We were out walking neighborhoods tonight and there seems to be a bit of misunderstanding. First off Melissa Northern DOES NOT want to make 2499 a toll road. As ludicrous as it sounds, people are seeing the signs.
Al Filidoro is a good man. He sincerely has the best interests of Flower Mound and all of its residents close to his heart. I trust him and I believe in him.
I know that in this country these days there is an incumbent backlash going on. In this case we need his experience and knowledge to lead this town back to the way it was when we all moved here. One of the finest towns in the country. We need to keep Al on the town council.
I want to also clarify some facts about Al's role in the Morriss Road project. Al came to us last June to talk to us and find out what we wanted and what we could live with. After the Transportation Committees total snub of our efforts to make the road work for everyone, it was a foregone conclusion we had lost, the road was coming and no one had listened or cared. Our only hope at that point was to delay as much as we could and hope in a year we could change the face of council and maybe thwart the effort. Those hopes were dim at best. As you can see, in May 2010, one year to the date after its approval, earth is moving. That hope of delaying the project would have been finally dashed and the bulldozers would be digging the median for the total 6.6 miles.
But, early last June, our stalwart proponent in Stopping Morriss Six, Tom Hayden, came to us with a plan. This plan was hatched by none other than Al Filidoro. Al finally had an Ally on the council and some one he could trust. Al had listened and came to us to see what we could compromise on to force it into two phases and get our much needed delay to stall the project. We told him we wanted intersection improvements, safety improvements, new fences, etc. He said done deal. He worked Jean Levenick and Steve Dixon to vote for the two phases and he enabled Tom Hayden to abstain his vote to preserve his promise to not ever vote on the road issue.
It was a very confusing council meeting, the Mayor being the most confused for sure. Yes Al voted yes for the road, but his yes vote was for the two phases. And steam shovels are not rolling town the medians on Morriss today.
Al is the champion for that vote and now we have our wish, a delay, and the strong possibility of gaining a supportive majority on the council.
Face it, Riverwalk is dead. Commercial real estate will be the last part of the economy to come around and no one, except Apartment builders are interested in the land.
Please give your vote to Al Filidoro, he as earned it and deserves it.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Another Busy day at the Polls.
Day 4 is now in the books for early voting, If its anything like the last 3, turnout will be record setting. Each of the first 3 days have brought over 500 people out to vote each day. Last year after 3 days I think they had about 400 total. People are active and very interested in this election as they should be.
If you have already voted, thank you so much. Go out and tell your friends and neighbors to do the same. If you would like, go and knock on some doors and find out if your neighbors have already joined you or aren't really sure what this election is all about.
In the past it was always said, issues that effect the western parts of the town are not those that have any impact on those in the east and visa versa.
This year, the many people I have met and talked to were not aware of the Morriss Issue last year, but have shown an interest and see how the current town majority works. Their issues have been the expanding gas exploration, pipelines, collection facilities that are threatening schools and their homes. Drive out along Scenic Drive, among the huge trucks and see the enormity of these structures. Although, the people that live out there and opted to lease their mineral rights have every right to do as they please with their property. However now these friendly gas companies (I'm sure you have gotten their mailers and phone calls) feel they have free reign to drill baby drill, because of the current political climate.
Many of you enter our town by way of 2499 and all of us have become accustom to the wide open spaces as you drive north. Well look at it now because that is about to end. The Hilliard Property, which is on the east side of 2499 just south of Flower Mound Rd has applied for drilling permits. Another well is planned at 2499 and Spinks not far from the Middle School. Several wells are being planned for the fields just to the east of The Bakersfield Sports facility, just across the border in Lewisville. Our friends at Williams of Tulsa Oklahoma, said they would NOT drill any further east of Shiloh Rd (in Flower Mound, small print on their mailer) but they failed to tell us they are drilling as close to Flower Mound as you can get across the street in Lewisville. Good Neighbors?
Gas and Oil exploration is now an issue to everyone in Flower Mound, as is Development of the bad sort, Roads, such as Morriss.
Please tell your friends and neighbors what our current mayor and her majority in the town council plan to sleaze on all of us next.
Its time for a change and common sense. Vote Northern, Filidoro and Lyda.
If you have already voted, thank you so much. Go out and tell your friends and neighbors to do the same. If you would like, go and knock on some doors and find out if your neighbors have already joined you or aren't really sure what this election is all about.
In the past it was always said, issues that effect the western parts of the town are not those that have any impact on those in the east and visa versa.
This year, the many people I have met and talked to were not aware of the Morriss Issue last year, but have shown an interest and see how the current town majority works. Their issues have been the expanding gas exploration, pipelines, collection facilities that are threatening schools and their homes. Drive out along Scenic Drive, among the huge trucks and see the enormity of these structures. Although, the people that live out there and opted to lease their mineral rights have every right to do as they please with their property. However now these friendly gas companies (I'm sure you have gotten their mailers and phone calls) feel they have free reign to drill baby drill, because of the current political climate.
Many of you enter our town by way of 2499 and all of us have become accustom to the wide open spaces as you drive north. Well look at it now because that is about to end. The Hilliard Property, which is on the east side of 2499 just south of Flower Mound Rd has applied for drilling permits. Another well is planned at 2499 and Spinks not far from the Middle School. Several wells are being planned for the fields just to the east of The Bakersfield Sports facility, just across the border in Lewisville. Our friends at Williams of Tulsa Oklahoma, said they would NOT drill any further east of Shiloh Rd (in Flower Mound, small print on their mailer) but they failed to tell us they are drilling as close to Flower Mound as you can get across the street in Lewisville. Good Neighbors?
