Embedded Files
ELECTION RECAP
ELECTION RECAP
By Jonathan ConnersNovember 11th, 2025Midland, TXMidland voters chose to keep the City Council unchanged. Mayor Lori Blong, District 3 City Councilor Jack Ladd, and District 4 City Councilor Amy Stretcher Burkes all won their respective races, giving them another 3 year term. They will be eligible for re-election in the 2028 general election.
Mayor Lori Blong, who won the position in 2022, defeated challenger Judd Campbell. For this race, there were 76,525 registered voters eligible to vote for Mayor. Out of that number, 13,383 or 17.49% cast a ballot. Precinct 205 led the charge with 39.47% of their registered voters showing up to the polls. This area is from A St to Garfield and from Cuthbert to Scharbauer. They overwhelmingly chose Blong over Campbell. She took 80% of the vote in this area.
The second highest turnout was Precinct 408, which is the area north of Bluebird from Garfield to Midland Dr. This also includes the Greentree neighborhood. They had 33.66% turnout with 75% of these voters choosing Blong.
Campbell pulled his highest total from Precinct 404, from Loop 250 to Wadley and Midland Dr to Midkiff. That area garnered 10.93% of the votes for the challenger. However, Blong still took 15.87% of the votes in that precinct.
The challenger had the most success in the south and east side of town. The areas he won:Precinct 310: East of FairgroundsPrecinct 309: South side and west of Rankin HwyPrecinct 109: Midkiff to Midland Dr and Thomason to the tracksPrecinct 208: Cuthbert to Illinois and Midkiff to Garfield
According to Mayor Blong’s Campaign Finance Reports, she raised $261,401 between July 1, 2025 and October 25, 2025. Her current total campaign fund totals $248,709.73. There are 129 separate individuals, companies, and political action committees that contributed to her campaign, including one donation for $50,000 and several others over $10,000.
Her team spent $89,238.38 on the campaign. Included in these expenses are KWEL, Austin-based Norfleet Strategies, Embossed Graphics in Illinois, and Anedot in Dallas. Locally based KWEL received $5,000 for advertising.
Judd Campbell’s Campaign Finance Report lists receiving $27,172.16 for his campaign, expenses totaling $17,375.13, and a total current fund of $10,071.36. Expenses went to Godaddy.com, Midland, TX based Minuteman Press, and Austin-based Signs on the Cheap.
Blong’s totals: contributions total $261,401 with expenses totaling $89,238.38.Campbell’s totals: contributions total $27,172.16 with expenses at $17,375.13.Comparing the two on money alone, Blong raised 9.6 times more than Campbell but only spent 5 times more.
In the race for City Council District 3 representative, Jack Ladd retained his seat with a 73% margin of victory against 2 competitors. Ladd captured 3,213 total votes out of a total of 4,355 voters. Shandi Williams garnered 987 votes (22.66%), while Cheston Blank picked up 155 votes (3.56%).
There are 19,277 registered voters in District 3 — only 22.6% of that district’s registered voters went to the polls. In 2022, with Ladd running unopposed, 7,977 voted in his favor. This was a 55% decrease in voters in this district.
Following the Mayor Blong trend, Ladd won Precinct 205 with 33% of the vote. Following Precinct 205 was Precinct 207 with 29% of their registered voters making a trip to the ballot box. This area covers Garfield east to Big Spring, Scharbauer north to Wadley. This area also favored Ladd with 23% of the vote.
In Jack Ladd’s Campaign Finance Reports, he lists receiving $109,900 from donors, spending $36,351.21, with a remaining balance of $74,591.15 . He lists 56 individual donations in his reports. Ladd had no Campaign Finance Reports prior to this one. During his first campaign he accepted no donations, primarily due to being unopposed.
His expenses on both reports lists Mi Familia Movers from Odessa, Lubbock based Slate Group, Armic in Odessa, Midland based Reynolds Brothers, Brazos Communications West, CDA Broadcasting (the group that owns KWEL), Farrell Gjesdal Strategy Group - College Station, and HEB.
Mrs. Williams has Campaign Finance Reports as well. Her reports have $7,125 in contributions, S6,189.42 in expenses, and $938.58 in left over in her contribution fund. Her contributions came from 19 separate donations. She also lists $3,000 in unpaid obligations from the campaign.
