Fate Candidates Face Ethics Complaint Over Campaign Sign Violations
FATE, TX — A complaint filed with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) on April 24, 2025, by local activist Autumn Lobinsky has cast a shadow over the campaigns of three Fate candidates: Andrew Greenberg (Mayor), Rick Maneval (Place 4), and Martha Huffman (Place 6). Lobinsky, a vocal liberal known for her prolific social media presence, alleges that the trio violated Texas election law by omitting required disclosures on campaign signs and flyers. The accusations raise questions about selective enforcement and the weaponization of bureaucratic technicalities in local races.
According to email received by the Fate Tribune from Lobinsky, she alleges that the candidates failed to include the mandatory “Political Advertising” or “Pol. Adv.” disclaimer on their campaign signs, as required by Texas Election Code, Title 15, Chapter 255, Section 001(a)(1). The law mandates that all political advertising clearly state “Political Advertising” followed by the name of the person or entity who paid for it. While the candidates’ signs do include “Paid for by [Candidate’s Name],” each of them omits the critical “Political Advertising” phrase. Lobinsky claims the violations began in March 2025 for Greenberg and extended to joint signage with Maneval and Huffman in April.
Lobinsky further alleges that door hangers and flyers distributed by the trio lack the same disclosure. However, Section 255.001(d) exempts flyers costing less than $500 in aggregate to publish and distribute. Campaign finance disclosures show Huffman spent $351.86 and Maneval $195.82 on flyers, well below the threshold. Greenberg’s filings report no flyer expenses, possibly due to billing timing. Thus, the flyer complaint may be a nonstarter, as the candidates voluntarily included “Paid for by” statements despite no legal obligation to do so.
The complaint’s selective nature raises eyebrows. Lobinsky, who opposes the three candidates, spared George Lewis, also a Place 4 candidate running against Rick Maneval & Emily Camacho . Lewis’s signs entirely lack any of the required “Political Advertising” and “Paid for by” statements, yet Lobinsky claims she hasn’t seen his signs and notes he reported no sign-related expenditures on his campaign finance reports.
In an interview with a person familiar with the matter, the Fate Tribune learned that most political signs across Rockwall County omit the phrase “Political Advertising,” as candidates and voters alike consider it presumptive that a sign bearing a candidate’s name and the office sought is plainly an “advertisement”. The source emphasized that the phrase’s primary purpose, as mandated by the Texas Election Code, is to prevent Political Action Committees (PACs) from obscuring their motivations or biases behind vague or misleading signage. This widespread omission, the source noted, reflects a practical understanding of the law’s intent, though it leaves candidates vulnerable to complaints like the one filed by Autumn Lobinsky against Greenberg, Maneval, and Huffman.
This isn’t Fate’s first brush with campaign sign controversies. Last year, the Fate Tribune reported on a similar issue involving candidate Cinnamon Krauss, whose signs listed the wrong entity as the payer of the signs. While it could be argued that the Krauss situation was magnitudes of order more deceptive, the outcome of that situation was resolved with a Sharpie, as the candidate simply corrected the signs by hand. No fines or reprimands were paid by the campaign in that situation.
The TEC has five working days to review Lobinsky’s complaint, meaning a decision could come by May 1. Possible outcomes include dismissing the case, requiring a “good faith effort” to correct the signs (such as adding “Political Advertising” by hand), or taking no action. Even if corrective measures are ordered, candidates would have 10 days to comply—pushing resolution well past the election, when signs are likely to be removed regardless. Given this timing, the odds are favored that TEC may well toss the complaint as moot.
The Fate Tribune was unable to get a response from the candidates. Under TEC rules, Greenberg, Maneval, and Huffman are barred from commenting until the case is resolved. Lobinsky, however, faces no such restriction and has taken to social media and the Fate Tribune to amplify her allegations. Her willingness to exploit this asymmetry underscores the complaint’s political motivations.
For constitutional conservatives, this saga is a reminder of the left’s penchant for weaponizing bureaucratic minutiae to silence opponents. Texas election law exists to ensure transparency, not to serve as a cudgel for partisan vendettas. The voters of Fate deserve campaigns focused on ideas—property taxes, infrastructure, liberty—not distractions over signage technicalities. As the TEC deliberates, one thing is clear: Lobinsky’s complaint may generate headlines and clicks, but it’s unlikely to alter the trajectory of this election.
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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