Fate Tribune Presents: Unveiling the Local City Council Candidates’ Platforms
As the city gears up for the forthcoming elections, the fate of our community lies in the hands of those who aspire to lead it. With fervent anticipation, the Fate Tribune reached out to the contenders vying for seats on the local city council, asking them to present their platforms to the public in the Fate Tribune.
Two of the candidates, Codi Chinn and Mark Hatley, heeded the call. Recognizing the paramount importance of transparency and accountability in governance. These candidates, driven by a steadfast commitment to the welfare of our community, have embraced the opportunity to articulate their visions, values, and plans for the future.
It’s imperative to note that the statements presented are directly from the candidates’ campaigns and have not been redacted or edited in by the Fate Tribune.
Another candidate, Cinnamon Krauss, expressed interest in providing her campaign materials. However, Mrs. Krauss was unable to provide her statements in time for publication, even though we went out of our way to delay publication and also gave her an additional time extension.
Additionally absent from this publication are the platforms of Heather Buegeler, John Hamilton and Adam Jones. These candidates have chosen the cloak of silence over the call of civic engagement. Despite both public and private invitations, they have regrettably opted to withhold their platforms from public scrutiny, leaving constituents in the dark about their intentions and convictions. What kind of candidate would pass up the opportunity to reach thousands of citizens with an unedited direct message? Surely none that would be deserving of your vote we would argue.
Codi Chinn – Place 1
As a proud Texan, born and raised, and a resident of Fate who has passionately called this place home since 2015, I’m stepping forward to serve you on the Fate City Council Place 1. My journey to this moment has been unconventional, fueled by a deep love for our community and a fierce desire to protect and enhance the place we call home.
My husband, a 100% disabled Purple Heart recipient and former tank commander, and I chose Fate for its small-town charm, the tight-knit community, and the promise of excellent education through the Rockwall ISD for our children. For years, we reveled in the peace and beauty our town offered, especially the serene lake views that became a backdrop to our family’s happiest moments. But, as the world changed around us, especially during the pandemic, so did my perspective on how our community was being led.
Suddenly, I found myself in the role of teacher to our three wonderful children, navigating the complexities of remote learning while juggling work from my home salon. It was during this time I discovered issues in our children’s curriculum that alarmed me, pushing me into the realm of civic engagement—a realm I never imagined I’d step into. My background as a double major in History and Political Science from Texas A&M, with a focus on foreign policy and Islamic history, provided me with the analytical skills to understand the broader implications of these local decisions. Yet, it was my role as a mother that drove me to act.
My entrance into public advocacy began with school board meetings, where my husband and I, both previously non-political, voiced our concerns over the direction of our children’s education. What I encountered was a bureaucracy more concerned with preserving its image than addressing the needs of its students and parents. This disregard for community input and the overt bullying tactics used by current council members against those who dare to challenge the status quo convinced me that change was not just necessary; it was imperative.
In January 2023, a pivotal moment came when the city council considered granting a special exemption for a registered sex offender near a local school. This, alongside other community concerns—like the unchecked development invading our privacy, the lack of support for small businesses, and the blatant disregard for voters’ voices on critical issues—highlighted the urgent need for leadership that truly represents the people of Fate.
As a hair stylist for 20 years and a small business owner, I’ve had the privilege of listening to countless stories from the heart of our community. These stories, combined with my personal experiences and the challenges our family has faced, have galvanized me to run for city council. My campaign is not about political ambition; it’s about bringing our community’s voice to the forefront, ensuring our safety, protecting our values, and fostering a transparent, responsive government that serves its people first and foremost.
I am Codi Chinn, and I am running to be that change. Despite the intimidation and opposition from those comfortable with the status quo, I stand ready to fight for what is right. I believe in our community’s strength, in our shared values, and in our ability to come together to shape the future of Fate. This election is just the beginning. Together, we can transform our council, hold our leaders accountable, and ensure our city remains a place we are proud to call home.
Join me on May 4th. Let’s make our voices heard and take the first step toward a brighter future for Fate.
Mark Hatley – Place 5
Lindsay Roberts Stoller had asked questions of all the candidates on another page. Will also post my answers here . Thank you for the questions Lindsay!
