Scathing Critique Emerges as Councilman Lance Megyesi supports exemptions to Child Safety Zone restrictions not once, but twice.
Fate, TX – In a move that has ignited intense debate and drawn sharp criticism, Fate City Councilman Lance Megyesi has twice voted to approve exemptions to the Child Safety Zone restriction ordinance, leaving many residents questioning his judgment and commitment to child safety.
Article III of Chapter 18 of the City of Fate Code of Ordinances prohibits persons convicted of certain sexual offenses from residing within 2,000 feet of any premises where children commonly gather. This generally includes playgrounds, schools, daycare facilities, public parks, public or private youth centers, public swimming pools, etc. The City’s ordinance also provides that anyone who falls under these regulations may apply to the City Council for an exemption from the regulations in Article III.
The first instance occurred on February 6, 2023, when Megyesi voted to approve an exemption for Mr. Donald Wright, a resident of 860 Roland Drive in Fate, TX. Wright had been embroiled in a troubling scenario involving the facilitation of a sex act by individuals under the age of sixteen. Allegedly, he booked a hotel room for minors to engage in sex acts and received a payment of $100 for his involvement. Wright was 31 years old at the time of the incident. Although he acknowledged previous room rentals, he maintained that these had occurred before the disturbing event.
In the aftermath of the incident, Mr. Wright has maintained a clean legal record. He is married and is the stepfather to three boys. However, the egregious nature of the act and its potential implications for the safety and well-being of minors has left many Fate residents deeply concerned about the Councilman’s decision.
Councilman Lance Megyesi and Councilman Jim DeLand both voted in the minority to approve the exemption for Mr. Wright. Fortunately, the motion to approve was rejected by the rest of the council.
The second exemption was requested on August 7, 2023, for Elizabeth M. Wilson of 103 Katie Street in Fate, TX. Wilson had been convicted of child sodomy in 1993 in Virginia. She and her husband purchased their residence in December 2022. Fate’s City Attorney revealed that upon a review by the state, her offense closely resembled a Texas offense that would necessitate lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Mrs. Wilson and her attorney spoke at the Aug. 7th council meeting. She also had a Sexual Risk Assessment performed by Stephen D. Finstein, a licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider, who provided testimony at the council meeting that she was not a threat. Her husband also spoke at the meeting.
These instances of exemption have thrown Councilman Lance Megyesi into the spotlight for his unusual stance on child safety issues. Megyesi, in an attempt to defend his actions, cited his belief in “grace and mercy” as guiding principles. He acknowledged the controversial nature of his opinion, stating, “The last thing I want to see is someone’s child abused.” However, critics argue that this perspective neglects the fundamental responsibility of safeguarding vulnerable members of the community.
With a margin of 5 to 1, the council overwhelmingly denied the application for Mrs. Wilson’s exemption from Child Safety Zone restrictions. Councilman Megyesi stood as the sole dissenting voice in this case, raising concerns among Fate’s residents about his commitment to the welfare of children and the broader community.
Child safety advocates and concerned citizens have not hesitated to voice their disapproval of Councilman Megyesi’s actions on Facebook. Many argue that the purpose of Child Safety Zone restrictions is to prevent individuals with questionable backgrounds from residing in close proximity to areas frequented by children, such as schools and playgrounds.
The controversy has also sparked broader discussions about the criteria for granting exemptions and the potential consequences of doing so. Critics argue that the Child Safety Zone restrictions exist for a reason – to prevent individuals with prior convictions related to child exploitation or abuse from residing near spaces where children congregate. Granting exemptions, they say, undermines the integrity of these regulations and could potentially place children at unnecessary risk.
As Fate residents grapple with these ethical and practical concerns, the fate of Councilman Megyesi’s political career hangs in the balance. The City Council member’s actions have ignited a firestorm of dissent, leading some residents to call for his resignation, while others express hope that he will reconsider his stance and prioritize the community’s safety. The Fate City Council’s decisions regarding these exemption requests serve as a stark reminder of the complex and often contentious nature of balancing individual rights with the greater good of the community. As the city navigates these tumultuous waters, the long-term consequences of these exemptions and the legacy of Councilman Megyesi’s decisions remain uncertain.