Her expenses went to the following: Dallas, TX based Anedot, Signs on the Cheap, locally based Dales Graphx and Wraps, Texas Standard Marketing in Austin.Cheston Blank filed Campaign Finance Reports but has received no campaign contributions.
Amy Stretcher Burkes, the representative for District 4, will be continuing her journey with another term. She ran unopposed but still garnered 13.8% of eligible voters. There are 22,048 voters in her district and she had 3,034 votes. Precinct 110 led her constituents with 26% of votes. This area is Grasslands, west of Loop 250, North of 191.
She won this seat in 2022, squaring off with Jim Gerety for the vacated seat. There were 8,212 total voters with 4,673 going in favor of her and 3,539 for her opponent. This year’s election, albeit in an unopposed race, there was a 37% decline in voters for this district.
On her Campaign Finance Reports, Mrs. Burkes lists $53,800 in campaign donations, including a gift for $30,000. Her expenses total $4,071.80, which included advertising to KWEL, Filmhunter Media, CA3 Media, Anedot. Her final campaign balance is $62,666.22.
Campaign finance has strict rules with leftover balances. They cannot take the money and use it for personal gain. Their options include:1. Keeping it for a future campaign2. Donating to a political party, another candidate, or a political action committee3. Transfer to the comptroller for use to finance elections4. Give the money back to donors (cannot exceed the amount they gave in the past 2 years)5. Donate to charity or a post secondary educational institution for scholarship
This council will remain the same for 2 years. The November 2027 election will feature District 1, District 2, and the 2 at-large seats.
Mayor Lori Blong, who won the position in 2022, defeated challenger Judd Campbell. For this race, there were 76,525 registered voters eligible to vote for Mayor. Out of that number, 13,383 or 17.49% cast a ballot. Precinct 205 led the charge with 39.47% of their registered voters showing up to the polls. This area is from A St to Garfield and from Cuthbert to Scharbauer. They overwhelmingly chose Blong over Campbell. She took 80% of the vote in this area.
The second highest turnout was Precinct 408, which is the area north of Bluebird from Garfield to Midland Dr. This also includes the Greentree neighborhood. They had 33.66% turnout with 75% of these voters choosing Blong.
Campbell pulled his highest total from Precinct 404, from Loop 250 to Wadley and Midland Dr to Midkiff. That area garnered 10.93% of the votes for the challenger. However, Blong still took 15.87% of the votes in that precinct.
The challenger had the most success in the south and east side of town. The areas he won:Precinct 310: East of FairgroundsPrecinct 309: South side and west of Rankin HwyPrecinct 109: Midkiff to Midland Dr and Thomason to the tracksPrecinct 208: Cuthbert to Illinois and Midkiff to Garfield
According to Mayor Blong’s Campaign Finance Reports, she raised $261,401 between July 1, 2025 and October 25, 2025. Her current total campaign fund totals $248,709.73. There are 129 separate individuals, companies, and political action committees that contributed to her campaign, including one donation for $50,000 and several others over $10,000.
Her team spent $89,238.38 on the campaign. Included in these expenses are KWEL, Austin-based Norfleet Strategies, Embossed Graphics in Illinois, and Anedot in Dallas. Locally based KWEL received $5,000 for advertising.
Judd Campbell’s Campaign Finance Report lists receiving $27,172.16 for his campaign, expenses totaling $17,375.13, and a total current fund of $10,071.36. Expenses went to Godaddy.com, Midland, TX based Minuteman Press, and Austin-based Signs on the Cheap.
Blong’s totals: contributions total $261,401 with expenses totaling $89,238.38.Campbell’s totals: contributions total $27,172.16 with expenses at $17,375.13.Comparing the two on money alone, Blong raised 9.6 times more than Campbell but only spent 5 times more.
In the race for City Council District 3 representative, Jack Ladd retained his seat with a 73% margin of victory against 2 competitors. Ladd captured 3,213 total votes out of a total of 4,355 voters. Shandi Williams garnered 987 votes (22.66%), while Cheston Blank picked up 155 votes (3.56%).
There are 19,277 registered voters in District 3 — only 22.6% of that district’s registered voters went to the polls. In 2022, with Ladd running unopposed, 7,977 voted in his favor. This was a 55% decrease in voters in this district.
Following the Mayor Blong trend, Ladd won Precinct 205 with 33% of the vote. Following Precinct 205 was Precinct 207 with 29% of their registered voters making a trip to the ballot box. This area covers Garfield east to Big Spring, Scharbauer north to Wadley. This area also favored Ladd with 23% of the vote.
