Kennedale Observer - Latest Newsletter

 

March 22, 2026 – Volume 9 Number 12

HIGHLIGHTS:

* City council met last Tuesday; the $3 million sports complex plan was approved.

* May 2 Election has three contested races:

Ballot Order:

Mayor – Brian Johnson

Mayor – Thelma Kobeck

Place 2 – James Connor

Place 2 – Bryant Griffith

Place 4 – Ryon Ray

Place 4 – Melissa Barrow

Question 4 responses are in this newsletter.

 

 

SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, March 24: EDC Board meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, April 3: Good Friday, City Offices closed.

Sunday, April 5: Easter.

Tuesday, April 14: KKB (Keep Kennedale Beautiful) meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 14: Parks Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, April 20: Start of Early Voting for Municipal and ISD May 2 Elections, 8:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21: City Council meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 23: P&Z meeting, 6:00 p.m.

 

KNOW WHAT YOUR CITY IS UP TO...

Your City Council

The city council met for the March regular meeting this past Tuesday, March 17. All council members were present. The packet can be found at: https://kennedaletx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3666/files/agenda/10499 . The meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDQV07RgcBg .

(6:18) Start of meeting.

Public Comment had no speakers.

 

(9:03) The first three of seven presentations:

swearing in of two police officers.

Proclamation for Women's History Month (proclamation).

Texas Coalition for Affordable Prices (TCAP) (presentation).

 

(25:50) 2025 Kennedale Fire Annual Report presentation (report) [Note: there was a large decline in activity.].

 

The two public hearings included:

(47:47) proposed Community Development Block Grant improvements to build ADA compliant sidewalks along West Third Street (no presentation available).

(59:08) consider PZ26-01 to change OT-4 zoning to C-2 at 444 E. Kennedale Parkway (information starts on .pdf page 82 of the packet link above). Separate consideration item #3. Proposed ordinance for the 444 E. Kennedale Parkway zoning case [public hearing earlier] (ordinance). It was approved, 4-0.

 

The five items for individual consideration:

(1:31:28) 1. Contracting the Kennedale Fire Department with Tarrant County regarding emergency service district (contract). This item was tabled until next month as the city manager requested more time for work on the contract.

(1:32:52) 2. Speed Fab Crete proposed Kennedale Sports Complex (report). The total is $2,314,112 plus several additional alternatives which could total $2,945,868. The plan with the alternatives was approved, 4-0.

3. Proposed ordinance for the 444 E. Kennedale Parkway zoning case Voted on immediately following the public hearing on the same item.

(2:14:28) 4. Paying to be part of ATMOS Steering Committee to negotiate a lower rate than being proposed (starts on .pdf page 245 of the packet link above). The item was approved, 4-0.

(2:15:43) 5. Briar Court sewer project (bids). The low bid was $689,948.50. The city manager requested this be tabled until the next city council meeting.

 

Presentations 5, 6, & 7

(2:16:44) 2025 Library, Senior Center, and Communications Annual Report (report).

(2:30:21) 2025 Municipal Court Annual Report (report).

(2:35:52) 2025 Finance/IT Annual Report (report).

 

The regular session included:

(2:47:01) reports and announcements (financials),

(2:57:02) consent agenda (Feb 17 minutes, 2025 racial profiling report, starts on .pdf page 126 of the packet link above, water cut-off ordinance from 5 days late to 30 days, starts on .pdf page 201 of the packet link above). The consent agenda was approved, 4-0.

Items for separate consideration were addressed earlier.

 

(3:09:07) The executive session included potential land purchase and potential use of EDC land at 811 W. Kennedale Parkway. About 3:54:01 they reconvened. They took no action on executive session items.

 

Leftovers:

The “Investigation” was listed on the executive session agenda for the October 21 meeting. Council Member Kobeck came out of executive session and made the motion to waive the attorney-client privilege and release the investigation report to the public. That motion was approved, 4-0.

We have taken the .pdf Investigation Report and converted to text (far from 100% perfect) and tried to make improvements at: http://www.arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_13.html .

 

Previous Analysis:

Results: The evidence does NOT confirm…

See the November 9, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Witch Hunt?

See the November 16, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Jeff Nevarez interview – Our Part I

See the November 16, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Jeff Nevarez interview – Our Part II

See the November 23, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Was the Investigation Hi-jacked by the city attorney and city manager?

