Branch Forum

Comments From Our Readers

Comments or messages sent to Branch Forum may be posted on the website along with the identity of the sender. Requests from the sender to remain anonymous or to not have the comment posted will be honored.

Current Issues:

Comments Re: Library Outsourcing

They intend to out-source a lot more than the library! Sanitation, Engineering, etc. - Becky DeGrasse

Hoping for a large turn out! A few councel people are looking at cutting retiree and retirement benefits. :-( Todd Tucker

How about outsourcing the mayor and city council? I'm all for that! Thanks Branch Forum, keep up the great work! - Name Witheld

Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment and can't attend the City Council meeting. Adrien and I will gladly participate in any efforts to keep the city council from making yet another bad decision for the city. Please keep us in the loop. All the Best, Chris

Comments Re: Four Corners Grocery

i like the way they say they will break even in eight years....what a hoot! i love politicians! p

Comments Re: Councilwoman Holmes Condemns Branch Forum are below

From: Ruben Rendon, President, Branch Forum
Subject: “Who Is The Branch Forum?”
Branch Forum is made of up of members with diverse views who do not always agree on issues but who have a common goal, which is to advocate for policies that will advance our city of Farmers Branch. I am the President of the Branch Forum and that is not a secret. The city council knows that I am the President. I have met individually with several council members to express my concerns with the way the city council handles our city's finances. I have been to city council meetings representing Branch Forum and have spoken out against several issues passed by the current council. As United States citizens, we in Branch Forum have inherent rights given to us by the U.S. Constitution. One of these rights is Freedom of Speech. Branch Forum provides accurate data that can be backed up by information on the city website. The reality of our city's finances scare me as it should scare all our taxpayers.

Wow, it is really too bad that you don't even sign this communication with a name. You have certainly alienated me! - Vicki Crow

can you feel the love? - p

I agree. Michelle needs to listen more and talk less. - George

Thank you so much for sharing Michelle Holmes' comments. I had not seen this. It certainly explains a lot of the things I had wondered regarding the Branch Forum's negativity and lack of concern for improving Farmers Branch property values or quality of life. The status quo, or worse yet, going backwards is not an option!

My husband and I have been residents of Farmers Branch for 34 years and the improvements of the last few years have been tremendous. We are proud of our city, hopeful for the future, and supportive of our current City Council. They are doing a great job of looking out for our best interests. Please stop with all the sour grapes, mudslinging, and lies. The more you print, the worse you look, but then that just makes the good guys look even better. - Becky Souter

Re: Brenda Brodrick's Opponent Has Attack Squad at Polls

Your organization IS vial!!! You are the reason politics has a bad taste in mouths. You thrive on low voter turnout. I have tried to be fair-minded about your organization. However you cannot stick to the issues. How sad for Brenda!!! - Ray Graff

via Kat Holmes blog -

I don't think it's right for a law-abiding citizen to live in fear of his or her government, but that's really what I do when it comes down to it. After hearing multiple horror stories and seeing the little white Enforcer trucks up and down the street, I am constantly in fear of being targeted by Code Enforcement for no real reason. Kat, I'm going to admit that I didn't put one of your campaign signs in my yard for fear of guilt by association. I'm sorry, Kat, but I can't afford any spontaneous violations or having to do something like re-pour a whole driveway because there's a crack in it.

There is a principle in real estate we call "quiet enjoyment" of one's property. There is not a shred of that in Farmers Branch. As Kat said, anyone could be the next target of Code Enforcement.

I like to think that I keep my yard tidy. I am allergic to grass so I have a lawn service come every other week and there is never tall grass or stray vegetation creeping onto the sidewalk or driveway. I don't have a fancy golf course house but I have a nice little home in an area Code Enforcement probably considers "undesirable" because it's what we in the real estate business would call a neighborhood of smaller "starter homes." I do my best to keep the grass green and the flower beds planted but I always wonder if it's enough? What exactly constitutes "decorative items?" If I apply the "anything that is not real property or planted vegetation" view, I fear I may be one or two items over the limit of 5. Even though I have a privacy fence, I'm still ultra-leery of doing anything in the back yard that isn't upscale and desirable. Like having outdoor cushions on my outdoor furniture. I have read the litany of violations levied on unsuspecting citizens and it is truly shocking. If the city is really in such financial trouble that they have to increase revenue this way, that's truly sad. Maybe we didn't need to build a pocket park for the good people at that church to look at from across the road. Maybe we didn't need to buy up all that real estate with no plan for it and float bonds against the will of the voters. Oh, but cutting city services and personnel was necessary.

