How it Got Started and Chronological History

          The original webmaster of the official Voters United to Preserve Flower Mound 1996-2008 website has granted us permission to use limited excerpts. The group stopped endorsing candidates in 2004 but continued to assist neighborhoods with development and environmental concerns through 2008.  The original website went offline in 2009 and the PAC dissolved.  

          Voters United to Preserve Flower Mound was a Political Action Committee formed by Lori DeLuca in 1996.  It started out as a group of homeowners working around a kitchen table to counter the clout of development interests/PAC’s and to oppose continued master plan amendments following the approval of the 1994 Master Plan.  Eventually residents elected DeLuca as Mayor in 1997 and a similarly minded council.  By that time explosive growth combined with Master Plan Amendments were leading to an infrastructure crisis (water and traffic) and loss of community character.

          The land and development community, and Chamber of Commerce leadership at the time, was outraged at DeLuca’s election and shortly thereafter created a weekly tabloid called “The Messenger” (also known as "The MessANGER") that regularly criticized and harassed the DeLuca administration and Voters United, unsuccessfully sued the Town, Voters United and individual members, and promoted their own candidates.  

          A year after leaving office, DeLuca's longtime opponents pursued false elections violations against her even though the Texas Ethics Commission stated there were no violations.  DeLuca was acquitted of any wrong doing in 2005, with Judge Victor French noting that this was all concocted by opponents who wanted to ensure she never ran for office again.  

          While development and land interests were active through their own well-funded PAC's, they strongly objected to Flower Mound homeowners forming their own, while referring to the homeowners as "special interests".

       The main historical copycat groups, with different goals, were “We  Are Voters United, Too”, and “Voters United to Protect and Unify Flower Mound”.  In addition, there were a number of other PAC's with misleading names that hid their real intent - to dismantle the Master Plan and SMARTGrowth.  These PAC's funneled money from land and development interests and their professional PAC's.  

HOW VOTERS UNITED GOT STARTED

The 1994 Master Plan

- Involved 18 months of work, $500,000 and countless public hearings before approval.

- Created primarily to decrease the total population at build-out to 120,000. The previous Master Plan provided for a much higher total.  (In fact, buildout was reduced to 93,000 in the 2001 Master Plan - even after annexation of western Flower Mound, due to problems discovered with the calculation methodology.)

Justification for reducing total population build-out:

          - Concerns about increasing traffic, overcrowding schools and overburdened infrastructure

          - Developers can build houses far more quickly than:

                    a.) The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) can build roads 

                    b.) the Town can build roads, wastewater treatment and utilities 

                    c.)  the school district can build schools.

 

 Amendments for Increased Residential Density

          As land and development interests became ready to develop their property, they influenced the Town Council such that the 1994 Master Plan was ignored for their own financial benefit. Overflow crowds of concerned residents voicing their objections were ignored as well.

                     *** 14 Master Plan amendments were requested in 1995; 11 were approved.***

 MPA 4-96 - Saddle Oaks


( Note: MPA 4-96 = the 4th request for a Master Plan Amendment in 1996)  Increase from rural density to estate density (from 1 house per 2 acres to 1 house per 1 acre)

        Cole McDowell – Heatherwood Development says "2 acre lots are "not sellable".

        Nearby resident Lori DeLuca organizes other homeowners to begin attending Planning and Zoning meetings and educating the other residents about the developer’s plans. With each meeting, a larger and more insistent group of homeowners demands their concerns be considered.

       After six months and numerous public hearings, the Planning & Zoning Commission denies the request on October 14, 1996.

 

MPA 2-97- Saddle Oaks  

(A second attempt by the same developer to increase from rural density to estate density - from 1 house per 2 acres to 1 house per 1 acre.)

       Developer - Cole McDowell – Heatherwood Development

       The Planning & Zoning Commission denies the request on February 10, 1997.

       The development, which is now known as Immel Estates, was then developed by the same developer in accordance with the Master Plan. Contrary to McDowell’s claims that 2-acre lots were not sellable, a waiting list grew of homebuyers anxious for these larger lots.  (McDowell was also the developer of Parker Square, and failed developer of Riverwalk)

 

 MPA 3-97 - Rippy Road

 (Increase from estate density to medium density (1 house per acre to 4.5 houses per acre)

       Developer - Blake Reed – McEwen Partners

       Voters United circulates a petition stating opposition to increased residential density anywhere in Flower Mound. Ninety-seven percent of petitioned residents sign the petition and feel that the Master Plan is a “contract” between the Town and its residents.

       Mayor Larry Lipscomb casts the tie-breaking vote to deny the request on July 21, 1997.

       Voters United now realizes that there is a continuous need for their assistance and begins reaching out to increase membership throughout the town. A united voice of citizens becomes the only way to counter the mounting influence and pressure by developers to amend the Master Plan for increased residential density.

       (In 1997 Rippy Road resident Patsy Mizeur contacted Voters United for assistance to fight the density.  After moving to a different neighborhood, she supported the same high density for Rippy Road in 2014 - her former neighborhood.)