See the November 30, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Pay to Play Scandal

See the December 7, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Wandell Investigation Files

See the December 14, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Lack of Accountability/Afraid to Speak

See the December 21, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Griffith vs. Hull – “The Threat”

See the January 4, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Chamber Vote

See the January 11, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Hiring Austin Degenhart

See the January 18, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

City Manager has Favorites?

See the January 25, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Our Commentary

See the February 1, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

“No Shame” Griffith

See the February 15, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

 

Candidate Question 4: In 2025 the taxpayers paid for an investigation report. Details of some of the issues can be seen at: http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_13.html . What is your opinion on the investigation? What is your opinion of the actions of:

a) the “plaintiff”?

b) the city attorney?

c) the city manager?

d) the May 2025 City Council?

Why do you hold these opinions (what supports your viewpoint)?

 

Ballot Order:

Mayor – Brian Johnson – Did not respond.

 

Mayor – Thelma Kobeck – Considering that I was one of the people being investigated, I must preface this response by stating that it will be virtually impossible for me to be completely unbiased.

First, let’s consider the actions of the “plaintiff” /complainant. Mr. Griffith’s complaint was nothing more than the most recent in a series of baseless complaints, allegations, etc., that began around the time Mr. Horton, Mr. Gary, and I began campaigning in 2024. Frankly, I think that he and others who support him thought that his “formal complaint” delivered before the council would frighten us. It did not. Further, I think he and his supporters were a bit surprised that we all but demanded that this be formally investigated by an outside entity. What I believe they wanted was an internal investigation which would undoubtedly have resulted in our being found to be unethical, immoral, and whatever other label they could have heaped upon our heads, probably tarring and feathering, and dismissal from council. Since he did not accomplish what he hoped to with a formal complaint/attack (our removal from council), he is now running for a place on council yet again. This time, however, he is using a variation of his name and is probably hoping that people will forget that he cost the city tens of thousands of dollars investigating what essentially amounted to “sour grapes and a temper tantrum over not being elected in 2024”.

When the aforementioned complaint was first presented to the council and discussions began regarding how to proceed, I understood the city attorney and city manager to state that once the council agreed that a formal investigation by an outside investigator should occur, the city attorney would research and identify three or four legal firms who would be potential investigators and that the council would then review the options and select one to conduct the investigation. I also understood that the council would meet specifically to set the scope of the investigation. Imagine my confusion and surprise when I received an email from a person affiliated with a law firm informing me that she was the investigator and she wanted to set an appointment with me to take testimony from me. For the record, I did tell her that I understood that the council would have a say in selecting the outside investigator and in defining the scope of the investigation and that I was very concerned that this had not happened. In reading the report of the investigation when it concluded it is my understanding that I was not the only person who expressed concern about this. Was this intentional by the city attorney and/or the city manager? Was it intended to “hijack” the investigation? Was it simply oversight? I don’t know. I do know that it was bad optics and that it severely limited the scope of an investigation that could have potentially addressed much more than a complaint that was obviously the most recent episode of an extended witch hunt.

As for the May 2025 city council, I don’t think the council had any choice but to 1) consent to an investigation by an outside entity and then upon its conclusion, 2) vote to waive attorney/client privilege and release the findings of the investigation in its entirety. Had they not done this, I had every intention of filing a complaint of my own.

Why do I hold these opinions? Simply put, I hold these opinions because the multitude of “complaints” filed by Mr. Griffith and his supporters, including the one being discussed here, found NO wrongdoing by Mr. Horton, Mr. Gary, or myself. In fact, the investigator herself stated in her final report that this complaint appeared to be politically motivated.

Make no mistake, Mr. Griffith, aided by a number of people including members of “Establishment Kennedale”, people who may be sitting members of the current council, and people who are seeking election this cycle engaged in an extended witch hunt. Did he and his supporters anticipate that Mr. Horton, Mr. Gary and I would call his bluff and insist on an outside investigation? I don’t think so. Did they want the findings of the investigation released to the public? Probably not, but I think they knew that they really had no choice. Would Mr. Griffith like for everyone to conveniently forget that HE is the person who embarked on this extended witch hunt that resulted from his not being elected in 2024? What do you think? Would he like everyone to also conveniently forget that HE cost the city tens of thousands of dollars because of his childish behavior? Again, what do you think?