I have only lived in Farmers Branch for about a year and a half. It's a nice little city but I would never have bought a house here had I known about all of this. Not just code enforcement, but the blind-eyed City Council, the fruitless fight against renters and "illegals." This BJ person will probably say that I don't deserve to live in this city, either. I thank the good Lord above that he or she doesn't get to make that call for me or anyone else. I am sure there are places populated only by older, conservative white people where BJ would be welcomed. - Name Witheld

Re: Candidate Forum

Your program letting the candidate express their views was very informative. My compliments to the candidates, moderator, timer and audience for their poise and civility. It was an example of Democracy at work. - Ray Mills

In the city of Dallas, property values fell nearly 5 percent. Farmers Branch had the largest drop among larger cities, 11.1 " In other words.. whatever the Council HAS been doing.. it's not 'working' to raise property values... only taxes. Oh, and tempers.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/yahoolatestnews/stories/052110dnmettaxrolls.25c957f2.html - Gordon DeLand

I again respectfully ask that you remove the following from your site regarding the rezoning issue: "There are no guarantees that one lot won't be sold off for even more profit- or the whole thing and sell to a developer of spec houses. The financial benefit to goes to the owner of the rezoned property while the neighbors get a development that could degrade their property values." This information is outdated and misleading. Anyone who drives by the subdivided lots on Brookhollow/Spur can easily see that construction has begun on both family homes and neither lot is for sale. We are very excited to be a part of your community and would again ask that you stick to truthful statements and opinions on your site. Thank you. Amanda Radle

Branch Forum Response - The focus of the article A Crucial Rezoning Vote is the fact that the Council voted to split the lot in two despite strong opposition from the neighborhood. The opposition was based on the destruction of the area's unique character which had attracted many of its residents. In our opinion, it makes no difference if the 2 houses are occupied by blood relatives or not. The effect on and consequences of the vote to ignore the wishes of neighborhood are the same.

Re: Kris Kobach article - As someone who lived in NC for 52 years, I have had many contacts with the So Poverty Law Center and their opinion would probably put me automatically on the opposite side! Many groups start out OK (they did during the Civil Rights era) but now are strictly political, answering to their financial backers. - Corneia Cree

Re: Kris Kobach article - I read another article almost exactly like this about a year ago. Must have been a different city. Thanks for passing it along. All the Best, Chris

Re: Kris Kobach article - Many thanks to the people behind the scenes at Branch Forum who are working to keep us Farmers Branch residents informed on the issues. I'm especially grateful for Branch Forum when I go into other small cities and towns in north central Texas and see their newspapers & magazines; hear their radio stations promoting local forums, events, etc. It's oh so frustrating to encounter that kind of creative and intelligent community outreach when all our city offers is a lack-lusterTV format with sub-standard "city news" and a website that is more often than not focusing on "style over substance." After reading the two news stories sent out today from Branch Forum I feel like I've gain considerable insight into where our elected officials stand on the misguided immigration legal maneuverings. And we all owe former Councilwoman Carol Dingman a HUGE debt of gratitude for connecting all the dots with the Sand Mountain newspaper so that more light is shed on the remarkable campaign FAIR has orchestrated to have Farmers Branch citizens, among others, foot the bill for their racist campaign against immigrants. She's an astute detective and exceptional citizen. Thanks again. Rita Clarke

Re: Kris Kobach article - And your point is? - Steve Souter

Our point is to provide information so people like you can have an informed opinion. - Branch Forum

I cant believe that the Branch Forum actually thinks that the current city government is doing anything to "ruin" our city. You need to only drive through the neighborhoods north of Vivian Field MS to see that the city has much work to do and will need the support of its residents to make it happen. It's the hold city government that allowed these areas to drop in-line with that of South Dallas. Why don't we allow the entire city to take on the look of this area and see where property value fall. A person does not become overweight in 24 hours. For most, it's months and years of complete neglect. Had the old city government taken better care of the city and not allowed so many areas to become infested with residents that have no vested interest in the city and do not care what it might look light in 5-10 years we would not be in the situation we are in now. When you become as "Fat" as Farmers Branch, you can't lose wight by saying I will stop drinking Coke, you must take drastic measures and I feel that is what they are trying to do. I would be curious as to the average age of the person that submits comments to this website. I am 43 years old and have 2 small children that will (are) being impacted but what we do (or don't do) to improve our city. Stop bitching and start supporting. At the very least, be part of the solution and not part of the problem. - Rob Sawyer