 

MPA 4-97 - Hecht Tract  

(Increase from medium density to high density (from 3 houses per acre to 5 or more houses per acre)

       Developer - David Blom - Wilbow Corporation, Inc.

       The developer requests an amendment to the Master Plan for increased residential density so that he will be able to “compete effectively in the Flower Mound market.”

        Voters United informs the Town and the developer in writing that they will actively and aggressively oppose this request for increased residential density.

       The developer withdraws his request on June 20, 1997.

 

 MPA 5-97 - Bridlewood Addition  

(Increase residential density on property immediately west of Remington Park from estate density to medium density: from 1 house per acre to 4.5 houses per acre. Originally submitted March 1997.)

       Developer - Marc Footlik – Bridlewood Ltd.

       While telling current and prospective Bridlewood residents that this property would remain 1-acre estates, the development company was at the same time petitioning the Town Council for the density increase.

       Residents ask Voters United for help, and 1,151 signatures are collected. In spite of the petition and overwhelming opposition, the Planning & Zoning Commission approves the request and forwards it to the Town Council with a recommendation for approval.

  According to state law, if a petition opposed to a zoning change or Master Plan amendment is signed by 20% of the owners of the adjacent property within 200 feet of the notification area, a super majority vote (4 out of 5) would be needed for approval of the request.

  

       On September 15, 1997, before an overflowing crowd of opposition, the Town Council accepts Footlik’s request to postpone the vote. Footlik said the past 6 months was “not enough time” to have scheduled a meeting with residents near the proposed development.



       Voters United members learn it is a common tactic for developers to postpone their proposals.



       On September 19, 1997 another Voters United petition is drafted and signed within 2 hours in accordance with the requirements. On September 20, 1997 Footlik withdraws his request again prior to the next Town Council meeting.

       This property was then developed by the same developer in compliance with the Master Plan and is now Bridlewood Farms, a beautiful neighborhood of one-acre lots surrounding a first-class equestrian center.

 

MPA 9-97 - Bakers Branch

(Increase from campus commercial to medium residential density- 4.5 houses per acre)

       Developer - Waymon Levell - Crescent Real Estate Equities, Ltd.

       The developer states that the Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) owns the adjacent property and will build a school there, even though LISD states that they have no plans to build a school at that location. (School districts sometimes buy land simply as an investment.) Levell claims that a new housing development would mean children would not have to cross a main road (Gerault Road) to attend school. He also incorrectly states that the property is adjacent to residential areas and park land.

Voters United argues that LISD has never submitted plans and may never build a school there. 

       Also, the property is located in the area designated by the Master Plan as the southern commercial corridor, which is an area designated for commercial development specifically to generate commercial tax revenue in order to reduce the tax burden on homeowners. 

       Voters United correctly proves that the adjacent properties are 2 commercial sites and floodplain. No residential areas and no park land touch the proposed site.

  

       In spite of significant opposition, the Planning & Zoning Commission approves the request on September 22, 1997 and the Town Council approves the request on November 3, 1997.

  (Note: Councilman Ted Reeves had signed a Voters United questionnaire stating he would never vote to increase residential density and he also made this campaign promise numerous times during his campaign. However, he casts the deciding vote in favor of this increase and also becomes a realtor. Voters United withdraws its support of Reeves.

)

       This development is now known as Baker’s Branch. LISD never built a school on the adjacent property and eventually traded the property for land elsewhere. A new elementary school (Bluebonnet) and a new middle school (Shadow Ridge) were eventually built on the other side of Gerault Road. Now children from this subdivision must cross a major road to attend the existing schools. In addition, the Town lost the opportunity to increase its commercial tax base and instead incurred extra infrastructure expenses.

 

-------MAY 1998 Mayor Lori DeLuca and a new majority Town Council is elected.-------

Vicki Fulfer becomes President of Voters United to Preserve Flower Mound

 

 MPA 3-98 - North of Spinks Road and West of Foxborough Drive

(Increase from campus commercial to low density residential - 3 homes per acre)

       Developer - Ken Prater - H & K Development/Howard Homes

       The Planning & Zoning Commission denies the request on July 14, 1998.

       The developer appeals the decision to the new Town Council, including Mayor Lori DeLuca, Tom Cawthon, Ted Baze, and Cindy Travis.  

Voters United shows its support for the new council and its intention of mobilizing when necessary against residential density increases.

 The new Town Council denies his request on November 3, 1998.

 

 No further requests for increased residential density were submitted to Mayor Lori DeLuca’s

-------administration (May 1998 through May 2004.-------

 

 

VOTERS UNITED CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY

August 1996

          Lori DeLuca establishes Voters United to Preserve Flower Mound. She unites with other homeowners in order to counter the political clout of those with development interests.  The constant amendments to the 1994 Master Plan had begun to significantly increase residential density, without thought to the long-term effects, especially on the Town’s infrastructure.  Members attend Planning & Zoning meetings and Town Council meetings, and disseminate information to other residents.

