"Boyce Whatley" Slams Citizen

Information for this article was taken from an Ellis County blog.  The blogger used the name "Boyce Whatley," and had previously posted the governance policies, code of ethics, and other information that could give credibility as to the author of the posts, including a threat of calling his attorney about remarks made earlier about Mayor Boyce Whatley of Midlothian.  Therefore, while blog names are difficult to verify, it is not unreasonable to think these posts could have been made by the mayor.

General comments from "Boyce Whatley" follow.  If this is the mayor, we're wondering how he can say this after the things he alleged about Councilman Ken Chambers.  The blog comments from "Boyce Whatley" are as follows (sic):

"I have absolutley no understnading as to why an individaul would want to print material that is not substantiated or proven that can cause damage to ones relationships both business and personal. I am ashamed that these individauls existand obviously are lacking something in their life. I find this behavior despicable. I would appreciate you removing the material that will damage me. Its untrue and uncalled for."

Comments from "Boyce Whatley" concerning Councilman Ken Chambers.  (It's our impression that, when requested by Chambers' attorney, no complaints against Chambers were produced.)

"The complaints made by residents, staff and peer council members relating to Mr. Chambers were vetted and dealt with."

Comments from "Boyce Whatley" to a female citizen (if these comments are from the mayor, we consider it to be a very unprofessional way to speak to a citizen, and an extremely disrespectful way to speak to a lady):

"Boy lady, you have a real short memory and then want to condem ME? Get real!"

"I have asked you to communicate your needs by US Mail and will respond accordingly in the future."

"By the way [lady's name], residents of this city are tired of all of the open resords requests that you do ..."

"Why don’t you just mind your own business and leave other residents alone."

"You made your bed now YOU lie in it."

We heard from the lady who was the subject of the statements, and she said, "I called Boyce this morning and asked if he were the one writing under his name on the blog because I feel the comments may affect my safety.  He said, 'What do you think?'  I replied, 'I don't know;  that is why I am calling you.'  He then hung up on me."

A few days later, she contacted us again and said the police officer stated there are no criminal charges (which she understood).  She said she asked the officer if Mayor Whatley said whether or not it was he who was posting online.  The officer reportedly told her he asked the mayor, but the mayor told him that any involvement relating to him online would have to be addressed to his attorney.

Regardless of the true author, it clearly demonstrates the need in our society for greater education (look at the poor spelling) and common courtesy, especially when speaking to ladies.

If this is proved to be the mayor, perhaps a subcommittee should be formed to look into ethics violations.  To quote from the Midlothian Code of Ethics:

• The professional and personal conduct of members must be above reproach and avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

• Be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships so that every member may merit the respect and confidence of the citizens of Midlothian.

• Be dedicated to public service by being cooperative and constructive, and by making the best and most efficient use of available resources;

• When presenting their individual opinions and positions, members shall explicitly state they do not represent their body or the City of Midlothian, nor will they allow the inference that they do.

• The chairs of boards and commissions and the Mayor have the additional responsibility to intervene when actions are brought to their attention of members who appear to be in violation of the Code of Ethics. Therefore, the City Council may impose sanctions on members whose conduct does not comply with the City’s ethical standards, such as reprimand, formal censure, loss of seniority or committee assignment, or budget restriction. Under the City Charter, the City Council also may remove members of boards and commissions from office. A violation of this Code of Ethics shall be considered a basis for challenging the validity of a Council, board or commission decision.