Chandler Arp Controversy LocalNewsOnly

Resolution Rekindles Questions about Mayor's Role with Developer...Dredd G. Eliss

At the City Council meeting on April 17, 2001, Resolution R-01-1789, regarding the disclosure of financial information on candidates, rekindled comments concerning the mayor's role in a 1998 lawsuit against the City of Colleyville. The language of the debate, from both the audience and council members, often referred to the resolution as an "ethics" resolution.

The Mayor read the resolution then stated that she had attempted to get an ethics resolution and citizens panel in 1999, however the council would not agree. Further, she referenced city Resolution R-99-1508. CLICK HERE TO VIEW RESOLUTION Arp said the resolution had been written by then Councilman Frank Carroll and that only she and Councilman Tigue were in opposition. Arp said the 1999 resolution violated her First Amendment rights and that, in order to talk openly about any item discussed in council executive session, all council members had to be in agreement. The Mayor further stated she was simply trying to resolve this matter when she happened to run into Chandler at Landmark Bank in Colleyville and mentioned the problem.

Steve Knight, previously active in the effort against a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, referred to those who might oppose the new resolution as "roaches running when the light were turned on."

Former Mayors Richard Newton and Ed Baker, former Mayor Pro Tem Nelson Thibodeaux, former Councilman Steve Helling and Steve Magee all spoke against the present form of the resolution. Helling, Newton and Thibodeaux also all made reference to the circumstances surrounding the resolution. Several of these former officials said the incident that precipitated the 1999 resolution was the result of the then Councilman Arp secretly telling Raman Chandler about a planned lawsuit against him by the city. The current resolution was completely different and described as a disclosure requirement that fell far short of satisfying ethical conduct expected from council members.

Steve Helling stated the Arp/Chandler incident was an all time low for city council and his service.

Steve Magee pointed out current council member Dennis Marlin had an apparent financial interest with Chandler not disclosed when he sought his council seat.

Former Councilman Jim Moore stated he felt the current charter was clear concerning ethics and conflicts of interest.

Some observers have noted that the council of 1998 appeared to be a homogeneous group and the current political rift between Arp and previous council member, once allies, can be traced to Chandler's campaign for city council in 1999. During his campaign he spoke to the Woodbriar Homeowners Association and revealed that Arp had in fact warned him about the lawsuit.

In 1998 the city council members of Helling, Arp, Carroll, Thibodeaux and Tigue voted to resolve the controversial lawsuit with Chandler. The vote not only ended the lawsuit but allowed Chandler to proceed, without the need of P&Z approval, with his development known as the Villas of Caldwell's Creek. The Villas was a high density residential development and there was criticism, from some members of the public, that Chandler had received "special treatment". In fact, Mayor Richard Newton vetoed the agreed settlement, but his veto was overturned on a 4-0 vote, by Tigue, Helling, Carroll and Arp with Thibodeaux electing to leave the meeting, temporarily, and asked to be noted as absent.

The 1999 Resolution referred to by the Mayor had passed on a 4 - 1 vote with Jody Short and Mike Taylor voting with Carroll and Thibodeaux while Tigue dissented.

Mr. Chandler, who was once described by a Star-Telegram columnist as the "power broker" in Colleyville politics has a history of activism in city elections. Chandler threw his support behind Dennis Marlin during the 2000 elections and Marlin won handily over Thibodeaux.

LNO obtained a copy of Marlin's 2000 campaign finance report, due the 8th day before the May 6, 2000 election. The document was stamped received May 5, 2000, the day before the election. Only two contributors were listed, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kramer of Colleyville for $1,000 and Mr. & Mrs. Raymond (sic) Chandler of Colleyville, for $2,000. See financial filing click here.

The original lawsuit involved property in the Caldwell's Creek subdivision, originally developed by Chandler. Virtually the same park acreage is the center of a lawsuit filed by the Caldwell's Creek Homeowner's Association. To see a copy of the lawsuit click here.

Many Colleyville Caldwell's Creek residents say they have become weary of the almost 4 year long controversy. To make matters more entangled, Councilman Dennis Marlin, who refers to his occupation as a bond broker, has built two houses in Chandler's Caldwell's Creek. One of the houses has been on the market for an extended period of time and LNO has been provided correspondence from citizens on the same street complaining about the long period the home has been under construction. Further, residents living next to this lot have told LNO that the city requires it for retention of water until down stream drainage is corrected. However, they have been told that this correction could take years and in the meantime the developer is responsible.

Nearby residents have expressed displeasure with this lot in Caldwell's Creek, allegedly owned by Raman Chandler with Councilman Dennis Marlin having a "first right of refusal."

Archive of articles concerning the Chandler lawsuit and Arp controversy. Click on headlines to view story.

While the election is just days away and the citizens of Colleyville are likely to receive last minute political mailings. Dave Lieber of the Star-Telegram wrote as far back as 1998 that Raman Chandler was the apparent "Power Broker" of Colleyville City council and was "pulling their strings". Despite a landslide victory by Jody Short for Place 1 over Raman Chandler in 1999, it appears Chandler continues to play his role in influencing local politics.

Chandler Property on John McCain with this year's selections.
CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

Editor's Note: Some Principals and participants with Local News Only.com live in the neighborhood of Caldwell's Creek, including the Editor, Publisher and General Counsel of this Internet News Agency. The Publisher and General Counsel also hold positions on the Homeowners Board of Directors in Caldwell's Creek.

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