In Jack Ladd’s Campaign Finance Reports, he lists receiving $109,900 from donors, spending $36,351.21, with a remaining balance of $74,591.15 . He lists 56 individual donations in his reports. Ladd had no Campaign Finance Reports prior to this one. During his first campaign he accepted no donations, primarily due to being unopposed.
His expenses on both reports lists Mi Familia Movers from Odessa, Lubbock based Slate Group, Armic in Odessa, Midland based Reynolds Brothers, Brazos Communications West, CDA Broadcasting (the group that owns KWEL), Farrell Gjesdal Strategy Group - College Station, and HEB.
Mrs. Williams has Campaign Finance Reports as well. Her reports have $7,125 in contributions, S6,189.42 in expenses, and $938.58 in left over in her contribution fund. Her contributions came from 19 separate donations. She also lists $3,000 in unpaid obligations from the campaign.
Her expenses went to the following: Dallas, TX based Anedot, Signs on the Cheap, locally based Dales Graphx and Wraps, Texas Standard Marketing in Austin.Cheston Blank filed Campaign Finance Reports but has received no campaign contributions.
Amy Stretcher Burkes, the representative for District 4, will be continuing her journey with another term. She ran unopposed but still garnered 13.8% of eligible voters. There are 22,048 voters in her district and she had 3,034 votes. Precinct 110 led her constituents with 26% of votes. This area is Grasslands, west of Loop 250, North of 191.
She won this seat in 2022, squaring off with Jim Gerety for the vacated seat. There were 8,212 total voters with 4,673 going in favor of her and 3,539 for her opponent. This year’s election, albeit in an unopposed race, there was a 37% decline in voters for this district.
On her Campaign Finance Reports, Mrs. Burkes lists $53,800 in campaign donations, including a gift for $30,000. Her expenses total $4,071.80, which included advertising to KWEL, Filmhunter Media, CA3 Media, Anedot. Her final campaign balance is $62,666.22.
Campaign finance has strict rules with leftover balances. They cannot take the money and use it for personal gain. Their options include:1. Keeping it for a future campaign2. Donating to a political party, another candidate, or a political action committee3. Transfer to the comptroller for use to finance elections4. Give the money back to donors (cannot exceed the amount they gave in the past 2 years)5. Donate to charity or a post secondary educational institution for scholarship
This council will remain the same for 2 years. The November 2027 election will feature District 1, District 2, and the 2 at-large seats.
STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITIONS
STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITIONS
BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF EACH PROPOSITION
BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF EACH PROPOSITION
By Jonathan ConnersMidland, TX10/24/2025
Gazing around town you will know it’s election season when the yard decorations appear. Even businesses get in the spirit with their oversize commercial signs plastering someone’s name, you can’t miss them. At that time you know it’s coming, the political posts, arguing, and personal attacks. It has unfortunately become the norm surrounding politics. In Midland there is no exception with this year featuring a contest for Mayor, 2 City Council seats, and a host of state propositions. Judd Campbell is challenging incumbent Lori Blong for the privilege of being called Mayor. One of the City Council races features a three way race. District 3 has two challengers, Cheston Blank and Shandi Williams, facing off with incumbent Jack Ladd. Lastly District 4 will be retained by incumbent Amy Stretcher Burkes as she is unopposed. All three of these elected positions are for 3-year terms, serving through 2028. They will take office, or continue serving if reelected, in January of 2026.
Part 3: State Propositions
Proposition #1“The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the permanent technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System.”This is in regard to SJR 59 which is proposing an amendment to the Texas State Constitution for an endowment fund for the Texas State Technical College. TSTC is publicly funded with 11 campuses around the state. The closest campus to Midland is in Sweetwater, TX. This system does not have the power to issue property tax bonds or levy taxes like most others, including our Midland College. However, they do possess $386 million in debt which was issued from revenue bonds. A revenue bond uses their tuition and other forms of revenue as collateral to obtain debt. This proposition would allow for an endowment fund to be created with a max of $52 million to begin. TSTC has an operating budget of $18 million, $4.2 million of which is directed at salaries. Their net asset position is $743,315,301 and they hold $386,608,750 in long term debt. Critics of this amendment state that this would encourage a lack of oversight and fiscal responsibility by public officials.
