threecatcorner said:

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They don't have a "hear from citizens" section of the meeting?

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Pretty sure they are required to have an open forum, but they can't go back and forth with the commentor or take any action on non agenda items. They may also limit comments deemed to be grievances against personnel, as those are normally done in closed session unless the employee requests it to be public.

The old saying rules for our local media...

"Do not defecate in your own front yard"

I miss Marvin Zindler. This deserves answers; if it was nothing, let the exposure erase doubt.

skeetboy3 said:

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I miss Marvin Zindler. This deserves answers; if it was nothing, let the exposure erase doubt.

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Maybe the plane owner can reach out, with information as it develops, regarding the "insurance claim". And the mythical visiting bull is still of interest

After seeing the Rafter D and Brazilian connection to the Partners for a Better Bryan PAC (where the mayor serves as treasurer), I decided to take a look at the mayor's campaign finance report on the City of Bryan website. There's a contribution from Allumine Political Action Committee. I get that PACs are legit, but that one doesn't even exist. Maybe someone can find it, but it's not on Transparency USA. The address given is the old one for Allumine Home Health. (I think they've recently moved to a new location in College Station.) If Allumine Health made the donation, that seems like no big deal. Why would the donation be reported as coming from Allumine Political Action Committee (a non-existent PAC)? I did see on Allumine's website that the business also operates a nonprofit called Allumine Health Foundation. But the donation is clearly reported as coming from Allumine Political Action Committee. I don't understand.

https://docs.bryantx.gov/city_secretary/campaign_finance_reports/GUTIERREZ%20BOBBY_01172023.pdf (https://docs.bryantx.gov/city_secretary/campaign_finance_reports/GUTIERREZ%20BOBBY_01172023.pdf

Got another open records response from COB. Requested information was anything naming, discussing or referring to the pilot. They are requesting an AG opinion due to attorney client privilege. I find this rather interesting because I prior requests they said they had nothing at all referring to the airplane…

Lol funny how that works isn't it

cslifer said:

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Got another open records response from COB. Requested information was anything naming, discussing or referring to the pilot. They are requesting an AG opinion due to attorney client privilege. I find this rather interesting because I prior requests they said they had nothing at all referring to the airplane…

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I have been pretty pro sunshine on this and think this needs to be getting serious investigative journalism. With that said, the Texas Public Information Act is both extremely conservative and liberal. As I understand it, you are entitled to virtually any records (outside of attorney discussions, personnel files, education, health, and common law privacy and a few others). Where it becomes less favorable is that they are under no obligation to infer what you mean. For instance, if you "give me all records that refer to the plane," they do not have to provide documents that discuss the pilot but not the plane, discussions that resulted from the crash but don't mention the plane, etc. Again, I want as much light shed in this as possible and am glad open records requests are being made; however, they have to be made very carefully. I'm generally slow to assume improper responses to open records requests for this reason.
Of course, you may be aware of all that, filed the perfect request, and they still may not have provided records they should have.

I agree with you about how open records requests should be filed. That is why I was sure to request records naming, referring to or discussing the airplane that made an emergency landing at that particular property and also included that it may be referred to as the plane, aircraft, tail number, model number etc. I did the same with the pilot referring to him as the pilot, owner, occupant, and a couple of different spellings and variants of his name. If you are not extremely specific they will dance around the question for sure. I am sure it wasn't perfect so to say, but I definitely covered every base I could think of. I am not a lawyer nor I I file open records requests on a regular basis though.

At the suggestion of Roxy146 on the Rosemary thread, I decided to look at campaign contributions going to Bryan City Council members. Interestingly enough, Rafter D also made a contribution to council member (and BBC member) Ewers-Shurtleff.

https://docs.bryantx.gov/city_secretary/campaign_finance_reports/EWERS-SHURTLEFF%20MARCA_10312022.pdf
(page 8)

Ewers-Shurtleff served with Gutierrez on the BBC as a voting member during the land deal in April 2022, and was appointed by Gutierrez to replace his seat as a non-voting member in Jan 2023.

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1725
(scroll down to board seats and click on timeline view in the right corner)

Ewers-Shurtleff also served on Planning & Zoning during the April 2022 time frame, again having replaced Gutierrez's seat back in Nov 2020.

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1751
(click on timeline view in the right corner)

In Jan 2023, as mayor, Gutierrez appointed Ewers-Shurtleff to the City of Bryan Audit Committee. (From the website, this committee "Monitors the integrity of the city's financial records reporting process, the systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting and legal compliance, the independence and performance of the city's independent auditors, and the internal audit process.)

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1737

I did not see any campaign contributions made by Rafter D to any other council members other than Gutierrez and Ewers-Shurtleff.

Is it possible that Ewers-Shurtleff knew about the land deal between Rafter D and Gutierrez?

As a side note, a quick FB search shows Ewers-Shurtleff posing in bridal portraits with longhorn cattle and credits Gutierrez. The FB cover photo posting date is March 9, 2021.

