Kennedale Observer - Latest Newsletter

Home ============ Teachers' Salaries ============ potential AISD employee child care benefit ============ Taxpayers' Funds at Risk ============ Open Letter to AISD Taxpayers ============ Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD Lawsuit ============== March 30, 2026 Newsletter ============= Arlington City CouncilGrades ============= AISD Board Grades ================ March 23, 2026 Newsletter ============ March 16, 2026 Newsletter =========== March 9, 2026 Newsletter ============ March 2, 2026 Newsletter ============ ================ Hunter Crow, Candidate for Mayor ============= Jim Ross, Mayor ============= Shaun Mallory, Candidate for Mayor ============ Steve Cavender, Candidate for Mayor ================ Kelly Burke, Candidate for Place 3 ============ Nikkie Hunter, District3 ================ Tom Ware, Candidate District 4 ============= Rojo Meixueiro, Candidate District 4 ============= Lisa Ventura, Candidate District 4 ================ Rebecca Boxall, District5 ============ Brittney Garcia-Dumas, Candidate District 5 ================ Jason Shelton, Candidate District 8 ============= Melody Fowler, Candidate District 8 current AISD-Place2 ============= Corey Harris, Candidate District 8 ================ Jan Tyler, Candidate for AISD Place 6 ============= Brooklyn Richardson, AISDPlace6 ================ Leanne Haynes, AISDPlace7 ============= Linton Davis, Candidate for AISD Place 7 ================ Mauricio Galante, District1 ============= Raul Gonzalez, District2 ============= Andrew Piel, District4 ============= Long Pham, District6 ============= Bowie Hogg, District7 ============== Barbara Odom-Wesley, District8 ============= Sarah McMurrough, AISDPlace1 ============= Larry Mike, AISDPlace3 ============= David Wilbanks, AISDPlace4 ========== Justin Chapa, AISDPlace5 ============= Fact Sheet - November 8, 2022 Election ============ ++++++++++++ ============= Kennedale Observer Homepage =========== Investigation Report =============== Kennedale Senior Tax Freeze ============== Hammack Creek Apartments Disaster ============ 1083 Bowman Springs Road Kennedale ============ Kennedale City CouncilGrades ========== Texas Open Meetings Act Violations??? ============== The Bridge ============== Kennedale Observer - Latest Newsletter ============ Prior to That Newsletter ================== Brian Johnson, Candidate for Kennedale Mayor ============= Thelma Kobeck, Candidate for Kennedale Mayor ================ James Connor, Candidate for Kennedale Place 2 ============ Bryant Griffith, Candidate for Kennedale Place 2 ================ Ryon Ray, Candidate for Kennedale Place 4 ============= Melissa Barrow, Candidate for Kennedale Place 4 ================== Brad Horton, Kennedale Mayor ============ David Glover, Kennedale Place 1 ============= Ken Michels, Kennedale Place 3 ============= Jeff Nevarez, Kennedale Place 5 ============ Kennedale City Council Compare ========== Kennedale EDC MMA contract information ==============

March 29, 2026 – Volume 9 Number 13

HIGHLIGHTS:

* May 2 Election has three contested races:

Ballot Order:

Mayor – Brian Johnson http://www.arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_87.html

Mayor – Thelma Kobeck http://www.arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_90.html

Place 2 – James Connor http://www.arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_57.html

Place 2 – Bryant Griffith http://www.arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_49.html

Place 4 – Ryon Ray http://www.arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_50.html

Place 4 – Melissa Barrow http://www.arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_56.html

Question 5 responses are in this newsletter.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday, April 2: Special City Council meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, April 3: Good Friday, City Offices closed.

Sunday, April 5: Easter.

Saturday, April 11: Spring Cleaning Event. Drop off bulk trash at city hall, 8:00 a.m. - noon.

Tuesday, April 14: KKB (Keep Kennedale Beautiful) meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 14: Parks Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, April 20: Start of Early Voting for Municipal and ISD May 2 Elections, 8:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21: City Council meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 23: P&Z meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 28: End of Early Voting for Municipal and ISD May 2 Elections, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 28: EDC Board meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 30: Town Hall meeting with Mayor Horton, 6:00 p.m.

KNOW WHAT YOUR CITY IS UP TO...

Your City Council

The city council did not meet last week. Their next monthly regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21. They have called a special meeting for this Thursday, April 2. The agenda packet for the meeting can be found at: https://kennedaletx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3790/files/agenda/10515 .

The agenda includes public comment, the regular session, and an executive session (potential land purchases).

The regular session includes three individual consideration items.

1. East Oak Crest Drive land purchases (staff report). [I believe this is EDC funds, will eliminate three salvage yards, cost $1.5 million plus interest (they will pay $500,000 down).]

