Father feared for kids' safety
By JIM DOUGLAS / WFAA ABC 8
ARLINGTON, Texas - In the wake of 3-year-old Sierra Odom's death under the care of foster father Timothy Warner, a father of two other foster children removed from Warner's home said he too feared for his kids' safety. After Odom's death, Warner was arrested by police, but he had no prior criminal history. He had also passed all mandatory background tests.
Kirk Stephens said he drove 1,000 miles every week to spend one hour with his children. Stephens lost custody of his children because of drug issues and they were in the foster care of Warner and his wife.
During those brief visits the father brought a camera, he said not for smiles, but for possible evidence. He said on August 10 he photographed a large bruise behind his son's ear.
He said the spot was so tender his 18-month-old would not let him touch it. Two weeks before that, he said he saw another bruise on his son that alarmed him even more. He described a solid bruise that ran up his son's entire front thigh.
"It was one solid bruise," Stephens said. "It wasn't just in spots. It was one solid bruise. And a lady who was looking through the glass, she saw it when I saw it. She came walking around and said 'Oh, my God.'"
Stephens said Child Protective Services had briefly removed his children before he saw the bruises, but they were returned to the foster home within days.
Stephens' lawyer said a new effort had been underway to remove the children once again at the time of Odom's death Thursday night. At that point, CPS removed all the children from the home, including Warner's own four biological children.
News from the Lone Star State
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TexasStooge
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Fire officials concerned by thefts
By BRAD HAWKINS / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The FBI has alerted law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for people wearing uniforms stolen from a Dallas fire station.
News 8 has learned of three separate incidents over the past two months in which property was stolen from Dallas Fire-Rescue fire houses and vehicles. In one case last Thursday, they even took an ambulance for a joy ride while it was on duty.
No one gets hotter during Texas summers than firefighters; many wear a specially-made short sleeve knit shirt as a service uniform. Now, six of those shirts are missing.
While the FBI is spreading the word, Dallas Fire-Rescue officials want citizens to make sure they're always dealing with the real thing.
"Number one, check the uniform; number two, check the identification," said Lt. Joel Lavender. "Every firefighter has a city-issued Dallas Fire-Rescue ID card on them. If you're still not sure or have some concerns, call 311 and ask if a firefighter was dispatched to your location."
Three weeks ago, a false alarm emptied most of Station 8 on Garrett Street in East Dallas. Thieves broke in and stole some cash along with a universal garage door opener.
Last week, a running ambulance disappeared on a medical call. Thieves took a cell phone, but ditched the ambulance.
Investigators don't think the same person is responsible. The three incidents happened at three separate fire stations over two months.
There is one disturbing link, however. In every case, the thieves moved in as firefighters were called out, risking their lives to respond and to protect.
In the case of the stolen ambulance, Lavender said it put any potential victims in jeopardy because of its absence.
"It was missing off an emergency run where there could have been a life-threatening moment," he said.
Now, Dallas Fire-Rescue is sounding a different alarm through their warnings about the stolen gear. They hope to protect the image they've built around their badge.
"We're dealing with public trust," Lavender said. "We can't afford to lose public trust."
By BRAD HAWKINS / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The FBI has alerted law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for people wearing uniforms stolen from a Dallas fire station.
News 8 has learned of three separate incidents over the past two months in which property was stolen from Dallas Fire-Rescue fire houses and vehicles. In one case last Thursday, they even took an ambulance for a joy ride while it was on duty.
No one gets hotter during Texas summers than firefighters; many wear a specially-made short sleeve knit shirt as a service uniform. Now, six of those shirts are missing.
While the FBI is spreading the word, Dallas Fire-Rescue officials want citizens to make sure they're always dealing with the real thing.
"Number one, check the uniform; number two, check the identification," said Lt. Joel Lavender. "Every firefighter has a city-issued Dallas Fire-Rescue ID card on them. If you're still not sure or have some concerns, call 311 and ask if a firefighter was dispatched to your location."
Three weeks ago, a false alarm emptied most of Station 8 on Garrett Street in East Dallas. Thieves broke in and stole some cash along with a universal garage door opener.
Last week, a running ambulance disappeared on a medical call. Thieves took a cell phone, but ditched the ambulance.
Investigators don't think the same person is responsible. The three incidents happened at three separate fire stations over two months.
There is one disturbing link, however. In every case, the thieves moved in as firefighters were called out, risking their lives to respond and to protect.
In the case of the stolen ambulance, Lavender said it put any potential victims in jeopardy because of its absence.
"It was missing off an emergency run where there could have been a life-threatening moment," he said.
Now, Dallas Fire-Rescue is sounding a different alarm through their warnings about the stolen gear. They hope to protect the image they've built around their badge.
"We're dealing with public trust," Lavender said. "We can't afford to lose public trust."
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Brownsboro mother, 3 children missing
BROWNSBORO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A search is underway tonight for a missing Henderson County woman and her three children. Kissie Smith and her three children were last seen Saturday morning
The family is from Brownsboro, southeast of Dallas. Smith, 27, was last seen there on Saturday morning with her children 7-year-old Elijah and twin 6-year-olds Cassie and Harry.
Police said Smith was driving a 2004 gray Dodge Quad Cab pickup. It has a Texas license plate number 81F-PT1. So far, authorities said they are uncertain whether this is a domestic dispute or foul play. They are urging anyone with information to call the Brownsboro Police Department.
WFAA ABC 8
A search is underway for Kissie Smith (left) and her three children.
BROWNSBORO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A search is underway tonight for a missing Henderson County woman and her three children. Kissie Smith and her three children were last seen Saturday morning
The family is from Brownsboro, southeast of Dallas. Smith, 27, was last seen there on Saturday morning with her children 7-year-old Elijah and twin 6-year-olds Cassie and Harry.
Police said Smith was driving a 2004 gray Dodge Quad Cab pickup. It has a Texas license plate number 81F-PT1. So far, authorities said they are uncertain whether this is a domestic dispute or foul play. They are urging anyone with information to call the Brownsboro Police Department.
WFAA ABC 8
A search is underway for Kissie Smith (left) and her three children.
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Business coalition opposes homeless site
Dallas: Business leaders offer option, warn city of bond vote fight
By DAVE LEVINTHAL / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A coalition of downtown Dallas business owners issued an ultimatum of sorts to city leaders Monday.
Consider an alternate location for the city's proposed homeless assistance center and expect at least $1 million in private donations to purchase the land, they said. But forge ahead with plans to build the center in the southeast section of downtown and expect a fight to defeat a probable November bond proposition designed to fund it.
"We intend to be the spearhead to defeat the bond issue. We are directly impacted," said Larry Hamilton, whose real estate development company has recently converted downtown's Davis Building and Dallas Power and Light towers into apartments. "We have all made such an investment into downtown, and we're worried this facility will undermine that investment."
Addressing media members and downtown business owners, Dallas City Council member Bill Blaydes suggested placing a homeless assistance facility just outside the boundaries of downtown – either on the corner of Industrial Boulevard and Continental Avenue or south of Interstate 30 on South Central Expressway.
The business leaders' proposal is meritorious, and they should be commended for suggesting alternative sites, said Tom Dunning, who led a task force that recommended the site in downtown's southeast quadrant.
"But we still believe the site we have selected makes the most sense. It's right in the center of where current services are already available," Mr. Dunning said. "But this is something for the council to decide."
Mayor Laura Miller said Monday by e-mail, "The downtown developers have been concerned about the St. Louis site for several months, and as more development deals are announced in the center city the more the concern grows."
The mayor says she'd consider endorsing one of the two alternate sites – the location on South Central Expressway at Hickory and Bluebell streets, about a half mile southeast from the leading site at St. Louis Street inside Dallas' downtown core.
In its final report, Mr. Dunning's task force ranked the South Central Expressway site second.
"It is outside the central business district – just barely, but nevertheless outside of it, and certainly if our downtown developers are willing to participate financially in that site, that's a win-win for everybody," Ms. Miller said.
A council meeting to discuss the issue is set Wednesday night.
The 2003-05 council has already endorsed the Dunning task force's recommendation.
But Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill says he might support another location because of impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.
"I have not made a firm decision, but I'm seriously thinking that we need to go in a different direction," Mr. Hill said.
Council member Pauline Medrano, who represents sections of downtown Dallas, said she's committed to fighting for the site already adopted by the council.
The Central Dallas Association, which represents many of downtown's leading businesses, has not developed a formal position on the homeless center site, president Alice Murray said.
Mr. Hamilton's coalition counts more than 50 companies and business interests among its ranks, together with more than $1 billion invested in downtown.
Dallas: Business leaders offer option, warn city of bond vote fight
By DAVE LEVINTHAL / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A coalition of downtown Dallas business owners issued an ultimatum of sorts to city leaders Monday.
Consider an alternate location for the city's proposed homeless assistance center and expect at least $1 million in private donations to purchase the land, they said. But forge ahead with plans to build the center in the southeast section of downtown and expect a fight to defeat a probable November bond proposition designed to fund it.
"We intend to be the spearhead to defeat the bond issue. We are directly impacted," said Larry Hamilton, whose real estate development company has recently converted downtown's Davis Building and Dallas Power and Light towers into apartments. "We have all made such an investment into downtown, and we're worried this facility will undermine that investment."
