I felt like I should address this, because it is a valid concern: Why wasn't I at the meeting?
Evidently, Funny Business, you don't know me at all. You have commented that you didn't want to be force fed my "boring political stuff" and that I was "Anti-American." (Comments you have now deleted...)
If you knew me as well as you think, you would know that I have spent the better part of the last 6 months doing everything I CAN to make a change and get people to HEAR it.
I have attended meetings, organized rallies, held signs, passed out literature, along with writing numerous blogs on my blog here.
If you think that I didn't show up at the meeting because I don't have courage to stand up to our elected officials, you are mistaken. I have stood up and called some of them out on things they have done. I have put my REAL name and REAL picture out there for all to see.
I don't hide that this city needs a transformation - before we go down as the laughingstock of South Texas.
If I had the money and time (I have two kids under 4 - but you knew that) - I would run for a position myself.
Instead, I plan to help in any way possible anyone who plans to step up and take control of our city.
We need elected officials who will do what they were elected to do: Follow the law and REPRESENT the people who voted them in.
Simple tasks, I say, but for our elected officials? They seem to forget why they were elected once they gain the "title."
I am done ranting... instead of calling me an Anti-American or saying that my political stuff is being force fed to you and it is too boring - MAYBE you should actually read what I have to say.
As for my absence from the meeting? Well - I have tried that route. The people in charge have no concern over what I or the majority of Victoria wants or needs. Meetings are  waste of time at this point. They either won't let you talk, laugh at you when you talk, or just shake their heads and smile - waiting for you to shut up.

I was not able to attend the council meeting on the 1st but I heard, and wonder if it could be substantiated, that the resolution to pay the $200K did not include any language regarding the repayment if a party was found guilty. I understand that a citizen, maybe someone from the concerned citizens group, brought this to the attention of the council and then they reacted by amending the original language. Can anyone, who was actually in attendance, confirm this.

Yes but have the courage to make your opinion known where it counts and can actually do something to change. It is easy to gripe and complain from the shadows, YOU OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THIS. They had an open meeting to hear comments before they did their consideration. To me this is like griping about an elected official getting the post if you didn't even bother to vote at all.

I agree that we need people who want to be in the office but my complaint is, where were people like tonianne at the council meeting when payment issue was discussed. I certainly did not see her at the meeting??

Having only lived in Victoria a short time I do not know any of the folks on the City Council, in the DA’s office nor the Sherriff’s office.

I have been reading the posts concerning all the political “hot” topics of my Chosen new home town. Some of you post with clarity of thought (much better than I) others just throw rocks.

This town is no different than East Texas where I am from. Though much smaller we, there, had much the same issues. None of it is pretty. At the same time necessary on occasion.

I commend those Citizens of Victoria and Victoria County who take a stand for their perception of right and wrong. If two people disagree and engage in a debate based on reason, facts and common sense, though one my win the debate, both parties benefit from it.

For any of you, who wish to enter into politics, go get yourself a “Rhino” suit. It is a full contact sport. If you have no enemies today, they will appear when you toss your hat in.

I agree that the recall would have taken a lot of time, money and energy to win.

I would love to see people who actually CARE about what is going on in their city run for these positions.

I don't like stepping on toes, but when you mix emotions and politics... crap (for lack of a better word) happens.

It takes a lot of money, time, and guts to run for office in a town like this. Look at what happened to Jaynes and Keeling? So much mud... such a disgrace.

So - for all of you who want people who care to run for office, remember that the people who are already there will put in time and money to make sure they stay there.

It is up to YOU to get out and help these people campaign, make signs, hold signs, pass out signs, and even throw a few bucks their way.

I am ready for a change for Victoria.

I have already said it - but I will say it again:

To all of the elected officials in Victoria - we are watching you and we don't like what we see. Who has the majority? The 20 or so of you?

Or the 50,000 of us?

Do your jobs or we will find someone who will.

Just one mistake, though. It only takes ONE such mistake to anger the population of Victoria, especially since the wound is raw around here. Politicians should be walking on eggshells and doing what's right if they intend to keep their positions. It's not up to the taxpayers to pay to defend politicians. Shucks, we're trying to pay the electric bill and put a little gas in the tank. My electric bill is ENORMOUS.

Rock Westphal is a respected teacher, who taught my boys. I would love it if he ran for city council. Someone encourage him to do so. Riverboat, I know you know him. Actually, Riverboat and Ernie Cash would be wonderful candidates, as well. Let's encourage these folks to run.

Good move, citizens. Rather than waste time, money and energy on another recall, find candidates more in line with their views. And then work towards changing the system from within.

Common sense in Victoria comes out of hiding.

This bunch needs to shut-up and run for city council.