Fate, TX – In a stunning turn of events on Monday, February 5, 2024, the Fate City Council delivered a blow to the citizens they were elected to represent, with a 6 to 1 vote approving a Planned Development (PD) for the expansive Lafayette Crossing project spanning approximately 266 acres.
The council chamber overflowed with concerned Fate residents, with standing room only and crowds spilling out into the corridors. Despite 30 individuals registering their opposition to the project, only 3 expressed support, one of whom was a representative of the project owner, not a Fate resident.
The crux of the issue revolved around the proposed construction of up to 1300 new apartments, a prospect vehemently opposed by the majority of Fate’s population. While the developer was afforded an endless and unregulated amount of time to present their case, citizens were restricted to a mere 3 minutes each, timed with an egg timer that would ring in a judgemental way to let the speaker know that their time was up, and they had to shut up now. If they didn’t, Mayor Billings was all to eager to interrupt, and let them know how things are done.
This fateful day will be etched in history as the moment the council turned its back on the very people it swore to serve, and will alter Fate’s destiny, killing what is left of our rural lifestyle.
The six council members who voted in favor of the approval—Heather Buegeler, Mark Harper, Scott Kelley, Allen Robbins, Jim DeLand, and Lance Megyesi—have incurred the wrath and disillusionment of the community. Mayor David Billings, an advocate and poster child for Strong Towns, unexpectedly dissented from the majority decision. The Fate Tribune contacted Mr. Billings for comment but was unable to get a response by publication.
Heather Buegeler and Jim DeLand, who have both filed “campaign treasurer” applications for re-election in 2024, face an uphill battle for support following their roles in the sickening display. Buegeler went on a long unhinged rant and made an offensive and condescending address to the citizens, essentially chiding them like children. Then in a bi-polar switch concluded by a hollow expression of gratitude to the people she had just belittled. Her vote, coupled with her elitist attitude has likely ended her political future. Buegeler’s challenger, Codi Chinn, is backed by a vocal segment of the community and the newly formed Fate 2024 PAC, will pose a significant threat to Buegeler’s incumbency.
Likewise, DeLand’s disgusting performance and betrayal contrasted sharply with the impassioned speech delivered by his opponent, Mark Hatley, who garnered widespread applause for his critique of Strong Towns and fiscal accountability within the council. Hatley’s spotlight on the city’s hefty expenditure of over $300k on consultants for the Comprehensive Plan struck a chord, resonating with Fate’s electorate.
As Fate grapples with the aftermath of this controversial decision, the council’s betrayal underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in local governance. Many residents are now questioning the integrity of their elected officials and the mechanisms in place to represent their voices effectively. It would appear that no amount of opposition to a cause is enough to sway this council from voting against the citizens of Fate and selling out the People. They simply just don’t care what the People want.
Moving forward, the Fate Tribune remains committed to closely following developments as the community navigates the fallout from this pivotal moment in its history. The quest for accountability and responsive governance continues, with Fate’s citizens determined to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that their voices are heard in shaping the future of their city.