Addressing media members and downtown business owners, Dallas City Council member Bill Blaydes suggested placing a homeless assistance facility just outside the boundaries of downtown – either on the corner of Industrial Boulevard and Continental Avenue or south of Interstate 30 on South Central Expressway.
The business leaders' proposal is meritorious, and they should be commended for suggesting alternative sites, said Tom Dunning, who led a task force that recommended the site in downtown's southeast quadrant.
"But we still believe the site we have selected makes the most sense. It's right in the center of where current services are already available," Mr. Dunning said. "But this is something for the council to decide."
Mayor Laura Miller said Monday by e-mail, "The downtown developers have been concerned about the St. Louis site for several months, and as more development deals are announced in the center city the more the concern grows."
The mayor says she'd consider endorsing one of the two alternate sites – the location on South Central Expressway at Hickory and Bluebell streets, about a half mile southeast from the leading site at St. Louis Street inside Dallas' downtown core.
In its final report, Mr. Dunning's task force ranked the South Central Expressway site second.
"It is outside the central business district – just barely, but nevertheless outside of it, and certainly if our downtown developers are willing to participate financially in that site, that's a win-win for everybody," Ms. Miller said.
A council meeting to discuss the issue is set Wednesday night.
The 2003-05 council has already endorsed the Dunning task force's recommendation.
But Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill says he might support another location because of impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.
"I have not made a firm decision, but I'm seriously thinking that we need to go in a different direction," Mr. Hill said.
Council member Pauline Medrano, who represents sections of downtown Dallas, said she's committed to fighting for the site already adopted by the council.
The Central Dallas Association, which represents many of downtown's leading businesses, has not developed a formal position on the homeless center site, president Alice Murray said.
Mr. Hamilton's coalition counts more than 50 companies and business interests among its ranks, together with more than $1 billion invested in downtown.
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Nothing but the best from Mom and Dad
Nice cars, big allowances, fancy pedicures: In Collin County, parents say the urge to spend stems from their children
By PAULA LAVIGNE / The Dallas Morning News
Last of three parts
It's the end of the day at Plano West Senior High School, and teenagers are pouring into the parking lot.
One jumps into a BMW M3. Another takes off in a Jaguar X-Type. A Land Rover joins the pack.
Senior Jodi Payson drives a black Hummer H2. She carries a Louis Vuitton purse and a credit card with no limit.
Last year, Jodi was among the privileged class at Plano West that sets the unspoken benchmark that many other students – and therefore their parents – strive to attain.
Plano West stands out for its students' affluence and their academic achievements, but it is as representative as any Collin County school in that parents say they feel pressure, from their children and their surroundings, to meet the highest lifestyle standards.
Competition starts early. Parents try to outdo one another on birthday parties with limousine chauffeurs and costumed characters.
By the time they're teenagers, children can shop on their own, which takes the spending to a whole new level.
They want bigger toys, including cars, and they won't settle for the type of jalopy their parents drove when they were 16.
This area is one of the wealthiest in the country, and it is also among the youngest. About three in 10 residents of Collin County are younger than 18.
Parents from all income levels say the urge to spend is most powerful when it comes to their children.
They might be in debt up to their eyebrows, but their child will have a cellphone and a Blackberry and a luxury car, said Mia Mbroh, a parent educator for the national nonprofit counseling organization Practical Parent Education in Plano.
"They do it out of love, and they don't want their kids to be the odd man out," she said. "Adults want to fit in as much as children."
Nice cars, big allowances, fancy pedicures: In Collin County, parents say the urge to spend stems from their children
By PAULA LAVIGNE / The Dallas Morning News
Last of three parts
It's the end of the day at Plano West Senior High School, and teenagers are pouring into the parking lot.
One jumps into a BMW M3. Another takes off in a Jaguar X-Type. A Land Rover joins the pack.
Senior Jodi Payson drives a black Hummer H2. She carries a Louis Vuitton purse and a credit card with no limit.
Last year, Jodi was among the privileged class at Plano West that sets the unspoken benchmark that many other students – and therefore their parents – strive to attain.
Plano West stands out for its students' affluence and their academic achievements, but it is as representative as any Collin County school in that parents say they feel pressure, from their children and their surroundings, to meet the highest lifestyle standards.
Competition starts early. Parents try to outdo one another on birthday parties with limousine chauffeurs and costumed characters.
By the time they're teenagers, children can shop on their own, which takes the spending to a whole new level.
They want bigger toys, including cars, and they won't settle for the type of jalopy their parents drove when they were 16.
This area is one of the wealthiest in the country, and it is also among the youngest. About three in 10 residents of Collin County are younger than 18.
Parents from all income levels say the urge to spend is most powerful when it comes to their children.
They might be in debt up to their eyebrows, but their child will have a cellphone and a Blackberry and a luxury car, said Mia Mbroh, a parent educator for the national nonprofit counseling organization Practical Parent Education in Plano.
"They do it out of love, and they don't want their kids to be the odd man out," she said. "Adults want to fit in as much as children."
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Allen man killed in head-on bike crash
Plano: Second cyclist hurt on popular route in southeast part of city
By PAULA LAVIGNE / The Dallas Morning News
ALLEN, Texas - A head-on collision between two bicyclists killed one man and injured another on a popular cycling route in southeast Plano.
The Sunday morning crash had area cyclists buzzing Monday as they exchanged phone calls and posted messages on regional online cycling forums.
Jim Hoyt, owner of Richardson Bike Mart, said he's never heard of a fatal head-on collision in his 50 years of cycling. "We can't figure it out."
One cyclist, 52-year-old Michael Mahoney of Allen, was taken to Medical Center of Plano, where he died Sunday. The Collin County medical examiner's office would not release a cause of death Monday, but a family friend said he died of severe head trauma.
The other cyclist, 37-year-old Jordan Muller of Richardson, was treated in the emergency room and released, a hospital spokeswoman said. Mr. Muller could not be reached Monday.
Both were riding road bikes and were wearing helmets, police said.
Nancy and Doug Clark have been friends of Mr. Mahoney and his wife, Nadine, for almost 25 years.
Mr. Mahoney had worked for J.C. Penney since the late 1970s, and both families had been transferred, at different times, by the company from Wisconsin to North Texas.
"He loved his family more than anything, and he had friends that are going to miss him forever," Mrs. Clark said. She said he had started cycling about four years ago after knee surgery forced him to give up running.
On Sunday, he and Mr. Muller were cycling in opposite directions near Wyngate Boulevard and Wynwood Drive in an industrial section of southeast Plano, Plano police Officer Carl Duke said.
Cyclists use the interconnecting streets as a circular route for timed races staged on Tuesday nights and sponsored by Plano Cycling & Fitness.
Mr. Mahoney was cycling counterclockwise on the route and Mr. Muller was riding clockwise, and they hit head-on in the middle of the street.
Race organizer Randy Eller said the races run clockwise, and most people who cycle the course for practice would be going clockwise. They probably wouldn't suspect someone coming from the other direction, he said. However, the course is a series of public streets, and cyclists can ride any direction they choose.
"It's seldom you would see someone going counterclockwise. But it's not like [Mr. Mahoney] was doing anything wrong," Mr. Eller said. Mr. Eller said racing cyclists could reach speeds of more than 20 mph on the course, but police do not know how fast the two cyclists were going at the time of impact.
Officer Duke said a passer-by called 911. Police are investigating the fatality as an accidental death and do not anticipate filing criminal charges, he said.
Laura Alton, a Richardson cyclist who came across the crash scene Sunday, said she was surprised that the two collided on a straightaway where it was likely one cyclist would see another approaching.
"I've just never heard of anybody hitting somebody head-on," she said. "If you're riding on a tour or a rally, you might have a crash, but not just head-on. Everybody's just kind of shocked by, 'Wow, how did this happen?' "
Mrs. Clark said Mr. Mahoney had been cycling in the area before. He was training for the popular Hotter'N Hell Hundred ride in Wichita Falls on Aug. 27.
"It was a big event for him to do the Hotter'N Hell," J.C. Penney co-worker and cyclist Craig Mathew said. "He really did live for it. I'd say, 'Are you going to do the whole thing? The whole hundred miles?' And he'd say, 'Yeah, yeah.' "
Along with cycling, Mr. Mahoney also was an avid fisherman, NASCAR fan and motorcyclist, Mrs. Clark said. He and his wife had two adult children, Thomas Mahoney and Monica Spaulding.
"He liked to do anything at least once," Mrs. Clark said. "He was never afraid of a challenge."
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen.
Plano: Second cyclist hurt on popular route in southeast part of city
By PAULA LAVIGNE / The Dallas Morning News
ALLEN, Texas - A head-on collision between two bicyclists killed one man and injured another on a popular cycling route in southeast Plano.
The Sunday morning crash had area cyclists buzzing Monday as they exchanged phone calls and posted messages on regional online cycling forums.
Jim Hoyt, owner of Richardson Bike Mart, said he's never heard of a fatal head-on collision in his 50 years of cycling. "We can't figure it out."
One cyclist, 52-year-old Michael Mahoney of Allen, was taken to Medical Center of Plano, where he died Sunday. The Collin County medical examiner's office would not release a cause of death Monday, but a family friend said he died of severe head trauma.
The other cyclist, 37-year-old Jordan Muller of Richardson, was treated in the emergency room and released, a hospital spokeswoman said. Mr. Muller could not be reached Monday.
Both were riding road bikes and were wearing helmets, police said.
