have a feeling they won't be the only ones looking. Thanks for clearing that up. In true Fort Worth style.
