Sapp's Straw Men and Mud Pies

For anyone who is not aware, Ken Sapp is currently a member of the NRH Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z).  He was appointed to his P&Z post by my Council opponent and incumbent, Tim Welch.  He is also the campaign treasurer for John Lewis, another incumbent in this year's election.   Mr. Sapp's writings appear frequently in LocalNewsOnly where he touts the party line for the the Mayor and his clique of incumbents on the NRH City Council.  He is a vocal critic of any who dare question the Trevino clique and apparently feels no shame whatsoever about their numerous ethical problems.   Moreover, he seems to be quite oblivious to his own ethical shortcomings as he hurls absurd charges against any perceived opponent of Trevino and company.  His most recent mudslinging effort was nothing more or less than an attempt to smear those challenging the incumbents in this year's City Council election.  

I am addressing Sapp's phony accusations so that interested NRH residents can judge for themselves if they wish for his style of leadership, and that of the incumbents he serves, to continue as the standard of government in NRH.  Sapp's words (in quotes) and my responses follow:

"...ties to the Libertarian Party. Libertarians support very limited government (some call it anarchy). "

I have no ties to the Libertarian Party nor do I support anarchy.  I do believe in limited government and enumerated powers as defined by the Founders of our nation and the Constitution.   Some of the Founders are quoted throughout this website.  A principal definition of anarchy is "the absence of government". The concept of anarchy is completely inconsistent with that of limited government.  

"They believe individual citizens should have absolutely no restrictions on use of their personal property "

This is complete nonsense.  On the contrary, I advocate reasonable zoning restrictions on property use.  I don't want my property to be devalued any more than you do.  Zoning restrictions, for example, help to insure that mismatched property uses do not exist too close to one another.  Such restrictions are reasonable and necessary.  However, property rights can be abused.  Mr. Sapp thinks the city should be able to seize control of your property without showing a compelling reason or need to do so.  If you are adversely affected by such seizure, so be it.  His actions suggest that he feels no need for your consent or approval in such matters.

"Some of the more extreme Libertarian views include legalization of Drugs, legalization of Internet pornography and the elimination of Social Security. While the candidates on the opposition "slate" have not expressed these views, their Libertarian DNA is clear within the style of campaign rhetoric." 

These allegations are pure fiction.  Sapp even acknowledged this by stating "the candidates on the opposition 'slate' have not expressed these views" yet he proceeds to hurl the charge in the hope that it will stick.  His intentions in doing so are clear and consistent with his style of campaign rhetoric.

"Libertarians run for office more as a means to disrupt local government than to work for the benefits of citizens."

I'll leave it to the Libertarians to address Mr. Sapp's characterization of their intent.  Mr. Sapp often derides opponents for their supposed attempts at clairvoyance while he engages in the very behavior he attributes to them.  One of Mr. Sapp's most pronounced and consistent traits is his hypocrisy.  I have provided a thorough explanation for my candidacy on this website.

"These City Council candidates (West, Christopher, Siskel & Dog, Martin) are very clear as to what they oppose but are extremely and purposefully vague when it come down to the specifics of what they are for." 

Judge for yourself as to how clearly I have addressed the issues of this campaign and what I am for.  I have spent a good deal of time documenting my views which are detailed on this website.  I have also made myself available to answer any questions residents may have about the issues or my campaign.  The incumbents, however, are largely silent on the issues and unavailable to you except, perhaps, at election time.  When they are not defending their Council seats, they feel comfortable making plans for the city and your property at out of town meetings where residents cannot attend and/or influence their decisions.

"Some of the issues they have shown opposition to are: neighborhood parks for our children, two new fire stations that were built this year, new development like Home Town and street improvements such as North Tarrant Parkway."

Mr. Sapp knows that these charges are false.  If I or any of the other candidates have shown opposition to these things, as he has alleged, he is obligated to produce the evidence to support his claim.  He cannot do so because no such opposition exists.  Parks, safety personnel and equipment, streets and other capital improvements are all appropriate uses of the taxpayer's money when spent prudently. 

"In their continuing mantra of being "against" they also suggest that the city spend down all reserve funds so that future emergencies or financial crisis will need to be addressed by other means."

This is yet another fabrication.  No challenger supports or has suggested spending down any reserves.  It is only Mr. Sapp who is guilty of a "continuing mantra of being against", designed to defame any who would challenge his masters on the Council. 

"Libertarian views might make for interesting reading but their extreme, anti government positions and tactics do not resonate with the majority and I don't think they are good for NRH."

Here, Mr. Sapp continues to malign his Libertarian straw men and then he pretends to speak for NRH residents.  As I understand it, you, the voters of NRH, will be the judge of what resonates with the majority.  Express your view by casting your vote.  Early voting begins  on April 20th.  Voting times and locations are available here.

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