My wife and I did not vote for any encumbents. Our concern is that they are not doing their fiduciary duty......giving the former Supt a $ 100,000 separation payment when she violated many of her contractual rzponsibilities (how did they justify that?). Also, it's oour understanding that we have 1400 teachers and 1400 other staff memberss in the District. When money gets tough, the first area of reduction should be ...adminstrators...NOT TEACHERS....they should be last. That not what you hear in the news, however.
We agree with your City Council recommedations. - Bill Gossell

This article was on the Huffington Post website:

Kris Kobach, Architect Of Arizona Immigration Law SB1070, Is Behind Other Controversial Laws

JOHN HANNA | 05/10/10 04:41 PM |

TOPEKA, Kan. — When politicians and police across the country want to crack down on illegal immigration, they often reach out to the same man: a little-known Kansas attorney with an Ivy League education who is the architect behind many of the nation's most controversial immigration laws.

Kris Kobach could not attend West Point because of diabetes, but he regards his efforts on immigration as a substitute for military service.

"They can't call him trailer park trash, which is the kind of comment you hear about advocates on our side," said Michael Hethmon, director of the Washington-based Immigration Reform Law Institute. Kobach helps draft proposed laws and, after they are adopted, trains officers to enforce them. If the laws are challenged, he goes to court to defend them.

His most recent project was advising Arizona officials on a new law that empowers police to question anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally. Critics say it violates the Constitution's provisions against unreasonable search and seizure by allowing police to engage in racial profiling. But Kobach insists an officer stopping a crowded van for a traffic violation has a reasonable suspicion its occupants are illegal immigrants if none of them has an ID, the van is traveling a known smuggling route and the driver is evasive.

"I could not care less whether they come from Mexico or Germany or Japan or China," said Kobach, who speaks with the affable air of a college professor, even when making cutting political remarks. "An alien who also is here with terrorist intentions can carry any passport. This isn't about race or national origin." Before the law was passed last month, Kobach spent several years consulting with its main sponsor. And he has a $300-an-hour contract to teach deputies in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, to enforce immigration policies.

Detractors are not impressed by Kobach's degrees from Harvard, Oxford and Yale, or the coveted White House fellowship he served during George W. Bush's first term. While at the White House, he created a post-9/11 Justice Department program requiring immigrants from 25 mostly Muslim nations who were already in the U.S. to re-register with the federal government. Civil libertarians argued that it led to unwarranted detentions of law-abiding immigrants.

"He promotes himself as absolutely, positively being a constitutional scholar on these issues, and he's just wrong," said Bill Brewer, a Dallas attorney who has faced off with Kobach in court over immigration laws in Farmers Branch, Texas.

Kobach, a 44-year-old lifelong Republican with movie-star good looks, learned as a Topeka teenager that diabetes would keep him from a desired appointment to West Point. His focus on immigration developed after Sept. 11, when as an aide to Attorney General John Ashcroft, he and other Justice Department officials learned some of the 9/11 attackers had lived in the U.S. illegally. "It was a missed opportunity of tragic dimensions," Kobach said. "That realization struck home with me. People were saying, 'How could we have prevented this?'"

After leaving Washington, he returned to Kansas and to a job on the University of Missouri-Kansas City law school faculty that he'd had since 1996, then launched a campaign for Congress. He lost. But Kobach drew attention by challenging a Kansas law that reduced tuition rates for illegal immigrants. The law survived, but frustrated conservatives took note of his work.

Mayor Lou Barletta, of Hazleton, Pa., called Kobach in 2006 to discuss a proposal to fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and to deny permits to businesses hiring them. Kobach later defended the law in federal court. The mayor said he contacted Kobach after a news report quoted him saying Hazleton had the authority to enact such an ordinance, contradicting other legal scholars. "It really only took one conversation to realize that he truly knew what he was talking about," Barletta recalled.

Kobach largely wrote and then defended a similar ordinance in Valley Park, Mo., that was upheld by a federal appeals court.

Last year, he defended Farmers Branch, Texas, in a federal lawsuit targeting its landlord law. And this year, he represented residents of Fremont, Neb., outside Omaha, as they forced a vote on their own immigration proposals.

Federal judges struck down the Farmers Branch and Hazleton ordinances, but both are on appeal. Kobach also wrote sections of a 2008 Missouri law cracking down on illegal immigration and this year drafted an unsuccessful proposal in Idaho requiring employers to screen workers. Kobach said he's consulted with legislators in at least six other states on various measures. "I would say he is the brain behind most of them," said Muzaffar Chishti, director of the Migration Policy Institute's office at the New York University School of Law.

Kobach, elected Kansas state GOP chairman in 2007, quit early last year to launch a campaign for secretary of state. His first proposal for legislators: require new voters to prove citizenship when they register and make all voters show photo IDs at the polls.

