desoto

recall

Mayor Rachel Proctor

We are calling for the recall of Mayor
Proctor in DeSoto, Texas. Our
community deserves leadership that is
transparent, accountable and
responsive to our needs. Unfortunately,
under Mayor Proctor's administration,
we have experienced a lack of these
qualities. This petition is not a personal
attack on Mayor Proctor but rather a call
to uphold the standards and
expectations set for our public officials.
By signing this petition, you are voicing
your concern about the current
leadership and demanding change for
our city.

Violating the charter by personally directing city staff when direction should come from the city manager or
department heads.

Abuse of power: Abusing and misusing city staff and city resources for personal use.

Failure to meet fiduciary responsibilities.Voting in favor of the 2023-2024 budget that saw an increase in spending
while simultaneously voting for a bond to finance debt in the amount of over $3 million and approving a budget
amendment in the amounts of $1,155,407 and $715,900, all while the City was in the midst of trying to “find funds” for
years of ill-prepared budgets and overspending. Source: Public Meeting. Open records.

Voted for a budget that included an increase in water rates in spite of the majority of City Council disapproving and
residents writing in and speaking at council meetings about the unexplainable high water bills they were receiving
and City reports showing substantial water loss year after year. Source: public meeting

Voting against the recommendations of the Charter Review Committee (a committee of residents appointed by the
City Council) Source: Public meeting

City has seen an increase in crime under her leadership. Source: DeSoto Police Department data. FBI Index crime data.

Created an administrative position for an “assistant to the Mayor” without City Council approval.

Grounds for recall of Mayor Rachel Proctor

Mismanagement of public policy and resources

Catering to the special interests of developers and non-residents is reducing the quality of life for residents
and visitors. Source: public meeting on Tree Ordinance

Catering to her own special interests, reducing the quality of life for residents. Voting to not priorize healthy
options of food and bringing more unhealthy options while solidifying her own business in a company to
position it to have no competition. Source: open records 2022 City Council retreat- Rockwall Texas, council
priorities survey.

Grounds for recall of Mayor Rachel Proctor continued

Councilmember Andre Byrd

We are calling for the recall of
Councilmember Byrd in DeSoto,
Texas. Our community deserves
leadership that is transparent,
accountable and responsive to our
needs. Unfortunately, during Andre
Byrd’s tenure, we have experienced
a lack of these qualities. This petition
is not a personal attack on Mr. Byrd
but rather a call to uphold the
standards and expectations set for
our public officials. Mr. Byrd has
repeatedly shown that the residents
of DeSoto are not his priority.

Failed to meet fiduciary responsibilities. Voting in favor of a budget that saw an increase in spending while
simultaneously voting for a bond to finance debt in the amount of over $3 million and approving a budget
amendment in the amounts of $1,155,407 and $715,900, all while the City was in the midst of trying to “find funds”
for years of ill-prepared budgets and overspending.

Lack of accountability

Lack of accountability for the elected office of City Council and Mayor by not thoroughly requiring, as Mayor Pro Tem,
an active and in-depth review of the complaint filed against Mayor Rachel Proctor claiming that she did not meet the
residency requirements when she filed to run for Mayor. City Charter requires that a candidate must reside full-time in
DeSoto for a minimum of one year prior to filing for election.

Voting to go against the recommendations of the Charter Review Committee (a committee of residents appointed by
City Council) to place term limits on the ballot out of a selfish desire to remain on Council long-term.

Lack of transparency

Failed to file campaign financial report, His campaign was allegedly funded by local developers (signs and volunteer
pay) and it is alleged he did not want this relationship made public.

Openly violates the Open Meeting Act by engaging in “walking quorums” and circumventing conversations, illegally
making contact with councilmembers and Economic Development Corportation board members for support of
agenda items.

Grounds for recall of Andre Byrd

Abuse of allocated/budget funds: overspent on Council allocated travel budget, taking excessive trips at the cost of
the residents.

