Statement by Lyle Nelson upon request to remove an item from the “Consent Agenda” at the March 4 City Council meeting. Items can be removed as stated in the City’s own Rules of Procedure. John Kirkland, Mayor Pro-Tem, ignored the request and moved forward with the Consent Agenda.

As part of the Open Government process, I feel it is imperative that the public be informed and this Council be reminded of certain facts.

The appointee being considered tonight for confirmation in June of 2022 admitted to violating the City of Bastrop Ethics Policy Section 1.15.009(d) when he represented others before a City Department.

In June of 2023, while on City Council, he voted, along with Mr. Kirkland and Mr. Plunkett, to remove two citizens from the Planning and Zoning Commission because they may have had divergent views. Then in September of 2023, this tentative appointee, again with Mr. Kirkland and Mr. Plunkett, voted to deny the appointment of a qualified citizen to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Now the same Councilmembers who joined with Mr. Crouch to remove or restrict Bastrop citizens from the P&Z, are considering him for this important Commission. There can be some argument that this meets the definition of cronyism. I would ask for caution moving forward and save such an appointment for an actual elected Mayor or perhaps a recusal on this matter by Mr. Kirkland and Mr. Plunkett.