"You can take steps to address the national security issues and still be left with the problem of millions of people here illegally taking jobs in a recession from lawful residents," he said.

Critics suggest Kobach's immigration work is designed to boost his political career. A "Krazy Kris Kobach" website features an anonymous blogger who exhorts followers to end Kobach's career. Arizona state Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, a Phoenix Democrat and attorney who voted against her state's new law, said Kobach is not to be underestimated. "What I'm concerned about," she said, "is there are all these legislators in all these states who think he's a good guy and want to take his advice." - Michael Morgan

May 8, 2010 - One of my neighbors knocked on my door this afternoon and asked if I knew about the meeting concerning the skate park at the rec center at 6:30. As usual the city had not notified any of the neighbors, just as we were not made aware of the building of the skate park. Our first notice was the mailing that the skate park was opening. Once again the city spent $40,000 (reportedly) of our money and no input from the neighbors or thought as to the impact. We had expected someone from the city (mayor/councilman) to be at the meeting, but no one. We have questions that only someone from the city can answer. There were more skaters there than "neighbors", but I will say that I believe the skaters have a greater understanding of what we are asking of them. We are jsut asking that they stop the foul language both in the park and when walking through the neighborhoods and the litter that either blows or is dropped in our yards. At the beginning of the meeting I believe that they thought we wanted the park shut down which is not true at all. Our utmost concern is the safety of the skaters and the neighbors. I believe that the skaters understand our concerns about the litter in our yards and the foul language and they promised to better "police" themselves. I believe that they understand that they have a responsibility to follow the rules and be "good neighbors" in order to keep the park open. I believe the greatest concern of the neighbors is external influences - several neighbors have smelled marijuana on several different occasions. On Monday or Tuesday 5 squad cars reponded to a problem and the next day there was a "monitor" and the park hours were restricted. I could not find out what happened and therefore do not know if it was a problem with any of the skaters or "external" cause. Someone needs to answer our questions concerning monitoring, liability, restrictions, et c. I am aware of the sign that says "Skate at your own risk". Most of the skaters are minors and if one of them gets injured and the parents sue the city, the sign will not mean squat in court. We want answers to these and other questions from the mayor or city council or city attorney. Thank you for your attention to this matter. - Michele Mummert

It seem that Councilman Scott received the highest number of votes of 1519 votes, out of a city of nearly 30,000 plus in the 2010 elections. That means only 5.06 % of the City of Farmers Branch citizens voted and that 5.06% now will set the agender for the city that the other 28,481 will live under. It is a very sad state of a fairs when so many care so little for the city they live within. When taxes are raised in the next budget to pay for things so many voted against, I don't want to hear one word from those who didn't support their local govenment by taking 30 minute to express their wants for our city at the polls on May 8, 2010. - Vernon R. Smith

Subject: Corrections One of my opponents has made false claims against me in his resent campaign advertisements. The claims are that rental homes under my control have several code violations against them and that I have changed my view on the way Farmers Branch is managing illegal immigration legislation. Both of these claims are false. Here are the facts. No code violations exist on any of the properties under my control. This is true today, was true when I began my campaign, and was true when my opponent mailed his campaign literature. I am opposed to all illegal activities, including immigration. My concern with the current legislation regarding illegal immigration is not with its purpose, but rather with its process. We have little evidence that the current legislation will be allowed to endure. We have much evidence that the current legislation will be costly to defend. In a time of recession, I believe these costs should be tempered. This has been my position since I began my campaign. More detail on these issues is available for review at my campaign web site: www.brendabrodrick.com.

Thank you, Brenda Brodrick

I think it is groups like Branchforum that is leading to the ruin of FB. Forus is closed minded, stingy, selfish, and perhaps paid off by the Mexicans and ACLU who want to drive FB into the ground. The old guard moss backs like Judy Bird, Mayor Phelps and others stood around as FB decayed and did nothing to stop the rotting. Now we are full of low class Mexicans who have let large swaths of the city go into a free fall and this has driven business out of town. As far as vialble businesses at four corners, it all catered to third world residents and didn't contribute to the city tax base. I am tired of groups like Branch Forum who talk out of both sides of your mouth. What would you propose to redevelop four corners? What do you propose to develop the area around the Dart station? What do you propose to bring in a better demographic to build up the tax base of FB? Time for the Br anch Forum to step up with ideas. I am willing to pay higher property taxn order to help increase my property value. Groups like the Forum make me want to sell and move out of FB. - Joe Newsome

Response to Mr. Newsome's email to Branch Forum. We will take each of Mr. Newsome's points and respond to them, but first we should remind him that there are programs on his word processor that check for grammatical and spelling mistakes. The reason for this comment is that Mr. Newsome's email was embarrassing to people who speak and write English and who use correct vocabulary, syntax and punctuation when writing.