Nancy and Doug Clark have been friends of Mr. Mahoney and his wife, Nadine, for almost 25 years.
Mr. Mahoney had worked for J.C. Penney since the late 1970s, and both families had been transferred, at different times, by the company from Wisconsin to North Texas.
"He loved his family more than anything, and he had friends that are going to miss him forever," Mrs. Clark said. She said he had started cycling about four years ago after knee surgery forced him to give up running.
On Sunday, he and Mr. Muller were cycling in opposite directions near Wyngate Boulevard and Wynwood Drive in an industrial section of southeast Plano, Plano police Officer Carl Duke said.
Cyclists use the interconnecting streets as a circular route for timed races staged on Tuesday nights and sponsored by Plano Cycling & Fitness.
Mr. Mahoney was cycling counterclockwise on the route and Mr. Muller was riding clockwise, and they hit head-on in the middle of the street.
Race organizer Randy Eller said the races run clockwise, and most people who cycle the course for practice would be going clockwise. They probably wouldn't suspect someone coming from the other direction, he said. However, the course is a series of public streets, and cyclists can ride any direction they choose.
"It's seldom you would see someone going counterclockwise. But it's not like [Mr. Mahoney] was doing anything wrong," Mr. Eller said. Mr. Eller said racing cyclists could reach speeds of more than 20 mph on the course, but police do not know how fast the two cyclists were going at the time of impact.
Officer Duke said a passer-by called 911. Police are investigating the fatality as an accidental death and do not anticipate filing criminal charges, he said.
Laura Alton, a Richardson cyclist who came across the crash scene Sunday, said she was surprised that the two collided on a straightaway where it was likely one cyclist would see another approaching.
"I've just never heard of anybody hitting somebody head-on," she said. "If you're riding on a tour or a rally, you might have a crash, but not just head-on. Everybody's just kind of shocked by, 'Wow, how did this happen?' "
Mrs. Clark said Mr. Mahoney had been cycling in the area before. He was training for the popular Hotter'N Hell Hundred ride in Wichita Falls on Aug. 27.
"It was a big event for him to do the Hotter'N Hell," J.C. Penney co-worker and cyclist Craig Mathew said. "He really did live for it. I'd say, 'Are you going to do the whole thing? The whole hundred miles?' And he'd say, 'Yeah, yeah.' "
Along with cycling, Mr. Mahoney also was an avid fisherman, NASCAR fan and motorcyclist, Mrs. Clark said. He and his wife had two adult children, Thomas Mahoney and Monica Spaulding.
"He liked to do anything at least once," Mrs. Clark said. "He was never afraid of a challenge."
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen.
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Breaking News
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Northbound Dallas North Tollway is closed at Wycliff due to a gas leak, and southbound traffic is slow due to an earlier accident at Mockingbird.
Click here for DFW traffic reports from TrafficPulse.
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Northbound Dallas North Tollway is closed at Wycliff due to a gas leak, and southbound traffic is slow due to an earlier accident at Mockingbird.
Click here for DFW traffic reports from TrafficPulse.
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Nyuk-nyuk
To understand the new charter proposal, think Larry, Moe, Curly
By Jim Schutze / The Dallas Observer
DALLAS, Texas - Please try to follow this. You might need a notebook. I'm trying to get across a very complex technical point about urban governance. You're familiar with The Three Stooges, right?
You know how sometimes Moe whacks both Curly and Larry in the back of the head, then Curly whacks Larry, then Larry whacks Curly?
Jot that down. 1) Moe whacks Curly and Larry. 2) Then...uh, well sometimes I think Curly whacks Moe back. Doesn't he? 3) And then Larry whacks Curly. I think. It varies. 4) I know I've seen times when they all just whack each other.
Anyway, that's the chain of command they're going to propose in the November charter election for a new system of city government. 1) Whack-whack. 2) Whack. 3) Whack. 4) Whack-whack-whack.
You remembered we were going to have another charter election in November, right? Oh, come on. You gotta stay on this stuff. And you remember what the city charter is, right? The charter is our city constitution, and they want to change it to make the city run better.
We had the "strong mayor charter election" last May 7. It failed. Now on November 7 we're going to have another one for an alternative, less strong but somewhat stronger mayor and much stronger city council. Charter. Change. OK, I need to see your eyes front and center.
The May election was easy to understand because of the name. "Strong mayor election." Nobody has come up with a good name for the November proposal. Just for now, let's call it the nyuk-nyuk election.
Under a nyuk-nyuk system of urban governance, the mayor has the power to hire the city manager. Whack. The mayor also has the power to fire the city manager. Whack. But a simple majority of the city council also has the power to fire the city manager. Whack-whack-whack.
This isn't working. It's my fault. Perhaps a better way would be to use a concrete example drawn from the real world. Let's say some big apartment developer wants the city council to help get him a multimillion-dollar tax subsidy from the state for an apartment development in Southern Dallas. But the mayor is strongly opposed.
Maybe the mayor calls the city manager in and says, "We have study after study showing way too much multifamily housing already in the southern sector. When the state asks if you approve of this subsidy, your answer better be no. And I mean it. If you diddle me on this, it's a firing offense."
OK. Now imagine a bunch of the Southern Dallas council members who used to be against these kinds of subsidies: They've been out road-rallying in their new BMWs and Land Rovers and other fancy cars that they recently acquired but are not at liberty to say exactly how. And they've changed their minds. Now they're for the subsidy.
They get together with some "conservative" (ha-ha-ha) Far North Dallas and Lake Highlands council members who need zoning votes for their own personal apartment complex development deals or for the land-buying deals they do as real estate agents for, I don't know, maybe the school district. Together they all come up with an eight-vote majority. The eight of them go tap-dancin' down to the city manager's office arm-in-arm and nyuk-nyuk-nyukin'.
They say, "Look, city manager, when the state asks about that man's tax subsidy and whether you support it, the answer is yes. And we mean it. You best not mess with us on this one, because this is a firing offense."
Pretend you're the city manager. What do you say? I had a friend in the newspaper business who used to find himself in this position all the time. He was basically fireable by everyone he talked to. In management terms, that's called Random Universal Fire-ability--the same status the new system proposes for the city manager. My friend said different things, depending on who was trying to get him to do something that somebody else had warned him not to do.
"Consider it done. Hey, you know the publisher's son from Harvard Law School who's doing that internship in advertising? I can tell he thinks you're hot."
"Consider it done. Hey, you know that cute sort of wacko photographer who had to do the mental health leave? Why is she telling everybody she's leaving her husband for you?"
"Consider it done. You know, I really don't see how just one of those really great 'Bone-Dry Martinis' over at the Point would harm your recovery all that much."
Here's what I'm not getting across. This is not a joke. This is all real. I spent the week talking to people about the November proposition and attended a three-hour city council briefing on it. The real proposal is worse than any joke I could possibly tell, and that's saying something.
Remember the starting point for all this stuff. In all of the appalling mess at Dallas City Hall in the last several years, the one sore thumb in every case has been that nobody is ever really in charge. The buck doesn't stop anywhere. It's the weak-weak-weak system--weak mayor, weak manager, weak city council. And now we have the more recent and alarming issue of FBI agents trundling merrily in and out of the city council offices like the seven dwarves with two-wheeler loads of file boxes, with warrants referencing bribery and official corruption.
The whole reason for all of this charter election business--an otherwise irritating intrusion on everybody's time and attention--is to put somebody in charge. If the mayor is truly in charge for a change, then at least we will have one person to hold accountable.
The strong mayor proposal on the ballot in May was voted down. The whole city council except for Mayor Laura Miller opposed it, because the council didn't want to lose power.
We're having a second charter election, the "alternative," because the council and certain business leaders promised to come up with a better idea if voters would turn down the May proposal.
But guess what. The system on the ballot in November provides for a weensy-beensy bit more power for the mayor and way, way more power for the city council.
The mayor can hire the city manager, but the council can fire the manager the next day with a simple majority. The mayor and the manager prepare the budget, but the proposal would create a whole new department to supervise the spending of the budget. The new "budget officer" would not work for the mayor.
Whaaat?
On all sorts of key decisions, like hiring and firing the budget officer and the city auditor, the mayor is expressly prohibited from voting under the proposed system.
There is even a special provision in the proposal allowing the city council to exempt itself or its appointees from conflict of interest rules having to do with city contracts and real estate deals.
Hey. I don't make this stuff up. The draft ordinance calls for "allowing the city council to adopt exceptions and conditions to current charter provisions prohibiting city officers and employees from having direct or indirect financial interests in any city contract or in any sale to the city of land, materials, supplies or services."
To be fair, at its briefing last week the council expressed some interest in tweaking this language to make it more palatable to voters. But I'm sitting out there in the peanut gallery thinking, "How about instead you gouge your eyes out in shame?" I wanted to yell from the back of the room, "I have three words for you folks. F. And B. And I."
The most outlandish moment in the briefing was when the mayor learned there had been a last-minute addition to the proposal--a brand-new provision that would severely limit the ability of the mayor to raise campaign contributions but not touch fund-raising abilities of council members. The last-minute provision had been lobbied into the deal over the weekend by the chamber of commerce.
Jan Hart Black, president of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, explained to the council--with a straight face--that the chamber asked for the 11th-hour change because of a fear that future mayors might become corrupt. The council members are all sitting there nodding their very solemn, sober assent.
