County Judge candidate Blane Conklin in Commissioner's Court today: "When I'm County Judge I'll tell taxpayers the truth." Looks like ole Bill Gravell has been misleading (aka lying) about cutting taxes.
Listen as Cynthia Long says that Ken Evans is no longer available to serve, which anyone would admit was misleading. If you read the transcript In the previous post, you will see many were confused by her statement and by Evans leaving the committee.
Again, this is the HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE. We need qualified, interested individuals on the committee, yet it seems that she was willing to have one of these individuals removed because, well, she could. She states in her interview with the SO over and over, almost to the point of being condescending, that the members serve at the will of the Executive Committee.
That's a fair presentation, but leaves off the fact that the members may not have been Informed of the true events before they voted to replace Evans with the Pflugerville Chief at her suggestion.
Note the difference in how Gravell treats those that are not his friends, and those that are.
He thinks the SO should thank him (as he stated previously in court) for the raise that he "so graciously" gave them. But then tells Leal and his constables that they deserve It. Are they the only ones? How obtuse can he be? What was the reason for him suddenly deciding to give a raise? Could It be that it also affects his good buddy Leal?
*sorry so blurry
This week in CC, Gravell told a frequent speaker (yes, we all know him, Jim) that what he said was "the highest level of idiocy", and "the second-highest level of idiocy" he had heard since he took office. Regardless of how you feel about his comments, he has the right to speak.
Thinking someone needs to send Bill a copy of "Robert's Rules of Order". After 3 1/2 years, he still has to be reminded of parliamentary procedure, and he could also use these tips:
> Model courtesy and respect and encourage members of the public to do the same.
>The public has the right to make critical and harsh remarks. Courts have consistently found that public bodies may not require members of the public to follow the rules of decorum that
apply to council members themselves.
>The chair should thank each speaker, whether positive or negative.
> In general, it is best not to respond at all to public comment. However, the chair may provide brief factual information, if appropriate. This must not degenerate into lecturing or criticism.
> The chair must not under any circumstances enter into back-and-forth exchanges with the
public.
Another example of how rude Gravell was in court yesterday. Gravell told Jim his time was beginning before he ever even stood up.
Generally the time starts at the podium. When Jim spoke against his time starting too soon, Gravell said "That's okay, I'm the Judge". Clearly the position has gone to his head.
Yesterday in Commissioner’s Court, a very short tempered Gravell speaking to a veteran, a retired Navy captain: “Are you going to speak to this agenda item or are you going to just ramble, Mr. Kelberlau? Which are you gonna do?”
Very unprofessional Bill. But no wonder when you show up to your job looking like you’re headed to the bowling alley.
So... Gravell got caught laughing at an anti-Semitic joke made in Commissioner's Court. Afterwards, he pretends he didn't hear it, even though we could hear it in the video and he was right in front of Jim when he said it. He even laughed when Jim asked if he could say "Jew" and said "I don't have a problem with it". Does he really want us to believe that he pays that little attention in court as the person that is charged with running the court?
He sent this to a Jewish member of the Republican party and read almost exactly the same thing in court:
"I need to apologize for something that happened during last week's Commissioners Court meeting. When I was talking with a public speaker about how much time he was being given to speak, he made an anti-Semitic remark. I did not hear all of his remarks until I reviewed the video last evening. Based on the lack of reaction from any court members, I don't believe anyone hear his comment. Our rules of conduct and decorum state that we will not allow any insulting or demeaning language directed toward any group. I deeply apologize to you and all people of the Jewish faith, and others who were offended. I do not support those types of
comments. As a former pastor, I believe in the Golden Rule and feel everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. I have told Mr. Dillon that due to his remarks, he is has been suspended from our public speaking opportunity for one month starting today."
He got caught and he made excuses and tried to throw the rest of the Commissioners under the bus.
Jim “I knew you were gonna Jew me down. Are we allowed to say Jew?” Gravell (laughing) “I don’t have a problem with it”. Of course, he doesn’t, he is the only one that won’t be disrespected in “his” court.
Check back to see what he told Jim about it the next week.
Remember Tuesday he welcomed newly hired Mr. Juan Amaya from the RGV to America🙄
BTW, Commissioner's Court is every Tuesday at 9:30 live or you can view videos, agendas, and minutes here: https://www.wilco.org/meetings
Gravell to Undersheriff Evans, “This is MY court, this isn’t the sheriff’s court, do you understand that??”
The contrast in how Gravell speaks to this administration at the SO vs how he spoke to his self-proclaimed friend, twice-indicted ex-sheriff Robert Chody, is alarming.
If you aren’t watching the CC videos you should.
I've been asked to clarify where I claimed that the attorney stated that the correct term for choosing a bid is "lowest AND BEST". Remember, initially Gravell just said the lowest bid won. Note that they were deemed the best partly by using this criteria stated on the recommendation (previous post): "Based on the quality of work performed by the Contractor and favorable working relationship with the County and its Representatives, we recommend the award of the Reconstruction and Extension of CR
401 contract to James Construction in the amount of $ 12,673,200.94. "
Let me repeat that part: "favorable working relationship with the County and its Representatives". That is part of the criteria used to award a multi-million dollar contract and Gravell wants us to believe it was based purely on numbers.
At any rate, there you have it. Gravell stating that the attorney told him to clarify his statement. I'm not sure why this was in question but here it is, you just have to pay attention and know the players. Maybe someone doesn't live here and isn't aware of who the attorney is.
Gravell was quick to correct the speaker when she incorrectly stated that his brother-in-law owned James Construction.
"He's just an employee. Juct like an employee of Walmart of or just like an employee of Williamson County."
ACTUALLY, his brother-in-law is VP of Heavy Civil. I mean, I guess, that's "just an employee", if you say so.
In August of 2021, Williamson County Commissioners approved the Capital Area Council of Governments Cooperative Working Agreement (CAPCOG) with Williamson County to provide regional law enforcement in service training needs at the Deputy A.W. Grimes Training Center. Watch and listen as Commissioner Covey gives credit to Sheriff Gleason for the fact that, as she said, we have turned the corner and CAPCOG is back in our training facility, something Chody failed at.
Information
Agenda Item
Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on approving the Capital Area Council of Governments Cooperative Working Agreement (CAPCOG) with Williamson County to provide regional law enforcement in service training needs at the Deputy A.W. Grimes Training Center for a term of two (2) years from the date of execution.
Background
The Capital Area Council of Governments' Regional Law Enforcement Academy provides and sponsors basic peace officer training and in service training for local law enforcement agencies of State Planning Region 12. The objectives of the grant application submitted by CAPCOG/RLEA to the Criminal Justice Division of the Office of the Governor have been reviewed and that it is mutually agreed to cooperate to whatever extent is necessary in carrying out the objectives. Williamson County Sheriff's Office has agreed to work in collaboration with CAPCOG/RLEA to meet the grant application objectives of providing regional law enforcement in service training needs by offering meeting space at the Deputy A.W. Grimes Training Center, qualified instructors when available and use of shooting range as scheduled in advance and at the convenience of the Sheriff's Office.
