From Fortbendweb.com: Council Speaker Upsets Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen Over Increased City Lien Power--click title link for more--

From fortbendweb.com:

Mo-City Mayor Angered By Council Speaker, Again?
Published on 02/20/07

During Monday nights session several speakers spoke in opposition to the infringement on property rights by the city through the enforcement of lien powers on the repair of public sidewalks and other infrastructure. One speaker in particular seemed to take on the brunt of Mr. Owens wrath.

Kevin Tunstall is a potential reform candidate for city council this spring and has been very visible on home & property owners rights with regard to the "sidewalk" ordinance. This issue has garnered much attention of the past month in local media and blogs.

Mr. Tunstall's speech is included below:

"Recently, I addressed the Sidewalk Committee regarding section 46 of the municipal code. The response received from property owners as a result, I can only interpret as emphatic support from our community to repeal the measure. As stated, the window of opportunity for THIS BODY to act in correcting the egregious assault on private property rights is limited.

I am grateful that Councilman Burton agreed to meet with me along with other concerned citizens. I hope he decides to LEAD on this issue. The eye of the public is upon you. The choices that YOU make in the next few weeks will dictate the actions of THE CITIZENS in the future.

You were hired to represent us. I am respectfully request that you fulfill your duties as OUR REPRESENTATIVES.

Section 46 of the municipal code musty be amended, replaced or repealed in order to protect the rights of property owners in our community. Otherwise THE CITIZENS may consider an alternative.

Thank You" --Tunstall



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MCC comment: If such a direct and honest speech upset Mayor Owen then maybe he needs to consider what it is he is really upset about? The mayor will have to consider his re-election is approaching again in '08 and the community is now watching! They seem so concerned about image of the city via the hiring of the out of state PR/marketing firm with taxpayer monies they may want to consider a new council instead (that would help images).