 

May 1997

          Voters United supports non-members Bill Carr, Rick Randall, and Ted Reeves for Town Council after they all indicate on a Voters United questionnaire that they would not support increased residential density although they later disappoint in office.  The incumbents refuse to answer. 

          - Ted Reeves wins against Wayne Wilkerson for Place 1.

          - Rick Randall wins against Chris Miles for Place 3.

          - Bill Carr wins against Steve Mossman for Place 5.

 

September 1997

          A Political Action Committee (PAC) called "Flower Mound’s Future" is formed to oppose Voters United.  Carol Kohankie is the Treasurer and Ernie Isbell is the Chairman.  During the next election in May 1998, this PAC attacks all four managed growth candidates -- Lori DeLuca, Tom Cawthon, Ted Baze, and Cindy Travis.  The PAC raises more than $12,000 from developers and those with land development interests. After the 1998 election, the PAC disappears.

November 1997

          Council member Ted Reeves breaks his campaign promise to the citizens of Flower Mound and votes to approve a request for increased residential density (from campus commercial to medium residential).T he result is a loss of commercial taxes and an increase in infrastructure expenses. He receives a real estate license while in office. He does not seek re-election.

January 1998

          Roy Marshall is appointed to replace Rick Randall, who forfeited his office after being convicted of domestic violence.  Roy Marshall does not seek election and Ted Baze is elected in May to fill the remaining one year of this term.

March 1998

          Many residents ask Ms. DeLuca to run for mayor, citing her success and growing support for preserving Flower Mound and supporting the Master Plan.

          Out-of-town development interests again fund anti-managed growth candidates. Ms. DeLuca’s mayoral opponent is council member Pat Moore. Ms. Moore had voted to approve all proposed amendments to the Master Plan for increased housing density.  She also accepts help and campaign contributions from developers during her mayoral campaign.

          The Lewisville News waits until after the election to acknowledge the existence of the DeLuca candidacy, but does provide coverage for her opponent.

 

April 1998

          Paul Stone and former council person Chris Miles form a PAC called "We Love Flower Mound", with Connie Clark as Treasurer. It publishes a 6-page color political mailer attacking mayoral candidate Lori DeLuca and Voters United to Preserve Flower Mound.  It is funded 100% by Dallas developers and thus earns the nickname, "We Love to BUILD in Flower Mound.”  Against state law, the PAC is not registered with the Town or the Texas Ethics Commission. 

          Paul Stone supported increased housing density and apartments at the Town Council meeting on 7/21/97 and the Planning & Zoning Commission meetings on 9/22/97, 7/14/97, 2/12/96, 2/2/94, 6/28/93, 8/19/92, 4/27/92.  He opposed the SMARTGrowth Program at the Town Council meeting on 1/11/99.

           Mr. Stone founded three political action committees (PACs) that were funded by developers.  Source:  “Flower Mound 2000” campaign finance reports and appointment of campaign treasurer report. “We Love Flower Mound” campaign finance reports and Lewisville Leader 5/13/98-edition.  “Flower Mound’s Future” campaign finance reports and press release.

          Mr. Stone is sometimes found measuring and examining campaign signs of candidates he opposes while looking for violations and regularly searches for ethics violations by those with whom he disagrees.  This later earn him the nickname "Citizen Stone".   He was an outspoken critic of the Mayor Lori DeLuca Administration.

        

May 1998

          Voters United founder and President Lori DeLuca becomes Mayor; Ted Baze, Cindy Travis and Tom Cawthon are elected. 

          Vicki Fulfer becomes the new President of Voters United.

                 - Lori DeLuca wins against Pat Moore for Mayor

                 - Tom Cawthon wins against Steve Mossman for Place 2.

                 - Ted Baze wins against Travis Perkins for Place 3.

                 - Cindy Travis wins against Tom Thompson for Place 4.

 

November 1998

          Sara Wingard is appointed by the Town Council to replace Bill Carr after Mayor DeLuca asks for and receives his resignation.  Carr is involved in numerous controversies over requesting his own police car and pursuit training from the Police Chief in order to help patrol the town, and his inability to fulfill his responsibilities while commuting from his new job in Houston.

          When Carr moves back to Flower Mound he actively opposes Mayor DeLuca and Voters United.

 

January 1999

          Jim Cook is appointed by the Town Council to replace Tom Cawthon, who moves because of job promotion and relocation.

 

January 1999

          The Town Council unanimously adopts a temporary moratorium on new residential development applications in order to give the Town time to thoroughly evaluate the Town’s infrastructure needs and explore the possibility of enacting a growth management plan.

 

Spring 1999

          Lawyer /developer Donna Morris begins publishing bi-weekly a political tabloid, The Messenger mailed to all households.  It promotes development interests’ candidates and the Chamber of Commerce.  Town news events and policies are regularly misreported and Mayor DeLuca’s administration and Voters United are routinely attacked. The Messenger refuses to publish corrections and opposing viewpoints or letters to the editor.  Because of the nature and tone of the publication, it becomes referred to as The MessANGER.  Local author Bob Weir later joins as a contributor and runs against Lori DeLuca.