Look. This is actually simple. The existing corrupt city council system where you can buy a council member for a five-grand campaign contribution--with nobody really in charge--is cheap and easy to get to. It's what the old-guard business establishment is accustomed to, a nice fit with traditional plantation politics.
The foreign concept here is rational structure and strict accountability. That's what the chambers of commerce and the Dallas Citizens Council do not want. They want to keep slipping and sliding around on the low-down with their checkbooks and their BMWs and their nice kindly food baskets at Christmastime.
And let's be honest, you and me. How excited are you about this? Yeah, well, that's what I mean. Nobody cares about it. Even the people proposing it don't really believe in it. Some of the business people who led the anti-strong mayor fight last May told me last week they won't support the November thing because of the provision allowing the council to fire the city manager.
Except for Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill, the entire black caucus on the council is dead set against it. Nobody's going to put any money into the campaigns on either side.
Hardly anybody will vote. The outcome will be decided by something like the humidity. It could pass. We could wind up with the nyuk-nyuk system.
That is not a joke.
To understand the new charter proposal, think Larry, Moe, Curly
By Jim Schutze / The Dallas Observer
DALLAS, Texas - Please try to follow this. You might need a notebook. I'm trying to get across a very complex technical point about urban governance. You're familiar with The Three Stooges, right?
You know how sometimes Moe whacks both Curly and Larry in the back of the head, then Curly whacks Larry, then Larry whacks Curly?
Jot that down. 1) Moe whacks Curly and Larry. 2) Then...uh, well sometimes I think Curly whacks Moe back. Doesn't he? 3) And then Larry whacks Curly. I think. It varies. 4) I know I've seen times when they all just whack each other.
Anyway, that's the chain of command they're going to propose in the November charter election for a new system of city government. 1) Whack-whack. 2) Whack. 3) Whack. 4) Whack-whack-whack.
You remembered we were going to have another charter election in November, right? Oh, come on. You gotta stay on this stuff. And you remember what the city charter is, right? The charter is our city constitution, and they want to change it to make the city run better.
We had the "strong mayor charter election" last May 7. It failed. Now on November 7 we're going to have another one for an alternative, less strong but somewhat stronger mayor and much stronger city council. Charter. Change. OK, I need to see your eyes front and center.
The May election was easy to understand because of the name. "Strong mayor election." Nobody has come up with a good name for the November proposal. Just for now, let's call it the nyuk-nyuk election.
Under a nyuk-nyuk system of urban governance, the mayor has the power to hire the city manager. Whack. The mayor also has the power to fire the city manager. Whack. But a simple majority of the city council also has the power to fire the city manager. Whack-whack-whack.
This isn't working. It's my fault. Perhaps a better way would be to use a concrete example drawn from the real world. Let's say some big apartment developer wants the city council to help get him a multimillion-dollar tax subsidy from the state for an apartment development in Southern Dallas. But the mayor is strongly opposed.
Maybe the mayor calls the city manager in and says, "We have study after study showing way too much multifamily housing already in the southern sector. When the state asks if you approve of this subsidy, your answer better be no. And I mean it. If you diddle me on this, it's a firing offense."
OK. Now imagine a bunch of the Southern Dallas council members who used to be against these kinds of subsidies: They've been out road-rallying in their new BMWs and Land Rovers and other fancy cars that they recently acquired but are not at liberty to say exactly how. And they've changed their minds. Now they're for the subsidy.
They get together with some "conservative" (ha-ha-ha) Far North Dallas and Lake Highlands council members who need zoning votes for their own personal apartment complex development deals or for the land-buying deals they do as real estate agents for, I don't know, maybe the school district. Together they all come up with an eight-vote majority. The eight of them go tap-dancin' down to the city manager's office arm-in-arm and nyuk-nyuk-nyukin'.
They say, "Look, city manager, when the state asks about that man's tax subsidy and whether you support it, the answer is yes. And we mean it. You best not mess with us on this one, because this is a firing offense."
Pretend you're the city manager. What do you say? I had a friend in the newspaper business who used to find himself in this position all the time. He was basically fireable by everyone he talked to. In management terms, that's called Random Universal Fire-ability--the same status the new system proposes for the city manager. My friend said different things, depending on who was trying to get him to do something that somebody else had warned him not to do.
"Consider it done. Hey, you know the publisher's son from Harvard Law School who's doing that internship in advertising? I can tell he thinks you're hot."
"Consider it done. Hey, you know that cute sort of wacko photographer who had to do the mental health leave? Why is she telling everybody she's leaving her husband for you?"
"Consider it done. You know, I really don't see how just one of those really great 'Bone-Dry Martinis' over at the Point would harm your recovery all that much."
Here's what I'm not getting across. This is not a joke. This is all real. I spent the week talking to people about the November proposition and attended a three-hour city council briefing on it. The real proposal is worse than any joke I could possibly tell, and that's saying something.
Remember the starting point for all this stuff. In all of the appalling mess at Dallas City Hall in the last several years, the one sore thumb in every case has been that nobody is ever really in charge. The buck doesn't stop anywhere. It's the weak-weak-weak system--weak mayor, weak manager, weak city council. And now we have the more recent and alarming issue of FBI agents trundling merrily in and out of the city council offices like the seven dwarves with two-wheeler loads of file boxes, with warrants referencing bribery and official corruption.
The whole reason for all of this charter election business--an otherwise irritating intrusion on everybody's time and attention--is to put somebody in charge. If the mayor is truly in charge for a change, then at least we will have one person to hold accountable.
The strong mayor proposal on the ballot in May was voted down. The whole city council except for Mayor Laura Miller opposed it, because the council didn't want to lose power.
We're having a second charter election, the "alternative," because the council and certain business leaders promised to come up with a better idea if voters would turn down the May proposal.
But guess what. The system on the ballot in November provides for a weensy-beensy bit more power for the mayor and way, way more power for the city council.
The mayor can hire the city manager, but the council can fire the manager the next day with a simple majority. The mayor and the manager prepare the budget, but the proposal would create a whole new department to supervise the spending of the budget. The new "budget officer" would not work for the mayor.
Whaaat?
On all sorts of key decisions, like hiring and firing the budget officer and the city auditor, the mayor is expressly prohibited from voting under the proposed system.
There is even a special provision in the proposal allowing the city council to exempt itself or its appointees from conflict of interest rules having to do with city contracts and real estate deals.
Hey. I don't make this stuff up. The draft ordinance calls for "allowing the city council to adopt exceptions and conditions to current charter provisions prohibiting city officers and employees from having direct or indirect financial interests in any city contract or in any sale to the city of land, materials, supplies or services."
To be fair, at its briefing last week the council expressed some interest in tweaking this language to make it more palatable to voters. But I'm sitting out there in the peanut gallery thinking, "How about instead you gouge your eyes out in shame?" I wanted to yell from the back of the room, "I have three words for you folks. F. And B. And I."
The most outlandish moment in the briefing was when the mayor learned there had been a last-minute addition to the proposal--a brand-new provision that would severely limit the ability of the mayor to raise campaign contributions but not touch fund-raising abilities of council members. The last-minute provision had been lobbied into the deal over the weekend by the chamber of commerce.
Jan Hart Black, president of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, explained to the council--with a straight face--that the chamber asked for the 11th-hour change because of a fear that future mayors might become corrupt. The council members are all sitting there nodding their very solemn, sober assent.
Look. This is actually simple. The existing corrupt city council system where you can buy a council member for a five-grand campaign contribution--with nobody really in charge--is cheap and easy to get to. It's what the old-guard business establishment is accustomed to, a nice fit with traditional plantation politics.
The foreign concept here is rational structure and strict accountability. That's what the chambers of commerce and the Dallas Citizens Council do not want. They want to keep slipping and sliding around on the low-down with their checkbooks and their BMWs and their nice kindly food baskets at Christmastime.
And let's be honest, you and me. How excited are you about this? Yeah, well, that's what I mean. Nobody cares about it. Even the people proposing it don't really believe in it. Some of the business people who led the anti-strong mayor fight last May told me last week they won't support the November thing because of the provision allowing the council to fire the city manager.
Except for Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill, the entire black caucus on the council is dead set against it. Nobody's going to put any money into the campaigns on either side.
Hardly anybody will vote. The outcome will be decided by something like the humidity. It could pass. We could wind up with the nyuk-nyuk system.
That is not a joke.
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eBay find will help find missing kids
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/WFAA.com) - Dallas police respond to an average of 12 confirmed child abductions every year. Now, they have a new tool to help find kidnapped kids.
It's a new mobile command post, the gift of Sgt. Paul Keough and his wife, Jamie.
Keough said the project was sparked by an abduction case last October when the Youth Operations Unit desperately needed a mobile unit and couldn't borrow one from a patrol station.
Keough started looking for an appropriate vehicle, and—acting on a suggestion from a co-worker—Keough checked the Internet.
"I happened to find this vehicle on eBay and purchased it with the intention of donating it," Keough said as he presented the keys from the renovated ambulance to Chief David Kunkle.
"It's an old 1989 that has high mileage, but I think it's got a lot more time left in it to serve, and hopefully help kids," Keough said. The 22-year department veteran declined to say how much of his own money he spent on the project.
The vehicle has a fresh paint job, new brakes and a notebook computer with a wireless connection that can speed the flow of crucial information about missing children.