Gas and Oil exploration is now an issue to everyone in Flower Mound, as is Development of the bad sort, Roads, such as Morriss.
Please tell your friends and neighbors what our current mayor and her majority in the town council plan to sleaze on all of us next.
Its time for a change and common sense. Vote Northern, Filidoro and Lyda.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Phases
For some of you that are confused about the signs up and down Morriss regarding the current construction project, here is a refresher and an up to date recap.
Last June, it was decided since the project was funded and approved they would divide it into two Phases. This would turn out to be the best scenario we could ask for short of the whole thing being scraped. If we had allowed the town council to accept the short sighted reccomendation of the Transportation Committee, today we would be seeing bulldozers on the entire 6.6 miles.
Phase one, which started early last week is as follows:
Expanding from 4 to 6 lanes on Gerault Roads from 3040 to 2499.
A flyover from Gerault to 2499.
Intersection improvements at Morriss and 407, Morriss and 1171, Morriss and 3040, including longer turn lanes, right turn lanes where applicable.
Additional traffic signals at Gerault and Spinks Rd, Morriss and Garden Rd, Morriss and Sagebrush.
Sidewalk improvements where nessesary.
Sight improvements on several neighborhood exits.
Safety improvements at and near Forrestwood Middle school.
Landscaping.
New Fences.
Phase two, which as per the agreement, could not begin until at least 2014 or if and when the Riverwalk installs its amenities, specifically, The River. And at the completion of traffic studies that clearly state it is needed.
Last June, The Riverwalk was not in foreclosure as it is today. The developer would have had to supplied over 2 million dollars towards the project.
As it appears today, there will be no River, the parcel has been divided into 5 separate blocks and depending on the make-up of the town council next month, could be ammended to suit the new landholders.
Jody Smith would ammend the planning and zoning requirements of the property to be totally mixed use developement. That means apartments, condominiums, townhouses mixed with retail and office. The problem with mixed use developement is, the apartments get built and the retail remains a dream (drive through Valley Ranch to get an idea how that looks).
Jody Smith and a majority town council in her favor would bend over backwards to give the apartment builders what ever they want. If that would occur, in 2014 we would need 8 lanes up and down Morriss to accomodate that kind of traffic.
Melissa Northern's plan would be to surround our new Hospital with other types of high tech medical facilities that would add good jobs to Flower Mound, attract quality retail and then provide housing for workers in that to live. It would become a self contained central area of town without the need of commuters and traffic levels would remain stable. Makes lots more sense, doesn't it?
Mrs Northern was stated many times she is not for the automatic implementation of Phase two of this project because she doesn't think we will ever get to that level of traffic. She has been listening to our fight for the last year and long before she decided to run for Mayor.
With the kind of Vision she has and the support of Tom Hayden, Al Filidoro and Steve Lyda, Smartgrowth will become just that again and the real crown jewel of this town will be the beautiful, landscaped, safe, slow winding Boulevard that slices through our town and leads to the parks at the Riverwalk, Morriss Rd. Maybe we can rename it Morriss Boulevard.
The dream is still alive, but we need to wake up and get rid of Jody Smith and her give it away for nothing attitudes.
Last June, it was decided since the project was funded and approved they would divide it into two Phases. This would turn out to be the best scenario we could ask for short of the whole thing being scraped. If we had allowed the town council to accept the short sighted reccomendation of the Transportation Committee, today we would be seeing bulldozers on the entire 6.6 miles.
Phase one, which started early last week is as follows:
Expanding from 4 to 6 lanes on Gerault Roads from 3040 to 2499.
A flyover from Gerault to 2499.
Intersection improvements at Morriss and 407, Morriss and 1171, Morriss and 3040, including longer turn lanes, right turn lanes where applicable.
Additional traffic signals at Gerault and Spinks Rd, Morriss and Garden Rd, Morriss and Sagebrush.
Sidewalk improvements where nessesary.
Sight improvements on several neighborhood exits.
Safety improvements at and near Forrestwood Middle school.
Landscaping.
New Fences.
Phase two, which as per the agreement, could not begin until at least 2014 or if and when the Riverwalk installs its amenities, specifically, The River. And at the completion of traffic studies that clearly state it is needed.
Last June, The Riverwalk was not in foreclosure as it is today. The developer would have had to supplied over 2 million dollars towards the project.
As it appears today, there will be no River, the parcel has been divided into 5 separate blocks and depending on the make-up of the town council next month, could be ammended to suit the new landholders.
Jody Smith would ammend the planning and zoning requirements of the property to be totally mixed use developement. That means apartments, condominiums, townhouses mixed with retail and office. The problem with mixed use developement is, the apartments get built and the retail remains a dream (drive through Valley Ranch to get an idea how that looks).
Jody Smith and a majority town council in her favor would bend over backwards to give the apartment builders what ever they want. If that would occur, in 2014 we would need 8 lanes up and down Morriss to accomodate that kind of traffic.
Melissa Northern's plan would be to surround our new Hospital with other types of high tech medical facilities that would add good jobs to Flower Mound, attract quality retail and then provide housing for workers in that to live. It would become a self contained central area of town without the need of commuters and traffic levels would remain stable. Makes lots more sense, doesn't it?