Proposition #2“The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust.”This is proposing a straightforward prohibition on capital gains taxes on realized or unrealized gains. The movement to tax unrealized gains has been brewing in DC since the Biden administration. Then it moved into state legislatures, specifically Washington state.Washington officially outlawed state income tax in 2024, but they have never imposed state income tax. However, in 2021 the same legislature passed a capital gains tax. Washingtonians may have no state income tax, but they are hit hard on other taxes. Texas lawmakers want to remove any concern that this could happen here. This would also eliminate franchise taxes on business trusts, which brings in $152,000 to the state.
Proposition #3“The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony.”The state legislature has been working toward reforming the justice system, starting with bail. This amendment would prevent judges from releasing violent offenders on bail. The state would have to prove that the defendant is not a flight risk or a risk to the general public. The charges included would be murder, aggravated assault, and indecency with a child. Opposition to this amendment claims this would overcrowd detention centers without protecting the safety of the public. A Supreme Court decision regarding the Bail Reform Act of 1984 ruled that pretrial detention based on potential future dangerousness is unconstitutional and violates the 5th amendment. Whether or not this decision would be applicable will only be realized if this proposition passes the public vote.
Proposition #4“The constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue.”Funding for water projects is and will continue to be a top priority for public entities across the state. The Texas legislature wants to put $1 billion per year for 20 years into a fund that can provide the resources for localities to improve their water systems. This would run from 2027 until 2047. Critics of this project say it’s not enough. A Texas 2036 study estimated that the state will need $150 billion by 2050 to upgrade water systems, fix leaky pipes, and work out issues with wastewater systems.
Proposition #5“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.”Currently animal feed sellers are taxed at the same rate as everyone else. This amendment would allow lawmakers to provide exemptions for property that holds animal feed inventory. Proponents label this as a cost-cutting measure for feed sellers. Animal feed is not taxed at any level in Texas, except for when it’s held as inventory. Critics say this gives feed sellers an unfair advantage in the open market.
Proposition #6“The constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from enacting a law imposing an occupation tax on certain entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or imposing a tax on certain securities transactions.”The occupation listed would be financial institutions, stockbrokers, and dealers. This would prevent any new taxes on security exchanges and is most likely due to the new stock exchange set to open in Dallas. Blackrock, The Citadel, and other investors have raised $120 million to create an alternative to the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. Opposition to this legislation states that this removes potential revenue in the future.
Proposition #7“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected.”Under this amendment, lawmakers could allow property tax relief to surviving spouses if a service member died as a result of service. There is also accompanying legislation that would remove all property taxes from a surviving spouse if they have not re-married. There is not much resistance to this legislation. The negative from the state’s position is the loss of revenue.
Proposition #8“The constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable to a decedent’s property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift.”This would remove all ability for lawmakers to enact any legislation that creates estate taxes in the State of Texas. Currently there is no estate tax, however, lawmakers have the desire to keep these taxes from ever occurring. Opponents of this say it limits lawmakers and potential revenue streams in the future.
Proposition #9“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income.”Under Texas law, any taxing entity can enable a tax on anything worth $2,500 and up, including business inventory and equipment. This proposition would raise that bar to $125,000 which would ease the tax burden on businesses. According to opponents of this amendment, this would lose an estimated $193.5 million from general revenue in 2027 and $100 million annually every year after. However, supporters argue that the extra that businesses could keep has the potential to stimulate the economy and make up for any losses.
Proposition #10“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire.”This amendment is straightforward. It would create a measure of relief on homeowners that lose their home to a fire. If this were to pass, homeowners would be required to prove their home is uninhabitable for 30 days following the fire.
Proposition #11“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.”Continuing with the legislature's focus on tax reform, the elderly and disabled would see relief with the passing of this amendment. The exemptions would increase from $10,000 to $60,000. Coupled with the passing of proposition #13, this demographic of citizens could see an exemption of up to $200,000 off their taxable value. Opposition to this amendment states this will handcuff localities and strain resources in schools even further. The estimated cost would be $1.2 billion in the first year and $477 million in subsequent years.
Proposition #12“The constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the membership of the tribunal to review the commission’s recommendations, and the authority of the commission, the tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct.”This proposition deals with the judicial conduct process. Currently this process is handled by 6 judges from different levels, 2 attorneys that are not judges, and 5 citizens at least 30 years old. The citizens are appointed by the Governor. The passing of this amendment would change the makeup to 6 judges appointed by the Texas Supreme Court and 7 citizens appointed by the Governor. All appointees would remain at the mercy of the Texas Senate, requiring their approval. Supporters state this would increase accountability in the justice system. Opponents say this would open the door for politicization of the process.