 

April 1999

          The April 12 edition of The Home Builder Magazine states that the Government Relations Division of the Home and Apartment Builders Association (HAB) requested $30,000 to fight Flower Mound’s moratorium, and that their PAC- HOMEPAC, has $12,000 to spend on its own candidates for the upcoming area elections. This fund excludes donations from other developers and investors who oppose managed growth. HAB is also known as the Homebuilders Association of Greater Dallas.

          During her campaign for Town Council, Angie Cox uses an Austin-based political consulting company to conduct "push polling", which manipulates questions in order to create a negative impression of her opponent and to get a desired response from potential voters.

 

May 1999

          For the first and only time, Voters United endorses a non-council candidate - a school board candidate running against Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce President Lori Moseley Fickling (also affiliated with the Messenger).  Voters United members feel that an employee of the Chamber should not be making decisions about possible school district financial incentives that benefit those she is paid to represent.

          - Stephani Spruill wins against Kim Phillips for Place 1.

          - Ted Baze wins against Travis Perkins for Place 3.

          - Sara Wingard wins against Angie Cox for Place 5.

          - Carol Kyer wins against Lori Fickling for LISD School Board Place 7.

 

November 1999

          Lawyer/developer/The Messenger publisher Donna Morris sues Voters United.  Voters United member Steve Webb, acting alone, speaks with an advertiser in The Messenger and threatens to boycott all businesses who advertise in it.  He states that advertisers should be aware of the biased and non-factual nature of the publication.

          Also sued is Flower Mound resident Sherillyn Magee for criticizing The Messenger during the citizen comments portion of a Town Council meeting.

           Morris unsuccessfully uses handwriting analysis experts and cross examines  Mayor DeLuca, Voters United President Vicki Fulfer, and several Voters United members.  She also subpoenas Voters United supporters standing outside the courtroom, those who wrote letters to the editor, and those who spoke against The Messenger at a Town Council meeting.

          Both the Messenger and Voters United argue for free speech rights.

          Morris demands access to the private membership list of Voters United.  Judge Don Windle denies her request because such lists are protected.

          Morris requests a court delay until March 2000. This is one of several tactics used in order to increase court costs for Voters United. The case languishes in court.

          Also, Morris, on behalf of Gottsacker Brothers (Steve Gottsacker & TJG Family Partnership) sues the Town to use the flood plain for apartment density calculations, in an attempt to build many more apartments than legally allowed.

January 6, 2000

          Donna Morris’ lawsuit against the Town on behalf of Steve Gottsacker & TJG Family Partnership is dismissed.

 

February 17, 2000

          The SMARTGrowth Plan is unanimously adopted after receiving support from thousands of residents following months of public hearings.  The only two people who speak out opposed to it during the public hearing are Paul Caduro, a representative of the Home and Apartment Builder’s Association, and Flower Mound resident and land investor Joe Freeman, who later runs unsuccessfully for Town Council.

 

March 24, 2000

          Schultz Management, LTD’s lawsuit against the Town disputing the Town’s annexation and land use designation is dismissed.  Schultz wanted to substantially increase residential density.

March 31, 2000

          Judge Don Windle dismisses the Donna Morris/The Messenger’s lawsuit against Voters United as without merit. He states there is "not one scintilla of evidence to support her claims.”  He also states, "Mayor DeLuca’s integrity has not been impeached.”

          Voters United asserts that they were sued only because Ms. Morris opposes their political philosophy and that Morris had abused the legal system in order to conduct a personal vendetta, intimidate residents, and bankrupt Voters United. Flower Mound residents offer generous donations to help pay the high legal costs.

          Boycotts remain a freedom of speech in the USA.

 

April 7, 2000

          The Homebuilders Association of greater Dallas’ lawsuit against the Town disputing the Town’s ability to enact a growth management plan and regulate the number of residential building permits issued is dismissed.

 

April 2000

          The Lewisville News refuses to print letters to the editor in support of Voters United’s candidates - Mayor DeLuca, Jim Cook, and Cindy Travis. Yet it prints out-of-state letters in support of challengers Bob Weir, Joe Freeman, and Paul Stone, even printing some of the letters twice.  

          The Dallas Morning News forces its subsidiary, The Lewisville News, to release 6 weeks worth of withheld letters supporting Voters United candidates. The Lewisville News editor also writes a column suggesting letters in support of the Voters United candidates are fake.  A few months later, The Lewisville News closes, and becomes the section of the Dallas Morning News known as The Denton County Morning News.