Mrs Northern was stated many times she is not for the automatic implementation of Phase two of this project because she doesn't think we will ever get to that level of traffic. She has been listening to our fight for the last year and long before she decided to run for Mayor.
With the kind of Vision she has and the support of Tom Hayden, Al Filidoro and Steve Lyda, Smartgrowth will become just that again and the real crown jewel of this town will be the beautiful, landscaped, safe, slow winding Boulevard that slices through our town and leads to the parks at the Riverwalk, Morriss Rd. Maybe we can rename it Morriss Boulevard.
The dream is still alive, but we need to wake up and get rid of Jody Smith and her give it away for nothing attitudes.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Early Voting
Early voting started today and from the looks of things turnout will be pretty significant. Close to 500 people have voted already today. Controversy abounds as the last few days of the campaign unwind.
The mayor said that Melissa advocates the use of a toll road on 2499. She claims that at the Bridlewood Debate last week and recapped in the Flower Mound Leader:
But perhaps the biggest blow came in the debate’s final minutes when, during closing arguments, Smith and Robinson each referenced a comment made by Northern two weeks ago at a debate in Bridlewood.
The question asked what candidates would do to address traffic flow on FM 2499, especially once the road connects with Interstate 35E.
Northern said, “I would have to go back and research this item to understand how the town could improve it and look at what our opportunities are, whether there is an opportunity to put a toll, which is what a lot of communities do on that to reduce traffic flow, or a flyover, which would take away traffic issues in that area.”
After the debate, Northern told The Leader that she miss-communicated what she was trying to say. She said what she meant was the town should look for alternate funding, such as the Highway 121 toll funding, to address traffic in town and that she is not in favor of a toll road in Flower Mound.
The Mayor and her followers took the opportunity to go and post signs all along 2499 stating that Melissa wants a tollway.
First off, physically impossible even if it was the most important thing she wished to accomplish, if anyone hasn't noticed 2499 is a STATE road that is already paid for. Second, she was elaborating on how to reduce traffic flow on our towns roads. She is concerned about increased traffic that would effect our lives. Remember, the whole concept of 2499 linking with 35E came in the LAST 4 years as the Mayor, who loves to satisfy developers thought the road, as with Morriss Rd is a brilliant idea. As with Morriss Rd, the Mayor tried to ram it down our throats without the consideration of neighborhoods along Morriss and the bulk of the town that lives there. Gerald Robinson said, he read hundreds of hours of traffic studies and gleamed from those that we needed another 6 lane road rolling through our town and neighborhoods. Along with County Commissioner, Andy Eades, who hopefully is counting the days till we vote him out of office, sleazed a bond election bill through during the major election cycle that touted "road improvements". Remember that one? Of the HUNDREDS of hours that Robinson spent studying "traffic studies", I'm sure he spent maybe 3 minutes talking or thinking about the effects of the residents. Of course our other Town Council candidate, Bryan Webb, has only to offer, "Lots of people aren't going to like it, Sorry."
So if the worse thing that Melissa Northern has ever done is think a little "out of the box" and later clarify with the press that she has never or never will advocate a toll road. She is willing, along with Al Filidoro and Steve Lyda and current Council Member, Tom Hayden, to listen to the citizens overwhelmingly outweighs a minor mis-spoken comment.
For those of you that braved the rain and made it out to the tailgate party last week, and took the time to talk with these people, realize who and what they are. They were willing, along with their family members to stand under tents in a pouring rainstorm and spend a few hours to show everyone what they are about,all would agree.
They will work for us.
Please do what is right for our town, our home values, and quality of life, Make the time to get over to the Police and Courts Building to vote for Northern, Filidoro and Lyda. Its easy to remember vote NFL. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me, or at the polls, talk with the candidate, they will be there most days during early voting and from dawn to dusk on election day to answer any questions you might have.
The mayor said that Melissa advocates the use of a toll road on 2499. She claims that at the Bridlewood Debate last week and recapped in the Flower Mound Leader:
But perhaps the biggest blow came in the debate’s final minutes when, during closing arguments, Smith and Robinson each referenced a comment made by Northern two weeks ago at a debate in Bridlewood.
The question asked what candidates would do to address traffic flow on FM 2499, especially once the road connects with Interstate 35E.
Northern said, “I would have to go back and research this item to understand how the town could improve it and look at what our opportunities are, whether there is an opportunity to put a toll, which is what a lot of communities do on that to reduce traffic flow, or a flyover, which would take away traffic issues in that area.”
After the debate, Northern told The Leader that she miss-communicated what she was trying to say. She said what she meant was the town should look for alternate funding, such as the Highway 121 toll funding, to address traffic in town and that she is not in favor of a toll road in Flower Mound.
The Mayor and her followers took the opportunity to go and post signs all along 2499 stating that Melissa wants a tollway.
