FERRIS: Confidential city projects posted on Facebook

FERRIS – In what some observer’s reaction to Ferris City Councilman Bobby Lindsey posting pending projects on Facebook, “it was an attempt to keep his seat on the council.”

Lindsey posted 18 projects under development by the city, causing concern from real estate agents and building owners who quickly contacted city officials. 

Confidentiality is a key component in negotiating projects with developers. The items were discussed in executive session at a recent council meeting.

Under state law, executive sessions are confidential. The release of any discussion in executive session is a violation.

According to City Manager Bill Jordan, the information had been presented in open session of the Economic Development 4A Board during their last meeting, and then to the council in executive session.

Reportedly, two projects are still under negotiation and should not have been released to the public.

During an attempted interview last Saturday, Lindsey told the reporter to “don’t turn that camera on me” and refused to answer questions about his recent council vote granting a local business rights to use public property for private gain without compensating the city.

He immediately took his signs off his truck parked south of city hall and pitched them inside. Still being asked questions, he remained silent, folded his table and chairs and put them in the back of his truck and drove off while the reporter kept asking for a response.

He has also refused to give on-camera interviews on previous occasions, and did not respond to the questionnaire sent to all council candidates appearing inside this week’s edition of The Ellis County Press.

Lindsey is facing three opponents for his seat. Running against him are Rudy Amor, John Riley and Tommy Scott.

Early voting ended Tuesday with the general election held Saturday, May 4 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Ferris Public Library located at 301 E. 10th Street.