Former Fate Mayor is making a run for John Stacy’s seat on the County Commission.

Opinion:  Former Fate Mayor Lorne Megyesi is asking the voters of Rockwall County Precinct 4 to entrust him with a multi-million-dollar county budget. His campaign says he offers “transparency, fiscal discipline, and thoughtful planning.” But his record as mayor and his personal financial history tell a very different story.

A Mayor Who Left a Mess Behind

From 2014 to 2019, Megyesi presided over a period of rapid, developer-driven growth in Fate that left deep marks on the city’s character and infrastructure.

High-density subdivisions were approved at a staggering pace, with little consideration for the long-term impacts on roads, schools, or utilities. City planning under Megyesi seemed focused more on accommodating developers than on safeguarding the small-town feel that residents valued.

Public meetings often left citizens frustrated, as major zoning changes were pushed forward with minimal explanation or engagement. Today, the current Fate City Council is actively working to undo many of the planning and zoning policies from his administration—policies that are now widely seen as short-sighted and detrimental to the city’s long-term stability.

This is the reality behind Megyesi’s claim that he “helped guide the city through a period of rapid growth while maintaining its hometown spirit.” The truth is, Fate is still trying to recover from his brand of “planning.”

The Bankruptcy Question

Voters evaluating a candidate for a role that involves budget oversight and fiscal decision-making have a right to consider his personal financial record. In Megyesi’s case, that record includes a personal bankruptcy filed in Portland, Oregon—Case #0031885ELP, discharged in 2000.

The Fate Tribune reached out to Megyesi for comment and he provided this personal statement about his bankruptcy:

“In late 1999, I suffered a severe back injury that greatly impacted my ability to work and provide for my family. Like many Americans, I faced a season of financial hardship that was not the result of irresponsibility, but of unexpected life circumstances beyond my control. In such cases, the Bible acknowledges both the reality of debt and the provision for its release. In Deuteronomy 15, God Himself established a system of debt forgiveness not to reward poor choices, but to give people a fresh start and restore them to productivity. Our own bankruptcy laws reflect this same principle, ensuring that when someone is knocked down, they have a lawful, honorable path to get back on their feet.

I made the decision to use the legal framework available, a framework our Founders wisely incorporated into our system so that I could recover, rebuild, and once again contribute to my family, my church, and my community. That experience taught me the value of stewardship, perseverance, and compassion for those who face unforeseen hardship. I paid the price, I learned the lessons, and I came back stronger. Today, I stand not as someone defined by that moment of difficulty, but as someone equipped to fight for policies that strengthen families, reward hard work, and extend grace where grace is due just as Scripture commands.”

His explanation is sincere, and no one should dismiss the real impact of medical hardship. But bankruptcy—whether caused by poor judgment or bad fortune—is still a critical factor when voters are deciding who should manage public money. This is not a personal attack; it is a matter of qualification and trust.

County commissioners oversee large budgets, make fiscal policy decisions, and control spending priorities. A candidate’s ability to handle personal finances responsibly is not irrelevant—it’s central to the job.

The Core Issue: Record vs. Rhetoric

Megyesi’s campaign promises sound good—transparency, fiscal discipline, thoughtful planning—but they ring hollow in light of his record. His years as mayor saw opaque governance, developer-friendly zoning, and long-term infrastructure strains. His financial past, while explained as the product of hardship, still raises serious concerns about whether he’s the right person to be a steward of taxpayer funds.

Rockwall County voters must decide: Do they want someone with a proven track record of fiscal prudence and responsive leadership, or someone whose past in both public office and personal finance raises legitimate questions?

The people of Precinct 4 deserve leadership that inspires confidence—not déjà vu from the mistakes of Fate’s past.

Here is a comprehensive summary of the benefits Michael W. Kovacs receives under his 2022 employment agreement as City Manager of the City of Fate, Texas. Actual document provided at end.

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💼 Compensation & Salary

• Base Salary: $202,436.34 annually, paid biweekly.
• Salary Adjustments: Automatically increased in accordance with any general cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) applied to executive-level employees.
• Performance-Based Raises: Salary and/or benefits may increase based on annual performance evaluations.
• Salary Floor: Cannot be reduced below the base salary without mutual written agreement.

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🏥 Health, Disability & Life Insurance

• Full Coverage: City pays 100% of premiums for health, hospitalization, surgical, dental, vision, and comprehensive medical insurance for Kovacs and his dependents.
• Life Insurance: City pays for a policy worth three times his annual salary. Policy is owned by Kovacs; premiums treated as taxable income.

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🕒 Paid Time Off (PTO) & Leave

• Accrues PTO under the same policies as other employees.
• May accrue and carry forward unused PTO.
• Upon termination (excluding resignation or retirement), will be compensated for all unused PTO.
• Entitled to military leave under the same provisions as all employees.

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🚗 Automobile Allowance

• Receives $7,000 annually (paid monthly) for vehicle purchase, lease, operation, and maintenance.
• May request IRS standard mileage reimbursement for official business beyond 100 miles from Fate.