          A PAC, "Citizens United for Smart Growth" (a name intended to cause confusion with Voters United and SMARTGrowth) mails a flier attacking Mayor DeLuca.  It quotes The Messenger as its "legitimate" news source and uses an email fabricated by The Messenger. The flier does not list a Treasurer, but an address of 2201 Long Prairie Road, Suite 107-113, Permit number 4002.  It is a private mailbox located inside the retail suite of Mail Boxes, Etc. Campaign finance reports show that the PAC is 100% funded by the Home and Apartment Builders (Homebuilders Association of Greater Dallas). After the election, this PAC disappears.

          Angie Cox, who lost her 1999 challenge for a Town Council seat, forms a group called "Voters United to Protect and Unify Flower Mound" -- a name intended to cause confusion with Voters United to Preserve Flower Mound. Voters United files a complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission, alleging that the name is deliberately misleading.

          A few days before the election, Angie Cox also files a false police report on behalf of her group (Voters United to Protect and Unify Flower Mound) against Mayor DeLuca regarding open meetings. Ms. Cox claims that the highly publicized luncheon Mayor DeLuca hosted for former Flower Mound mayors was illegal, and violated the Open Meetings Act, even though no Town Council members were in attendance at the luncheon. When Ms. Cox herself is investigated for filing a false police report, she withdraws her accusations and closes her group. (In 2002, Mayoral challenger Craig Bradshaw utilizes the newspaper headline announcing Ms. Cox’s charges against Mayor DeLuca, knowing it was false and rescinded).

          Twice unsuccessful Town Council candidate Travis Perkins hosts a candidate forum at Parker Square, even thought he never showed up at any of the forums held when he ran for office.

 

May 2000

          Mayoral challenger Bob Weir and Town Council challengers Joe Freeman and Paul Stone claim endorsements from both the Police and Fire Departments. The Police Department Association issues a statement that they do not endorse candidates.

          An anonymous flier is mailed attacking DeLuca.

          Mayor Lori DeLuca and Cindy Travis are re-elected; Jim Cook is elected. They are all referred to as "SMARTGrowth candidates", since they helped implement and support the Town’s SMARTGrowth Plan.

                    - Lori DeLuca wins against Bob Weir for Mayor

                    -  Jim Cook wins against Joe Freeman for Place 2.

                    - Cindy Travis wins against Paul Stone for Place 4.

          Sam Maddox, critical of Mayor DeLuca and Voters United, creates a parody of Voters United with a new website, "www.flower-mound-online.com’’ an address almost identical to the official website of the Town of Flower Mound -- www.flower-mound.com.  Mr. Maddox eventually sends an email to Voters United saying his site was "B.S. intended to get a response.”  The site later closes.

 

October 2000

          "Conservative Texans" is a land/development interest-funded PAC created to oppose managed growth.  Its President is Chrisy Long who becomes an unsuccessful candidate for Town Council in 2001.  The PAC’s other unsuccessful 2001 candidate is Roger Whitney.    This group later becomes known as "Citizens Coalition for Responsible Government", supporting anti-SMARTGrowth candidates in the 2002 election.

 

March 19, 2001

          After two years and more than 150 public meeting, the 2001 Master Plan is unanimously adopted with the support of thousands of citizens.

 

May 2001

          SMARTGrowth candidates Stephani Spruill, Ted Baze, and Sara Wingard are re-elected.

                    - Stephani Spruill wins without an opponent for Place 1.

                    - Ted Baze wins against Roger Whitney for Place 3.

                    - Sara Wingard wins against Chrisy Long for Place 5.

 

July 2001

          Ewing Investments, L.P.’s lawsuit against the Town disputing the town’s annexation and land use designation is dismissed.  Ewing wanted to substantially increase residential density.

August 2001

          Bob Smith Management Company d/b/a Smith Associates, LTD’s lawsuit against the Town disputing the Town’s land use designation is dismissed.  This lawsuit was filed on behalf of land investor Bob (Doc) Smith and supported by fellow land investors Sam Wilson and Janet Bunn who wanted to change the land use on their property in order to substantially increase residential density.  Their property is all located in the Cross Timbers Conservation Development District.

 

August 2001

          Wellington Land Development’s lawsuit against the Town disputing the Town’s platting and tree preservation requirements is dismissed.

 

November 2001

          The developer-funded PAC called "Conservative Texans" becomes "Citizens for Responsible Government.”  Its Treasurer is Marc Maraccini.  Its spokesperson is Bob Weir, the unsuccessful 2000 mayoral challenger to Mayor DeLuca.  Mr. Weir is on the editorial board and a columnist for the developer-owned political tabloid/advertising circular, The Messenger.  He later is employed at the Flower Mound Leader, the News Connection, and the Cross Timbers Gazette.

          Mr. Weir becomes spokesperson for Mayor DeLuca’s challenger in 2002- Craig Bradshaw.

 

October 2001

          Craig Bradshaw is introduced by anti-SMARTGrowth lawyer/developer/The Messenger owner Donna Morris at the monthly Chamber of Commerce luncheon and at “home coffees” as a 2002 Mayoral candidate challenging Lori DeLuca.

 

January 2002

          Morris becomes Chairman of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce.  Bob Weir becomes the Bradshaw campaign spokesperson. 

