The real story

On Monday, July 23, the Nederland City Council voted to fill the Ward 1 seat that was vacated on July 9 by Mr. Tim Sheffield.

As a leader, I felt like it was important that I share with you the story that no one in the media or City Council will report to you. This blog is not about Tim Sheffield. This blog is being done to let you know how our City operates.

The resignation of Mr. Sheffield came to no surprise to me. When my campaign was in the early stages of planning, citizens that knew Mr. Sheffield spoke to myself along with members of my family and mentioned the a possible move. Much to my surprise the incumbent filed for re-election.

In a phone call on July 19, I was told that the reason that the incumbent filed for re election was that he didn't think I could win against Mr. Dykes. This means the whole situation had to be planned out. The City Council knew and ran Mr. Sheffield so that neither me nor Mr. Dykes could win. They knew what they were doing. The Council hijacked the May 12 election.

The City of Nederland Charter states the following:

Section 3.07 - VACANCIES
A single vacancy in the City Council
shall be filled by a majority vote of the
remaining members of the City Council
within thirty (30) days of vacancy and the
person chosen shall serve for the unexpired
term only.

So you might ask yourself. Why didn't the resignation take place on May 14 [2 days after the election] when an offer was made on the house? OR Why did the City Council allow the swearing in ceremony to take place on May 21?

The PANews reported, "The Orange County Appraisal District shows documentation that Sheffield closed on his new property in Mauriceville on June 13 — only 32 days after the election. "

Plain and simple, the City of Nederland wanted to pick who was to fill the vacancy in Ward I as stated in the City Charter. They knew exactly who they wanted.

PANews also reported, “While everything was going on (in the election), we found the place and it was too late to withdraw (from the race) so we followed through with the plans not knowing what would happen,” the outgoing councilman said via telephone interview. “Things happen quick and it was not premeditated. The deadlines passed and it was too late to change.”

Yes, it was too late to withdraw or "change". The fact still remains, the City Council NEVER should had allowed the swearing in ceremony for Ward I to take place. The City Council wanted to inact Section 3.07 of the City Charter. Period. I have followed Nederland politics far too long to be neive and not realize that.

Did I mention that the election cost the citizens an estimated $15,000 dollars? You won't hear that from any media outlets. The City of Nederland WASTED money on an election just to turn around and appoint who they wanted. Shouldn’t that make you as a citizen of Nederland mad?

The whole situation was premeditated by every party involved. A waste of $15,000 dollars, And in the end the citizen’s right to choose who they wanted was ignored.

A MESSAGE TO THE CITY COUNCIL:

Mr. Sawyer and I were nominated by Mr. Sheffield to fill the open seat. My resume' had the same information on it as Mr. Sawyer's did. The reasons you didn't choose me are the following:

1. I appeared on KBTV 4.

2. I challenge the council.

I want to be sure every one of you understands that I will continue to challenge the council. I will continue to speak out on issues. I will continue to do what the citizens who voted for me ask me to do.

A MESSAGE TO MY CRITICS:

Leaders speak up and do not sit on the sideline and watch. They participate in democracy. If it is wrong to do that then call me all the names you want. But you will NEVER silent my voice.

A MESSAGE TO THE CITIZENS OF NEDERLAND:

I am not going away. I will do my job. I will hold the Council accountable. It's time we as citizens to stand up and be counted. It's time we tell the council that we are sick of their games. We are sick of the dishonesty. It's time the council does what's right and in the best interest of the entire City not just the 6%-7% who vote in city elections.

NEWS ARTICLES:

KBTV - 4 story

Mr. Sheffield's statement

PANews Article (7-12-07)

PANews Article (7-18-07)