Point 1 He writes that, "I think it is groups like Branchforum that is leading the city to the ruin of FB." We are only aware of one group that informs the residents of Farmers Branch on the critical issues facing the City, and that would be Branch Forum. We do not understand how informing the public is leading the city to ruin. A closed society without free speech is not in our Constitution.

Point 2 "Forus is closed minded,...drive FB into the ground." Mr. Newsome will be happy to note that Branch Forum is supported by people of all races, religions and party affiliations. In fact, what makes Branch Forum relevant is that its Board is diverse and do not always agree on all the issues. We receive contributions from a variety of people and to our knowledge we have not received a donation from the ACLU.

Point 3 "The old guard moss backs...this has driven business out of town." We think Mr. Newsome is referring to Charlie Bird and Mayor Phelps, because we do not know a Judy Bird. He appears to blame the previous City Council and the Mayor for Farmers Branch problems. We agree there are problems but they have been caused by the current City Council and Mayor O'Hare. We also agree that businesses have been driven out of Farmers Branch but it has occurred during the current regime governance.

Point 4 "As far as vialble...to bring in a better demographic to build up the tax base of FB?" If Mr. Newsome had read any of the articles written by Dr. Jeffery Rous which are found on the Branch Forum website he would not have asked that question. We do not understand what he means by better demographics, but we think he is referring to having only people of a certain color and socioeconomic status in Farmers Branch. This is the old Highland Park argument. Mr. Newsome, Farmers Branch has never been and will never be Highland Park.

Point 5 "Time for the Branch Forum...make me want to see and move out of FB." Again we point to Dr. Rous article on the 4 corner for ideas on redevelopment. Finally Mr. Newsome, although you appear to be an ignorant, uninformed, and hateful person we do not want you to move out of Farmers Branch. That is not our goal. Branch Forum is here to inform, analyze and advocate for policies that will advance Farmers Branch. We support candidates that we feel will support policies that will improve our city, and to raise funds for those candidates.

NOTE: We will continue to post comments from readers no matter their views, but we will only respond when a reader asks a question or we feel that the reader has lost touch with reality.

I just received a email from the city of Farmers Branch, telling me the council passed an ordinance that all future collection for the alarms in Farmers Branch will be paid to ATB. Have we gotten so big that we now farm out book keeping work out of the city. We were told the funds was needed to pay the Police to do their original work of catching the Bad Guys.....Now we are willing to give a percent of the fee away to someone else.....Do we now brace for a fee increase for the extra funds.....If we would keep the offices off of 635 and IH 35 they might do better working in the city....Oh, I forgot they are out there for one reason and that is to give tickets for more money to the City......Some times I feel we are back in the jungle where the strong feed off the weak are the dieing. - Vernon Smith

How can you say that Frank Shor is the only candidate in the Place 6 race for the C-FB ISD school board that "understands the current environment of the district" when I've been in the district as an administrator, teacher, and coach for the last FORTY YEARS??? Good grief!!! - John Mathews

Your candidates stink! They will set our city back years! - Rob Sawyer

Sent to the Mayor and City Council: I read this story below during my morning prayers the day of your decision regarding the immigration issue. I meant to email each of you that day but got busy with my duties for the shop. I want to share it with you now even though you've already made your decisions. Better late than never...

An old poem tells the story of a woman who was walking through a meadow one day. As she strolled along meditating on nature, she came upon a field of golden pumpkins. In the corner of the field stood a majestic oak tree. The woman sat under the oak tree and began musing about the strange twists in nature. Tiny acorns hung on huge branches while huge pumpkins sat on tiny vines. She thought God had blundered with creation. He should have put the small acorns on the tiny vines and the large pumpkins on the huge branches. Before long, the warmth of the autumn sunshine lulled the woman to sleep. She was soon awakened, however, by a tiny acorn bouncing off her nose. Chuckling to herself, she amended her previous thinking. Maybe God was right after all!

In every situation, God knows far more about the people and circumstances involved than we can every know. He alone sees the beginning from the ending. He alone knows how to create a master plan that provides for the good of all those who serve him. Today, trust in him and his plan - it may seem backwards, but he always does what is best.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."

I just wanted you to know that I don't know why so many illegal aliens are here. But do know they put fruit in our stores and build our roads and slaughter our meat and many other duties that I prefer not to have to do. So I am thankful for many of their efforts. One complaint I heard the night of the meeting was they don't want to pay for them...but found it funny they'd pay millions to fight them. They generally have low paying jobs and are poor and that is why so many of the are on the free lunch program. I heard one of the citizens speak and she said more than 70% of them are on it. I have friends children (who are white) that are on it too.