          Mayoral candidate Craig Bradshaw’s brother, NFL Football Hall-of-Famer and FOX-TV Sportscaster Terry Bradshaw, promotes candidate Bradshaw at the televised Super Bowl Game and at local events.

 

February 2002

          Marsha Gavitt becomes Director of Voters United.

 

March 2002

          Craig Bradshaw and Jack Stufflebam file for Mayor against Lori DeLuca.

          Darrin Petersen files for Town Council Place 2 against  Jim Cook. 

          Jason Lewis and Renee Stoltenberg file for Place 4 against Cindy Travis.

 

          At the Home and Apartment Builders candidate forum, Craig Bradshaw tells the audience that developers “are the Town’s most important customers.”  Bradshaw publicly opposes SMARTGrowth.  Jason Lewis opposes homeowners organizing as a group.  Throughout their campaigns, Bradshaw, Stufflebam, and Lewis each indicate that they would accept donations from developers and those with development interests. 

          The Messenger heavily promotes Voters United opponents Bradshaw, Petersen, and Lewis.

          The Messenger writer/photographer Mike Fickling (husband of Chamber of Commerce President and unsuccessful School Board candidate Lori  Moseley Fickling) file an open records request for Mayor DeLuca’s personal email address book, even though her official Mayoral email is an open public record. Texas Attorney General John Cornyn rules against Mike Fickling and The Messenger because private email accounts are legally protected.

          “Prakash Naor” posts on the Wellington HOA Yahoo Email Group to disparage Mayor DeLuca and Voters United and to promote mayoral challenger Craig Bradshaw.  "Naor" will not disclose an address, as required by the Wellington HOA, and a search of tax records indicates that no such person owns property in Denton County.  "Naor" pseudonym.  

 

April 2002

          Travis Perkins hosts the second outdoor forum at Parker Square in a mayoral election year. There is no decorum and the Voters United candidates are constantly heckled and interrupted.

 

May 2002

          Concerned Citizens for Responsible Government hires out-of town public relations professionals; uses out-of town residents to campaign at the polls; and raises more than $20,000 for the Bradshaw mayoral campaign.  Donations are raised using celebrities and out-of-town donors, including developers and their associations. 

          Union organizers from Lewisville and Carrollton campaign for Craig Bradshaw at the polls, and pass out false and misleading fliers.  Some voters thought they were Flower Mound firefighters.   

          Fliers also appear implying Flower Mound Police Department support for Bradshaw.  Flower Mound Police Chief Kenneth Brooker and Town Manager Van James issue a document disproving all claims, which is made available to voters at the polls.

          Information is revealed about Bradshaw’s three jail sentences for failing to pay child support; being sued by the Town and LISD for failure to pay taxes and two bankruptcies.

          Voters United candidates Mayor Lori DeLuca, Jim Cook and Cindy Travis are re-elected with approximately 65% of the vote.

 

March 2003

          Councilman Jim Cook’s neighbor and friend Chris Torley offers Mayor DeLuca a $5,000 campaign contribution to run for any office other than Mayor in 2004.  Mayor DeLuca declines the offer.  Jim Cook then threatens to “divide and conquer” Voters United.

          - Stephani Spruill and Bill Carr file for Place 1.  

          - Ted Baze announces that he will not be seeking re-election for Place 3.  

         - Carr then refiles for Place 3. 

          - Tim Trotter and Chris Torley file for Place 3.  

          - Sydney Bentz and Sara Wingard file for Place 5.

 

          Jim Cook leaves Voters United.  He and friend John Harrison form the PAC “We’re Voters United, Too.”  The PAC copies the Voters United logo, colors, election guide, and brochures, and endorses its own candidates -- Chris Torley and Sara Wingard.  Voters United is inundated with emails and phone calls about the intentional confusion.  Wingard and Carr were endorsed by Voters United in previous elections, but not chosen for re-endorsement due to their disappointing performance in office.  

          Residents John Harrison, John Parkinson, Sharon Orthwein, and Bill Beaver send letters to Voters United members disparaging Voters United and asks members to stop donating and endorsing.  Parkinson and Orthwein admit Jim Cook actually wrote the letters. . 

          Although it is not required of PACs, Voters United decides to hold its first caucus.  All candidates who file for office participate in the forum/caucus -- Bill Carr, Stephani Spruill, Chris Torley, Tim Trotter, Sydney Bentz and Sara Wingard.

          Following the forum, a vote is taken and counted twice, in full view and with the press in attendance.  All proxy votes go to Stephani Spruill, Tim Trotter, and Sydney Bentz, who therefore receive the official endorsement from Voters United.

 

May 2003

          - Stephani Spruill wins against Bill Carr for Place 1.

          - Tim Trotter wins against Chris Torley for Place 3. 

          - Sydney Bentz wins against Sara Wingard for Place 5.

 

October 2003

          Voters United to Preserve Flower Mound sponsors its first Community Sale to benefit several local non-profit organizations:  Keep Flower Mound Beautiful, PediPlace, Christian Community Action, and Voters United to Preserve Flower Mound.  

