Singing a new tune

Davis says it's time to work for 'best interests' of city

Published Thursday, May 1, 2008

By Chris Butler

People came to Rhome Saturday afternoon expecting more than just the usual fireworks - they expected to witness what could have been an unpleasant confrontation between Rhome City Councilman Brandon Davis and his political adversaries.

The agenda called for a discussion of personal attacks on former Police Chief Rick Roebuck, firing the current city secretary and death threats made against Davis - and that was only for starters.

The 20 people who came to hear Davis at city hall talked about how the time for "High Noon" had finally arrived in Rhome. Others came armed with video cameras and digital recorders to make sure they could document any of the well-known squabbling for themselves.

Ironically, someone's cell phone started to play the theme from the Clint Eastwood western "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" shortly before the meeting began.

The tone of the meeting, however, couldn't have been more civil - and some people left saying they were surprised at how productive it was.

Davis was the only member of the city council to show, meaning there was no quorum to legally discuss the proposed agenda.

He was willing to talk about anything else, however.

Instead of assuming a position at the front podium, Davis sat in the audience, among some of the same people he had once antagonized.

"I'm not going to sling any more mud. Now it's time for me to work for the best interests of the city," Davis told the audience.

Throughout the two and a half hour meeting, Davis described himself as the "bulldog" of the council and someone who "speaks harshly and has an abrupt personality," two uncommon traits for a politician.

"I have to assume everyone is lying to me. That's the police officer in me. My objective from now on is to take the straight and narrow on this council," he said.

Davis said the new attitude came after a "heart-to-heart" with Mayor Mark Lorance after last Thursday's city council meeting.

Davis suggested at that meeting that the city designate a person to handle media relations and create press releases for the media pertaining to business that takes place both within the city government and on the city council. He said he was upset because he didn't believe Lorance was making him aware of discussions with developers who might bring new businesses to the city.

Lorance was in Houston on a business trip, but his wife, Kristi, was in the audience and agreed with Davis.

"We need more communication on the council," Lorance said.

Current state laws prevent city council members from discussing city business in private. Davis said the Wise County Messenger is often the only way members of the council can carry messages across to one another.

The members of the audience said they will take Davis at his word and expect him to immediately start working toward the city's best interests.

"You guys need to get up there and forget everything personal. And you, Brandon, need to put the bulldog down," said Catherine Crisp, a resident of By-Well Estates.

Davis didn't get all of the attention at Saturday's meeting.

Jo Ann Wilson was the only city council candidate to attend. Members of the audience listened as she described her ideas for improving Rhome, including the need for economic development and a possible skateboard park.

"Together we can make Rhome a wonderful place to live," Wilson said.