First off, physically impossible even if it was the most important thing she wished to accomplish, if anyone hasn't noticed 2499 is a STATE road that is already paid for. Second, she was elaborating on how to reduce traffic flow on our towns roads. She is concerned about increased traffic that would effect our lives. Remember, the whole concept of 2499 linking with 35E came in the LAST 4 years as the Mayor, who loves to satisfy developers thought the road, as with Morriss Rd is a brilliant idea. As with Morriss Rd, the Mayor tried to ram it down our throats without the consideration of neighborhoods along Morriss and the bulk of the town that lives there. Gerald Robinson said, he read hundreds of hours of traffic studies and gleamed from those that we needed another 6 lane road rolling through our town and neighborhoods. Along with County Commissioner, Andy Eades, who hopefully is counting the days till we vote him out of office, sleazed a bond election bill through during the major election cycle that touted "road improvements". Remember that one? Of the HUNDREDS of hours that Robinson spent studying "traffic studies", I'm sure he spent maybe 3 minutes talking or thinking about the effects of the residents. Of course our other Town Council candidate, Bryan Webb, has only to offer, "Lots of people aren't going to like it, Sorry."
So if the worse thing that Melissa Northern has ever done is think a little "out of the box" and later clarify with the press that she has never or never will advocate a toll road. She is willing, along with Al Filidoro and Steve Lyda and current Council Member, Tom Hayden, to listen to the citizens overwhelmingly outweighs a minor mis-spoken comment.
For those of you that braved the rain and made it out to the tailgate party last week, and took the time to talk with these people, realize who and what they are. They were willing, along with their family members to stand under tents in a pouring rainstorm and spend a few hours to show everyone what they are about,all would agree.
They will work for us.
Please do what is right for our town, our home values, and quality of life, Make the time to get over to the Police and Courts Building to vote for Northern, Filidoro and Lyda. Its easy to remember vote NFL. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me, or at the polls, talk with the candidate, they will be there most days during early voting and from dawn to dusk on election day to answer any questions you might have.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
News Connection Debate
Last night I attended the last Candidate Debate for this election season. If you are interested in viewing it, it is on the FM website and is VERY interesting.
The first question during the last hour was as follows, submitted by me.
"Once phase one of the Morriss/Gerault expansion is complete and north of Flower Mound Road is level C or better will you suspend the implementation of phase 2"
Al Filidoro said, "The good thing about the project is all of the good things are happening during phase 1, The 2499 flyover, six lanes on Gerault, intersection improvements, landscaping, safety features, fences, etc. With the current situation with Riverwalk and won't happen with Riverwalk and with the improvements of Phase 1, we will not need phase 2."
Gerald Robinson said, "As an appointed to a commission by Andy Eades, watched hours and hours of traffic studies came to the conclusion that it was needed. I support the 2 phases of the project and feel with the overwhelming success of Riverwalk the lanes will be necessary" (no mention of traffic studies in the future)
Steve Lyda said, "As Chair of the transportation committee, he has attended every meeting regarding Morriss/Gerault and voted against the suggestion of the Trans Committee. The two phase compromise was a good idea because it addressed the needs of the citizens of our town, or as Mr Robinson referred to as a fringe group. When the traffic needs require it move forward when that happens"
Bryan Webb said, "Phase 2 needs to follow Phase 1, it might not be popular with some residents, so, Sorry, that's what I believe. When you put it a road, its there a long time and blamed poor leadership for the decision.
Jody Smith said, She never realized that so much traffic would ever on that road and supports the 2 phase project. (those of you at the June council meeting know that is not true). Her fear is when people talk about the six lanes being more dangerous, additional lanes are there for a security issue. If you go by Forestwood Middle school today during rush hour traffic, if you could call it that, its dangerous if someone slams on their brakes and swerves around". (gee I thought that's why we have school zone speed limits during those times). Lanes do not equate to more traffic."
Melissa Northern said, " She agreed with the 2 phase project was a good approach, the question was if the traffic levels remain level C or better, I am a fact based person two items have to happen before I would support, the 2.2 million from the developer, and traffic studies that support the increase. I believe the majority of the money coming from TX dot and the Denton County bond will be spent on phase one. For phase two to go forward, I would have to look at the increased burden on taxpayers before going forward."
As you can see or witness for yourself, Robinson, Webb and Smith would proceed with the project regardless of the need and or supported traffic studies. Period.
Northern, Filidoro and Lyda are cautious and are against advancing unless it is absolutely necessary.
The debate was extremely informative and showed the character of all the candidates on all the issues. Please take the time to decide for yourself, but the choice is clear. Select the individuals that are willing to listen and work with the residents of this town and are not indebted to developers and gas companies. Select the ones that have not accepted huge campaign contributions from the Mayor they will be serving with and from outside interests. Select the candidates that have our best interests at heart.
I believe those candidates are Melissa Northern for Mayor, Al Filidoro and Steve Lyda for Town Council.
I, Kim Berg, endorse these candidates and will work hard towards their success in the best interests of everyone in Flower Mound.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Have you noticed the new signs posted along Morriss/Gerault? Phase 1 is about to start and you will be seeing equipment out shortly.
REST ASSURED, this is only Phase 1. For those of you who might have been out of the loop, Phase 1 entails intersection improvements (i.e longer turn lanes etc), fence replacement program, widening of Gerault from FM2499 north to FM3040 as well as the flyover at FM2499 (the flyover is yet to be funded).
No part of Morriss Road will be widened during this phase (except from improving the intersections).
Phase 2 will start when Phase 3 of the Riverwalk Project is complete or 2014, whichever comes first. The RiverWalk Project is in bankruptcy and we have no indication if/when Phase 3 will ever be initiated.
Last year we had a hard battle with our Town trying to stop this project. We lost majority support in the Town Council by 27 votes. We cannot let this battle be lost over 27 votes.
