A special called meeting has been posted for Tuesday, February 25. I am praying that the 4 o’clock meeting time is simply due to a scheduling conflict with one of the councilmen and not an attempt to hide anything from the citizens who will be working during that time. The meeting has one agenda item: “Pursuant to Texas Government Code 51 Section 551.071, Consultation with Attorney; Legal discussions with legal counsel regarding City Council-JEDCO matters”.
Now, let’s be clear — this is not about the City Council. The issues we’re addressing are squarely on JEDCO’s shoulders.
Just for fun, let’s recap JEDCO’s history as an employee file for the CEO’s review.
Employee Review: JEDCO
CEO: Citizens of Jasper
Manager: Jasper City Council
Employee: Jasper Economic Development Corporation
Issue: Unapproved Board Expansion
Details: JEDCO expanded its board from 5 to 17 members without the necessary approvals. The city secretary conducted extensive research on all records from 2009 to 2017 and found no documents supporting this change. If the motion and second were made in July 2008, why did the secretary’s report exclude the remaining months of 2008? Why would the city secretary spend so much time researching and leave out those months? Wouldn’t a brief examination of these months produce the same absence of records? Maybe her report had a clerical error? If this had been a small clerical error, why wasn’t it fixed long ago?
Issue: Financial Mismanagement
Details: Tax dollars were allocated to failed ventures like Double C Customs, Explorer Aircraft Company, Sky Ranch, and Platinum Silk Hair, with no tangible results left behind. How can we justify pouring public funds into businesses that disappear with the money? Despite JEDCO’s claims of job creation, the unemployment rate in Jasper has risen from 2.90% in January 2023 to 3.60% in November 2024. How can jobs be created while unemployment rises? Aren’t these claims in need of concrete evidence?
Issue: Lack of Accountability
Details: JEDCO has repeatedly failed to provide timely and accurate information to the public. How can the public trust an organization that doesn’t communicate clearly? Major decisions have been made without the necessary supporting documentation. What does this say about the legitimacy and transparency of these decisions? With a 17-member board, equivalent to a bunch of yes-men, how can there be meaningful oversight? Wouldn’t this just ensure the desired number of votes for pet projects?
Closing Sentiment
As we wrap up this review of JEDCO’s operations, let’s face the facts: How can such blatant oversight not breed corruption? Are these decisions genuinely for the betterment of Jasper’s citizens, or are we cultivating an environment ripe for unchecked actions that erode our community’s integrity? The success rate versus the losses tell a grim story, yet we keep applauding with photo ops, back patting, and plaque passing. Additionally, who is vetting the businesses JEDCO is courting to bring into our city? Public participation isn’t just a nicety; it’s essential.
The burning question now stands: Would you retain this employee?
I have every confidence that the attorneys present at Tuesday’s meeting will do what’s right — morally, ethically, legally, and 100% in the best interest of every citizen of Jasper and not just the select few.
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