I hope that everyone who votes keeps that in mind when they cast their votes.

 

 

Place 2 – James Connor – At the end of the day, taxpayers paid for an investigation that found no evidence of wrongdoing. That’s not my opinion—that’s straight from the report itself. It clearly states that none of the allegations resulted in any actionable violations of the law or the City Charter.

So when you step back and look at the whole situation, it’s hard not to come to the conclusion that this was a politically driven process that cost taxpayers time, money, and created unnecessary division in our community.

a) The plaintiff

Everyone has the right to raise concerns—that’s part of how government should work. But there’s also a responsibility that comes with that.

In this case, the claims made were serious, but they weren’t backed up with evidence. The investigation went point by point, and in every major area, the allegations didn’t hold up. On top of that, similar complaints had already been filed with the Texas Ethics Commission and were dismissed.

That’s a problem.

When you make accusations at that level and they turn out to be unsupported, it doesn’t just affect the people being accused—it affects the whole city. It creates distrust, division, and in this case, it cost taxpayers money for something that didn’t produce any findings.

That’s not accountability. That’s misuse of the process.

b) The City Attorney

This is where things start to get concerning from a process standpoint.

The council voted to have the city attorney find a firm to conduct an investigation. But what didn’t happen is just as important—there was no follow-up vote to approve the firm, and no public discussion or approval of the scope of the investigation.

Multiple council members even stated they expected to be involved in defining that scope, and that never happened.

That creates a real question: why wasn’t the council brought back into that process?

Even if everything was done with good intentions, skipping those steps hurts transparency and makes people question how the whole thing was handled.

c) The City Manager

The city manager plays a big role in carrying out what the council directs. In this case, the contract was signed and the investigation moved forward without that additional council input.

That’s a problem.

For something this significant—something that involved public accusations, taxpayer money, and the reputation of elected officials—you’d expect the process to be as clear and open as possible.

Instead, it felt like decisions were made behind the scenes instead of out in the open where they should be.

And even if nothing improper happened, the lack of transparency alone damages public trust.

d) The May 2025 City Council

To be fair, the council did the right thing at the start. When serious allegations come up, you can’t ignore them. Looking into it was the responsible move.

But where things fell apart was after that.

The council didn’t stay engaged in the process. They didn’t define the scope, didn’t approve the firm publicly, and didn’t maintain clear oversight. That left a gap—and that gap is what led to a lot of the concerns we’re talking about now.

Good leadership isn’t just about starting something—it’s about following through and making sure it’s done the right way.

Final Thoughts

This whole situation should be a lesson. We had a taxpayer-funded investigation that:

Found no wrongdoing

Confirmed many claims were unsupported

and exposed a process that lacked transparency

That’s not where we should be as a city.

Moving forward, we need to do better:

Allegations should be backed by real evidence before going this far. The process needs to be open and clearly defined and leadership needs to stay focused on facts not politics.

Kennedale deserves leadership that solves problems not creates them.

 

Place 2 – Bryant Griffith – The lasting value of the investigation is that it provided clarity and encouraged the community to reflect on ethical governance, moving the conversation beyond simply asking, “Was it illegal?” to also asking, “Was it right?” When citizens raise concerns and institutions respond through established processes, self-government functions as intended, and that ultimately strengthens public trust.

The 2025 investigation should be viewed primarily as an exercise in transparency and local self-governance rather than a political victory or defeat for any individual. The purpose of the investigation was not to secure criminal findings but to address ethical concerns and restore public confidence in local government. Ethics often exist beyond what is legally enforceable, yet they remain essential to maintaining trust between citizens and their elected leaders.

A community member raised concerns, and the City Council chose to authorize an independent review rather than dismiss those concerns outright. That decision demonstrated a commitment to transparency. While the investigation did not find actionable legal violations, aspects of the report indicated that certain behaviors and circumstances were credible enough to warrant examination. That distinction matters because communities should not only ask whether actions were illegal but also whether they met the ethical expectations residents hold for public service.

The plaintiff’s actions should be understood as civic participation. Self-governance depends on individuals willing to ask difficult questions even when doing so is uncomfortable or unpopular. The city attorney fulfilled an institutional role by ensuring the investigation followed a structured and lawful process, allowing questions to be addressed through facts rather than speculation. The city manager maintained operational stability during a challenging period, ensuring city services continued uninterrupted. The May 2025 City Council demonstrated accountability by allowing an independent process to proceed openly rather than allowing uncertainty to persist.