It is not to late to stop Morriss/Gerault Phase 2 from ever getting of the ground.
There are 3 candidates that support our cause. They respect the residents of living along Morriss Road and hear our concerns. They are also concerned about gas companies and their quest to expand gas operations in town. They want to comply with our Master Plan and the Smart Growth Plan.
We ask for you VOTE in the upcoming election.
Our pick are:
Melissa Northern for Mayor
Al Filidoro for Place 2
Steve Lyda for Place 4
Remember NFL
I personally endorse each and one of these candidates
Bjorn Vandug, Flower Mound
For voting times & locations, please visit
http://www.flower-mound.com/voting/elections.php
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Tail Gate party
First I would like to thank everyone that braved the rain and came out for a Hamburger or Hot Dog, soft drinks and chatting with your neighbors you haven't seen for a while. Special thanks to Scott C. for letting us use his front yard and garage, it really is a great location for a party. Also like to thank Tall Scott for getting the banners and distributing flyers in our neighborhood. Thanks to Bjorn and Carmen for everything they did and use of their grill, Bjorn is a master chef for sure. Special thanks to Kelly McDonald for helping us arrange a good date and time and getting NFL there on time and with a spectacular entrance. Thanks to Sue Ann for her awning, it kept a lot of rain off of us.
And thank you Melissa Northern, Al Filidoro and Steve Lyda for showing our attendees your honesty, integrity and your desire to make sure the right thing is done for the residents along Morriss Road and all of the residents of Flower Mound. The fact that you ask us as many questions as we ask you show you really do care. It will be a pleasure knowing someone is minding the store and keeping outside developers from pilfering every last thing left not nailed down.
It's really amazing how the real issues in this race aren't about gas or roads or apartments, its about someone that will run our town like a business and make sound financial decisions that will keep our town vibrant well into the next decade. How the true need to create jobs in our town before we build apartments to house the applicants. They all pledged to make sure any decisions regarding Morriss Road will be based on true need, traffic studies, and what is right for our town, instead of doing it because its been planned that way for 30 years.
Its funny, they are talking just as we tried to beat into the heads of our current majority for the last year. They have listened and just like to us, it makes sense to them. The right thing to do. Be assured as I am No road will be crammed down our throats, but because of the actions of Tom Hayden and Al Filidoro during last years crucial council meeting, we will get the things out of it we need. Landscaping, new fences, Sidewalk improvements, Major intersection improvements, New traffic signals to make it safer, new access and other safety measures around the schools. All things that we asked for at all those town council meeting in the last year. Thank you Tom and Al and all of the town staff and engineering that paid attention and made us part of the solution. Despite Paul Stone, The Mayor and all those that dismissed us as just another flash in the pan activist group, we are a force in this town now.
Now we really need your help, just like we did last year, We need to "Make Time to Vote". you will be seeing those signs as reminders when the time comes for early voting and election day on May 8th. We need to make time to vote on the first day of early voting so you can go out in your neighborhoods and brag to your neighbors that you voted for the future of our town and feel really good about it and then convince, needle, cajole, plead, beg and taxi your neighbors over to vote too.
If you see the NFL express golf cart in your neighborhood in the next few weeks, take some time to talk with them. They, like us are really good people and the kind of neighbors and leaders of our town we want.
Remember, Vote NFL, that's Melissa Northern, Al Filidoro and Steve Lyda. And take time to vote, because THIS time it truly matters.
And thank you Melissa Northern, Al Filidoro and Steve Lyda for showing our attendees your honesty, integrity and your desire to make sure the right thing is done for the residents along Morriss Road and all of the residents of Flower Mound. The fact that you ask us as many questions as we ask you show you really do care. It will be a pleasure knowing someone is minding the store and keeping outside developers from pilfering every last thing left not nailed down.
It's really amazing how the real issues in this race aren't about gas or roads or apartments, its about someone that will run our town like a business and make sound financial decisions that will keep our town vibrant well into the next decade. How the true need to create jobs in our town before we build apartments to house the applicants. They all pledged to make sure any decisions regarding Morriss Road will be based on true need, traffic studies, and what is right for our town, instead of doing it because its been planned that way for 30 years.
Its funny, they are talking just as we tried to beat into the heads of our current majority for the last year. They have listened and just like to us, it makes sense to them. The right thing to do. Be assured as I am No road will be crammed down our throats, but because of the actions of Tom Hayden and Al Filidoro during last years crucial council meeting, we will get the things out of it we need. Landscaping, new fences, Sidewalk improvements, Major intersection improvements, New traffic signals to make it safer, new access and other safety measures around the schools. All things that we asked for at all those town council meeting in the last year. Thank you Tom and Al and all of the town staff and engineering that paid attention and made us part of the solution. Despite Paul Stone, The Mayor and all those that dismissed us as just another flash in the pan activist group, we are a force in this town now.
Now we really need your help, just like we did last year, We need to "Make Time to Vote". you will be seeing those signs as reminders when the time comes for early voting and election day on May 8th. We need to make time to vote on the first day of early voting so you can go out in your neighborhoods and brag to your neighbors that you voted for the future of our town and feel really good about it and then convince, needle, cajole, plead, beg and taxi your neighbors over to vote too.
If you see the NFL express golf cart in your neighborhood in the next few weeks, take some time to talk with them. They, like us are really good people and the kind of neighbors and leaders of our town we want.