Lindsay, I would be happy to respond.
My name is Mark Hatley and I am running for the Fate City Council Place 5 on May 4, 2024.
1. Do you support additional high density residential housing? Why do you support or not support it? (I’m not talking about Lafayette Crossing, but beyond that into the future) _______________
My answer is no. I do not support any further high density housing at this time.
For well over a decade here in Fate, residential has been built well out of proportion with infrastructure, schools, and retail to balance the lifestyle of Fate. We already have over 2,000 rental community, multi-family apartments, townhomes, cottages, and bungalows, that have been approved to move forward in Fate. With all that mass density, we will need retail, police/fire, schools, roads, etc. to maintain and upkeep our infrastructure.
Developers always bring lopsided proposals with 70% to 80% residential and 20% to 30% retail.
Right now with all of the tax revenue we receive and with all the property taxes of the mass amount of residential we have that only accounts for 11% of the cities revenue.
The small amount of retail we have accounts for 33% of our revenue which is 3 times as much. Retail will help us with the added revenue we need to hire the much needed additional DPS officers and Fireman in which we are already behind due to the density push by our current City Leaders.
School expansions need time to catch up for our children in Fate. There are already portable buildings on campuses. Fate should not overcrowd the schools any further! Population has grown much too fast! Yet, the much needed infrastructure, schools, retail, fire/police are not growing to meet the needs of the high density growth.
_______________
2. If elected, will you listen to the citizens of Fate and show respect to them, even if you don’t agree with them.
_______________
Of course. I listen even if I disagree. That is the only way we can build a city in the image the citizens who pay the taxes and utilize the services desire for their day-to-day needs.
_______________
3. Why are you running for City Council?
_______________
I have spoken before the Fate City Council many times on various issues, (please note that you are held to a 3 mint minute speech before the Council), and along the way, I have met many, many people who feel the same as I do – not only do they feel that they are not being heard, but their comments on issues are completely being gnored and dismissed. We have seen in recent developments that the city is hiring people to lobby on behalf of the developers against anyone who does not agree with a given project. In the light of information posted yesterday, a particular person was hired by the city on behalf of the developer to try and discredit those not in agreement with the proposed project while pretending to be merely a concerned citizen(s).
A lot of the citizens have concerns, but due to working out of the area, such as having family obligations, etc., do not have the time to attend City Council meetings, however, they do need their voices heard! This is why we elect representatives who should be in the position to represent the will of the people, not just the local government staff and City Council members, the developer’s, etc.
When a large group of citizens tell the City Council what they want and expect as their elected “representatives” – those leaders should listen!
That is their job and if elected that WILL be mine, to listen and vote in the best interest of you, our Fate citizens, and not just what the city leaders or what a few members of the City Council insist we follow their plans for the City.
FATE CITIZENS MUST BE HEARD!
The City continuously states, “we had to vote as we did to do what’s best for the city.” This response s used much too frequently as an excuse to vote on something that is not popular with the residents of Fate. It is an overused repeated excuse!
For example, if the City was voting against several vocal people asking to have the city write everyone a check for $10k to use some extreme case. In that case, of course, that is not in the best interest of the city, but all to often, our current City Leaders use it as an excuse to push their agenda of a differing opinion regarding the direction Fate should take and the City Council’s opinion is in the minority.
_______________
4. Why should people vote for you? This is only about the person answering, please don’t drag anyone through the mud. — with John Hamilton and 5 others.
_______________
In addition to the above, I have a proven track record. Along with my wife, and a handful of very dedicated volunteers, we successfully gathered the required signatures for a Referendum, since the City Council refused to vote on time and time again in recent Fate history. Fate was the only City in Rockwall County that did not have an Over 65 and Disabled Property Tax Freeze in place! By gathering more signatures than needed (741 verified Fate registered voters), the Petition forced the Council to vote because they knew the Referendum would have passed during the ballot election last November. The Petition to Freeze the Over 65 and Disabled Fate Property Tax aligned Fate with many other cities in Texas and across the nation to become a part of our Texas Constitution.