"With the laptop, we can access the Internet while out in the field," said Lt. Sally Lannom, unit commander for the Youth Operations Unit. "We'll be able to scan in a photo of a child and e-mail it directly to the office."
She said the vehicle's scanner and printer will also let them create fliers in the field for help in locating a victim.
"What Sgt. Paul Keough and his wife Jamie have done reflects a deep commitment, both to the community in providing services, and also to the Dallas Police Department," Chief Kunkle said at the ceremony.
"Hopefully, we won't have to use it much," Sgt. Keough said, "but it's there if we do."
WFAA.com editor Walt Zwirko contributed to this report.
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/WFAA.com) - Dallas police respond to an average of 12 confirmed child abductions every year. Now, they have a new tool to help find kidnapped kids.
It's a new mobile command post, the gift of Sgt. Paul Keough and his wife, Jamie.
Keough said the project was sparked by an abduction case last October when the Youth Operations Unit desperately needed a mobile unit and couldn't borrow one from a patrol station.
Keough started looking for an appropriate vehicle, and—acting on a suggestion from a co-worker—Keough checked the Internet.
"I happened to find this vehicle on eBay and purchased it with the intention of donating it," Keough said as he presented the keys from the renovated ambulance to Chief David Kunkle.
"It's an old 1989 that has high mileage, but I think it's got a lot more time left in it to serve, and hopefully help kids," Keough said. The 22-year department veteran declined to say how much of his own money he spent on the project.
The vehicle has a fresh paint job, new brakes and a notebook computer with a wireless connection that can speed the flow of crucial information about missing children.
"With the laptop, we can access the Internet while out in the field," said Lt. Sally Lannom, unit commander for the Youth Operations Unit. "We'll be able to scan in a photo of a child and e-mail it directly to the office."
She said the vehicle's scanner and printer will also let them create fliers in the field for help in locating a victim.
"What Sgt. Paul Keough and his wife Jamie have done reflects a deep commitment, both to the community in providing services, and also to the Dallas Police Department," Chief Kunkle said at the ceremony.
"Hopefully, we won't have to use it much," Sgt. Keough said, "but it's there if we do."
WFAA.com editor Walt Zwirko contributed to this report.
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TexasStooge
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Gas main break closes Tollway
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/WFAA.com) - Parts of the Dallas North Tollway were closed near downtown Tuesday morning after a gas line ruptured at an adjacent construction site.
Just before 9 a.m., workers clearing an empty lot on the east side of the Tollway at Lemmon Avenue hit a four-inch gas line. Dallas Fire-Rescue crews responded quickly, and closed the northbound lanes as a precaution.
Traffic backed up at the main toll plaza as all traffic was forced to exit. Additionally, a wreck near Mockingbird combined with onlooker slowdown led to slow going in the southbound lanes as well.
Atmos Energy spokesman Ray Granado said the line was shut off until repairs could be made, adding that it did not affect service to residents in the area.
NTTA officials said the Tollway reopened to all traffic after about 90 minutes.
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/WFAA.com) - Parts of the Dallas North Tollway were closed near downtown Tuesday morning after a gas line ruptured at an adjacent construction site.
Just before 9 a.m., workers clearing an empty lot on the east side of the Tollway at Lemmon Avenue hit a four-inch gas line. Dallas Fire-Rescue crews responded quickly, and closed the northbound lanes as a precaution.
Traffic backed up at the main toll plaza as all traffic was forced to exit. Additionally, a wreck near Mockingbird combined with onlooker slowdown led to slow going in the southbound lanes as well.
Atmos Energy spokesman Ray Granado said the line was shut off until repairs could be made, adding that it did not affect service to residents in the area.
NTTA officials said the Tollway reopened to all traffic after about 90 minutes.
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TexasStooge
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FBI seeks records in City Hall probe
By EMILY RAMSHAW / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - FBI agents have served an overarching subpoena to the Dallas City Attorney’s office demanding documents on low-income tax-credit housing projects from several city departments and four more city officials as part of the ongoing investigation into corruption at City Hall.
Special Agent Lori Bailey, FBI spokeswoman, said Monday night that agents served a subpoena requesting "general" information from city records, and mentioned "particular people and specific events" relating to the investigation.
"Nothing was served on anyone individually," Agent Bailey said. "This was a general subpoena served on the city's custodian of records."
She said she was barred from discussing any details of the records request.
In addition to Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill, Council member James Fantroy, and City Plan Commissioner D’Angelo Lee — who have already been searched as part of the FBI probe — the subpoena, which was served last Wednesday, named council members Leo Chaney and Maxine Thornton-Reese, and Plan Commissioner Carol Brandon, a city official close to the investigation said. One other plan commissioner was also named.
City staffers in the city secretary’s office and the housing, development services and economic development departments were ordered on Monday to start collecting the requested information, the official said.
The Dallas Morning News has learned that Chaney and Thornton-Reese were not individually subpoenaed, and the information requested from their offices related to specific tax-credit records.
At a morning committee meeting, Chaney said he had not been served a subpoena.
“I’m just as surprised as everyone else,” he said.
And Brandon, the plan commissioner, said she didn’t know anything about the subpoenas until a reporter called her Tuesday morning. And she said as far as she knows, she’s only had to vote on two tax-credit housing projects in her district.
“Nobody served me; I don’t know anything about any records they want,” she said. “I don’t have anything to hide and haven’t done anything wrong.”
Staff writer Tim Wyatt and WFAA ABC 8 reporter Chris Heinbaugh contributed to this report.
By EMILY RAMSHAW / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - FBI agents have served an overarching subpoena to the Dallas City Attorney’s office demanding documents on low-income tax-credit housing projects from several city departments and four more city officials as part of the ongoing investigation into corruption at City Hall.
Special Agent Lori Bailey, FBI spokeswoman, said Monday night that agents served a subpoena requesting "general" information from city records, and mentioned "particular people and specific events" relating to the investigation.
"Nothing was served on anyone individually," Agent Bailey said. "This was a general subpoena served on the city's custodian of records."
She said she was barred from discussing any details of the records request.
In addition to Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill, Council member James Fantroy, and City Plan Commissioner D’Angelo Lee — who have already been searched as part of the FBI probe — the subpoena, which was served last Wednesday, named council members Leo Chaney and Maxine Thornton-Reese, and Plan Commissioner Carol Brandon, a city official close to the investigation said. One other plan commissioner was also named.
City staffers in the city secretary’s office and the housing, development services and economic development departments were ordered on Monday to start collecting the requested information, the official said.
The Dallas Morning News has learned that Chaney and Thornton-Reese were not individually subpoenaed, and the information requested from their offices related to specific tax-credit records.
At a morning committee meeting, Chaney said he had not been served a subpoena.
“I’m just as surprised as everyone else,” he said.
And Brandon, the plan commissioner, said she didn’t know anything about the subpoenas until a reporter called her Tuesday morning. And she said as far as she knows, she’s only had to vote on two tax-credit housing projects in her district.
“Nobody served me; I don’t know anything about any records they want,” she said. “I don’t have anything to hide and haven’t done anything wrong.”
Staff writer Tim Wyatt and WFAA ABC 8 reporter Chris Heinbaugh contributed to this report.
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TexasStooge
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Denton County stabbing investigated
LINCOLN PARK, Texas (Denton Record-Chronicle) - Authorities are investigating an alleged fatal stabbing that took place in a mobile home in the 100 block of Ginny Lane Tuesday morning.
Denton County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tom Reedy said two men apparently had an argument about 1 a.m., and one man stabbed the other man with a butcher knife.
Authorities have one man in custody and have not released the identities of the two men.
Reedy said the suspect called his boss and said he would not coming to work. After that conversation, the boss called the sheriff’s office.
At noon, the sheriff’s office deputies were still waiting on a search warrant for the mobile home where the stabbing occurred.
“This is supposed to happen on TV, not next door,” said a neighbor who identified herself only as Terry.
LINCOLN PARK, Texas (Denton Record-Chronicle) - Authorities are investigating an alleged fatal stabbing that took place in a mobile home in the 100 block of Ginny Lane Tuesday morning.
Denton County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tom Reedy said two men apparently had an argument about 1 a.m., and one man stabbed the other man with a butcher knife.
Authorities have one man in custody and have not released the identities of the two men.
Reedy said the suspect called his boss and said he would not coming to work. After that conversation, the boss called the sheriff’s office.
At noon, the sheriff’s office deputies were still waiting on a search warrant for the mobile home where the stabbing occurred.
“This is supposed to happen on TV, not next door,” said a neighbor who identified herself only as Terry.
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TexasStooge
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McKinney school reopens after fire
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
MCKINNEY, Texas - McKinney students returned to the classroom on Tuesday—including the 1,100 young people who attend Ruth Dowell Middle School.
Many doubted that the building would be ready when the bell went off.
Two weeks ago, someone set fires in two classrooms at Dowell, causing $900,000 worth of damage.
Because the sprinklers were on for several hours, the rooms were badly waterlogged, and repairs are still under way.
But a lot of elbow grease and overtime let school officials open the doors on time Tuesday morning.
Principal Eartha Linson said the damage was centered around 20 classrooms in the school's sixth grade wing.
"The carpet had to be removed; a couple of the rooms totally had to be gutted, the walls taken out," she said. "And our science labs—we have four of those—all of the tile had to be removed and replaced; lockers had to be pulled away from the walls."
Investigators are still looking for the arsonists who were responsible.
