Ensuring Transparency and Integrity in Our Local Government
Are you concerned about the direction of Mansfield?
As citizens, we deserve transparency, fairness, and accountability from our local government. Yet, recent decisions and actions have left many wondering if our voices are being heard.
Mismanagement of funds, decisions made behind closed doors, and actions that create division are not the Mansfield we know and love.
Economic Climate
If the 2008 financial crisis taught us anything, it is to scrutinize every development thoroughly, considering both fiscal impacts and quality of life implications for our citizens.
Recent developments have raised significant concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility in our city.
Land Swap and New City Hall
The Current City Hall could be expanded. In fact, the school district is placing a public safety building on the existing city hall site.
In February of 2024 the City bought more than 9 acres in one of the most expensive land price areas in Mansfield for an undisclosed price for this project… without voter approval. A total project cost at build out is to estimated cost of $195 Million Dollars.
Question: How will the proposed development on this land generate enough revenue to justify this expenditure?
Soccer & Entertainment Complex
Another major project, with $8.5 million budgeted for design alone, with a projected cost including debt to be $181 million…was also not voted on by citizens. The total cost of this project to build out will approach $271 million. The city claims Mansfield voters approved this project by voting for the sales tax modifications in 2022. Do you remember voting for $181 million?
Question: How does this align with our community’s priorities?
Fire Station Move
Moving the fire station just six blocks will cost roughly $15 million. This decision raises concerns about its impact on traffic and future debt.
Question: Is the city preparing for a 6th fire station instead of moving a fire station?
Program Expansion
Since 2021, over $5.9 million annually has been added for new and expanded programs with most of these costs being for new staff.
Question: How many of these expanded programs are for Core Services?
Development Concerns
Projects like the "New Urbanism" and SOMA zoning have been adopted by the City to reduce traffic and expand the tax base with multi-family developments.
Question: Are these apartments and mixed-use developments truly benefiting the community at the expense of the quality of life of the people who presently live here?
Question: What is the total dollar amount of the incentives promised to the Developments that you have already approved their projects and announced that they are coming?
Out-of-Town Trips and Planning Sessions
Over the past four years, much has been spent on out-of-town strategic planning sessions and development trips to urbanize our community. In the 2025 budget, the city is budgeting $50,000for the out-of-town planning session. Will citizens be able to attend?
Question: Can these expenses be justified, and are they providing value to our taxpayers?
Hiring Ex-Council Member Ex-councilmember
The hiring of an ex-council member on a $220,000 annual contract with additional perks raise ethical questions.
Question: Did his appointment as a contractor meet the City Charter’s requirements at the time he was appointed?
Question: Are you now in the process of changing the City Charter to justify your decision?
Question: Are we treating this contract like any other vendor contract, with appropriate transparency and competition?
Question: Was this “newly created position” a needed position, and if so, why?
Question: Was this hiring a personal favor granted at the expense of the taxpayers?
Remember, this is not YOUR money to spend at will, it’s OUR money, taxpayer money and we have every right to ask for accountability and approval. We ask once again…please involve the Voters in these major choices that you continue to make at the taxpayer’s expense.
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Transparency and accountability start with you. Whether you want to report an issue, volunteer, or simply stay informed, your involvement is crucial.
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