 

 

Place 4 – Ryon Ray – Regarding the investigation related to the events by specific council members prior and or during the 2025 general election - I simply must agree that the investigation was found valid by the city council and the investigation was approved for the purposes of transparency and those involved. Unfortunately the facts and all communications between the council’s approval to proceed with the hiring of said third party law firm and the ultimate results of such investigation seem to allow for speculation in many forms by default. There is no evidence of intentional compromise of said investigation but there are definitely mistakes in communication between the city and the citizens that would have prevented such continued questions. When such allegations are made it is our duty as leaders of our city to investigate - and yes, investigations come with a cost BUT with the expectation of a reasonable and clear outcome.

 

Place 4 – Melissa Barrow - My opinion of the investigation is that it raised serious concerns about whether taxpayer dollars were used in the most responsible way. There are certainly times when investigations are necessary to address legitimate concerns, and when that happens, the process should be handled carefully and thoughtfully. However, our community does not benefit from unnecessary political conflict, and situations like this can quickly become distractions from the real work residents expect their city government to focus on.

I am running for city council on the tenets of integrity, transparency, and respect, and I believe those principles are exactly what our community needs right now. Integrity means acting in the best interests of the residents of Kennedale and following both the letter and spirit of the law. Transparency means being open with residents about decisions and standing by our words and actions. Respect means working together professionally, even when there are disagreements, and avoiding the kind of public conflict that can erode trust in local government.

The discussion surrounding the investigation also reflects a broader concern that many residents have expressed about ensuring that local government remains focused on serving the community first. Kennedale benefits when everyday residents step forward to serve, people who are motivated by a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of the city. When leaders focus on service and collaboration, the tone of government shifts from division toward cooperation and problem-solving.

Throughout this campaign, I have tried to model that approach. There have been moments when something did not look quite right to me, and instead of speculating or contributing to rumors, I went directly to the source, asked the question, addressed the concern, and moved forward. That kind of respectful and transparent communication is far more productive than allowing misunderstandings to grow.

Kennedale deserves ethical leadership that places the interests of the community above personal agendas. When residents step forward to serve their city, it brings fresh perspectives, strengthens accountability, and reinforces the principle that local government exists to serve the people.

By focusing on integrity, transparency, and respect, we can restore confidence in our local government, reduce unnecessary conflict, and return our attention to what truly matters: being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources and working together to move Kennedale forward.

 

# # # # # # # # # # #

 

Last Week

Last week the city council met on Tuesday evening.

 

This Week

This week the EDC will meet on Tuesday.

 

Public Hearings

On ???, the city council will hold a public hearing for ordinance #795 to prohibit the exposure of children to illegal drugs.

 

On ???, the city council will hold a public hearing for ordinance #796 for adopting speed limits on certain roadways.

 

EDC

The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board is scheduled to meet this Tuesday, March 24. The agenda packet can be found at: https://kennedaletx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3777/files/agenda/10505 .

 

The agenda includes:

Reports and announcements (financials).

Consent agenda (February 24 minutes can be found starting on .pdf page 11 of the packet link above).

Three items for separate consideration.

1. Updating the EDC Grant Application. The requirement to join the Chamber and question on the form about being a member of the Chamber are being removed [Commentary: Thanks to mayoral candidate Brian Johnson and Place 2 candidate Bryant Griffith; they took over leadership of the Chamber then closed it – they displayed very ineffective and poor leadership.].

2. Pavlik and Associates strategic plan and market analyst (no presentation available).

3. Potential land purchase along E. Oak Crest Drive (staff report).

 

P&Z

The P&Z meeting on Thursday, March 26 has been canceled. The next meeting might be Thursday, April 23.

 

Other News....

Accident/Death at Kennedale Speedway

Shane Walters of www.local.newsbreak.com has an article at: https://local.newsbreak.com/kennedale-tx/4541230269672-world-of-outlaws-official-killed-in-incident-at-kennedale-speedway-park?s=dmg_local_email_bucket_19.web2_fromweb&emailId=Yw5lILc&uid=204485440 .