I myself and all my family when we lived in Edinburg Tx (near the Mexican boarder) 30 years ago needed this program and were on it as my family was too poor. So being white in a 95% Hispanic populated area...I know what it is like to be the minority and I'll have you know they never treated me this way. They paid for my meals then and I want you to know I am willing to pay for theirs now.

For the most part I thought the meeting went well except for a boisterous Hispanic man who I don't recall the name of was a bit antagonistic and as he left a member asked where he lived as if to threaten him. Other than that I I was proud of how the rest of the citizens kept this emotional issue at bay and did not let things get out of hand.

The other thing I read that morning that I thought most applied to the situation that day was Luke 10:27... Luke 10:27 (New International Version) ²⁷He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'^[a]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'^[b]" I ask each of you who I'm sure claim to be a Christian. Are you doing these things?

I don't know any of you except for Mr. O'hare who offices literally 100 feet from my shop maybe in downtown Carrollton. He advised me one day regarding my recent auto purchase which I was thankful for him taking his valuable time to assist. I also wanted to thank each of you as I have served on boards previously in Sachse Tx and know the amount of work and sacrifice each of you make. I know you've made your decision but hope and pray you consider the words above and I will continue to pray for your guidance and that love abounds in your life and in the life of those you serve.

As for me I try to remember 1 Peter 4:8-9 as often as I can. "Above all else, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." "And offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." I realize that this event has more powerful players than just the citizens of Farmers Branch and its Council. I hope that you don't listen to me or the citizens or others outside but to the one who created us all. May God bless you and guide you during these times of difficulty. Humble yourself and do what is in your heart out of love not fear or pride or misunderstanding. Thanks for your time and service. - Charles Dean Bowen

It's very sad and wasted of time and money. A year ago, I substituted at a local school nearby at Stonewall Jackson Elementary in Dallas while waiting for kids being picked up by the parents. One young Hispanic boy in 5th grade asked me where I lived. "Farmers Branch", I replied with a smile. He said in a blunt but politely, "There are bad people live there". I was surprised with his response. I said, "Do I look like a bad person?" He said, "No, but heard on the news what happened to the people lives in an apt wanted to be moved out". I said," Yes, I have heard that too. It's pretty sad". "Think is wrong?", I asked. He said, "Yes, there are good people like me." then he got to go when his parents came to pick him up. He waved back with a smile. A 5th grade boy doesn't understand why we (white) people are doing to the outside of the people. It's just a city, a place where they have a dream of hope and freedom. Why shove them back to a hard life where there is no hope for them? Think of an innocent 5th grade boy who is smart, healthy with full of hope and dreams. - Name Witheld

Re: legal costs:

It's a waste of money and time. What have they done to make so much money but done nothing! We could use money for something else wisely. - MK

Matt Wenthold was quoted by the Dallas Morning News on April 30th saying that Illegal Immigration isn't a "big problem" in FB. Lets say for just a moment that Matt is correct in his statement that we don't have a problem and that the majority of the hispanic community in FB is legal with the registered ability to vote and have there voice be heard. Now lets back up 3 years and ask why with such a large hispanic population of registered voters the ordinance in question passed by such a huge number? How could they have allowed that to happen? I also noticed that Brenda Brodrick (while not wanting to be interviewed by the DMN for some reason) responded by email to them that FB has an over zealous code enforcement program that she says prevents community cohesion and a "front Porch commity. I bet it also makes it a bit more difficult dealing with a few of those rent houses she owns. She goes on to say that the citizens of FB are dissatisfied with the "forced beautification" program. Now lets review, Matt says we don't have an illegal immigration problem and Brenda thinks the city is becoming way to beautiful and doesn't like the fact that her neighbors call the city with code violation on her properties. She must be talking about herself because I live in the city and have certainly never voiced my opionion to her nor have I been asked to. Now that I think about it, a certain City Council candidate has had an unregistered boat and trailer in the driveway for more that 4 years but I guess thats OK with Brenda. Please do not mention my name. I appreciate your website! - Name Witheld

where was the option for a liquor store and a strip club, that is what i want in there! - paul
Re: Four corners Survey - a humorous comment from a reader

Great website with only one complaint ... please update your election info on the "contribute" page ... the bond election was one year ago. Info on current election day and early voting dates/locations would be good. Thanks! - Pam Binford

