[ Media Links ]
Litigation vs. the City of East Mountain
2016-2017
Gushers & Dusters: A weekly look at what we liked - and didn't
February 3, 2017
DUSTER: For a virus that apparently is causing some East Texas municipal governments to forget state law that says they must be open and transparent about the public's business. Most recently, a taxpayer has had to file suit to get records from East Mountain that are clearly public documents. They are being withheld despite a ruling from the Texas attorney general saying they must be released. It certainly makes one wonder what there is to hide in those cellphone records for Police Chief/City Administrator Betty Davis.
Gushers & Dusters: A weekly look at what we liked - and didn't
March 10, 2017
DUSTER: For the mystery still surrounding resignations of elected and law enforcement officials in East Mountain. If you were looking for proof that transparency is necessary in local government, look no further than this mess. We look forward to being able to inform taxpayers and others about what has been happening in East Mountain.
Gushers & Dusters: A weekly look at what we liked - and didn't
March 17, 2017
GUSHER: For elected and appointed officials in East Mountain finally stepping aside to allow the community just north of Longview to move ahead from a period of tainted and troubled government. There are still many questions to be answered, but the city appears to be headed back toward the right track.
State agency refused to represent East Mountain in lawsuits, letter shows
April 25, 2017
Appearing on page 5A the Front Page of the East Texas/State Section (above the Fold) of the April 26, 2017 paper edition with the headline:
Agency wouldn’t represent town
State group refused to get behind East Mountain in lawsuits, letter shows
Gushers & Dusters: A weekly look at what we liked - and didn't
May 11, 2017
GUSHER: For East Mountain residents becoming more focused on activity in their city government, as evidenced by turnout and participation at several recent meetings. Such community focus is always crucial but even more so as East Mountain works to rebuild after the mismanaged and scandal-ridden tenure of the previous mayor, City Council and police department.
Gushers & Dusters: A weekly look at what we liked - and didn't
May 19, 2017
GUSHER: For Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd, who said he was asking the Texas Rangers and Upshur County Sheriff Larry Webb to investigate shenanigans that have been taking place at City Hall in East Mountain. We have been pleased by increasing attention to cleaning up that little town, and salute those who have been making it happen.
East Mountain without police force as it seeks access to financial records
June 6, 2017
Appearing on page 5A, the Front Page of the East Texas/State Section (above the Fold) of the May 11, 2017 paper edition with the headline:
East Mountain without police
City seeks access to its financial records; judge to rule on reopening public records lawsuits
Gushers & Dusters: A weekly look at what we liked - and didn't
June 9, 2017
DUSTER: For the continuing mess at East Mountain City Hall, which now has cost taxpayers a dedicated law officer on top of the financial losses already suffered. Meanwhile, some whose multiple failures of leadership are responsible for this sad state of affairs continue to snipe like petulant children about those who are working to clean up the mess they left behind. Shameful.
Man files federal lawsuit against East Mountain, says he was terrorized
June 15, 2017
Appearing on page A5, the Front Page of the East Texas/State Section (above the Fold) of the June 15, 2017 paper edition with the headline:
Man files federal lawsuit against East Mountain, says he was terrorized
East Mountain and its officials target of claim