Councilman Eric Matthews

Councilman Eric Matthews has done exactly what he said he would do – ask the tough questions and demand straight answers.  His technique of ‘knowing the answer to half the questions he asks’ has paid huge dividends.

Immediately Matthews began to stir things up, and like a big pile of cow manure when it is stirred, things began to smell!  And no, that’s not micro-managing city staff. That is leadership in action! He was  looking out for the interest of Weatherford citizens when he exposed the stench of a plan to spend over $8 million on a First Monday/Heritage Park facelift!  When questioned about the probability of an acceptable return on that $8.2 million investment in improvements to First Monday/Heritage Park, the City Manager admitted that no study had been done to determine the feasibility of such an undertaking.  He could only say in a Parks and Recreation Board meeting that he ‘hopes’ it is successful. The most repeated word in that meeting was we “hope“…

Voters should take time to listen to this Parks and Recreation Board meeting.  I think you will be amazed at the City Manager’s response when asked how the First Monday grounds will be used the 27 days each month when it is not being utilized for ‘First Monday’ activities. You will hear comments like, “you can use it to throw frisbees on, you can walk your dog, you can watch your kids ride bicycles in the parking lot or you can sit on a bench and eat lunch.”  You will hear the City Manager finally admit in this meeting that upon completion of his “master plan” for First Monday alone, he expects a total cost of $6 million.  You will hear comments like “If we build it, we hope they’ll come.”  What’s up with that???

Thank you Councilmen Matthews for watching our back. Without your efforts we would not have the ability to listen to meetings of City Council and various boards who spend our tax money and determine the course our city takes.  One can only imagine the spending if you were not there.

Yes, thank you Councilman Matthews for being the fiscal bulldog we taxpayers need to guard our resources.

Your opponent has a reputation for being a nice guy who gets along with everybody.  We don’t need someone on city council who ‘goes along just to get along’! We need someone who has the courage to stand up and speak up when he sees City Council swaggering along in its good ole boy network scratching backs and operating outside the scrutiny of the citizens of Weatherford.

Matthews, who has years of experience in accounting, is making it difficult for the good ole boys to continue their shell game with funds.  Isn’t it amazing how the truth floats to the surface when one knows the answer to the questions he is asking?

Councilman Matthews has the courage, intelligence and tenacity we need on City Council.  Keep asking the tough questions Eric.  You have earned my vote – again!

Lenny Leatherman