2. Kennedale Fire Department providing service for Tarrant County ESD1-FY2026 (information starts on .pdf page 3 of the above packet link).

3. Briar Court Hillside Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project (information starts on .pdf page 24 of the above packet link). The low bid appears to be $642,878.50.

Leftovers:

The “Investigation” was listed on the executive session agenda for the October 21 meeting. Council Member Kobeck came out of executive session and made the motion to waive the attorney-client privilege and release the investigation report to the public. That motion was approved, 4-0.

We have taken the .pdf Investigation Report and converted to text (far from 100% perfect) and tried to make improvements at: http://www.arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_13.html .

Previous Analysis:

Results: The evidence does NOT confirm…

See the November 9, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Witch Hunt?

See the November 16, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Jeff Nevarez interview – Our Part I

See the November 16, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Jeff Nevarez interview – Our Part II

See the November 23, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Was the Investigation Hi-jacked by the city attorney and city manager?

See the November 30, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Pay to Play Scandal

See the December 7, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Wandell Investigation Files

See the December 14, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Lack of Accountability/Afraid to Speak

See the December 21, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Griffith vs. Hull – “The Threat”

See the January 4, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Chamber Vote

See the January 11, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Hiring Austin Degenhart

See the January 18, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

City Manager has Favorites?

See the January 25, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Our Commentary

See the February 1, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

“No Shame” Griffith

See the February 15, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Selecting the Right Candidate

How to vote? The biggest one thing I would say is to select candidates that are NOT rubber-stampers. If something does not pass the smell test you need someone who is smart enough and has enough courage to ask more questions and possibly vote NO. You need to look for council members who will listen to you, your neighbors, and the businesses and place a priority on you over developers' desires. You want someone smart and has common sense. If they have been a council member in the past, LOOK AT THEIR VOTING RECORD. This is a very good indication of how they will vote in the future.

If you look on the city's website (bottom of this page: https://cityofkennedale.com/108/Elections-Elecciones, they try to display the governance model as citizens being on top, electing a city council, who directs the city manager, etc. Well, if the situation has a majority of the city council who are rubber-stampers, the citizens are no longer in control. It eliminates one of the necessary checks and balances.

You want someone smart enough to apply logic and who has common sense who will listen to you, your neighbors, and the businesses and place a priority on you over developers' desires. You want someone that wants smart growth versus just wanting any or stupid growth.

A special 2026 issue is the city manager. You do NOT want a council that micromanages the city manager, but it has become very evident that this city manager, as nice as he may seem, has shown he needs controls on him. He has spent over the amount he was permitted on a contract without council approval. He was a big part of the delay in seniors getting the expected effects of the tax freeze a year later. Then there was the signing of the Investigation contract prior to another meeting with the council.

* * * * * * * * * *

Candidate Question 5: If you receive an e-mail from a constituent on a Kennedale issue logically laid out and well documented, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not? What actions will you take?

Ballot Order:

Mayor – Brian Johnson – Did not respond.

Mayor – Thelma Kobeck – If a constituent sends me an e-mail regarding a Kennedale issue, even if the issue is not logically laid out and well documented, I will make an honest attempt to respond to the constituent. I believe that if an issue is important enough that the citizen wrote to me about it, especially if that person took the time to document it, I need to attempt to respond.

As for actions that I will take, it really depends on the situation. Some constituents simply want to be heard. Some constituents have a situation that really needs to be addressed. Maybe they have attempted to contact the city and don’t feel they have received assistance in a fair and timely manner. Some constituents have a situation that needs to be addressed, and they just don’t know where to go for the assistance they need. Each of those situations could require a very different set of actions.

If possible, I will try to contact the constituent directly by phone or visit, as appropriate. A great deal of information can be lost if I only rely on e-mail. I want the clarification that a personal call or visit can provide. Also, I will speak with the city manager and any appropriate city staff regarding what actions have or can be taken to resolve the issue. While most people do not intend for this to happen, it is possible that a council member’s involvement in a situation can complicate matters and I do not want to do that to the detriment of a citizen.

If it is a situation where a constituent simply does not know where to go for assistance and I can easily direct them, I will do so; otherwise, I will most likely speak with the city manager and/or city staff and then get back to the constituent to pass along information about the direction they should go to seek assistance.

I also like to follow up, when possible, to ensure that they were able to resolve their issue.

Admittedly, sometimes I have not responded to a constituent in a timely manner. I am human and sometimes I get behind on responses. I hope that when that happens my constituents understand that it is not because I don’t think they or their situations are important; it is only because I got behind.

Place 2 – James Connor – Yes, I will respond. If someone takes the time to put together a thoughtful, well-documented concern, ignoring them isn’t just bad leadership, it’s disrespectful.