Remember, Vote NFL, that's Melissa Northern, Al Filidoro and Steve Lyda. And take time to vote, because THIS time it truly matters.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Debate
It seems the forces are against the citizens of our town. After several setbacks it appears the planned debate at Parker Square will not happen. All the candidates were invited and given the format and were told to respond by April 9th. They responded with the following comments:
"Over the past few days, we have received an overwhelming level of support from a variety of dedicated and concerned Flower Mound citizens over the journalistic integrity and neutrality of your "Debate". "
The citizens have raised the following concerns that Flower Mound Cares:
1) Is a single-issue organization focusing solely on oil and gas drilling.
2)Has already endorsed a slate of candidates hand picked by key members of your organization.
3)Had members distort facts and utilize scare and intimidation tactics.
4) Is closely affiliated with www.stopthedrilling.blogspot.com.
5)Had members at numerous council meetings display a lack of civility and respect for other town citizens.
6)Does not have a history as a qualified and balanced media contributor.
For these reasons we respectfully decline to participate in your "Debate".
signed Jody Smith, Gerald Robinson and Bryan Webb.
All the reasons were unfounded accusations.
Instead they invited us all to attend the New Connections forum to be held at town hall by an "independent respected moderator" (none other than Bob Weir).
We responded to their letter and told them we would change the format to just a forum, not debate just 10 minutes to state their platform. They again flatly denied the invitation.
Candidates Al Filidoro, Steve Lyda and Melissa Northern all graciously accepted the invitation at the first request and accepted the terms of the revamped forum.
We decided we would proceed with the forum and hoped they would have a change of heart and attend so everyone could hear their views.
By the Way, Mr Webb's initial decline was also sent directly to the New Connection and was published the next day.
We issued a press release stating the event and were in the process of sending the invitations to citizens, when we received an email from a Property Manager at Parker Square rescinding the permit to use the property since all the candidates would not be attending. After trying to secure another location, it seems it is now dead. More information and details will follow. Believe me, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
"
"Over the past few days, we have received an overwhelming level of support from a variety of dedicated and concerned Flower Mound citizens over the journalistic integrity and neutrality of your "Debate". "
The citizens have raised the following concerns that Flower Mound Cares:
1) Is a single-issue organization focusing solely on oil and gas drilling.
2)Has already endorsed a slate of candidates hand picked by key members of your organization.
3)Had members distort facts and utilize scare and intimidation tactics.
4) Is closely affiliated with www.stopthedrilling.blogspot.com.
5)Had members at numerous council meetings display a lack of civility and respect for other town citizens.
6)Does not have a history as a qualified and balanced media contributor.
For these reasons we respectfully decline to participate in your "Debate".
signed Jody Smith, Gerald Robinson and Bryan Webb.
All the reasons were unfounded accusations.
Instead they invited us all to attend the New Connections forum to be held at town hall by an "independent respected moderator" (none other than Bob Weir).
We responded to their letter and told them we would change the format to just a forum, not debate just 10 minutes to state their platform. They again flatly denied the invitation.
Candidates Al Filidoro, Steve Lyda and Melissa Northern all graciously accepted the invitation at the first request and accepted the terms of the revamped forum.
We decided we would proceed with the forum and hoped they would have a change of heart and attend so everyone could hear their views.
By the Way, Mr Webb's initial decline was also sent directly to the New Connection and was published the next day.
We issued a press release stating the event and were in the process of sending the invitations to citizens, when we received an email from a Property Manager at Parker Square rescinding the permit to use the property since all the candidates would not be attending. After trying to secure another location, it seems it is now dead. More information and details will follow. Believe me, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
"
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Hineygate rears its ugly head
The story that just won't go away made the lead story on Channel 11's six o'clock news. The Teflon Mayor tries to push it off on the police chief. Its getting interesting.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Campaign Signs
Yes its that time of year again where campaign signs are as thick as live oak pollen.
Just like the pollen, just wait a few weeks and they will be gone. However, in the mean time, people should have the right to have signs in their yards and property owners should have the right to display the sign of the candidate that will less likely piss off their customers. That being said, There have been reports this weekend of vandalism and theft of signs from both sides. Some of the NFL signs have been stolen from peoples yards and someone has defaced the Mayor's signs with paintball guns. How Childish! Chances are both incidents were done by teenagers or an adult acting worse than a teenager.
It has to stop and the signs must be respected by both side of the issues.
The Stop Morriss 6 group deplores the behavior of a few and hopes that peace will prevail for rest of the pollen and sign season.
Just like the pollen, just wait a few weeks and they will be gone. However, in the mean time, people should have the right to have signs in their yards and property owners should have the right to display the sign of the candidate that will less likely piss off their customers. That being said, There have been reports this weekend of vandalism and theft of signs from both sides. Some of the NFL signs have been stolen from peoples yards and someone has defaced the Mayor's signs with paintball guns. How Childish! Chances are both incidents were done by teenagers or an adult acting worse than a teenager.
It has to stop and the signs must be respected by both side of the issues.
The Stop Morriss 6 group deplores the behavior of a few and hopes that peace will prevail for rest of the pollen and sign season.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Creekside Meets N.F.L.