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
MCKINNEY, Texas - McKinney students returned to the classroom on Tuesday—including the 1,100 young people who attend Ruth Dowell Middle School.
Many doubted that the building would be ready when the bell went off.
Two weeks ago, someone set fires in two classrooms at Dowell, causing $900,000 worth of damage.
Because the sprinklers were on for several hours, the rooms were badly waterlogged, and repairs are still under way.
But a lot of elbow grease and overtime let school officials open the doors on time Tuesday morning.
Principal Eartha Linson said the damage was centered around 20 classrooms in the school's sixth grade wing.
"The carpet had to be removed; a couple of the rooms totally had to be gutted, the walls taken out," she said. "And our science labs—we have four of those—all of the tile had to be removed and replaced; lockers had to be pulled away from the walls."
Investigators are still looking for the arsonists who were responsible.
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TexasStooge
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FBI expands City Hall probe
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Back in June, the FBI served search warrants at the offices, businesses and homes of two city council members and a planning commissioner. Also, last Friday, Mayor Laura Miller asked that commissioner D'Angelo Lee to resign.
City sources familiar with the document said agents now appear to be examining the activities of two more council members and two more city plan commissioners.
Leo Chaney was one of two Dallas City Council members named in a new grand jury subpoena served by the FBI Wednesday. The other named was Dr. Maxine Thornton-Reese.
"I don't have anything to say other than I am just as surprised as anyone else," Chaney said.
And Thornton-Reese said she has nothing to hide.
"I'll cooperate with whatever it is," she said. "I'm not afraid for them to subpoena anything to do with my records."
The subpoena affected records in four different departments of the city including the secretary's office, development services, economicdevelopment and housing.
It demanded documents, tapes, emails and phone records involving at least five specific low-income tax credit housing projects. It also covered two builders at the heart of the probe - Southwest Housing and Odyssey Residential Holdings.
Plan Commissioners Carol Brandon, an appointee of James Fantroy and Melvyn Traylor, an appointee of Leo Chaney, were also named. The addition of their name makes it three city plan commissioners and four Dallas city council members now in the FBI spotlight.
Some of the city's top black political leaders are the target and Fantroy said race is fueling the FBI probe.
"What they saying?" he asked. "That we can't be honest and serve on the boards and commissions and council? I tell them they better stop what they are doing because it is not looking good in our community."
Fantroy also accused Mayor Miller of being behind it all, which she denied.
"I certainly don't have anything to do with what's going on," she said. "I certainly did not create the activities that led the FBI to look inside this building."
Fantroy warned those involved with the probe.
"This has gotten, and getting, way out of hand," Fantroy said. "And they better stop it. They mess around and make Los Angeles riots look like a picnic."
The city attorney has set an internal deadline of Friday to respond to the subpoena. Meanwhile, the ongoing investigation will be front and center.
The council will consider the Miller's proposal to remove City Plan Commissioner Lee from his position.
While Lee is a subject of the investigation, the issue has turned into a personal fight between Miller and council member Hill.
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Back in June, the FBI served search warrants at the offices, businesses and homes of two city council members and a planning commissioner. Also, last Friday, Mayor Laura Miller asked that commissioner D'Angelo Lee to resign.
City sources familiar with the document said agents now appear to be examining the activities of two more council members and two more city plan commissioners.
Leo Chaney was one of two Dallas City Council members named in a new grand jury subpoena served by the FBI Wednesday. The other named was Dr. Maxine Thornton-Reese.
"I don't have anything to say other than I am just as surprised as anyone else," Chaney said.
And Thornton-Reese said she has nothing to hide.
"I'll cooperate with whatever it is," she said. "I'm not afraid for them to subpoena anything to do with my records."
The subpoena affected records in four different departments of the city including the secretary's office, development services, economicdevelopment and housing.
It demanded documents, tapes, emails and phone records involving at least five specific low-income tax credit housing projects. It also covered two builders at the heart of the probe - Southwest Housing and Odyssey Residential Holdings.
Plan Commissioners Carol Brandon, an appointee of James Fantroy and Melvyn Traylor, an appointee of Leo Chaney, were also named. The addition of their name makes it three city plan commissioners and four Dallas city council members now in the FBI spotlight.
Some of the city's top black political leaders are the target and Fantroy said race is fueling the FBI probe.
"What they saying?" he asked. "That we can't be honest and serve on the boards and commissions and council? I tell them they better stop what they are doing because it is not looking good in our community."
Fantroy also accused Mayor Miller of being behind it all, which she denied.
"I certainly don't have anything to do with what's going on," she said. "I certainly did not create the activities that led the FBI to look inside this building."
Fantroy warned those involved with the probe.
"This has gotten, and getting, way out of hand," Fantroy said. "And they better stop it. They mess around and make Los Angeles riots look like a picnic."
The city attorney has set an internal deadline of Friday to respond to the subpoena. Meanwhile, the ongoing investigation will be front and center.
The council will consider the Miller's proposal to remove City Plan Commissioner Lee from his position.
While Lee is a subject of the investigation, the issue has turned into a personal fight between Miller and council member Hill.
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Dallas renews hazardous waste disposal program
By BRAD WATSON / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas County Commissioners gave the go ahead to keep a service that allows homeowners to give away dangerous chemicals called the Dallas County Home Collection Center.
In most homes one can find some pretty dangerous items tucked away in the garage - paint, pesticides, gasoline and more.
When the time comes to throw them out, there is a program to dispose of the hazardous waste that commissioners said they want to keep.
Seven years after her family moved into a new home, Judy Hallman of University Park decided to get rid of the many cans of paint and chemicals she had in the garage and around the house.
"You don't want to put it in your trash or pour it down the drain or anything - just for safety measures," Hallman said.
Instead, she took them to the Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center in the 11000 block of Plano Road. Workers at the center take the load, sort through the witch's brew of chemicals and start disposing of them properly.
Along with Dallas, and 13 other cities in Dallas County, the county started the program three years ago
Residents of member cities and unincorporated parts of the county drop off chemicals for free. Everyone else pays a fee of $95. Homeowner drop-offs have doubled since the center opened and since costs have dropped.
"It's showing citizens being responsible for taking care of the environment," said Margaret Keliher, a Dallas County judge. "So, it's actually been a terrific program."
For Hallman, the center was the last stop to keep her home safe.
Used home computers and cell phones also contain lead, heavy metals and batteries that are potentially harmful. The center will start accepting those items starting September 1.
By BRAD WATSON / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas County Commissioners gave the go ahead to keep a service that allows homeowners to give away dangerous chemicals called the Dallas County Home Collection Center.
In most homes one can find some pretty dangerous items tucked away in the garage - paint, pesticides, gasoline and more.
When the time comes to throw them out, there is a program to dispose of the hazardous waste that commissioners said they want to keep.
Seven years after her family moved into a new home, Judy Hallman of University Park decided to get rid of the many cans of paint and chemicals she had in the garage and around the house.
"You don't want to put it in your trash or pour it down the drain or anything - just for safety measures," Hallman said.
Instead, she took them to the Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center in the 11000 block of Plano Road. Workers at the center take the load, sort through the witch's brew of chemicals and start disposing of them properly.
Along with Dallas, and 13 other cities in Dallas County, the county started the program three years ago
Residents of member cities and unincorporated parts of the county drop off chemicals for free. Everyone else pays a fee of $95. Homeowner drop-offs have doubled since the center opened and since costs have dropped.
"It's showing citizens being responsible for taking care of the environment," said Margaret Keliher, a Dallas County judge. "So, it's actually been a terrific program."
For Hallman, the center was the last stop to keep her home safe.
Used home computers and cell phones also contain lead, heavy metals and batteries that are potentially harmful. The center will start accepting those items starting September 1.
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TexasStooge
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Fort Worth shooting spurs tighter security
By KARIN KELLY / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas - Extra security measures are now in place at Fort Worth City Hall Tuesday after a gunman open fired and narrowly missed a city employee last Wednesday. Although there were no injuries that day, it scared enough people to prompt a new increase in security.
Marshals waved wands, checked bags and identifications before the council meeting. Many officers showed up and earned praise for their quick response the day of the shooting.
"I just told him drop the gun and get on the ground," said City Marshal Trevoy Lenear. "And he dropped it and just moved away from it."
The violence inside City Hall had many thinking about a tighter security program including the mayor.
"Something like this not just can happen, but has in our backyard," said Mayor Mike Moncrief.
Ray Redding, 42, is still in jail for firing one shot inside City Hall that just missed Development Director Bob Riley.
"Nothing has really changed," Riley said. "Just count your blessings a little more."
With a tragedy averted, few balked at the extra time and money screening will cost.
There are four entrances to City Hall - one on each corner - and there will be two walk-through metal detectors installed in the middle of the ground floor.
"Be prepared to open bags," said Jesse Hernandez, a Fort Worth fire marshal. "Don't bring any weapons obviously."
No knives, guns or box cutters are allowed inside. And Tarrant County has approved funding for a deputy to monitor doors and floors at the county administration building.
Lenear's wife Eugenia said she approves of the tighter security.
"I'm still kind of nervous, but I'm relieved," she said. "I think security is a good thing."
By KARIN KELLY / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas - Extra security measures are now in place at Fort Worth City Hall Tuesday after a gunman open fired and narrowly missed a city employee last Wednesday. Although there were no injuries that day, it scared enough people to prompt a new increase in security.