          In January 2004, Voters United presents a $250.00 check to the Town’s newly created Keep Flower Mound Beautiful.  It is the first donation received by the new organization.

December 2003

          CNN/Money Magazine rates Flower Mound “The Best Place to Live in Texas and the Second Best Place to Live in the Western U.S.” according to its population category.

 

January 2004

          Citing numerous possible violations, a Flower Mound resident files a complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission against “We’re Voters United, Too” and its Treasurer, John Harrison.  Jim Cook announces his intention to not seek re-election.

 

March 2004

          Jody Smith asks Mayor DeLuca for an appointment to Planning and Zoning.  When an appointment isn’t made by Smith’s self-imposed deadline, Smith files to run for Mayor.

          Smith has a history of supporting increased residential density.  She voted to approve at least 8 Master Plan Amendments increasing residential density when she was a Planning & Zoning Commissioner.  She publicly supported a residential density increase for Immel Estates, an event which resulted in the founding of Voters United, who ultimately defeated the Master Plan amendment.  

          Laurie Long files for Town Council Place 4, with a platform based on false charges against Mayor Lori DeLuca of “illegally altering” the August 2003 Town Council minutes.  Ms. Long rejected both a public apology by the Town and a correction of the minutes made in November 2003, shortly after actual discovery of what was a simple misunderstanding.  Previously, Long in an August 2003 presentation brought to Town Hall young students promoting a need for performing arts, and emphasized Long’s friend JoAnn Brooks’ skill and popularity as a theater instructor. Brooks had previously sent an email expressing her desire to fill a similarly-related open town staff position.  The mayor, council, and town staff assumed the presentation was in support of Ms. Brooks.           

          When Mayor DeLuca was out of town, outgoing councilman and opponent Jim Cook suggests  that DeLuca made an illegal change to the minutes even though the mayor does not vote to change, approve, or deny approval of the minutes.  In April 2004 Town Secretary Paula Lawrence writes that there is no evidence or proof that Mayor DeLuca changed the minutes.  However, Ms. Long continues accusations.

          Mayor DeLuca announces that she will not seek re-election as Mayor due to chronic laryngitis (abductor spasmodic dysphonia).

           - Stephani Spruill, who still has one year left on her Place 1 term, files to run for Mayor.

          - Mike Walker  and Paul Stone file for Place 2.

          - Cindy Travis announces that she will not seek re-election for Place 4.  

          - Lori DeLuca files to run for Place 4.  Later, Laurie Long also files for Place 4.

          - Former councilman Bill Carr files for Mayor.  When he discovers that Mayor DeLuca is running for Town Council Place 4 instead, he switches his application to Place 4 in his words, "to split the vote".

          Voters United endorses Stephani Spruill, Mike Walker, and Lori DeLuca.  Outgoing councilman Jim Cook becomes involved in the Jody Smith and Laurie Long campaigns.

          Lori DeLuca’s voice disorder is frequently ridiculed by opponents as a disqualifier for her candidacy.  Mayoral candidate Jody Smith’s campaign slogan and signs promote “A New Voice for Flower Mound.”

 

April 2004

          Morris sells the The Messenger, to Chamber of Commerce President Lori Fickling, and her husband, The Messenger editor Mike Fickling. 

          Flower Mound Voters for Conservative Spending and Concerned Citizens for Responsible Government try to cancel the Town Hall reservations of Voters United and the Flower Mound Republican Club (FMGOP) for their respective candidate reception and candidate forum, which were dates that were booked several months in advance. Voters United and FMGOP offer to give up two other dates, but their offers are refused by both groups, who then complain to local newspapers.     

            Police presence and later the hiring of an off duty policemen is required at several events due to increasing aggression by the opponents of the DeLuca administration and Voters United, shoving meeting attendees, heckling candidates and causing other disruptions.  In the parking lot, another opponent (the wife of a failed Mayoral candidate) threatens a Voters United member who is walking with two little girls. 

           Members of Flower Mound Voters for Conservative Spending attend the Flower Mound Republican Club annual candidate forum; prevent forum workers from sitting in the reserved front row where they are needed, destroy “Reserved” signs for forum workers and special guests, and frequently disrupt the forum.  

         Stephani Spruill’s 1987 deferred adjudication case is anonymously reported to the newspapers. Spruill was legally eligible to hold public office in 1999 when she was first elected and was not in violation of the Town Charter, but it was not until February 2004 that Voters United knew about the 1987 incident. Except for the Messenger, other newspapers eventually print corrections for misrepresenting facts about the past history and what deferred adjudication actually is. However, the misrepresentation by newspapers and opponents tarnished Spruill's candidacy, ultimately resulting in her losing the election.  The negative press spilled over onto the Lori DeLuca and Mike Walker candidacies.

          The PAC “Citizens for Ethical Government” is founded by Jan Balekian, Shirley Voirin, and Sylvia Inboden and support DeLuca council opposition candidates.