Thanks for catching that. We've done the correction - Branch Forum

I might suggest that since the State of Arizona has stepped into the picture and will certainly be going to the Supreme Court with this that it is time Tim and the council quit squandering our tax dollars away on what is a federal issue. - Mike

I wonder if they went in together and got a discount on their ad costs using the same printer? An indicator of more unanimous actions to come? - Ed

(Ed is referring to similarity between Tim Scott's and David Koch's postcards he recieved this week - Branch Forum)

who do you think is going to pay for this? maybe we should put toll booths up at every entrance to farmers branch, with no charge to proven residents. jobs increase, revenue increases, poor people have to go around the city...it is a win, win situation! - paul

Our politicians are elected in part to uphold the law. What part of "illegal" alien do they not understand?! It is the tyranny of the weak that supports the position that it costs too much to enforce the law. Farmers Branch should stand its ground. It is not too much to ask that residents who have access to city tax provided goods and services be properly documented. - Stephen McWilliams

WE should be standing behind our city council. WE should be joining forces with the great State of Arizona. WE need to stand up for our zoning rights, ordinances and city government as WE the people have voted to enact sound laws to protect ourselves, OUR city, OUR state and OUR nation. The federal government is NOT protecting us and we need to do whatever it takes, within our power, to see to it that our national security is not breached. Unfortunately, it has been and it is time to take our country back and put in safe hands again. Thank God for our city's leaders who are striving to do just that. Taxes, well this is one time I won't mind using tax money to stand up for OUR rights. - Marie Wood

I fully support the lawsuit. ALL THE WAY to the Supreme Court! The People of Farmers Branch voted to follow this road. YOU have never supported it for your own reasons, contrary to ethics, morality, common sense, and long term economics.

If this extra money for appeal is wasted, it will be to prove a legal point and establish principle.
But to fold our cards NOW, would be to voluntarily decide to have wasted the money spent thus far!!!

I am opposed to illegal immigrants, SCOFFLAWS being present in the City of Farmers Branch. I am ASHAMED that there are organized groups within Farmers Branch who OPENLY ADVOCATE VIOLATION OF THE LAW, destruction of property values, undermining our education establishment, overburdening our healthcare systems, and LYING stating that they are somehow for truth and justice! What next? Prostitution, kiddy porn, drug dealing?? Oh, that's right! THOSE are things we are resisting by fighting AGAINST illegal immigrants in this City!

What a TOTAL FRAUD you are, Moderator! - C. W. M.

to Branch Forum via Kat Holmes-

I'm so glad I discovered the Branch Forum after getting a door flyer. Good to know there are intelligent leaders (you, Matt Wenthold, Dr. Rous) in FB that embrace diversity and want to build a sense of community. I love to hear that you're interested in getting input and involvement from the citizens, especially fresh ideas from the younger folks. A lot of what we have to say may be impractical, but sometimes you need to think big and throw 100 ideas against the wall before one sticks. I live next to the NE 4-Corner so I'm especially interested in making the most of this opportunity. There's a lot of potential here that needs a solid, long term vision/plan. Dr. Rous has some great ideas for this development, with an emphasis on getting people together, giving them a reason to hang out for a while, exchange diverse ideas, just interact in general. I know it's late in the game but please let me know if I can help out with the campaign (yard > signs, etc.). You have our votes and I'll spread the word. Maybe even go have a chat with the neighbor that has a Tim Scott sign in their yard :) - Matthew Moser

Well you sent out a survey asking the residents if we wanted to have more of our money spent to fight for Ord 2952...We voted and we said to stop 78 %, yet you went ahead and disregarded the residents wishes.. Why did you waste the time, paper and what ever expense, when you knew how you were going to vote? Residents...next time...I guess we can just forget about surveys...it doesn't do any good...City Council is going to do what they want... they have the power... I am voting against ever current council member... however, I haven't actually read how the "new" canidates feel. I think they are keeping their true feelings hidden...so they can get more votes... Might end up in the same sinking boat, but will have to try... C. J.

I am against the spending of any more money on the illegal alien case. Please, Farmers Branch Mayor, do not do this. You have been told 'no' more than once. Pay attention. A much better use of the money - any money - is to have a recycling program set up. A decent one, not the inane one we had before that did not work. Call Plano and ask them how theirs works and then get it set up. This is Earth Day....do it for the city you SAY you love. Please. - J. Myers

Response to Mr. Kirby from Branch Forum -

Mr. Kirby is obviously upset, but his comments comfirm the wisdom of the choice we made recommending his opponent. There are many differences between the governance of the city and an ISD, any ISD. Basically a home rule city has all kinds of latitude to set tax rates, establish fees, borrow money, provide tax abatements, etc. Plus cities need to just provide services that people will accept; these are not set by state law or by the Texas Education Agency as they are for ISDs.

