Developers, Builders, and Political Insiders Fuel “Vote Yes for Rockwall ISD” PAC
Rockwall, TX – When money talks, it doesn’t whisper — and in Rockwall, it’s shouting from billboards, mailers, and TV ads. Behind the polished “Vote Yes for Rockwall ISD” campaign urging residents to support the district’s VATRE (Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election) lies a familiar cast of Texas developers, contractors, and political insiders — all with deep pockets and deeper interests in keeping the district spending big.
While the PAC’s glossy flyers and heartfelt slogans suggest it’s a grassroots movement of teachers and parents “standing up for students,” the campaign finance records tell a much different story. In reality, the PAC was created, funded, and operated by people who stand to gain financially from Rockwall ISD’s continued expansion.
A PAC Built by Developers, For Developers
The Vote Yes for Rockwall ISD PAC was born on August 19, 2025. That same day, it received its first $10,000 — seed money courtesy of Meredith and Ryan Joyce, owners of a land development consulting firm that works with both commercial and residential projects across Texas.
It was an auspicious start — and a revealing one. The Joyces’ business depends on district growth: more schools, more infrastructure, more construction. In short, higher taxes mean higher contracts.
A few weeks later, the second $10,000 came rolling in from Terra Manna, LLC, a real estate development and land management company led by Bobby Harrell and Bret Pedigo. Terra Manna specializes in large-scale residential projects — the very sort of developments that flood school districts with new students and new tax demands.
Then came another $10,000 from Northstar Builders Group, a firm specializing in — of all things — school construction and development. The irony practically writes itself.
If the VATRE passes, Rockwall ISD keeps spending, schools keep expanding, and developers keep building. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle of “growth” — for them.
The Builders’ Ball: Who Really Funds “Vote Yes”?
The PAC’s donor list reads less like a community support roster and more like a who’s who of Texas construction and development.
At the top tier:
- Joeris General Contractors, LLC – $5,000
- Z Constructors Nationwide – $5,000
- Matt Zahm (Z Constructors) – $5,000 (personally)
- RPRE, LLC – $3,500 (real estate brokerage and development firm)
These are not concerned citizens hoping to keep classrooms funded — these are professionals whose livelihoods are directly tied to district spending and capital projects.
Add to that a lineup of $2,500 donors, including:
- Chris Harp Construction
- Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc.
- Glenn Partners (Architectural Firm)
- Billy & Julie Burton (private)
Then there’s the $2,273 in-kind donation from State Representative Justin Holland and his wife, Neely, for what they listed as “hats.”
$2,273 worth of hats? That’s either a new fashion trend in political branding — or a convenient way to funnel campaign merchandise under the radar. Holland, a familiar name in local politics, has long been an ally of the developer class, and his support here fits neatly into the pattern.
Other mid-level donors include Jason Volk Consulting, Noelle Fontes, and Brian Berry at $2,000 apiece.
At the $1,500 mark, the donor pool widens to include Elite Landscaping, PCI Construction, Skorburg Company, and Hanby Insurance, LLC — all companies that directly benefit from ongoing construction and development contracts in fast-growing communities like Rockwall.
Follow the Money — and the Math
In total, the PAC has reported $96,068 in contributions. But here’s the number that matters: $89,273 — or 93% — came from developers, builders, and real estate professionals.
The PAC’s promotional materials claim they’re “standing with teachers.” Yet only about 8% of all donations — under $1,000 each — came from teachers or district employees.
In other words, the people being used as the public face of this campaign are the least financially involved in it.
The illusion of grassroots support masks what is, in fact, a highly coordinated and well-funded lobbying effort — one aimed at convincing taxpayers to fund the very projects that enrich the PAC’s donors.
Big Money, Bigger Ads
The spending patterns are just as revealing. Since August, Vote Yes for Rockwall ISD has spent more than $27,000 on flyers and mailers, $9,000 on billboards, and even $3,000 on television ads — a heavy push for a local tax election.
They’ve also purchased $1,250 in ad space in Blue Ribbon News, the same publication that ran a “news article” touting the VATRE’s supposed benefits. The placement wasn’t coincidental — it was strategic.
And then there’s the expense that raised more than a few eyebrows: a $435.40 reimbursement to Meredith Joyce for “Car Polish Supplies.”
Car polish. From the same person who donated $10,000 in seed money.
One has to wonder what, exactly, was being polished — the campaign’s image, or something a bit shinier?
The Real Stakeholders: Not the Kids, Not the Teachers
Let’s be honest: when developers and construction firms pour nearly six figures into a local tax election, it’s not out of civic virtue or classroom compassion. It’s because they see a return on investment.
Every new bond, every tax hike, every “yes” vote translates into another round of district-funded construction — and another series of lucrative contracts.
Meanwhile, teachers — the supposed heart of the movement — are relegated to bit players. Their donations are symbolic at best, swallowed up in a sea of developer dollars.
Even worse, the campaign’s slick messaging exploits their image. Smiling teachers in front of whiteboards, holding “Support Our Schools” signs, while the fine print reads like a blueprint for cronyism.
Political Influence Runs Deep
The fingerprints of political insiders like Rep. Justin Holland only reinforce the perception that this isn’t about education — it’s about influence.
By lending his name (and hats) to the campaign, Holland helps cloak the PAC’s true motives under a veneer of community support. But his connections to the donor class are no secret.
When state legislators, developers, and contractors align to push a local tax increase, taxpayers should pause and ask: Who benefits most from this vote?
Spoiler: it isn’t the students or the teachers.
Manufactured Consent
The “Vote Yes for Rockwall ISD” campaign is a textbook case of manufactured consent. Using big money, polished marketing, and local political connections, the PAC is attempting to sway residents into supporting a measure that serves private interests far more than public good.
It’s the same formula seen across Texas — from bond packages to tax rate elections — where growth and progress are invoked as cover for sweetheart deals and endless construction booms.
Rockwall residents deserve to know who’s funding the message before they cast their ballots.
Because when nearly all the money pushing a tax increase comes from developers, builders, and their political allies, it’s no longer a campaign — it’s an investment.
And like any investment, the people writing the checks expect a return.
Bottom Line:
The Vote Yes for Rockwall ISD PAC isn’t a movement of parents or teachers. It’s a development-driven marketing operation, built to protect the flow of taxpayer money into the hands of builders, consultants, and political allies.
Rockwall voters should take note: when the people who build schools are the loudest voices demanding higher taxes “for the children,” it’s worth asking whether their real concern is education — or their next contract.
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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