Get the Facts Bastrop! Without open government, there is NO government.

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It looks like Bastrop City Councilman John Kirkland raised nearly half (at least) of his campaign funds from developers doing business with the City of Bastrop. See the John Kirkland 30-day report (that's 30 days before the election) HERE.

As of April 3, Kirkland has raised $8400, far surpassing anyone running in any race for City Council, including Bastrop Mayor.

Lyle Nelson, Ap. 8, Bastrop City Council Meeting

At the April 8th city council meeting, Citizen Lyle Nelson asked that Council Members taking contributions from the developer who was there asking for $600,000 in incentives, to simply disclose whether they had taken campaign contributions from said developer. Kirkland and his ally on Council, Kevin Plunkett were like deer in headlights. (Watch Lyle's 1-minute testimony HERE or click on the video ===>) Now, watch Lyle at the April 22 meeting, as Lyle attempts to raise these same questions before the second vote on the $600,000. Kirkland flatly denies him his right to speak and even tries to threaten him with a criminal charge. NOTE: This was against the City Attorney's advice, mind you. (Thanks to Carol Spencer, for putting it online.)

Citizen Lyle was denied his right to speak as a citizen by John Kirkland on April 22, 2025 Bastriop Council Meeting

You see, folks, on 3/3/25 Councilman Kevin Plunkett transferred $3900 to Kirkland from his officeholder account. See Plunkett report HERE. At least $2000 of Plunkett's money is from the developer (through various companies) who was just approved for a $600,000 incentive. (We take no issue with this incentive, but it's the lack of disclosure that Lyle Nelson asked them to make before they voted.)

In the Plunkett report, you also see an additional $500 from an attorney invested in the Gateway Project behind Buc'ees. Remember the 12-story hotel with 600 apartments threatening a small forest next to Bastrop State Park left from the 2011 massive Bastrop Complex fire? Gateway's placement was universally opposed. It was voted down last year, but we fear it will come back if we fail to eject John Kirkland.

We recommend Cecilia Serna, Place 1, Cheryl lee, Place 5 (running against Kirkland) and Ward Northcutt for Mayor.

Our beef is not with the developers. They do what they do -- they lobby. Our beef is with the lack of disclosure by City Council Members. And if they really wanted to show they care about residents, taxpayers and voters, they should refrain from voting (aka it's called a "recusal") on projects where they have a conflict of interest.

Get the facts Bastrop! The nonprofit, nonpartisan League of Independent Voters has written extensively about the closed-door antics of 3 of 5 Bastrop City Council members (Kirkland, Plunkett and Meyer)-- with plenty of documentation HERE. Of those three, only Kirkland is up for reelection on May 3rd.

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