Proposition #13“The constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district from $100,000 to $140,000.”This would save the average Texas homeowner $490, likely more in Midland. Coupled with Proposition #11, this would cost the State of Texas a total of $2.7 billion in the first year and $1 billion in following years. Critics state that this legislation handcuffs the State and that there should be more action taken at the local level to reduce spending first.
Proposition #14“The constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue.”Heavily supported by our own State Legislator Tom Craddick, if passed this would funnel $3 billion into this public research institution. It would also be slated to receive $300 million annually. All funding would come from the state’s surplus. Supporters say these diseases will continue to rise and Texas should be in the forefront of medical research. However, critics point out that the state should not be involved in the medical field and money should be spent more efficiently.
Proposition #15“The constitutional amendment affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children.”Seemingly a very uncomplicated proposition, due to the nature of current issues, it has made its way into the elections. This amendment would put parental rights firmly in the Texas Constitution. There have been cases in other states that have challenged parental rights, mostly surrounding abortion and transitioning. If this should pass, parents would have the final say on the child’s upbringing.Opponents have argued that this limits a child’s voice in their childhood. They also say this could limit reproductive care and gender affirming care. Supporters claim this is necessary to reaffirm parental rights without the state making decisions for them and their family.
Proposition #16“The constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.”In light of the current state of immigration policy across the country, Texas has decided to specify the status of its voters. While it is already the law that you have to be a citizen to vote in the state, this amendment prevents localities from enacting laws or encouraging non-citizens from voting in local elections. Opponents say it is redundant. Supporters say it is necessary in light of other states and entities encouraging non-citizens to vote.
Proposition #17“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property located in a county that borders the United Mexican States that arises from the installation or construction on the property of border security infrastructure and related improvements.”Due to the increasing security along the US-Mexico border, property values could see a spike. This amendment would prevent any excessive tax increase, which would reduce the burden of land owners along the border. Critics have stated this incentivizes public spending on border security measures.
Gazing around town you will know it’s election season when the yard decorations appear. Even businesses get in the spirit with their oversize commercial signs plastering someone’s name, you can’t miss them. At that time you know it’s coming, the political posts, arguing, and personal attacks. It has unfortunately become the norm surrounding politics. In Midland there is no exception with this year featuring a contest for Mayor, 2 City Council seats, and a host of state propositions. Judd Campbell is challenging incumbent Lori Blong for the privilege of being called Mayor. One of the City Council races features a three way race. District 3 has two challengers, Cheston Blank and Shandi Williams, facing off with incumbent Jack Ladd. Lastly District 4 will be retained by incumbent Amy Stretcher Burkes as she is unopposed. All three of these elected positions are for 3-year terms, serving through 2028. They will take office, or continue serving if reelected, in January of 2026.
Part 3: State Propositions
Proposition #1“The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the permanent technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System.”This is in regard to SJR 59 which is proposing an amendment to the Texas State Constitution for an endowment fund for the Texas State Technical College. TSTC is publicly funded with 11 campuses around the state. The closest campus to Midland is in Sweetwater, TX. This system does not have the power to issue property tax bonds or levy taxes like most others, including our Midland College. However, they do possess $386 million in debt which was issued from revenue bonds. A revenue bond uses their tuition and other forms of revenue as collateral to obtain debt. This proposition would allow for an endowment fund to be created with a max of $52 million to begin. TSTC has an operating budget of $18 million, $4.2 million of which is directed at salaries. Their net asset position is $743,315,301 and they hold $386,608,750 in long term debt. Critics of this amendment state that this would encourage a lack of oversight and fiscal responsibility by public officials.
Proposition #2“The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust.”This is proposing a straightforward prohibition on capital gains taxes on realized or unrealized gains. The movement to tax unrealized gains has been brewing in DC since the Biden administration. Then it moved into state legislatures, specifically Washington state.Washington officially outlawed state income tax in 2024, but they have never imposed state income tax. However, in 2021 the same legislature passed a capital gains tax. Washingtonians may have no state income tax, but they are hit hard on other taxes. Texas lawmakers want to remove any concern that this could happen here. This would also eliminate franchise taxes on business trusts, which brings in $152,000 to the state.