People deserve to be heard. Plain and simple.

When I get an email like that, I’m going to respond in a real way, not with some canned, copy-paste reply, that i know others, have and will. If I know the answer, I’ll give it. If I don’t, I’ll be upfront about that and go find it. And then I’ll follow up. No disappearing act.

As far as action goes, it depends on the issue:

If it’s something the city can fix directly, I’ll work with the City Managers office to get it handled.

If it’s a bigger policy issue, I’ll make sure it gets in front of the council and actually discussed.

If it’s something the community needs to be aware of, I’ll help make sure that information gets out.

At the end of the day, this isn't about sitting in a chair at City Hall. It’s about listening, responding, and actually doing something with what people tell you. That’s the standard I hold myself to.

Place 2 – Bryant Griffith – Not every issue has an easy solution, and not every conversation will be comfortable, but residents should never feel discouraged from engaging with their government. Accessibility and accountability go hand in hand, and leadership requires being approachable, willing to listen, and prepared to engage respectfully even when perspectives differ.

I will respond when a constituent reaches out with a thoughtfully presented concern. To me, a constituent means every resident of Kennedale, not only those who agree with me or supported my campaign. Public service carries an obligation to listen to all voices, especially when individuals take the time to research issues and communicate respectfully.

When I receive an email regarding a city matter, I will review the information carefully, acknowledge the constituent’s effort, and respond appropriately. Depending on the issue, this may include seeking clarification, consulting city staff to understand operational realities, ensuring the concern moves through proper city processes, and following up when possible regarding next steps. Councilmembers do not individually direct city operations, but we do serve as advocates for residents and ensure concerns receive fair consideration.

Place 4 – Ryon Ray – Of course - YES. It is the responsibility and duty of a Council member to listen and facilitate communication with our community members and then take appropriate action as necessary. Then - You follow up.

Place 4 – Melissa Barrow - If I were to receive an email from a constituent to my city email address, I absolutely would respond. It is only right as a public servant to communicate openly and respectfully with each other. Responding to communication in a timely manner is part of that.

# # # # # # # # # # #

Last Week

Last week the EDC Board met on Tuesday evening.

This Week

There is a special city council meeting scheduled for Thursday.

Public Hearings

On ???, the city council will hold a public hearing for ordinance #795 to prohibit the exposure of children to illegal drugs.

On ???, the city council will hold a public hearing for ordinance #796 for adopting speed limits on certain roadways.

EDC

The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board met this past Tuesday, March 24. The agenda packet can be found at: https://kennedaletx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3777/files/agenda/10505 . The meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MstCbe2sFfE .

(4:55) Start of meeting. The agenda included:

(5:11) Reports and announcements (financials).

(7:32) Consent agenda (February 24 minutes can be found starting on .pdf page 11 of the packet link above).

Three items for separate consideration.

(8:02) 1. Updating the EDC Grant Application. The requirement to join the Chamber and the question on the form about being a member of the Chamber are being removed. This was approved, 5-0. [Commentary: Thanks to mayoral candidate Brian Johnson and Place 2 candidate Bryant Griffith; they took over leadership of the Chamber then closed it – they displayed very ineffective and poor leadership.]

(10:25) 2. Pavlik and Associates strategic plan and market analyst interview (no presentation available).

(1:03:16) 3. Potential land purchase along E. Oak Crest Drive (staff report). They will pay $1.5 million ($500,000 down and $1 million at 3.8% interest over three years. This eliminates three salvage yards. It was approved, 4-1.

There was no executive session.

P&Z

The P&Z meeting on Thursday, March 26 was canceled. The next meeting might be Thursday, April 23.

Other News....

Is He Really a Kennedale Resident?

I have received a report that Bryant Griffith's truck has spent the night on Bowen Road in Arlington for most of the past year. I e-mailed Mr. Griffith over a week ago if he would like to comment. I have received NO reply. [E-mails are at the bottom.]

Facts: As I stated, I have received a report. I have NOT stated that it is a fact. I do not have the tons of necessary documentation to state that as a fact. Though I may believe it to be true, I cannot report it as fact. I have asked Mr. Griffith for a comment, and he chose not to send one, which is his right. [Ironically, Mr. Horton was not granted the same courtesy at the December 2023 Council Meeting where the only two primary people who would know the facts were Mr. Griffith and Ms. Joplin.]

City Secretary: The City Secretary runs the election. Can she investigate? No, she cannot. She has a signed notarized document (Application for a place on the ballot) where Mr. Bryant has stated he is a resident of Kennedale [no matter where his head might be hitting his pillow]. She can only examine public records in determining if applicants qualify.

