Favors the “Good Ol’ Boys”

Favors the "Good Ol' Boys" System

The term “good ol’ boy system” generally describes an informal network of people that provides favoritism, support and/or perks for its “members”.  Even though not technically illegal, the appearance of favoritism in the allocation of public resources, only serves to erode the trust of the citizens in the leadership of their government.

 

In recent years, Kerrville has witnessed a game of musical chairs among its leadership positions. A relatively small group of people have invested a large sum of money into the local political system, and have constructed a political machine (or ‘old boy system’ if you prefer) that inserts candidates into races as if they are interchangeable parts. By successfully controlling the levers of power, this ‘old boy network’ can steer benefits back to its own, often times to the detriment of the common good.

 

By advertising herself as a supporter of the status quo as well as being endorsed by current members of the power elite, Mrs. Summerlin has indicated that she would not only work to further the efforts of this elitist club, but that she is actually a card carrying member of the club.  

 

Campaign signs from Kerrville City Council election 2019 placed on the property of a local development which was still in the process of applying for public funding for the project. Coincidentally placed next to a real estate sign with ironic message.

Would it seem appropriate that the City Council would utilize a Title Company managed by one of its councilmembers as part of an economic development agreement?  Or that a City Council would grant land value, in the form of an alleyway, to a business group that happened to have sitting councilmember as one of its principal partners?


Does it signal a future quid pro quo arrangement to see campaign signs for an individual City Council candidate (Mrs. Summerlin) sitting in front of a local architect business office when this architect regularly is awarded service contracts with the City?


No claims are being made here that anything has been done illegally. The question is, should city councilmembers ever receive direct benefit from action taken by the full Council?  And is it appropriate for businesses and individuals receiving public funding for their projects or business to be so cozy with candidate campaigns?


Mrs. Summerlin has already indicated with her statements as well as her previous actions on Council that she is ok with furthering this ‘old boy system’ here in Kerrville.