To doing something with the full knowledge that it is illegal.

Disregard for Authority

On October 11, 2021, Governor Abbott of Texas issued an executive order prohibiting the termination of employees over COVID Vaccines. The Executive Order GA 40 prohibits the act of forced vaccine mandates. The order cites that failure to comply will have the maximum punishment under Section 4 1 8. 173 of the Texas Government Code. The code reads as follows: the plan may prescribe a punishment for the offense. It may not prescribe a fine that exceeds $1,000 or confinement in jail for a term that exceeds 180 days.
In December of 2021, United Regional Board of Directors decided it would ignore Executive Order GA 40. Healthcare workers and various hospital staff would find themselves without jobs. We could point out the names of those who are United Regional Board of Directors. For this blog, we will focus on one, Kinley Hegglund the attorney for the City of Wichita Falls.

Hegglund has not denounced the actions of the board, nor has he removed himself. This is a clear indication that he either went along with it, or he has no convictions to do the right thing. I would expect as an officer of the court, he would respect executive orders coming from the highest office in Texas.

Employee Discrimination

The city of Wichita Falls has what is known as a “sick pool” policy. This allows employees to donate their sick time. This provides for those employees who have exhausted their sick leave and need extra time to recover. As is the case with most companies, sick leave is often allowed for children and spouses. The new updated sick leave policy is far beyond discriminatory. It is an overreach into the family, and could be thought of as coercion.

Would there be any doubt that policy changes would ultimately be routed to the legal department for approval? I think not. Examining both the policies and charter of the city, one wonders why council members weren’t notified of a policy change prior to implementation. The lingering question of who really runs Wichita Falls is certainly valid. Is the city getting federal dollars for this maneuver? That remains an unknown, but once again we find Kinley Hegglund in the center of the controversy.

Epic Day

On March 1, 2022, the City Council Meeting had an agenda item concerning roll-off companies operating in Wichita Falls. This topic gained public attention in December after the City Manager, and Director of Public Works approached City Council about illegal business operations in Wichita Falls. To summarize they made accusations that governing regulations from TCEQ, and OSHA were being violated. That has since been proven to be false per those agencies. If that isn’t bad enough, the City Manager, Director of Public Works, and City Attorney claimed that a city ordinance had been violated for more than a decade. The cherry on top came when it was discovered that it was not only known, but allowed. The city is now crying foul but participated in “illegal” activity? What other illegalities are they themselves guilty of?

Citizens filled the chamber room, hallway, and overflow room that morning. Little did they know the epic event they would witness that day. The city leaders made a move to purchase roll-off equipment totaling more that $700,000.00. The attempt of purchasing equipment not in the budget, would be their demise. The plea for funds would come at the attempt to declare an emergency. The so called emergency was that it takes 6 months to actually receive the equipment after purchase.

City leaders were caught off guard by the public lashing. They received a harsh lesson on intent of an emergency declaration. Following many severe blows the city was about to get a TKO. A court ordered injunction was hand delivered during arguments. They were ordered to halt their actions based on the miss use of a declared emergency. I dare say Kinley Hegglund left the ring with a black eye. However, the spectacle of the day was the mayor’s attempt to basically yell forfeit after the final blow. I look forward to the rematch. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show. https://www.facebook.com/cityofwichitafalls/videos/707483900417595

Conclusion

Corrupt Intent is a term applied to doing something with the full knowledge that it is illegal. It is perplexing to know Kinley Hegglund is still serving as legal council. Groupthink is the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility. Unfortunately this is the illness of Wichita Falls leadership. I wouldn’t expect any of them to do anything about the shenanigans. Hopefully this community will rise to the occasion and take back their city.