Councilman Paul Ford turns himself in to Duncanville police

by Brian Allen of Best Southwest Citizen

If chaos is at unprecedented levels, it’s just election time in Duncanville. District 3 Councilman Paul Ford surrendered to authorities earlier this evening on a charge of disruption of a public meeting, a Class B misdemeanor.

The charges stem from Ford’s already famous decision to stand up and submit to arrest at the April 7 meeting (see video below). Ford fell while being escorted out of council chambers and was taken to Methodist Charlton Hospital, where reporters were among his most frequent visitors.

The debate began over Ford’s hardline stance against red light cameras, but has escalated as Ford accuses Mayor David Green of abusing his power and Green has countered saying Ford is making a mockery of meetings. Since the briefing session before the April 7 meeting, Ford has said he will submit to a jury trial and expects acquittal. He reiterated those comments when he turned himself in today.

Ford’s arrest is the latest development in a two-year conflict with Green. After another disagreement ended a joint city council/school district meeting after seven minutes, both sides became more entrenched. During the briefing session Ford basically announced his intention to submit to arrest, while Green basically announced Ford would be arrested if he continued his present behavior.

Neither side budged, leading to the bizarre spectacle of a sitting council member being arrested during his re-election campaign. It was already a race drawing interest in the City of Champions, as former councilman Anthony Skinner is challenging for his old position. Now the District 3 race has drawn the attention of much of the Metroplex. Stay tuned to this race, folks, as there is absolutely no telling what might happen next.