Balch Springs - The City Council reinstated Charles Fenner, the city manager, and some residents feel the city isn't listening to its residents.
Balch Springs - The City Council reinstated Charles Fenner, the city manager, and some residents feel the city isn't listening to its residents.
Jess Reaka has served the city of Balch Springs in several capacities, including the 2018 and 2024 Charter Review Committees. Reaka is a current Parks and Recreation Board member and on the Flood and Drainage Committee.
At the special meeting of the City Council on November 22, 2024, Reaka spoke during public comment, listed the city managers' history, and raised concerns. Moments after, a Balch Springs Marshall approached and asked Reaka to step outside of the council chambers.
"Who told you to come talk to me?" asked Reaka. He replied that dispatch called him up to city hall. The conversation had no real point other than, as Reaka says, to be intimidating.
Reaka spoke to the city secretary, who said there was no call or record. Reaka wonders how the officer knew to say that dispatch sent him, making this a question without an answer.
Reaka told InForney.com that Fenner's history with DUI charges raises concerns about his continued employment's liability on the city and taxpayer dollars.
"You can't fake a blood alcohol level. It's concrete evidence," said Reaka.
Reaka says that staying involved and raising concerns doesn't come without pushback, referring to the Marshall speaking to Reaka after public comment.
"Their hypocrisy is astounding. Twisting yourself into a pretzel to keep someone from speaking into the public record and violating my constitutional rights. As a citizen, I am utterly infuriated right now, "said Reaka.
"They can't be trusted to make rational decisions with our taxpayer dollars."
Reaka says it's hard to get a response when someone contacts the city for comment or information. inForney.com can attest to this, as the publication has contacted the mayor for comment but has received no response.
On a local social media page, many residents have expressed their frustration, noting that the Council works for the people who elected it and that there is a pattern of residents' voices not being heard.
Still, Reaka says it's important to keep stepping up and presenting a different viewpoint to the Council so that they know people are paying attention.
"If I don't speak out, they're just going to keep thinking they can do the same thing repeatedly," said Reaka.
"We outnumber them. They work for us. We elected them."
Reaka is encouraging residents to keep speaking to the Council and not to be intimidated. An Army Veteran, Reaka isn't easily intimidated.
Charles Fenner is expected to stand trial for his current charges in February in Kaufman County.