Ok the evites are out, if you did not recieve one, go to http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=DIHVXLPNHVVGZQDBQSYD
and RSVP there. More details to follow this week.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Meet the Candidates
On Saturday, April 17th, we will hold a meet the candidates get together on the cul-de-sac on Branch Hollow Circle from 5pm to 8pm. All the residents in our Creekside subdivision will be getting invitations soon for this event. Melissa Northern, Steve Lyda and Al Filidoro have graciously accepted our invitation to talk to us about our concerns of phase two of the Morriss Rd project, The Riverwalk, Fencing and landscaping and will gladly address all of your concerns. We will provide burgers and hot dogs and soft drinks for your enjoyment.
I will also be sending an evite to many of the StopMorriss6 supporters from our email list. If you do not recieve an evite by Friday and would like to attend please send me an email at stopmorriss6@googlemail.com and I will gladly include you.
If you have any other questions you may address them here in the blog.
There will be other candidate forums being held in the coming weeks and you will see signs and banners with info on those event. One such event, being presented by the Flower Mound Cares group will be held on April 22nd at Parker Square. We have been helping to plan the event with them and hope to be a co-sponser. This event will feature all candidates as we did last year in Wilkerson Park. We will keep you posted with more details.
I will also be sending an evite to many of the StopMorriss6 supporters from our email list. If you do not recieve an evite by Friday and would like to attend please send me an email at stopmorriss6@googlemail.com and I will gladly include you.
If you have any other questions you may address them here in the blog.
There will be other candidate forums being held in the coming weeks and you will see signs and banners with info on those event. One such event, being presented by the Flower Mound Cares group will be held on April 22nd at Parker Square. We have been helping to plan the event with them and hope to be a co-sponser. This event will feature all candidates as we did last year in Wilkerson Park. We will keep you posted with more details.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Up the Riverwalk without a paddle
Well, Levenick, Wallace and Dixon just sold us up the Riverless Walk. WE DO NOT NEED APARTMENTS IN FLOWER MOUND.
We as the opposition of the expansion of Morriss Rd and the proliferation of Apartments have a better chance of defeating this than the new landowners have of getting a loan in this economy.
Smith and her band of merry men and woman need to lose the majority! Simple as that.
Vote in Northern and Lyda, keep Filidoro and we get our town back.
Vote against the land swap also, its a bad deal in order to get one new soccer field.
Just so you know Hayden and Filidoro went against the tide and voted no on the re-zoning request.
We as the opposition of the expansion of Morriss Rd and the proliferation of Apartments have a better chance of defeating this than the new landowners have of getting a loan in this economy.
Smith and her band of merry men and woman need to lose the majority! Simple as that.
Vote in Northern and Lyda, keep Filidoro and we get our town back.
Vote against the land swap also, its a bad deal in order to get one new soccer field.
Just so you know Hayden and Filidoro went against the tide and voted no on the re-zoning request.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
NFL sites
Please see the following web sites for info on the NFL and to request yard sign or to have signs posted on your private fences exposed to roadways. Please help all that you can.
www.melissanorthern.com
www.alfilidoro.com
www.stevelyda.com
www.melissanorthern.com
www.alfilidoro.com
www.stevelyda.com
Signs are sprouting everywhere.
This morning as I drove to work at 530am, I started to notice the proliferation of Re-elect the Mayor signs, I'm sure most of you have noticed also. It seems anywhere you see a posting for commercial real-estate on the streets you will also notice the SWR grouping of signs (Smith,Webb,Robinson), not as catchy as NFL so I guess we can call them SWEAR for a lack of a better term. They seem to be conveniently in the vicinity of property being listed by Flower Mound's largest commercial real estate broker, Todd Weaver. I took a look at his business web sight and noticed he has a rather large project that begun back in December in the vicinity of Chinn Chapel and 407 called Jernigan Heights. Wait, isn't that conveniently located across the street from the soccer field the town is trying to swap out and we will be voting on that issue next month? SWEAR signs joined at the hip at most of his properties? Hmmm. Maybe you have also noticed that most of the NFL signs in town are on Residential properties and some non-Weaver associated commercial properties?
This same point was brought up last year and property owners have every right to deny usage to opposing candidates. I, most definitely would choose to use a business that allowed the NFL signs, that is my right also. But, the close association with Chinn Chapel area, soccer fields, out of town developers salivating to break ground on the next "The Casitas at La Flore Monton de Tierra", Williams Corp drooling in erecting a Derrick where ever a variance may land, troubles me and should trouble all of us.
Our friends at Williams have already spent tens of thousands of dollars for a phone bank operation out of the back room of a Guitar Center in Cedar Rapids Iowa to blanket the town with telemarketing calls and a survey on our opinions of Oil and Gas exploration, Which candidates you favor and probably asked your favorite color too.
They love our town, well, not really they love the soft government that loves free BBQs, loves giving money to the YMCA, The High School bands, yada, yada, yada.
The Williams gang will start a door to door canvasing starting next week, to promote themselves as good neighbors who have our best interests in mind and will probably pass out some really nifty swag for your time, oh and by the way if you want this cool pen or key chain with a whistle on it, please vote for the SWEAR group. They too are good neighbors and are GREEN like us. Have a nice day.
Sure they can't directly give the SWEAR group buckets of money for their campaigns, but they sure can spend their own money promoting themselves, the need for a bigger soccer field, oh and by the way we need bigger roads to get in and out of your town, so we need to make Morriss Rd a six lane superhighway past your schools and houses.
All for a Key Chain?