Current BBC members:
Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, Kevin Krolczyk, Brett Brewer, Kenneth Lawson, John Bush, Jack Valerius Jr., Randy French, Whitney Wright, Linda Ravey, Wade Beckman, Jon Heidtke, and Austin Bryan

BBC members during the April 2022 land deal:
Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, Bobby Gutierrez, Kevin Krolczyk, Brett Brewer, Kenneth Lawson, John Bush, Jack Valerius Jr., Randy French, Linda Ravey, Greg Owens, Jon Heidtke, and James Edge

Smell that nothingburger cooking! Yum!

ConcernedCitizenofBryan said:

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At the suggestion of Roxy146 on the Rosemary thread, I decided to look at campaign contributions going to Bryan City Council members. Interestingly enough, Rafter D also made a contribution to council member (and BBC member) Ewers-Shurtleff.

https://docs.bryantx.gov/city_secretary/campaign_finance_reports/EWERS-SHURTLEFF%20MARCA_10312022.pdf
(page 8)

Ewers-Shurtleff served with Gutierrez on the BBC as a voting member during the land deal in April 2022, and was appointed by Gutierrez to replace his seat as a non-voting member in Jan 2023.

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1725
(scroll down to board seats and click on timeline view in the right corner)

Ewers-Shurtleff also served on Planning & Zoning during the April 2022 time frame, again having replaced Gutierrez's seat back in Nov 2020.

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1751
(click on timeline view in the right corner)

In Jan 2023, as mayor, Gutierrez appointed Ewers-Shurtleff to the City of Bryan Audit Committee. (From the website, this committee "Monitors the integrity of the city's financial records reporting process, the systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting and legal compliance, the independence and performance of the city's independent auditors, and the internal audit process.)

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1737

I did not see any campaign contributions made by Rafter D to any other council members other than Gutierrez and Ewers-Shurtleff.

Is it possible that Ewers-Shurtleff knew about the land deal between Rafter D and Gutierrez?

As a side note, a quick FB search shows Ewers-Shurtleff posing in bridal portraits with longhorn cattle and credits Gutierrez. The FB cover photo posting date is March 9, 2021.

Current BBC members:
Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, Kevin Krolczyk, Brett Brewer, Kenneth Lawson, John Bush, Jack Valerius Jr., Randy French, Whitney Wright, Linda Ravey, Wade Beckman, Jon Heidtke, and Austin Bryan

BBC members during the April 2022 land deal:
Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, Bobby Gutierrez, Kevin Krolczyk, Brett Brewer, Kenneth Lawson, John Bush, Jack Valerius Jr., Randy French, Linda Ravey, Greg Owens, Jon Heidtke, and James Edge

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Excellent job collecting facts.

Texags is underrated as a news source. Wonder if someone from the Texas Tribune would be interested?

At least one of them is aware of this thread

Tumble Weed said:

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ConcernedCitizenofBryan said:

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At the suggestion of Roxy146 on the Rosemary thread, I decided to look at campaign contributions going to Bryan City Council members. Interestingly enough, Rafter D also made a contribution to council member (and BBC member) Ewers-Shurtleff.

https://docs.bryantx.gov/city_secretary/campaign_finance_reports/EWERS-SHURTLEFF%20MARCA_10312022.pdf
(page 8)

Ewers-Shurtleff served with Gutierrez on the BBC as a voting member during the land deal in April 2022, and was appointed by Gutierrez to replace his seat as a non-voting member in Jan 2023.

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1725
(scroll down to board seats and click on timeline view in the right corner)

Ewers-Shurtleff also served on Planning & Zoning during the April 2022 time frame, again having replaced Gutierrez's seat back in Nov 2020.

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1751
(click on timeline view in the right corner)

In Jan 2023, as mayor, Gutierrez appointed Ewers-Shurtleff to the City of Bryan Audit Committee. (From the website, this committee "Monitors the integrity of the city's financial records reporting process, the systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting and legal compliance, the independence and performance of the city's independent auditors, and the internal audit process.)

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1737

I did not see any campaign contributions made by Rafter D to any other council members other than Gutierrez and Ewers-Shurtleff.

Is it possible that Ewers-Shurtleff knew about the land deal between Rafter D and Gutierrez?

As a side note, a quick FB search shows Ewers-Shurtleff posing in bridal portraits with longhorn cattle and credits Gutierrez. The FB cover photo posting date is March 9, 2021.

Current BBC members:
Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, Kevin Krolczyk, Brett Brewer, Kenneth Lawson, John Bush, Jack Valerius Jr., Randy French, Whitney Wright, Linda Ravey, Wade Beckman, Jon Heidtke, and Austin Bryan

BBC members during the April 2022 land deal:
Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, Bobby Gutierrez, Kevin Krolczyk, Brett Brewer, Kenneth Lawson, John Bush, Jack Valerius Jr., Randy French, Linda Ravey, Greg Owens, Jon Heidtke, and James Edge

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Excellent job collecting facts.