Candidate's Integrity: In cases like this usually the candidate's integrity dictates some type of announcement, but in my opinion, in this case, we have already scraped the absolute bottom of Kennedale politics. Even one of the descriptions of an upcoming April 4 event is “Focus on issues, not individuals”. There is a reason why they do not want to talk about the person.

Accountability: In the last paragraph of page 1 and ending on page 2 of the Investigation Report (http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_13.html) it states, “On or about April 28, 2025, Griffith submitted a written complaint to the City alleging misconduct by Councilman Gary, Councilwoman Thelma Kobeck, and Mayor Brad Horton. According to Griffith, Griffith observed what he called a lack of accountability amongst public officials. Griffith claims he observed that people were afraid to speak up against these officials. Griffith had previously filed complaints with the Texas Ethics Commission ("TEC") with some of the same or similar allegations, but Griffith reported he was "disappointed" about how the TEC handled his complaint. Griffith's complaint allegations are as follows...”

So, Mr. Griffith has filed complaints with the TEC, the organization in charge of complaints, rules, and compliance of campaign finance reports. The TEC requires campaign finance reports to be filed twice a year, plus two additional filings when involved with an election.

Mr. Griffith had a campaign finance report due on July 15, 2024. Check his original filing of that report (before a correction) and in the upper right corner for when it was filed with the city: https://www.cityofkennedale.com/DocumentCenter/View/8132, January 23, 2025, more than six months late.

Mr. Griffith had a campaign finance report due on January 15, 2025. Again check the upper right corner for when it was filed with the city: https://www.cityofkennedale.com/DocumentCenter/View/8131, January 23, 2025, past the deadline.

Mr. Griffith had a campaign finance report due on July 15, 2025. Again check the upper right corner for when it was filed with the city: https://www.cityofkennedale.com/DocumentCenter/View/8953/Persons-Bryan-Griffith--Campaign-Finance-Report_Redacted, upper right corner says August 11, 2025, almost a full month late.

So how did Mr. Griffith do on his latest campaign finance report due January 15, 2026? https://www.cityofkennedale.com/DocumentCenter/View/9084/Persons-Griffith--Campaign-Finance-Report-Jan-filing_Redacted, upper right corner says January 16, 2026, only 1 day late, “great” by “Griff” standards.

Again, in that paragraph of the investigation report, “Griffith observed what he called a lack of accountability amongst public officials.” All he has to do is look in the mirror if he wants to see a lack of accountability. Hundreds of area candidates file timely campaign finance reports every year, no problem, but that would appear to a major problem for Mr. Accountability …

From: Kennedale Observer <kennedaleobserver@yahoo.com>

To: Bryant Griffith <info@bryantgriffith.com>

Sent: Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:51:27 AM CDT

Subject: Do you wish to comment?

Mr. Griffith,

It has been reported to me that most of the past year that your truck has spent the night on Bowen Road in Arlington, putting some question on your Kennedale residency for the past year.

Do you wish to comment?

Richard Weber

<<< written above the March 20 e-mail >>>

From: Kennedale Observer <kennedaleobserver@yahoo.com>

To: Bryant Griffith <info@bryantgriffith.com>

Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:09:13 AM CDT

Subject: 2nd attempt: Do you wish to comment?

Mr. Griffith,

It has been reported to me that most of the past year that your truck has spent the night on Bowen Road in Arlington, putting some question on your Kennedale residency for the past year.

Do you wish to comment?

Richard Weber

Chamber of Commerce

The Kennedale Area Chamber of Commerce has concluded operations. [ https://mailchi.mp/bb4e0f67ceca/future-of-the-chamber?e=b408c67838 ]

[Commentary: Brian Johnson, candidate for Mayor was president. Bryant Griffith, candidate for Place 2 was vice-president. I do not know enough to flat out say 100% for sure it is their fault, but it surely does not look good when the Chamber has been able to survive on a shoestring budget for many, many years in the past and is now shutting down. The pair knew of Chamber's finances when they took their positions of power and are now shutting it down. It certainly gives the impression that the pair loves spending other people's money--the last thing I would want from my mayor and council.]

TAD Rates

Tarrant Appraisal District has published the tax rates (October 2025) for the county. Kennedale has now dropped to the eighth highest municipality. [https://www.tad.org/content/rates/2025TaxRates.pdf ].

Top eleven of 41 (everyone else is < 0.65)

1. Everman 1.0260800

2. Sansom Park 0.8457840

3. Blue Mound 0.8138000

4. River Oaks 0.7439910

5. Burleson 0.7218000

6. White Settlement 0.7147780

7. Forest Hill 0.7004660

8. Kennedale 0.6961900

9. Pelican Bay 0.6762930

10. Fort Worth 0.6700000

11. Grand Prairie 0.6600000