I have continued to advocate for a large, and I believe a majority group, that is not happy with the direction of Fate. I agree undeveloped property owners have property rights, however, I believe a homeowner directly affected by new development should also have property rights as well, and I believe they are not being heard or protected.
New development has to fit the wants and needs of Fate as a whole. The Citiy’s “Comprehensive Plan” was not built with a Citizen’s Advisory Board, but rather was stacked with at least 10 of the 16 with current and former City Council members, former City Attorney and numerous soon to be P&Z members – not just average Fate citizens.
With that Board in place, the Fate Comprehensive Plan was passed by the City Council unanimously in Oct. 2021, during the pandemic. That Plan needs to be categorically overhauled, scrapped, and redrawn by a Fate Citizens Board choosing the Fate Forward direction – not City Leaders.
I’m running not because I alone can change this, It will take two election cycles to elect enough votes on our current City Council to gain 4 or more votes to put us on the path to getting the retail we need, DPS, firefoghters, schools, roads, etc. and we are running out of I-30 property to build that high revenue, generating fundamental business that we need so deservedly to become solvent for the future and not continue to be forced to spend our sales tax revenue on Rockwall and Royse City.
If I have the privilege of receiving your vote, I will he [be] your VOTE, your VOICE.
The City of Fate s [is] ours and it should be our choices as to h how we move Fate Forward – not developers and not outside planners like Strong Towns (from Minnesota and a company called Verdunity, who Fate paid $315k to design our city as Strong Towns movement advocates) who utilize city planning to push social agendas disguised as economic policy.
Please like and follow me on my Facebook page @Mark Hatley for Fate City Council Place 5.
If you are interested in supporting me, we will be having yard signs available mid next week.
If elected, it will be my honor to work for you, listen to you, and representative you as your next Fate City Council Place 5 member.
Thank you for your questions.
Fate, TX – The political aftershocks from Fate’s bruising recall election are still rattling City Hall, even after two council members were shown the door. A formal ethics complaint was filed on the very last day former council members Codi Chinn and Mark Harper held office, and has escalated into an official city investigation.
During the May 18, 2026 executive session, the Fate City Council met behind closed doors to discuss two ethics complaints filed by Darcy Gildon, the Rockwall County Precinct 4 Chair and a known participant in the recall effort against Chinn. According to the posted agenda, the complaints involved Chinn and Harper, and were discussed in Executive Session with legal counsel.
After returning to open session, council members voted on two matters tied to the complaints. First, the council voted to establish jurisdiction over both ethics complaints, effectively allowing the process to move forward. Second, the council approved an extension of the original June 1 deadline for an initial determination, directing that a final report be received by July 6, 2026. The outside law firm Messer & Fort was identified as the investigating party.
On May 14, four days before the executive session, Chinn publicly posted portions of the complaint against her on Facebook. In the post, she wrote:
“I was transparent while in office and I don’t plan to change anything now that I’m not in office any longer.”
The complaint itself alleges Chinn violated the Fate City Charter and Code of Ethics by directly engaging with city employees, directing them to document complaints, organizing those complaints, and preparing to present them to council outside the authority of the city manager or a formal council vote. This is presumably all in association with the complaints and dismissal of DPS Chief Lyle Lombard.
According to the complaint posted by Chinn, she allegedly instructed employees to “write it all down, put it on a timeline,” later describing [her] plans to organize statements in a chronological way. Stating, “I’m going to have organized everything… put it together like in a chronological way… what everybody has said… kind of like mixed together, not just one person’s statement.” She went on to say, “I don’t want to just show y’all what the statements are… I need to have it presented in a way that protects their identity.” Shortly thereafter, an “anonymous” letter was sent to Chinn, she claims, that made accusations against Lombard.
The ethics complaint argues that those actions may have crossed the line from legislative oversight into unauthorized administrative or investigatory conduct.
The complaint cites Charter Section 3.09(5), which states council members shall interact with city staff solely through the city manager and shall not give orders to employees privately or publicly. It also references Charter Section 3.05(11), concerning council authority to investigate official conduct only after a formal council vote, and Code of Ethics Section 2-309(10), which bars officials from appearing to exercise administrative authority.
