From the Denton Record-Chronicle
An article in the Denton Record-Chronicle “Money tied to developers adds to war chests for multiple Denton council candidates. Is it ethical?” highlights the slippery slope between accepting or soliciting donations from developers (or their executives and those who represent their interests) with active business in Denton or with the city council.
Reporter Christian McPhate takes a deep dive into the relationship between campaign contributions and the public trust. There are currently 28 multifamily projects in development in Denton. To what extent do the developers of these projects work closely with public officials and city staff to make deals?
McPhate highlighted the development projects in the flood plain along Corbin Road, the Hartlee Field area, and the North Lakes neighborhood as examples of development projects that do not appear to be in the public interest. In fact, these projects have threatened the public trust.
The story mentions the North Lakes Preservation Group. Here are some comments from Gayle Sulik and Keith Ketchersid.
“Our goal is to not only hold developers accountable but hold the city accountable,” Sulik said. Holding the city accountable could also include implementing a requirement for developers to give at least a 10-day advance notice of a neighborhood meeting so that neighbors can actually attend.
Sulik said she didn’t get her mailed notice of a neighborhood meeting with the developer in North Lakes until an hour before the meeting on Monday.
They were still able to get 60 people to attend despite the short notice, though Sulik said people "were furious."
Sulik said McGee has been transparent about receiving developer contributions. “He said unequivocally to us that it wouldn’t affect his vote,” Sulik said. Ketchersid reiterated Sulik’s claim. “I’ve heard him say that several times, that campaigns cost money and you need money, but a developer shouldn’t be able to buy a vote,” Ketchersid said.
"I argue that the property owner has the right to develop that is consistent with the goals of the border community," Sulik said. "Individual property owners' rights should not override the rights of the collection of individuals.”