     

May 2004

          Citizens for Ethical Government and Voters for Conservative Spending request an election inspector for the May 15 election, claiming they expect problems with DeLuca.

          Flower Mound Voters for Conservative Spending mail a flier with false information about a Mayor DeLuca and Voters United "conspiracy".

                    - Jody Smith wins against Stephani Spruill for Mayor.

                    - Paul Stone wins against Mike Walker for Place 2.

                    - Lori DeLuca and Laurie Long are in a runoff election for Place 4.

                    - Bill Carr comes in third place for Place 4 and is eliminated. 

                    - Joel Lindsey is appointed by the Town Council to the Place 1 seat vacated by Stephani Spruill.

 

          After the May 15 election, Inboden, McCurdy, Voirin, and Caron file a police report falsely accusing Lori DeLuca of election code violations -- essentially for using the restroom in Town Hall.

          The Director of Elections for the Texas Secretary of State’s Office sends a supportive letter to Lori DeLuca stating that the election inspector incorrectly reported actions she did not personally witness, misinterpreted election law, and acted inappropriately.  The letter also states that the Presiding Election Judge has the final authority to determine if candidates may use the restroom during an election.  In fact, candidates have been allowed to use the restroom for many years.

          The Presiding Election Judge signs a supportive affidavit stating that no election laws were violated and that the opponent’s claims appear to be politically motivated.

          However, Inboden, McCurdy, Voirin, Caron and others again request an election inspector for the June 26 runoff election claiming they expect problems with DeLuca.  Their request is denied by the Secretary of State’s Office.

          The Town Prosecutor investigates the complaints and determines that they are without merit.  In spite of legal documentation supporting DeLuca, eventually one charge -- “unlawful presence of a candidate” for using the restroom at Town Hall, is pursued against DeLuca by the District Attorney’s Office who instead sends to to the local justice of the peace court.

          DeLuca’s trial is eventually scheduled for March 16, 2005.  (DeLuca is found innocent.  See March 2005 for more information.)

          Newspapers are inundated with the false allegations made by DeLuca opponents.

 

June 26, 2004

          Lori DeLuca loses the runoff to Laurie Long.

          Voters United loses the first election since 1997, having won 23 of the last 26 Town Council seats.  The loss is attributed to Spruill’s previous legal problems and the false election violation complaint against DeLuca.

August 2004

          The Messenger, started up by an anti-SMARTGrowth developer shortly after Lori DeLuca became Mayor, is bought by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which converts it into a non-political local newspaper, just 2 months after DeLuca loses the election. 

 

Fall 2004

          Bob Weir becomes editor of the News Connection (no longer in operation).

 

March 2005

          - Incumbent Joel Lindsey and Robin Hyman file for Place 1.

          - Incumbent Tim Trotter and J. Hand file for Place 3.

          - Mike Walker and 1 year resident Jeff Tasker file for Place 5.

 

March 16, 2005

          Although Lori DeLuca could have paid a $500 fine or accepted deferred adjudication, she pleads not guilty to the unlawful presence of a candidate charge for using the restroom in Town Hall on Election Day - May 15, 2004.  She hires Henry S. Paine, Jr. with the Hammerle Finley law firm to defend her.

          On March 16 in Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Willard French’s court in Roanoke, the Denton County District Attorney’s office presents its case against Lori DeLuca for allegedly illegally using the bathroom and campaigning at a polling location.  The DA’s office had been contacted by DeLuca opponents Sylvia Inboden, Michael McCurdy, Ron Caron, and Shirley Voirin -- who are the State’s star witnesses, but all 4 admit on the stand that they did not actually witness any violations. 

          The Defense presents two years worth of newspaper interviews, emails, letters to the editor, and campaign finance reports which show all four individuals’ long-term opposition to and animosity against DeLuca.  The Defense also presents documentation from the Secretary of State’s Office and the Presiding Election Judge supporting DeLuca.  In fact, the Presiding Election Judge testifies that the only election violations she witnessed were by one of the accusers, Sylvia Inboden and also by John Todd (both Jody Smith and Laurie Long supporters) who illegally entered the actual polling area and distracted poll workers as well as voters. 

          After the State rests its case and before the Defense presents its case, Judge French acts on Defense's motion that the Judge rule in favor of the defense since the State was unable to produce any evidence whatsoever against DeLuca.  Defense evidence produced a timeline of events, relationships and correspondence that the complaints were most likely planned in advance and were politically motivated to damage DeLuca’s reputation and to prevent DeLuca from seeking any future elected office.  DeLuca is found innocent by Judge French.  

 

May 2005

          - Joel Lindsey defeats Robin Hyman

          - Tim Trotter defeats J. Hand

          - New resident/attorney Jeff Tasker defeats Mike Walker by approximately 33 votes.

 

August, 2005

         Two months after DeLuca is acquitted, Chamber President Fickling sells the political tabloid, the Messenger, to Knight Ridder newspaper publishing.