Flower Mound Town Council members on Monday night are scheduled to discuss launching an investigation into possible ethics violations.
Council member Brian Rountree requested an agenda item that reads: “Identify interest and receive direction regarding a proposal to direct the Town Manager to direct the appropriate staff to conduct an investigation into possible violations of the Code of Ethics and/or Open Government Laws.”
Council member Bryan Webb said Friday that he suspects the ethics portion of the request is aimed at him.
“I’m one hundred percent confident that the target of the ethics discussion is about me, and I believe that it all goes back to Nels Pearson’s removal from planning and zoning,” said Webb.
Webb said that he told Pearson he was targeted for removal from the P & Z board after it was discussed by council members in executive session and that if Pearson wanted to have his removal discussed during an open council meeting he needed to make his wishes known to the council.
Pearson was removed from the P & Z board at the June 17 town council meeting. He died of a heart attack eight days later.
“I think that any member who is subject to removal or is going to be discussed for removal should have that option,” said Webb. “And the only way you can do that is, somebody’s gotta tell them.”
Rountree posted this statement Saturday morning on Facebook: “I was elected and sworn to uphold our Town Charter and the Constitution, not look the other way for convenience or because I’m afraid of hard decisions. We have a member that has admitted to breaking the rules and has flaunted the fact online and in the newspapers. I will not back slap and look the other way. I am not afraid to uphold our laws and Town Charter. I presented this item for discussion Monday night because it’s the right thing to do. If other members wish to turn their backs on the truth and justice then the old ways of doing things will continue. I was elected for change and to do the right thing. This shouldn’t take up much time at all Monday night. Seems pretty cut and dried when we have an admission of guilt by the offending party.”
Flower Mound Mayor Tom Hayden expressed his disappointment about the proposed investigation.
“I’m disappointed that after three years of dedicated volunteers working hard to improve our town it appears we have taken several steps backwards towards an emphasis on political hijinks,” said Hayden.
“As I understand it, certain council members are upset that Nels Pearson was notified that in executive session his removal from planning and zoning was discussed. It’s disappointing transparency is being punished.”
The agenda item will be discussed on Monday night at 6 p.m. at Flower Mound Town Hall.
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