Im sure it won't stop there, the developers from "The Casitas at La Flore Monton de Tierra" will tell you all about the beautiful "The Casitas at La Flore Monton de Tierra II and III" they want to build at the Riverwalk or down the street from you or and any of the vacant properties that currently house campaign signs for the SWEAR group.
So, the moral of this long winded tirade is this, Don't trust anyone who SWEARS.
This same point was brought up last year and property owners have every right to deny usage to opposing candidates. I, most definitely would choose to use a business that allowed the NFL signs, that is my right also. But, the close association with Chinn Chapel area, soccer fields, out of town developers salivating to break ground on the next "The Casitas at La Flore Monton de Tierra", Williams Corp drooling in erecting a Derrick where ever a variance may land, troubles me and should trouble all of us.
Our friends at Williams have already spent tens of thousands of dollars for a phone bank operation out of the back room of a Guitar Center in Cedar Rapids Iowa to blanket the town with telemarketing calls and a survey on our opinions of Oil and Gas exploration, Which candidates you favor and probably asked your favorite color too.
They love our town, well, not really they love the soft government that loves free BBQs, loves giving money to the YMCA, The High School bands, yada, yada, yada.
The Williams gang will start a door to door canvasing starting next week, to promote themselves as good neighbors who have our best interests in mind and will probably pass out some really nifty swag for your time, oh and by the way if you want this cool pen or key chain with a whistle on it, please vote for the SWEAR group. They too are good neighbors and are GREEN like us. Have a nice day.
Sure they can't directly give the SWEAR group buckets of money for their campaigns, but they sure can spend their own money promoting themselves, the need for a bigger soccer field, oh and by the way we need bigger roads to get in and out of your town, so we need to make Morriss Rd a six lane superhighway past your schools and houses.
All for a Key Chain?
Im sure it won't stop there, the developers from "The Casitas at La Flore Monton de Tierra" will tell you all about the beautiful "The Casitas at La Flore Monton de Tierra II and III" they want to build at the Riverwalk or down the street from you or and any of the vacant properties that currently house campaign signs for the SWEAR group.
So, the moral of this long winded tirade is this, Don't trust anyone who SWEARS.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Town Council Agenda for April 5th
The town is seeking to amend the request for rezoning at the Riverless Walk. They want to remove the cap on sub 700 square foot apartments they can build. Please plan to attend or email your displeasure of the possible repeal of this.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Petition Drive
The Flower Mound Cares group completed their petition drive this week and delivered over 6000 certified signatures to the town secretary for verification. Hats off to the group for all their efforts and lots of hard work to accomplish this task.
The volunteers worked most of the town door to door and with signing events staged outside brave property owner, restaurants and businesses. Since this issue to located over in the western parts of town, lots of people in the central and eastern areas were not fully aware of the issues being presented, as were most of the group from Wellington and Bridlewood not familiar with our plight from last year with the road issues. It shows just how large our town is becoming and how similar most of our issues really are. They mostly boil down to rampant, uncontrolled development and how attractive all the wide open spaces we enjoy in Flower Mound are.
I'm sure the hard workers from the Flower Mound Cares group are going to enjoy a restful Easter weekend with their families instead of standing out from of MacDonald's holding signs or walking door to door, they deserve the rest. But just because we won the battle, there is still a lot to the war. Its not time to rest for too long on our laurels and get back to work to keep people motivated for the Election to be held next month. The mandate of 6000 signatures who want a change to the way our town does business speaks volumes and we need to continue to shout out loud until we can shake some change from the trees. Your signature was a big step, but your trip to the polls is the final charge up the hill. Yes, a moratorium will probably take place and yes there will be another election for the town to decide whether Contaminate Collection Facilities and pipelines will be built in our town. But the only way to change that PERMANENTLY is to elect a town council and a Mayor that will scrutinize every needs request that comes in an do whats right for our towns residents and not outside developers.
Please take the time to listen to Northern, Filadoro and Lyda, Flower Mounds NFL, and you too will see they have a preferred vision for our town.
The volunteers worked most of the town door to door and with signing events staged outside brave property owner, restaurants and businesses. Since this issue to located over in the western parts of town, lots of people in the central and eastern areas were not fully aware of the issues being presented, as were most of the group from Wellington and Bridlewood not familiar with our plight from last year with the road issues. It shows just how large our town is becoming and how similar most of our issues really are. They mostly boil down to rampant, uncontrolled development and how attractive all the wide open spaces we enjoy in Flower Mound are.
I'm sure the hard workers from the Flower Mound Cares group are going to enjoy a restful Easter weekend with their families instead of standing out from of MacDonald's holding signs or walking door to door, they deserve the rest. But just because we won the battle, there is still a lot to the war. Its not time to rest for too long on our laurels and get back to work to keep people motivated for the Election to be held next month. The mandate of 6000 signatures who want a change to the way our town does business speaks volumes and we need to continue to shout out loud until we can shake some change from the trees. Your signature was a big step, but your trip to the polls is the final charge up the hill. Yes, a moratorium will probably take place and yes there will be another election for the town to decide whether Contaminate Collection Facilities and pipelines will be built in our town. But the only way to change that PERMANENTLY is to elect a town council and a Mayor that will scrutinize every needs request that comes in an do whats right for our towns residents and not outside developers.
Please take the time to listen to Northern, Filadoro and Lyda, Flower Mounds NFL, and you too will see they have a preferred vision for our town.
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