Proposition #3“The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony.”The state legislature has been working toward reforming the justice system, starting with bail. This amendment would prevent judges from releasing violent offenders on bail. The state would have to prove that the defendant is not a flight risk or a risk to the general public. The charges included would be murder, aggravated assault, and indecency with a child. Opposition to this amendment claims this would overcrowd detention centers without protecting the safety of the public. A Supreme Court decision regarding the Bail Reform Act of 1984 ruled that pretrial detention based on potential future dangerousness is unconstitutional and violates the 5th amendment. Whether or not this decision would be applicable will only be realized if this proposition passes the public vote.
Proposition #4“The constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue.”Funding for water projects is and will continue to be a top priority for public entities across the state. The Texas legislature wants to put $1 billion per year for 20 years into a fund that can provide the resources for localities to improve their water systems. This would run from 2027 until 2047. Critics of this project say it’s not enough. A Texas 2036 study estimated that the state will need $150 billion by 2050 to upgrade water systems, fix leaky pipes, and work out issues with wastewater systems.
Proposition #5“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.”Currently animal feed sellers are taxed at the same rate as everyone else. This amendment would allow lawmakers to provide exemptions for property that holds animal feed inventory. Proponents label this as a cost-cutting measure for feed sellers. Animal feed is not taxed at any level in Texas, except for when it’s held as inventory. Critics say this gives feed sellers an unfair advantage in the open market.
Proposition #6“The constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from enacting a law imposing an occupation tax on certain entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or imposing a tax on certain securities transactions.”The occupation listed would be financial institutions, stockbrokers, and dealers. This would prevent any new taxes on security exchanges and is most likely due to the new stock exchange set to open in Dallas. Blackrock, The Citadel, and other investors have raised $120 million to create an alternative to the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. Opposition to this legislation states that this removes potential revenue in the future.
Proposition #7“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected.”Under this amendment, lawmakers could allow property tax relief to surviving spouses if a service member died as a result of service. There is also accompanying legislation that would remove all property taxes from a surviving spouse if they have not re-married. There is not much resistance to this legislation. The negative from the state’s position is the loss of revenue.
Proposition #8“The constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable to a decedent’s property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift.”This would remove all ability for lawmakers to enact any legislation that creates estate taxes in the State of Texas. Currently there is no estate tax, however, lawmakers have the desire to keep these taxes from ever occurring. Opponents of this say it limits lawmakers and potential revenue streams in the future.
Proposition #9“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income.”Under Texas law, any taxing entity can enable a tax on anything worth $2,500 and up, including business inventory and equipment. This proposition would raise that bar to $125,000 which would ease the tax burden on businesses. According to opponents of this amendment, this would lose an estimated $193.5 million from general revenue in 2027 and $100 million annually every year after. However, supporters argue that the extra that businesses could keep has the potential to stimulate the economy and make up for any losses.
Proposition #10“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire.”This amendment is straightforward. It would create a measure of relief on homeowners that lose their home to a fire. If this were to pass, homeowners would be required to prove their home is uninhabitable for 30 days following the fire.
Proposition #11“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.”Continuing with the legislature's focus on tax reform, the elderly and disabled would see relief with the passing of this amendment. The exemptions would increase from $10,000 to $60,000. Coupled with the passing of proposition #13, this demographic of citizens could see an exemption of up to $200,000 off their taxable value. Opposition to this amendment states this will handcuff localities and strain resources in schools even further. The estimated cost would be $1.2 billion in the first year and $477 million in subsequent years.
Proposition #12“The constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the membership of the tribunal to review the commission’s recommendations, and the authority of the commission, the tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct.”This proposition deals with the judicial conduct process. Currently this process is handled by 6 judges from different levels, 2 attorneys that are not judges, and 5 citizens at least 30 years old. The citizens are appointed by the Governor. The passing of this amendment would change the makeup to 6 judges appointed by the Texas Supreme Court and 7 citizens appointed by the Governor. All appointees would remain at the mercy of the Texas Senate, requiring their approval. Supporters state this would increase accountability in the justice system. Opponents say this would open the door for politicization of the process.
Proposition #13“The constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district from $100,000 to $140,000.”This would save the average Texas homeowner $490, likely more in Midland. Coupled with Proposition #11, this would cost the State of Texas a total of $2.7 billion in the first year and $1 billion in following years. Critics state that this legislation handcuffs the State and that there should be more action taken at the local level to reduce spending first.