Marshals waved wands, checked bags and identifications before the council meeting. Many officers showed up and earned praise for their quick response the day of the shooting.
"I just told him drop the gun and get on the ground," said City Marshal Trevoy Lenear. "And he dropped it and just moved away from it."
The violence inside City Hall had many thinking about a tighter security program including the mayor.
"Something like this not just can happen, but has in our backyard," said Mayor Mike Moncrief.
Ray Redding, 42, is still in jail for firing one shot inside City Hall that just missed Development Director Bob Riley.
"Nothing has really changed," Riley said. "Just count your blessings a little more."
With a tragedy averted, few balked at the extra time and money screening will cost.
There are four entrances to City Hall - one on each corner - and there will be two walk-through metal detectors installed in the middle of the ground floor.
"Be prepared to open bags," said Jesse Hernandez, a Fort Worth fire marshal. "Don't bring any weapons obviously."
No knives, guns or box cutters are allowed inside. And Tarrant County has approved funding for a deputy to monitor doors and floors at the county administration building.
Lenear's wife Eugenia said she approves of the tighter security.
"I'm still kind of nervous, but I'm relieved," she said. "I think security is a good thing."
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TexasStooge
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- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Father of murdered girl speaks out
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
KELLER, Texas - While Tarrant County officials pursue murder charges against a Keller woman accused of killing her daughter, the father of the young girl spoke out for the first time. He talked about his loss and the demons he said possessed his wife.
Norma Jean Roberts now sits in a Tarrant County jail charged with murder and her next scheduled court date is Monday.
But it was only three weeks ago that home video was captured on a brand new camera that painted a heart warming picture of a father and daughter relationship. The video showed Steven Roberts and his 11-year-old daughter Kelsey enjoying precious moments together on vacation - fishing, eating at restaurants and traveling to the zoo together.
For his daughter, it was a welcome escape from a turbulent home life splitting time between her mother and father who were in the midst of a break-up. But Roberts said there was no way for him to know that their trip and the lighthearted moments with his daughter would be among his last.
From the looks of family photographs, there was a glossy portrayal of a loving relationship with her mother as well. But, according to Roberts, there was another side to the girl's mother who harbored a disturbing and violent past.
"For me though, it seemed more the emotional abuse - the verbal abuse, the put downs, the vulgarity of profanity," he said.
Like most blossoming relationships, the Roberts were at first happy. But Roberts said signs of trouble quickly emerged. Most notably, there was the disturbing facts of three previous marriages and a plea of no contest to the attempted murder of husband number three.
However, she convinced Roberts it was done in self defense.
"I felt like...almost pity for her," he said. "The way she explained it to me, I remember she had a lot of tears. A lot of emotion going on."
Roberts said during the next 12 years those emotions erupted. He said her bouts of depression, hospitalizations and panic attacks eroded their relationship. Last February, Roberts told his wife he wanted out.
"Initially, when she found out she was more concerned about my taking Kelsey," he said. "She said, 'Steve, if you want a divorce I'll grant you the divorce. Just don't take Kelsey from me.'"
The week after their vaction together, Kelsey spent time with her mother at her home in Keller. But on Friday afternoon, when Roberts went to pick up his daughter, no one answered. A friend with a key finally unlocked the door to a horrifying and surreal scene.
Kelsey's body was lifeless on the floor and a sheet was wrapped around her body.
"And I kept praying," he said. "I kept praying, 'God, please don't take Kelsey. It's not time for her to go yet. It's not time. This is not right. This isn't right."
Norma Jean Roberts was found unconscious in another room. Police said she suffocated her daughter, ingested pills and slit her own wrist. Roberts said he still was unsure of his daughter's fate until the paramedics packed up and left.
'Finally, the Chaplain came up and said, 'There's no easy way for me to tell you this, but your daughter is dead,'" Roberts said. "I just couldn't believe it. I still don't believe it."
Norma Roberts was arrested and charged with Kelsey's death and is being held on a $200,000 bail. A key component of the case against her was the words carved into her dining room table.
"I can't live with the pain you have caused me and Kelsey," the carving read. "Now she'll always be happy and in one place...I'd rather go to hell than live without you and our family."
But Roberts' family would like to see something beautiful happen in honor of her young life. A memorial fund has been established at any Bank of America in honor of Kelsey Marie Roberts. The money will be used to fund scholarships.
WFAA ABC 8
Kelsey Roberts fished with her father on their last vacation together.
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
KELLER, Texas - While Tarrant County officials pursue murder charges against a Keller woman accused of killing her daughter, the father of the young girl spoke out for the first time. He talked about his loss and the demons he said possessed his wife.
Norma Jean Roberts now sits in a Tarrant County jail charged with murder and her next scheduled court date is Monday.
But it was only three weeks ago that home video was captured on a brand new camera that painted a heart warming picture of a father and daughter relationship. The video showed Steven Roberts and his 11-year-old daughter Kelsey enjoying precious moments together on vacation - fishing, eating at restaurants and traveling to the zoo together.
For his daughter, it was a welcome escape from a turbulent home life splitting time between her mother and father who were in the midst of a break-up. But Roberts said there was no way for him to know that their trip and the lighthearted moments with his daughter would be among his last.
From the looks of family photographs, there was a glossy portrayal of a loving relationship with her mother as well. But, according to Roberts, there was another side to the girl's mother who harbored a disturbing and violent past.
"For me though, it seemed more the emotional abuse - the verbal abuse, the put downs, the vulgarity of profanity," he said.
Like most blossoming relationships, the Roberts were at first happy. But Roberts said signs of trouble quickly emerged. Most notably, there was the disturbing facts of three previous marriages and a plea of no contest to the attempted murder of husband number three.
However, she convinced Roberts it was done in self defense.
"I felt like...almost pity for her," he said. "The way she explained it to me, I remember she had a lot of tears. A lot of emotion going on."
Roberts said during the next 12 years those emotions erupted. He said her bouts of depression, hospitalizations and panic attacks eroded their relationship. Last February, Roberts told his wife he wanted out.
"Initially, when she found out she was more concerned about my taking Kelsey," he said. "She said, 'Steve, if you want a divorce I'll grant you the divorce. Just don't take Kelsey from me.'"
The week after their vaction together, Kelsey spent time with her mother at her home in Keller. But on Friday afternoon, when Roberts went to pick up his daughter, no one answered. A friend with a key finally unlocked the door to a horrifying and surreal scene.
Kelsey's body was lifeless on the floor and a sheet was wrapped around her body.
"And I kept praying," he said. "I kept praying, 'God, please don't take Kelsey. It's not time for her to go yet. It's not time. This is not right. This isn't right."
Norma Jean Roberts was found unconscious in another room. Police said she suffocated her daughter, ingested pills and slit her own wrist. Roberts said he still was unsure of his daughter's fate until the paramedics packed up and left.
'Finally, the Chaplain came up and said, 'There's no easy way for me to tell you this, but your daughter is dead,'" Roberts said. "I just couldn't believe it. I still don't believe it."
Norma Roberts was arrested and charged with Kelsey's death and is being held on a $200,000 bail. A key component of the case against her was the words carved into her dining room table.
"I can't live with the pain you have caused me and Kelsey," the carving read. "Now she'll always be happy and in one place...I'd rather go to hell than live without you and our family."
But Roberts' family would like to see something beautiful happen in honor of her young life. A memorial fund has been established at any Bank of America in honor of Kelsey Marie Roberts. The money will be used to fund scholarships.
WFAA ABC 8
Kelsey Roberts fished with her father on their last vacation together.
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TexasStooge
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- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Frisco adopts 121 toll resolution
Officials seek local control in setting tolls, keeping revenue
By BILL LODGE / The Dallas Morning News
FRISCO, Texas - The Frisco City Council voted Tuesday night to join Collin County and the cities of Plano, McKinney and Allen in an effort to exert local control over expansion of State Highway 121 as a tollway.
Support for the tollway would be revoked by the Collin coalition if the Texas Department of Transportation refused to grant local governments authority to set the tolls and retain excess revenues.
"The Texas highway system is broken," council member Jim Joyner said before the 4-2 vote. He said Highway 121 is becoming too congested to delay the project any longer.
Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Maso and fellow council member Matt Lafata opposed the action.
"We have no agreement with TxDOT," Mr. Maso said.
Mr. Lafata said a toll road would discourage area shoppers from coming to Frisco.
The resolution calls for tolls on Highway 121 from Collin County's border with Denton County to Central Expressway.
Bob Brown, deputy Dallas district engineer for the Transportation Department, said before the Frisco meeting that a joint agreement by all five Collin County governments sets the stage for completion of the Highway 121 expansion before unbearable gridlock becomes a daily experience.
"If everything goes right, we think it can be open to traffic in 2010," he said. Frisco officials estimated the cost of the construction project at $400 million and noted that the Transportation Department already has spent $300 million for rights-of-way and service roads. They also estimated that the five Collin County governments have contributed an additional $100 million in rights-of-way and related construction.
Changing Highway 121 to a tollway also triggers some federal laws, Mr. Brown added.
"That kicks off a new environmental study," he said. "We use some federal dollars ... so we have to do a study showing that we comply with environmental laws."
The resolution adopted by Frisco and the other Collin County government entities calls for local control of the tolls and equal sharing of any extra money that is generated by those tolls.