Chinn’s public release of the complaint has created another layer of controversy.
Although she had technically already been removed from office at the time of her Facebook post, there remains a serious legal and ethical question over whether confidential executive session-related materials or discussions remain protected after a member leaves office. Texas law generally imposes confidentiality obligations regarding certain executive session matters, but the boundaries become less clear when an official is no longer serving.
The city has not publicly accused Chinn of violating confidentiality laws, nor has any formal allegation regarding disclosure been announced.
The complaint against former Councilman Mark Harper was also discussed in executive session Monday night, though details surrounding that filing have not yet been publicly released in full. However, sources familiar with the matter say the complaint against him may also relate to his involvement in the dismissal of Lombard. Harper was accused by City Manager Michael Kovacs, of threatening to fire him, if he didn’t fire the Chief.
Former Councilman Mark Harper could not be reached for comment prior to publication. Darcy Gildon also could not be reached for comment.
The investigation now moves into the hands of Messer & Fort, an outside legal firm retained to conduct the review. The firm is expected to provide findings to the city council by July 6.
For many residents, the dispute has become less about technical charter language and more about the increasingly bitter political divide that has overtaken local government in Fate. Supporters of the recall effort argue ethics enforcement is necessary to restore trust and proper governance. They seek to remind citizens that the root of all this controversy lies with Chinn, and her actions regarding the dismissal of Chief Lombard. Critics, meanwhile, view the complaints as the latest phase in a long-running political purge aimed at silencing dissenting voices.
FATE, TX — The Fate City Council voted last night to censure Councilman Mark Hatley following a contentious ethics hearing that exposed deep divisions among elected officials.
The censure stems from two ethics complaints alleging Hatley improperly disclosed confidential information tied to internal discussions about the potential firing of former Department of Public Safety Chief Lyle Lombard. According to testimony, Hatley shared details with local journalist Michael Pipkins of PipkinsReports.com, including references to recorded conversations with City Manager Michael Kovacs.
The complaint was filed by outgoing councilman Scott Kelley, who played a central role throughout the proceedings and ultimately did not recuse himself and voted in favor of censure.
Monday’s meeting included a formal evidentiary hearing where Hatley, represented by attorney David Dodd, presented a defense and attempted to question fellow council members. The process, however, was repeatedly constrained by legal warnings from City Attorney Jennifer Richie, who advised council members not to answer questions related to Lombard’s termination due to ongoing litigation. That guidance, issued numerous times during the hearing, limited testimony and narrowed the scope of cross-examination.
The council ultimately split along familiar lines. Kelley was joined by outgoing councilman Mark Harper and recalled councilwoman Codi Chinn in supporting the censure. Mayor Andrew Greenberg and Councilman Rick Maneval opposed it, creating a 3–2 divide before the deciding vote was cast. Councilwoman Martha Huffman ultimately sided with the majority, breaking what would have otherwise been a tie, and would have quashed the censure.
Under Texas municipal norms, a censure is a formal statement of disapproval by a governing body against one of its own members. It carries no direct legal penalty, meaning Hatley retains his elected position and voting authority. However, such a reprimand can damage political standing, limit influence within the council, and shape future electoral prospects…if the electorate so decides.
The underlying controversy traces back to the dismissal of Lombard, which has since evolved into a broader legal dispute involving claims of wrongful termination. During Monday’s hearing, repeated references to that litigation underscored the complexity of the case and the limits placed on public disclosure. Richie’s guidance, aimed at protecting the city’s legal position, effectively curtailed testimony that might have clarified key details. Critics argue this dynamic left Hatley unable to fully defend himself against the allegations.
The political context surrounding the vote is difficult to ignore. This was Chinn’s last meeting, as she was recalled from office by the voters, in part due to her involvement in the Lombard matter. Kelley, who initiated the ethics complaint, participated fully in the decision-making process knowing that this was his last meeting. Harper has also been linked in prior discussions about leadership conflicts within city administration, and for he as well, this was his last meeting. Meanwhile, all three have supported recall efforts targeting Hatley, Greenberg, Maneval, and Huffman, for additional recall, along with two new councilmen who will take their seats at the next meeting.
