Mineral Wells Area News

Dear Editor,

I have heard it said many times to not judge others until you have walked a mile in their shoes.  So, I am writing this letter today because I have walked a mile with the City Councilmembers that are currently under attack. As a matter of fact, I have walked along side these councilmembers as we walked the same mile together.  

I feel very entitled to judge Mayor Regan Johnson, Councilman Jerrel Tomlin, Councilwoman Beth Watson, and Councilman Doyle Light as I have formerly served on the council with them.  I have not served beside Councilman Carlos Maldonado but after understanding his vision for Mineral Wells, I endorsed him to fill my position as councilman for Ward 2.

I am speaking up to make sure that our citizensunderstand who is on the dais making decisions on their behalf.  These councilmembers are some of the most dedicated, unselfish, God-fearing people I know.  They have shown professionalism and grace as they have been ridiculed, accused of wrongdoing, and having personal vendettas against the citizens of the community they are representing. It is hard to not defend yourself, but they understand that defending nonsense is a distraction to the tasks at hand to ensure Mineral Wells continues its positive path.

These individuals all have differing professional backgrounds are respectful of each other, no, they don’t always agree, but they understand the importance of theirdiffering opinions, and they work together for the good of the community. Even with negative distractions they have dealt with over the last few years, they still care enough to want to continue to serve and fight for our community.  They hide their stress, they don’t complain or ask for recognition for the many hours they work behind the scenes to ensure they’re prepared to make decisions, and they believe in our community enough to make the hard decisions.  Please remember every decision they make impacts them as well, as you cannot be a councilmember unless you live in the city limits.  Another very important aspect of serving on the council that is never discussed is the impact their service has on their families and personal relationships.  Loved ones are expected to sit silent as their loved ones’ integrity and intelligence are attacked.  That goes against every fiber of ones’ being to not defend the people you love the most. They serve because of passion and vision.

Mineral Wells is under attack by individuals that don’t live in our community.  They have found a vulnerability that our community is experiencing with the need for water and the increased water rates to provide water and stability for our community’s future.  They are using that as an emotional weapon.  Please don’t be played, please seek the facts, and weigh the consequences of not addressing the water supply.  Your vote for re-electing Jerrel Tomlin, Regan Johnson, and Beth Watson, as well as voting AGAINST the recall will ensure that Mineral Wells continues its positive path forward for generations to come.

Tammy Underwood

Former Mineral Wells Mayor