Katy Citizen Watchdog$

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Watchdog$ Respond To “Non-Response” By The Board

 

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PRESS RELEASE

 

The Katy Citizen Watchdog$                                                                   June 27, 2006

 

WATCHDOG$ RESPOND TO “NON-RESPONSE” BY THE BOARD

 

It’s almost been a month since Chris Cottrell, Co-Founder of the Katy Citizen Watchdog$ (www.katycitizens.org) sent a letter to all the incumbent Board members and Dr. Merrell asking for an open dialogue with the district.  A similar “open dialogue” request was made at the General School Board meeting on June 19^th by Kevin Tatum, the other Co-Founder of the Watchdog organization.  “Only Trustee Tom Law has privately told the Watchdog$ that he supports such a dialogue,” said Cottrell.   

 

Cottrell went on to say, “We are also very disappointed that no member of the Watchdog leadership group was asked to be a part of the new Bond Committee.  We had hoped that after the election the district would have wanted at least some of the leadership of our group to be part of the new process,” said Cottrell.  Cottrell further stated, “Right after the election our sources inside the district told us that it appeared that some of the Watchdog leadership were going to be asked to participate.  I guess someone changed their mind or had second thoughts since the election.  Our sources now tell us that it has been said that the Watchdog$ leadership wouldn’t be good for the new committee since we are too “argumentative,” “closed minded, and haven’t earned the right to participate on such a committee.”  I can only assume that this is why the Board continues to ignore our requests for an open dialogue.”

 

When asked about this district perception of the Watchdog leadership, Cottrell had this to say, “Like it or not, the Watchdog$ are here to stay and we have every right to our beliefs and opinions and we have every right to participate in the process.  This lack of inclusion will not prevent us from continuing to offer our views and suggestions for the new bond initiative; that’s something the Board and the district can count on.” 

 

“It is very disappointing when your elected officials decide that certain constituents are not worthy of a response.  This attitude may not bode well with voters in the next election.  All of the remaining incumbents can count on Watchdog supported opposition in every upcoming election,” said Cottrell.  “As I already told one incumbent after the election, this isn’t a threat it’s a promise.”

 

Cottrell continued, “We have been very sincere in our desire to open a dialogue with all of our opponents.  We really believe that if we all work together for the betterment of the district great things can be accomplished.  But the required “give and take” can’t be one-sided.  We know very well that compromise will be required.  But the Watchdog$ aren’t going to be able to contribute to the process if we are continually shut out because the other side is either unwilling or unable to accept the fact that not everyone believes everything that the district says.  The last time I checked debate was part of the democratic process.”

 

In closing, Cottrell stated, “We are very sorry that the district continues to harbor ill will to our organization.  We had hoped that our recent election victories would have shown the district that there is a real grassroots tax revolt in our community, this state and in the country.  There is still time for our opponents to reconsider their positions.”

 

Media Contact:

Chris Cottrell/Co-Founder

Katy Citizen Watchdog$

 

Katy Citizen Watchdog$/Press Release

Date: 06/27/2006