From a procedural standpoint, the meeting reflected a council operating under significant strain. Testimony was fragmented, legal cautions were frequent, and the final vote appeared to follow established political alliances rather than shifting based on evidence presented during the hearing. Even Hatley’s legal representation struggled to gain traction within the constraints imposed by the city’s legal posture.
Opinion
The battle for power in Fate is very real. What unfolded Monday night was not merely an ethics hearing; it was the visible culmination of an ongoing political battle inside Fate’s leadership. When a complainant votes on his own accusation; when key witnesses are effectively shielded from cross examination; when you have councilmen under recall by the very people bringing charges against their opponents; the process begins to look less like a search for truth and more like a managed outcome. It’s cut-throat politics at its worst.
What’s changed due to this Hearing? Essentially, nothing. Hatley gets a political black eye, but that’s about it. The sides were already defined, and the votes exactly as expected. Councilmen whose terms were ending anyway are now gone after delivering one last poke in the eye to their opponents. And the City Manager, who is at the heart of this debacle because of his employee decisions, and his inability to stand up to influence from Council Members… is still employed.
For residents of Fate, the final result is an up-close view into how dirty local politics can get. It diminishes the desirability of the city to new residents, hurts economic growth, and the entire process gives citizens the perspective that their city government is completely dysfunctional.
Disclosure
The author of this article was referenced during the hearing as a recipient of information discussed in the ethics complaints. The reporting above is based on observations of the public meeting and review of the proceedings.
FATE, TX — The political battle in Fate has escalated significantly, as Vickey Raduechel, the City Secretary for Fate, has completed her review and verified that the recall petition signatures submitted against four of the city’s top elected officials are “sufficient”.
According to official confirmation obtained by Pipkins Reports, the petitions to recall Mayor Andrew Greenberg, Councilman Rick Maneval, Councilman Mark Hatley, and Councilwoman Martha Huffman have now been verified following their submission on April 6, 2026.
With the verification process complete, the petitions have cleared a critical legal hurdle, setting the stage for recall elections that could reshape the city’s leadership.
Verified Signature Counts
As part of the certification process, the City Secretary validated the number of signatures submitted for each petition to ensure compliance with the city charter requirement of at least 351 qualified voters.
- Andrew Greenberg, Mayor (contained 385 valid signatures)
- Richard Maneval, Council Member Place 4 (contained 366 valid signatures)
- Mark Hatley, Council Member Place 5 (contained 382 valid signatures)
- Martha Huffman, Council Member Place 6 (contained 353 valid signatures)
*Update: The City of Fate responded to our inquiry and provided the verified signature counts above.
From Petition Drive to Certification
The now-verified petitions mark the culmination of a 30-day signature collection effort launched in early March. Organizers, led by local activists Christopher Rains, and Ashley Rains, who is running for City Council, initiated the recall campaign in response to actions taken by the same officials against Councilwoman Codi Chinn. Chinn is already scheduled to face voters in the May 2nd, 2026 election.
As previously reported by Pipkins Reports , the effort quickly mobilized residents, with organizers establishing signing locations and conducting outreach across the community.
Supporters of the recall effort have framed it as a necessary check on elected officials, while critics have argued it represents political retaliation. The certification of the petitions now shifts the debate from signature gathering to the ballot box.
What Happens Next
Under the Fate city charter, once recall petitions are certified as sufficient, the city council is required to formally call a recall election. That process includes setting an election date and coordinating with election officials to place the measure before voters. It is likely that the recall election will be set for November 2026. Estimates indicate this recall will cost taxpayers up to $15,000.
Unless one of the targeted officials resigns—and the vacancy is filled by the remaining council prior to any election—there is a credible risk of a temporary governance breakdown if voters remove all four members at once, a scenario explored in prior Pipkins Reports coverage examining how a full-scale recall could leave the city unable to function.
The outcome of these efforts could result in a significant shift in the composition of the city council—and potentially the mayor’s office—depending on how voters respond.
This is an ongoing story. Pipkins Reports will continue to provide updates as recall election dates are announced and additional details become available.
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