Texags is underrated as a news source. Wonder if someone from the Texas Tribune would be interested?

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So, where exactly is the wrongdoing here? Somebody made a campaign donation?

To get a $1 grazing lease.

Bryan good ole boy network going strong.

Otechno-ag said:

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Tumble Weed said:

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ConcernedCitizenofBryan said:

---

LAt the suggestion of Roxy146 on the Rosemary thread, I decided to look at campaign contributions going to Bryan City Council members. Interestingly enough, Rafter D also made a contribution to council member (and BBC member) Ewers-Shurtleff.

https://docs.bryantx.gov/city_secretary/campaign_finance_reports/EWERS-SHURTLEFF%20MARCA_10312022.pdf
(page 8)

Ewers-Shurtleff served with Gutierrez on the BBC as a voting member during the land deal in April 2022, and was appointed by Gutierrez to replace his seat as a non-voting member in Jan 2023.

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1725
(scroll down to board seats and click on timeline view in the right corner)

Ewers-Shurtleff also served on Planning & Zoning during the April 2022 time frame, again having replaced Gutierrez's seat back in Nov 2020.

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1751
(click on timeline view in the right corner)

In Jan 2023, as mayor, Gutierrez appointed Ewers-Shurtleff to the City of Bryan Audit Committee. (From the website, this committee "Monitors the integrity of the city's financial records reporting process, the systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting and legal compliance, the independence and performance of the city's independent auditors, and the internal audit process.)

https://onboard.bryantx.gov/board/1737

I did not see any campaign contributions made by Rafter D to any other council members other than Gutierrez and Ewers-Shurtleff.

Is it possible that Ewers-Shurtleff knew about the land deal between Rafter D and Gutierrez?

As a side note, a quick FB search shows Ewers-Shurtleff posing in bridal portraits with longhorn cattle and credits Gutierrez. The FB cover photo posting date is March 9, 2021.

Current BBC members:
Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, Kevin Krolczyk, Brett Brewer, Kenneth Lawson, John Bush, Jack Valerius Jr., Randy French, Whitney Wright, Linda Ravey, Wade Beckman, Jon Heidtke, and Austin Bryan

BBC members during the April 2022 land deal:
Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, Bobby Gutierrez, Kevin Krolczyk, Brett Brewer, Kenneth Lawson, John Bush, Jack Valerius Jr., Randy French, Linda Ravey, Greg Owens, Jon Heidtke, and James Edge

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Excellent job collecting facts.

Texags is underrated as a news source. Wonder if someone from the Texas Tribune would be interested?

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So, where exactly is the wrongdoing here? Somebody made a campaign donation?

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That pic posted seemed to show a picture of a longhorn doing a longhorn…exactly what he said didn't happen.

cslifer said:

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That pic posted seemed to show a picture of a longhorn doing a longhorn…exactly what he said didn't happen.

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I thought that was the "mystery bull" from next door. There's your proof, Mr. Mayor, go get your quarter mil.

cslifer said:

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That pic posted seemed to show a picture of a longhorn doing a longhorn…exactly what he said didn't happen.

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2 Longhorn bulls falling in lust with one another is very common in Travis county

techno-ag said:

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So, where exactly is the wrongdoing here? Somebody made a campaign donation?

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Apparently taking wedding photos with longhorns, in 2020, 2 years before the election no less.

I'm pretty sure council members all get put on the various committees. In the link provided (by the new "concerned" rookie account with 5 posts) several other council members were appointed at the same time along with a former councilman. Don't know why 1 of them was targeted. nothing nefarious about serving on boards and committees, which are all volunteer as I understand it. Good lord, that BBC member list has some pretty reputable names and successful business folks on there.

This is an entertaining read and story no doubt, but it's clear the same few folks who stirring the pot are politically motivated. Now they're adding strawmen/women. Grain of salt....

techno-ag said:

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Hornbeck said:

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To get a $1 grazing lease.

Bryan good ole boy network going strong.

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Still not illegal. It's been addressed multiple times in this thread.

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Not illegal, but a very bad look for all involved. Poor judgement and or ethics concerns. Not good for our elected officials.

rockelle said:

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techno-ag said:

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So, where exactly is the wrongdoing here? Somebody made a campaign donation?

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Apparently taking wedding photos with longhorns, in 2020, 2 years before the election no less.

I'm pretty sure council members all get put on the various committees. In the link provided (by the new "concerned" rookie account with 5 posts) several other council members were appointed at the same time along with a former councilman. Don't know why 1 of them was targeted. nothing nefarious about serving on boards and committees, which are all volunteer as I understand it. Good lord, that BBC member list has some pretty reputable names and successful business folks on there.

This is an entertaining read and story no doubt, but it's clear the same few folks who stirring the pot are politically motivated. Now they're adding strawmen/women. Grain of salt....

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I am starting to think that "volunteer" work pays pretty well.