 

Police Department's release:

Kennedale, TX – On Saturday, March 14, 2026, at approximately 8:50 PM, Kennedale Police Officers were dispatched to a report of an accident with injuries at the Kennedale Speedway Park located at 6737 Hudson Village Creek Road in Kennedale, Texas.

Personnel arrived on scene and discovered an accident had occurred on the track involving two track officials. Both officials were responding to a race car accident on the track when the vehicles they were driving collided and all occupants were ejected. One official died at the scene and the other was transported to a local hospital with major injuries.

The incident is being investigated by the Kennedale Police Department and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner. Out of respect for the families of those involved we will not be releasing any further information at this time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by this tragedy and the racing community.

 

Fire Department's release:

Kennedale, TX – On March 14, 2026, at 8:50 pm, the Kennedale Fire Department was dispatched to 6737 Hudson Village Creek Road, Kennedale Speedway Park, for two track officials who were struck by a vehicle on the speedway. Engine 59 started en route to the Speedway at 8:52 pm and arrived at 9:01 pm.

Kennedale Engine 59 and Medic 59 were on a previous incident when this call occurred. Mansfield Engine 4, Medic 4, and Battalion 1 were dispatched for mutual aid to the Speedway incident. Mansfield units were dispatched at 8:50 pm and arrived at 9:00 pm. Mansfield units arrived to find one person with CPR being administered and another person with significant injuries. Trans Care EMS was on scene, performing advanced life support treatment to one individual in full arrest. Trans Care EMS is the emergency service that is on standby at all speedway race events.

Everman FD was also dispatched to the scene due to reports of multiple patients. Mansfield Battalion 1 cancelled their response due to only two patients and enough assistance on scene. Mansfield Medic 4 transported one patient to MCA Arlington for medical care. The incident had one fatality on scene.

Fire Command was transferred to Engine 59, and Mansfield units cleared at 9:30 pm. The Kennedale Police Department was on scene, and accident investigators are being dispatched to the scene. The race was cancelled for this date, and the speedway was cleared of all guests.

Engine 59 cleared at 10:47 pm after the arrival of Kennedale Police investigators. The incident is under investigation.

 

Chamber of Commerce

The Kennedale Area Chamber of Commerce has concluded operations. [ https://mailchi.mp/bb4e0f67ceca/future-of-the-chamber?e=b408c67838 ]

[Commentary: Brian Johnson, candidate for Mayor was president. Bryant Griffith, candidate for Place 2 was vice-president. I do not know enough to flat out say 100% for sure it is their fault, but it surely does not look good when the Chamber has been able to survive on a shoestring budget for many, many years in the past and is now shutting down. The pair knew of Chamber's finances when they took their positions of power and are now shutting it down. It certainly gives the impression that the pair loves spending other people's money--the last thing I would want from my mayor and council.]

 

 

TAD Rates

Tarrant Appraisal District has published the tax rates (October 2025) for the county. Kennedale has now dropped to the eighth highest municipality. [https://www.tad.org/content/rates/2025TaxRates.pdf ].

Top eleven of 41 (everyone else is < 0.65)

1. Everman 1.0260800

2. Sansom Park 0.8457840

3. Blue Mound 0.8138000

4. River Oaks 0.7439910

5. Burleson 0.7218000

6. White Settlement 0.7147780

7. Forest Hill 0.7004660

8. Kennedale 0.6961900

9. Pelican Bay 0.6762930

10. Fort Worth 0.6700000

11. Grand Prairie 0.6600000

 

HELPFUL WEBSITES and CONTACTS

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Latest Kennedale Observer newsletter:

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The “Investigation” Report

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_13.html

 

Senior Tax Freeze Missing

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_10.html

 

1083 Bowman Springs:

http://www.arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_45.html

 

Texas Open Meetings Act Violations???

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_9.html

 

The Bridge:

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_12.html

 

Texas Open Meetings Act Violations???

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_9.html

 

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City Council Grades:

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_26.html

The City of Kennedale website: www.cityofkennedale.com

Mayor and City Council Emails:

Mayor – Brad Horton BHorton@cityofkennedale.com

Place-1 David Glover DGlover@cityofkennedale.com

Place-2 Thelma Kobeck TKobeck@cityofkennedale.com

Place-3 Kenneth Michels KMichels@cityofkennedale.com

Place-5 Jeff Nevarez JNevarez@cityofkennedale.com

 

 

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