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🏦 Retirement Benefits

• Enrolled in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS).

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📚 Professional Development & Memberships

• City pays for:
  • Membership dues (e.g., ICMA and other professional associations).
  • Travel and expenses for attending national, regional, state, and local meetings and conferences.
  • Short courses, institutes, seminars for professional growth.
  • Membership fees for local civic clubs or organizations.
  • Reasonable expenses for job-related meals and social engagements.
• Provided laptop, mobile phone, and/or tablet for business and personal use (must return upon termination).

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🛡️ Severance Package

• If terminated without cause:
  • Receives 12 months’ salary as severance.
  • Includes accrued PTO and continued health benefits (subject to caps).
• Severance is forfeited if:
  • Terminated for a felony, moral turpitude misdemeanor, or conflict-of-interest violations.
  • Resigns voluntarily or retires.

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🏠 Residency Requirement

• Must maintain residence within Fate city limits.

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🕰️ Work Schedule & Expectations

• Flexible hours expected, including significant time outside normal office hours.
• May establish own work schedule as long as job duties are fulfilled.

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⚖️ Indemnification & Legal Support

• City will indemnify and defend Kovacs (including attorney’s fees, costs, settlements, etc.) for any legal actions related to his job unless his actions involve gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct.
• Continues to receive legal support and reasonable consulting fees/travel expenses even after separation, if related to job duties or litigation where he is a witness/advisor.
• Independent legal representation available upon request, at City’s expense (within reason).

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📉 Suspension & Termination

• May be suspended with full pay and benefits by majority City Council vote.
• Kovacs must receive written notice of charges within 10 days and can request a hearing (open or closed session).

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📜 Ethical Standards & Restrictions

• Prohibited from:
  • Endorsing candidates.
  • Donating to campaigns.
  • Participating in political fundraising or petitions.
• Protected from being ordered to violate these principles by any City official.
• Must uphold ICMA Code of Ethics.

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📈 Outside Activities

• May engage in teaching or consulting only with prior approval of the City Council.
• Such work must not interfere with City duties or present conflicts of interest.

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📑 Other Provisions

• Bonding: City pays for any fidelity or similar bonds required by law.
• Dispute Resolution: Parties must attempt non-binding mediation before filing any lawsuit.
• Precedence Clause: Terms of this agreement supersede conflicting City policies or laws (unless prohibited by law).

Fate, TX – Fate has chosen Rick Maneval as its next City Council Place 4 representative, delivering a resounding endorsement of his conservative, common-sense approach to governance. In a race that pitted Maneval against primary challenger Emily Camacho and the largely absent George D. Lewis, voters opted for a proven steward of fiscal responsibility and community values. Maneval’s win signals Fate’s desire for transparent leadership, prudent budgeting, and a councilmember who prioritizes the city’s families and future.

The unofficial results are: Maneval (649 votes) 55.80%, Camacho (370 votes) 31.81%, Lewis (144 votes) 12.38%.

A lifelong Texan and Fate resident, Maneval brings over three decades of financial expertise from his career at the Dallas Morning News, where he managed budgets with a sharp eye for efficiency. Retired since 2021, he has channeled his energy into community service, notably at Christ Church Rockwall, where he served on the Vestry and led efforts to fund and build a new church facility. His reputation as a faithful husband, father, and neighbor, coupled with his deep-rooted Texas values, made him a natural fit for voters seeking a councilmember who governs with integrity.

Maneval’s campaign centered on keeping Fate prosperous, safe, and affordable. His pledge to maintain a lean budget, lower taxes, and ensure spending transparency resonated with residents tired of government overreach. Drawing on his financial acumen, he promised to stretch every tax dollar while safeguarding the city’s small-town charm against unchecked growth. His commitment to open government—making every decision accessible and accountable—further solidified his appeal in a community that values clarity over bureaucracy.

Emily Camacho, Maneval’s primary challenger, campaigned on improving infrastructure and quality of life but stumbled early. Her use of a maiden name in an election strategy group on Facebook sparked accusations of deceit, eroding trust. The fatal blow came when she endorsed the controversial Lafayette Crossings Project, a proposal for 1,100 new apartments that outraged residents protective of Fate’s character. Her support, alongside Place 6 candidate Brett Bushnell, alienated voters who saw the project as a threat to the city’s identity, effectively ending her campaign’s viability.

George D. Lewis, the third candidate, was a non-factor. A former first responder and funeral service practitioner, Lewis touted his service credentials but failed to engage voters. Absent from meet-and-greets and barely visible online, his campaign lacked the substance and presence needed to compete. His promises to support first responders, while admirable, fell flat without a tangible plan or community connection.

Maneval’s election to City Council Place 4 is a triumph for constitutional conservatism in Fate. His focus on fiscal discipline, transparent governance, and community-driven priorities aligns with the city’s ethos. As Fate navigates growth and change, residents can trust Maneval to honor their values—limited government, personal responsibility, and local pride—while steering the city toward a future that remains true to its roots.