The city has a variety of enterprise funds that can be managed to balance budgets; in fact the Council swept a million or so dollars from the water fund to the general fund in order to balance the budget for the current year, rather than have a deficit that would have drawn the fund balance down.

I wanted to respond to the mailing of the Branch Forum which was received in the mail yesterday. First of all it is ludicrous to harp on the expenses and money the city council is spending, only to voice an opposing view on the school board issues. The city at least has maintained a balanced budget. The school board has not had a balanced budget in over three years.

So, in conclusion, The Branch Forum is an organization filled with hypocrisies. And I will add the last elections the two school candidates that were denounced by your organization won handily. I will therefore not endorse by any further participation in this organization and will steer future candidates away from such a biased, unhearing, worthless expense of time.

David Kirby, Candidate for CFBISD Board of Trustees Place 6 214-755-6645

It's ridiculous that the city council wants to continue. Mr. Koch and Mr. Scott won't be getting my votes -Steve Beverly

I agreed with all the endorses that the Branch Forum has made save ONE. The CFBISD endorsement of Attorney Frank Shor....someone has a short memory at the Forum...during the time our wonderful Supt. got the DWI out at DFW she broke her contract by not advising the ISD Borard of her promblems within 3 days per her contract she was re-placed then but when Mr. Shor found out she was going to sue the CFBISD Mr. Shor jumped in and made the motion to pay the Supt. a large amount of money just to go away even thou the ISD was in the right. For some reason the CFBISD did not want to have the courts to enter into the CFBISD business....that was my tax money that was just given away and there are a few other things Mr Shor has caused problems along the way....No, I believe the Forum made a large mistake by endorsing the Attorney Frank Shor Thanks for allowing me to express my views. - Vernon Smith

So The People fell for the latest assertion by the city council: that we are only a mere $150,000 away from solving the illegal immigration problem for the entire nation. Wow. We should send our entire City Council to Washington. - Kat Holmes, FB City Council Candidate Place 4

following is a message I've sent to each council member and their leader. I am appalled and furious that the you and the city council are considering appealing, once again, an unconstitutional and unlawful ordinance. How many times do you need to hear that this is not good. You keep saying that "the city overwhelmingly voted for this ordinance and that you are doing what the citizens want." You use this excuse only when it benefits your choices. You do not listen to citizens who vote against a bond issue; you do not listen to citizens who speak about what they want in their neighborhood, Brookhollow. You just don't listen to anyone who does not agree with you, and you retaliate when you can. Temper gets you into trouble. Pride keeps you there. it takes one 15 to 20 year old tree to make enough paper for only 700 grocery bags - take your own bag shopping Diane Graifemberg

Dear Concerned Resident,
The only recourse that we have is to VOTE. Attend the city council meeting and let your voice be heard. The City Council issue Certificates of Obligation to get around the NO vote. Again they did not listen to the people. At that meeting both Mr. Scott and Mr. Koch said that if we did not like their vote to let them know at election time. Now is our chance to let them know that disregarding our vote will cost them. Thank you for your email.
Ruben Rendon
President, Branch Forum

Mr. Rendon, Is there any recourse, we the residents of Farmers Branch can take to impeach or other legal actions against this City Council? If the voters voted NO to the 30 million dollar bond, and this arrogant Council disregards our vote, seems like we should have some recourse. Isn't this against the law to ignore a vote? - Concerned resident!!!

We plan on following your recommendations on election day - Bill Gossell

Some day we hope you realize that you are defeated in fight with the people of Farmers Branch. We have voted on these issues and you are troubled people supporting criminals. Give it up! - Gary Burrow

I have a general question: Why is there a Spanish reading section in our local Farmers Branch Library? Is this paid for with my tax dollars? Why are our trash bags printed in Spanish? -Thanks, (Please do not publish my name and or information.)

"but they say that we really didn't vote NO. They say we voted MAYBE" I recall hearing something like that recently from Washington DC about health care legislation, referring to those objecting to the takeover of health care by government, "they don't know what's good for them" or something like that. I wonder what the $3+Million FB has spent will have accomplished if the current administration in DC gives illegal immigrants amnesty? - Ed

We could win the war on immigration but in the end city services, plans for redevelopment would go to back burner because of lack of funds. Until Washington gets a backbone, this issue will continue to drag us down. - Sharon Hunsaker

RE: Immigration Ordinances - I have voted for this , I want my vote to count for something, It seems we just do it so we can be told, thanks for voting but you just wasted your time. I don't know about anyone else, but I tried for it ! - Paulette Merritt