Keller candidates having trouble getting their message out

by Jim Carson of Keller City Limits

Until yesterday, the last time I had spoken to KISD Trustee Randy Pugh was December 3rd, 2005. That was the day that I joined Randy, Jim Maine and others in a grass-roots petitioning effort to bring the Keller Town Center library to a vote. I was a bit surprised to see Randy there, and I asked him, “aren’t you worried about the political downside of getting involved in city politics?” He replied, “it’s my city, too.”

Since that time Randy has gone back to his business on the KISD Board, and I stayed involved in Keller politics. But I always remembered him sticking his neck out to do the right thing. (At the time, none of us could be sure of success.)

My knowledge of KISD business is scarcely more than what I read in the papers, and much of what I’ve read hasn’t been all that kind to Randy and others. The administration is often portrayed as a victim of bullying by Randy and Dr. Farmer. From my unique perspective as a councilman, I seriously doubt that’s true. I know firsthand the extraordinary power wielded by well-paid, full-time administrators who report to unpaid, part-time elected officials.

In talking with Randy it was clear that he’s having trouble telling his side of the story in the newspapers. For example, none of the press reports so far have gone into any detail on Randy’s counter-complaint to the TEA, so I’ll publish it here.

http://kellercitylimits.com/TEA_Complaint.pdf

If the incumbent is having trouble getting his message across, I’m guessing it’s even tougher for the challengers. Anyone who’s been reading this blog for long knows that I’m a big fan of political free speech, and lots of it. So I’ll send usernames and passwords to all candidates in the KISD and Keller elections, so that they may say anything they wish on Keller City Limits.