Officials seek local control in setting tolls, keeping revenue
By BILL LODGE / The Dallas Morning News
FRISCO, Texas - The Frisco City Council voted Tuesday night to join Collin County and the cities of Plano, McKinney and Allen in an effort to exert local control over expansion of State Highway 121 as a tollway.
Support for the tollway would be revoked by the Collin coalition if the Texas Department of Transportation refused to grant local governments authority to set the tolls and retain excess revenues.
"The Texas highway system is broken," council member Jim Joyner said before the 4-2 vote. He said Highway 121 is becoming too congested to delay the project any longer.
Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Maso and fellow council member Matt Lafata opposed the action.
"We have no agreement with TxDOT," Mr. Maso said.
Mr. Lafata said a toll road would discourage area shoppers from coming to Frisco.
The resolution calls for tolls on Highway 121 from Collin County's border with Denton County to Central Expressway.
Bob Brown, deputy Dallas district engineer for the Transportation Department, said before the Frisco meeting that a joint agreement by all five Collin County governments sets the stage for completion of the Highway 121 expansion before unbearable gridlock becomes a daily experience.
"If everything goes right, we think it can be open to traffic in 2010," he said. Frisco officials estimated the cost of the construction project at $400 million and noted that the Transportation Department already has spent $300 million for rights-of-way and service roads. They also estimated that the five Collin County governments have contributed an additional $100 million in rights-of-way and related construction.
Changing Highway 121 to a tollway also triggers some federal laws, Mr. Brown added.
"That kicks off a new environmental study," he said. "We use some federal dollars ... so we have to do a study showing that we comply with environmental laws."
The resolution adopted by Frisco and the other Collin County government entities calls for local control of the tolls and equal sharing of any extra money that is generated by those tolls.
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TexasStooge
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- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
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Westwood graduate says job placement claims false
By BYRON HARRIS / WFAA ABC 8
Hundreds of students in North Texas have spent thousands on career college educations only to find jobs weren't there when they finished.
Months ago, News 8 began an investigation on some career colleges that promise high job placement. However, sometimes the promises and statistics don't always match.
Paul Turner spends a lot of time looking for jobs on his computer since he graduated from Westwood College in 2003 and hasn't had any luck finding a job.
Turner said he is surprised by the lack of job offers because he said Westwood recruiters told him its graduates had huge success getting work.
"The placement rate was 97 percent," Turner said. "Almost a hundred percent."
Westwood's lawyer lowered that claim to 80 percent in an interview a few months ago.
"If we have 80 percent of our folks out of Fort Worth and Dallas in jobs in their field after graduation, that strikes me as a pretty good success rate," said Tom Melsheimer, a Westwood attorney.
But records showed the rates are lower than that for 2003-2004. In Dallas, a little over half of graduates got jobs. And even those numbers are suspect in the eyes of some critics because they come from ACICS.
ACICS is the accrediting agency for career colleges. Critics said ACICS has a conflict of interest because it takes millions of dollars in fees each year from career colleges. And according to its own annual report, ACICS collects income from investments it shares with the career college industry.
Texas Workforce Commission statistics, obtained under the Open Record Act, showed that four of 10 Westwood graduates from the Dallas and Fort Worth campuses got jobs in 2003-2004.
At least three of 10 students dropped out. And of more than 2,000 students at both campuses, Westwood placed a total of 56 people in jobs.
Turner and his wife Genie owe $30,000 for his degree. Because he can't get a job, they don't ever think they will be able to pay it back.
"I think they should be straight out truthful to their students that they are going to recruit in," Turner said. "I think they should just stop what they are doing because they are just taking the time and money from the students."
Since News 8 began the investigation, Westwood said it no longer uses the 80 percent job placement figure. They said they give prospective students the lower numbers from the Texas Workforce Commission, which is required to do by the state. For the Turners, that change comes too late.
By BYRON HARRIS / WFAA ABC 8
Hundreds of students in North Texas have spent thousands on career college educations only to find jobs weren't there when they finished.
Months ago, News 8 began an investigation on some career colleges that promise high job placement. However, sometimes the promises and statistics don't always match.
Paul Turner spends a lot of time looking for jobs on his computer since he graduated from Westwood College in 2003 and hasn't had any luck finding a job.
Turner said he is surprised by the lack of job offers because he said Westwood recruiters told him its graduates had huge success getting work.
"The placement rate was 97 percent," Turner said. "Almost a hundred percent."
Westwood's lawyer lowered that claim to 80 percent in an interview a few months ago.
"If we have 80 percent of our folks out of Fort Worth and Dallas in jobs in their field after graduation, that strikes me as a pretty good success rate," said Tom Melsheimer, a Westwood attorney.
But records showed the rates are lower than that for 2003-2004. In Dallas, a little over half of graduates got jobs. And even those numbers are suspect in the eyes of some critics because they come from ACICS.
ACICS is the accrediting agency for career colleges. Critics said ACICS has a conflict of interest because it takes millions of dollars in fees each year from career colleges. And according to its own annual report, ACICS collects income from investments it shares with the career college industry.
Texas Workforce Commission statistics, obtained under the Open Record Act, showed that four of 10 Westwood graduates from the Dallas and Fort Worth campuses got jobs in 2003-2004.
At least three of 10 students dropped out. And of more than 2,000 students at both campuses, Westwood placed a total of 56 people in jobs.
Turner and his wife Genie owe $30,000 for his degree. Because he can't get a job, they don't ever think they will be able to pay it back.
"I think they should be straight out truthful to their students that they are going to recruit in," Turner said. "I think they should just stop what they are doing because they are just taking the time and money from the students."
Since News 8 began the investigation, Westwood said it no longer uses the 80 percent job placement figure. They said they give prospective students the lower numbers from the Texas Workforce Commission, which is required to do by the state. For the Turners, that change comes too late.
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TexasStooge
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Chief reorganizing Dallas police
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/WFAA.com) - Dallas police chief David Kunkle announced a sweeping reorganization of the department Tuesday, aimed at centralizing management of operations and increasing accountability.
In light of controversies that have rocked the deparment over the past five years, including the fake-drug scandal and the firing of former Chief Terrell Bolton, Kunkle said the realignment will help improve coordination between divisions. He also said it will improve the implementation of crime-reduction strategies and help the department make better use of its resources.
The biggest change involves the creation of a new first assistant chief position, which will report directly to Kunkle. Current deputy chief David Brown will be promoted to the new rank, and will oversee patrol operations and criminal investigations.
In a memo to department staff outlining the reorganization, Kunkle said patrol operations will be split into two bureaus, East and West, with each containing three of the current six patrol divisions according to geography. The Central division that includes downtown, Uptown and Old East Dallas will fall under the East Bureau, and the North Central division that includes Far North Dallas will be included in the West Bureau.
The department is also creating a new Patrol Support Bureau. This bureau will oversee the Traffic division, which handles accidents and speed enforcement, as well as the Communications, Detention, Special Operations and Homeland Security divisions.
Kunkle said the plan will also move the Financial Services and Contract Management divisions directly under his control, and create a new Administrative and Accountability Unit which will report to the First Assistant Chief. Also, the Public Integrity Unit will be separated from the Internal Affairs Division and will report to the assistant chief of the Criminal Investigations Bureau.
Glenn White, president of the Dallas Police Association, said he is glad to see the moves but wonders why the department is still in what he called a "state of flux" more than a year after Kunkle's arrival.
"This is the second reorganization since he has been here," White said. "Obviously what he thought would work the first time, hasn't."
White said he hopes officers will see the changes as positives for the department.
"Hopefully this will improve morale from the situations the officers were in before," he said. "Maybe it will have an impact on crime."
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/WFAA.com) - Dallas police chief David Kunkle announced a sweeping reorganization of the department Tuesday, aimed at centralizing management of operations and increasing accountability.
In light of controversies that have rocked the deparment over the past five years, including the fake-drug scandal and the firing of former Chief Terrell Bolton, Kunkle said the realignment will help improve coordination between divisions. He also said it will improve the implementation of crime-reduction strategies and help the department make better use of its resources.
The biggest change involves the creation of a new first assistant chief position, which will report directly to Kunkle. Current deputy chief David Brown will be promoted to the new rank, and will oversee patrol operations and criminal investigations.
In a memo to department staff outlining the reorganization, Kunkle said patrol operations will be split into two bureaus, East and West, with each containing three of the current six patrol divisions according to geography. The Central division that includes downtown, Uptown and Old East Dallas will fall under the East Bureau, and the North Central division that includes Far North Dallas will be included in the West Bureau.
The department is also creating a new Patrol Support Bureau. This bureau will oversee the Traffic division, which handles accidents and speed enforcement, as well as the Communications, Detention, Special Operations and Homeland Security divisions.
Kunkle said the plan will also move the Financial Services and Contract Management divisions directly under his control, and create a new Administrative and Accountability Unit which will report to the First Assistant Chief. Also, the Public Integrity Unit will be separated from the Internal Affairs Division and will report to the assistant chief of the Criminal Investigations Bureau.
Glenn White, president of the Dallas Police Association, said he is glad to see the moves but wonders why the department is still in what he called a "state of flux" more than a year after Kunkle's arrival.
"This is the second reorganization since he has been here," White said. "Obviously what he thought would work the first time, hasn't."
White said he hopes officers will see the changes as positives for the department.
"Hopefully this will improve morale from the situations the officers were in before," he said. "Maybe it will have an impact on crime."
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