This morning, a FB friend privately asked me a question that has been on many of our minds: “How can JEDCO continue to operate?”

We are all aware of the ongoing issues, including JEDCO seating an illegal board since 2008 and not having met since October 2024. It was during that last meeting, when a board member questioned, “Are we even a legal board?” that everything halted for the corporation.

Not only have they failed to follow the laws and procedures required to maintain a legal board, but according to the Texas Open Meetings Act, EDCs are required to hold regular meetings that are open to the public. The fact that JEDCO has not met in six months raises serious concerns about their compliance with this requirement.

This entire situation raises an important question: Why does JEDCO not feel the need to follow the laws that the rest of us do? If you or I were being reviewed for illegal work in our jobs, we would not be able to proceed until the matter was completely resolved.

Also, if they are unable to meet, how are they able to fund any projects, big or small? Which illegal board member is signing the checks? As citizens, we are essentially the CEOs of JEDCO. We have the power and responsibility to demand transparency, accountability, and integrity from those who serve our community.

Call your councilman and ask the question. Let’s make our voices heard and ensure that no one is above the law. Together, we can push for the change we need and make our town a better place for everyone.

• Lequin Hilderbrand — Councilman at Large
• Ronald Sample — District 2
• DeMarcus Holmes — District 3
• Angel McCroskey — District 4