La Marque’s Chicken Little, Councilman Joseph Lowry, filed a recall petition against Mayor Keith Bell. The petition was chock full of lies, misinformation, and baseless allegations. You would think an “undercover investigative journalist” would do his homework before submitting a formal document like a recall petition. Once approved Lowry has 30 days to get over 800 signatures. Mayor Bell has filed a challenge to the recall. I’ll let you read his response below:
OFFICIAL WRITTEN RESPONSE TO RECALL AFFIDAVIT Mayor Keith Bell – City of La Marque, Texas Pursuant to the City of La Marque Charter, I submit this response to the affidavit seeking my removal from office. The allegations contained in the affidavit are false, unsupported by evidence, and largely repetitive of claims that have been raised and rejected previously. I categorically deny each allegation and provide the following factual corrections for the record. This response is submitted to ensure accuracy, protect the integrity of the City’s governance process, and allow reviewing authorities and residents to rely on verifiable facts rather than speculation or misinformation. —
1. Allegation: I Do Not Reside in the City of La Marque This allegation is demonstrably false. I am a resident of the City of La Marque and have lived in La Marque for more than thirty (30) years. Documentation establishing my residency includes, but is not limited to: A recorded deed showing ownership of my home located in La Marque A valid Texas Driver’s License listing my La Marque address (included by the affiant in his own submission) Galveston County Appraisal District records listing my La Marque residence A voter registration card listing my La Marque address A voting history reflecting consistent participation as a La Marque voter These documents conclusively establish my residency and eligibility to serve as Mayor under the City Charter and Texas law. —
2. Allegation: Acceptance of Bribes or Corruption This allegation is false and unsupported. I have never accepted a bribe, engaged in corruption, or violated my oath of office during my twenty-two (22) years of public service to the City of La Marque. I have never been: Investigated Charged Indicted Tried Convicted Found liable Or administratively sanctioned for any act of corruption or misconduct. No evidence, findings, judicial rulings, or investigative determinations have ever substantiated this allegation. The affidavit provides no proof because none exists. —
3. Allegation: Lack of Fitness for Duty This allegation is false and without foundation. I have served the City of La Marque continuously for twenty-two (22) years as a Councilmember, Mayor Pro Tem, and Mayor. At no point during this period has my fitness for duty been questioned by voters, medical professionals, courts, or governing authorities. The affiant is not a licensed physician, mental health professional, or qualified evaluator and has no authority or basis to make such a determination. This allegation did not arise until the affiant’s arrival in La Marque politics and is inconsistent with my long record of service. —
4. Allegation: Failure to Maintain Order in Council Meetings This allegation misrepresents the facts. Council meetings are conducted pursuant to adopted rules of procedure. Any disorder that has occurred has resulted from the affiant’s repeated refusal to recognize the presiding officer and comply with established meeting protocols. No other Councilmember has engaged in similar conduct, and this issue did not exist prior to the affiant’s participation in City governance. Enforcement of decorum rules is not a failure of leadership; it is an exercise of leadership in maintaining orderly government proceedings. —
5. Allegation: Improper Hiring of City Manager JB Pritchett This allegation is false and misleading. The City Council voted to hire Mr. JB Pritchett following a lawful selection process. The City Charter requires the City Manager to possess municipal government experience. Mr. Pritchett was the only finalist who met this charter-mandated qualification. As such, he was the only legally eligible candidate under the City Charter. The Council’s action complied fully with charter requirements and applicable law. Council considered all information we had on Mr. Pritchett that we had at the time, including his officially submitted resume and a cleared background check of Mr. Pritchett by a nationally recognized company. —
6. Allegation: Raising Taxes for 22 Years This allegation is false. My voting record demonstrates that I have not voted to raise the City tax rate during my twenty-two (22) years of service. This information is a matter of public record and can be independently verified by any resident reviewing Council voting history. —
7. Pattern of Repeated False Allegations The allegations contained in this affidavit are not new. The affiant has made substantially similar claims since 2021. These claims have repeatedly failed to produce any evidence or result in any legal or electoral relief. This is the second attempt to remove me from office. The prior recall effort failed in 2022. Since that time, I have been: Elected Mayor in 2021 with approximately 85% of the vote Re-elected Mayor in 2024 with approximately 64% of the vote These election outcomes reflect the confidence of La Marque voters in my leadership and service. —
Closing Statement I respectfully request that the City Secretary, City Attorney, and any reviewing authority rely on the factual record, verified documentation, and applicable provisions of the City Charter and Texas law when evaluating this affidavit. I will continue to focus on the lawful, transparent, and professional administration of City business and on improving the quality of life for residents of the City of La Marque. Respectfully submitted, Keith Bell Mayor, City of La Marque, Texas
Posted by johncoby 
Bay Area Houston 