City Council Candidates Raise Hand in Support of More Multi-family Housing in Fate
Two candidates show support for controversial 1100-unit development despite residents’ clear opposition
Fate, TX – In a moment that crystallized one of the defining issues of the upcoming May election in Fate, Texas, candidates for City Council faced a blunt but revealing question at a recent public forum: “Would you have voted in favor of LaFayette Crossing?”
The answer required no speech, no posturing—just a raised hand. And in a room of residents who had strongly opposed the controversial development, that gesture spoke volumes.
Held at the Chamberlain Crossing Community Center and attended by dozens of concerned citizens, the candidate forum offered a rare moment of political clarity. As the moderator posed the question, the room was quiet. Two hands went up: those of Emily Camacho and Brett Bushnell.
The remaining candidates—Andrew Greenberg, Martha Huffman, and Lorna Grove—did not raise their hands.
A City Divided Over Growth
LaFayette Crossing, a large-scale mixed-use development approved by the Fate City Council in a 6-1 vote, will introduce more than 1,100 apartment units alongside retail and commercial spaces. The project is set to dramatically increase density in a city where many residents have sought to preserve a semi-rural, small-town atmosphere.
The development sparked sharp public backlash during the lead-up to its approval. Citizens filled council meetings, submitted feedback, and voiced objections centered around traffic concerns, water infrastructure, school capacity, and a broader worry that Fate is being reshaped without meaningful input from its residents.
Despite that outcry, the council approved the project—triggering lasting resentment and galvanizing grassroots opposition that has since carried into the election season.
Camacho and Bushnell Signal Support for More Growth
Camacho and Bushnell were the only candidates at the forum willing to indicate, with a raised hand, that they would have supported the project. Both have generally positioned themselves as pro-growth candidates and have expressed optimism about bringing more housing and commercial options to Fate.
Their visible support for LaFayette Crossing at the forum signals alignment with the city’s recent direction—favoring dense development models that mirror urban trends in neighboring suburbs.
That alignment, however, puts them at odds with many residents who remain wary of further expansion without stronger protections for infrastructure and community character.
Greenberg, Huffman, and Grove Oppose the Project
In contrast, Greenberg, Huffman, and Grove kept their hands down, signaling they would not have supported LaFayette Crossing. Each has articulated a more cautious approach to growth, emphasizing responsible land use and greater responsiveness to the people most directly affected by development decisions.
Their refusal to support the project underscores a broader concern shared by many in Fate—that decisions are being driven more by developers and staff recommendations than by the people who live in the city.
By opposing the development, these candidates appear to be tapping into a constituency increasingly skeptical of high-density housing and urban-style planning.
Trust and Transparency at Stake
LaFayette Crossing has become more than a zoning issue—it is a symbol of growing distrust between residents and elected officials. Many residents have expressed frustration that their concerns were dismissed or minimized during the approval process. For them, the project represents a disconnect between the people and the government that claims to represent them.
The forum’s hand-raising moment brought that disconnect into sharp relief. With a single question and a simple gesture, voters were offered a rare opportunity to draw a clear line between those who stand with the direction of the current council and those who do not.
The fallout from that vote—and the clarity offered by the candidates’ responses—will likely shape the tone and trajectory of the election in the weeks ahead.
Election as a Turning Point
As early voting approaches, Fate residents face a defining choice. Will the city continue to pursue dense, developer-driven projects like LaFayette Crossing, or will voters usher in a new slate of leaders committed to measured growth, community input, and long-term planning?
The Chamberlain Crossing forum didn’t offer soundbites or grandstanding. It offered something more rare in local politics: clarity.
And for voters concerned about the future of Fate, that moment may prove decisive.
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.
💼 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.
🏥 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.
🕒 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.
🚗 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.
🏦 Retirement Benefits
- Enrolled in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS).
📚 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).
🛡️ 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.
🏠 Residency Requirement
- Must maintain residence within Fate city limits.
🕰️ 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.
⚖️ 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).
📉 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).
📜 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.
📈 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.
📑 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 citizens have selected Andrew Greenberg as their next mayor, affirming a vision of principled, conservative leadership. In a race that highlighted the city’s dedication to its values, Greenberg’s triumph reflects a clear mandate for transparent governance, sustainable growth, and steadfast public safety. His opponent, Lorna Grove, mounted a respectable campaign but ultimately stepped back, recognizing Greenberg’s conservative credentials and readiness to lead. Fate’s voters have entrusted their city to a man whose priorities align with its small-town charm and forward-looking aspirations.
The unofficial results are Greenberg (903 votes) – 78.66% to Grove (245 voted) – 21.34%.
Greenberg, a government and economics professor and Rockwall GOP Precinct Chair, has called Fate home since 2018, raising three daughters alongside his wife in a community he cherishes. His campaign, grounded in constitutional conservatism, emphasized preserving Fate’s unique character while managing growth responsibly. As a professor, he brings a disciplined mind to the complexities of municipal governance, promising to balance development with the city’s identity by carefully addressing infrastructure and business expansion.
Transparency defined Greenberg’s platform, resonating with residents weary of opaque government processes. His commitment to open town halls, regular updates, and accessible city operations struck a chord, offering a refreshing antidote to distrust in institutions. Voters saw in him a leader determined to make local government approachable and accountable, ensuring residents are informed about every decision affecting their lives.
Public safety, a point of pride for Fate as Texas’s sixth-safest city in 2024, remains a cornerstone of Greenberg’s agenda. His pledge to equip police, fire, and emergency services with robust resources reassured a community that views security as non-negotiable. This focus underscored his understanding of Fate as a haven for families and citizens across generations.
Lorna Grove, Greenberg’s opponent, brought her own conservative bona fides, earning admiration from many. Initially skeptical of a professor in the mayor’s race, she discovered Greenberg’s rare conservative perspective in academia, dubbing him a “unicorn.” Her near-endorsement of him signaled a shared commitment to Fate’s future, and while she may run again, her current focus on family and her dignified campaign won her widespread respect.
As Andrew Greenberg prepares to lead, Fate faces the challenge of growth without sacrificing its soul. With a mayor rooted in conservative principles—limited government, personal freedom, and community pride—residents can trust that their city will remain a beacon of tradition and opportunity. Greenberg’s election is a reaffirmation of Fate’s values and a bold step toward a future that honors its past.
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