Exceeding the allowable council budget for “travel and training”

Was knowledgeable of an allegation that Thorntree Golf Club was “stealing water” and yet simultaneously and while
knowing they were under investigation, brought forth a proposal to provide a grant for them to redevelop the
property that resulted in a default of the contract. This was an attempt to increase his own property values. Thorntree
was sanctioned by the State behind this allegation.

Catering to special interest of developers and non-residents which is reducing the quality of life for residents and
visitors.

Failure to support policies that would benefit residents and instead consistently holding a position that favored
developers and investors.

Voted for a budget that included an increase in water rates in spite of the majority of City Council disapproving and
residents writing in and speaking at council meetings about the unexplainable high water bills they were receiving
and City reports showing substantial water loss year after year.

Grounds for recall of Andre Byrd continued

Councilmember Crystal Chism

We are calling for the recall of Councilwoman
Proctor in DeSoto, Texas, due to her ongoing
lack of professionalism and decorum, fiscal
irresponsibility, and our growing concerns
about her temperament and mental
competency. Our community deserves
leadership that is not only transparent and
accountable but also capable of fulfilling its
responsibilities effectively. Unfortunately,
under Councilwoman Proctor's tenure, we
have witnessed a decline in these crucial
qualities. This petition is not a personal attack,
but a necessary step to hold our elected
officials to the standards they are entrusted to
uphold. By signing this petition, you are
expressing your concern about the current
leadership and demanding change for the
betterment of our city.

Grounds for recall of Crystal Chism

Unprofessional Conduct and Lack of Decorum

- Councilmember Chism has repeatedly engaged in disruptive, inappropriate, and hostile
behavior during public meetings, showing a lack of professionalism, decorum, and respect for
constituents and fellow council members.

- Their verbal outbursts, dismissive attitude toward public concerns, and refusal to follow
established procedures have obstructed productive city governance.

– The council member has demonstrated a lack of respect toward constituents and fellow
council members, refusing to engage in civil discourse and dismissing concerns without due
consideration.

Grounds for recall of Crystal Chism continued

Fiscal Irresponsibility, Unapproved Spending & Increasing City Debt

- Councilmember Chism demonstrated reckless financial mismanagement by supporting the hiring of
the City Manager at double the budgeted salary, unnecessarily increasing the city’s financial
obligations.

- Councilmember Chism has approved or supported budget decisions that have substantially
increased the city’s debt without a clear plan for repayment, placing the financial burden on taxpayers.

- In an effort to fund major projects, Councilmember Chism circumvented voter approval for a $50
million bond, depriving residents of their right to decide on significant financial commitments that
impact the city’s long-term economic health. These actions reflect a pattern of fiscal irresponsibility, a
disregard for transparency, and a failure to uphold the public’s trust in financial decision-making.

Grounds for recall of Crystal Chism continued

-Failed to meet fiduciary responsibilities. Voting in favor of a budget that saw an increase in spending
while simultaneously voting for a bond to finance debt in the amount of over $3 million and approving
a budget amendment in the amounts of $1,155,407 and $715,900, all while the City was in the midst of
trying to “find funds” for years of ill-prepared budgets and overspending.

Abuse of Power

- Reaching out to private residents regarding personal matters outside the responsibilities of her role
as Councilmember and attempting to leverage her position to influence outcomes related to a
personal dispute between residents.

Councilwoman Chism currently has three censure request filed against her. Two from residents
and one from current councilmembers. In addition to a lawsuit for defamation, there has also been
a request for a professional mental assessment.

Grounds for recall of Crystal Chism continued

AGENDA ITEM:

Pursuant to Section VIII of the Council Rules and Procedures, receive and consider a notice of
censure filed by Council Members Pierette Parker against Council Member Crystal Chism.

https://www.ci.desoto.tx.us/government/city_council/agendas___minutes.php

Grounds for recall of Crystal Chism continued

Grounds for recall of Crystal Chism continued

Grounds for recall of Crystal Chism continued

Grounds for recall of Crystal Chism continued