Proposition #14“The constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue.”Heavily supported by our own State Legislator Tom Craddick, if passed this would funnel $3 billion into this public research institution. It would also be slated to receive $300 million annually. All funding would come from the state’s surplus. Supporters say these diseases will continue to rise and Texas should be in the forefront of medical research. However, critics point out that the state should not be involved in the medical field and money should be spent more efficiently.
Proposition #15“The constitutional amendment affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children.”Seemingly a very uncomplicated proposition, due to the nature of current issues, it has made its way into the elections. This amendment would put parental rights firmly in the Texas Constitution. There have been cases in other states that have challenged parental rights, mostly surrounding abortion and transitioning. If this should pass, parents would have the final say on the child’s upbringing.Opponents have argued that this limits a child’s voice in their childhood. They also say this could limit reproductive care and gender affirming care. Supporters claim this is necessary to reaffirm parental rights without the state making decisions for them and their family.
Proposition #16“The constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.”In light of the current state of immigration policy across the country, Texas has decided to specify the status of its voters. While it is already the law that you have to be a citizen to vote in the state, this amendment prevents localities from enacting laws or encouraging non-citizens from voting in local elections. Opponents say it is redundant. Supporters say it is necessary in light of other states and entities encouraging non-citizens to vote.
Proposition #17“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property located in a county that borders the United Mexican States that arises from the installation or construction on the property of border security infrastructure and related improvements.”Due to the increasing security along the US-Mexico border, property values could see a spike. This amendment would prevent any excessive tax increase, which would reduce the burden of land owners along the border. Critics have stated this incentivizes public spending on border security measures.
PART 2: DISTRICT 3 RACE
PART 2: DISTRICT 3 RACE
By Jonathan Conners
October 22nd, 2025
Midland, TX
Gazing around town you will know it’s election season when the yard decorations appear. Even businesses get in the spirit with their oversize commercial signs plastering someone’s name, you can’t miss them. At that time you know it’s coming, the political posts, arguing, and personal attacks. It has unfortunately become the norm surrounding politics.
In Midland there is no exception with this year featuring a contest for Mayor, 2 City Council seats, and a host of state propositions. Judd Campbell is challenging incumbent Lori Blong for the privilege of being called Mayor. One of the City Council races features a three way race. District 3 has two challengers, Cheston Blank and Shandi Williams, facing off with incumbent Jack Ladd. Lastly District 4 will be retained by incumbent Amy Stretcher Burkes as she is unopposed. All three of these elected positions are for 3-year terms, serving through 2028. They will take office, or continue serving if reelected, in January of 2026.
Part 1: District 3
Incumbent Jack Ladd won his seat in the November 2019 election, replacing Sharla Hotchkiss who declined to run for re-election. He defeated 4 other challengers including current at-large Councilor Robin Poole.
Total Votes 5,844
EJ Baldridge 1,003 17,1%
Kathryn Chandler 610 10.4%
Jack Ladd 2,087 35%
Bradley James 146 2.4%
Robin Poole 1,998 34%
On the 2022 ballot, he ran unopposed and received a total of 7,977 votes even though it didn’t matter. This election season there are two challengers for his city council seat. While we reached out to Mr. Ladd multiple times for inclusion in this article, he neglected to respond.
Shandi Williams, one of the challengers, believes the largest issue with our community is the water supply which was a hot topic over the summer for residents of Vander Ranch in Greenwood. While that specific problem would be outside of her purview if she wins, she believes the city could be in danger of similar issues.
“The city remains under Stage 1 (Mild) water shortage conditions, reflecting broader regional challenges where Texas officials warn of potential severe shortages by 2030 due to population growth, industrial demands and climate factors, she stated. “Drought data shows 2025 as one of the driest years on record for Midland County, exacerbating scarcity.”
Cheston Blank, the other challenger, stated the city’s housing is the biggest issue. As discussed in the previous edition highlighting the race for mayor, Midland has become a city known for expensive real estate. Compared to our West Texas neighbors, our median housing prices are significantly higher.
Median Sales Prices
Midland, TX - $354,083
San Angelo, TX - $228,324
Lubbock, TX - $229,815
Amarillo, TX - $200,755
Wichita Falls, TX - $212,373
Abilene, TX - $245,000
Odessa, TX - $258,567
The elevated level of home cost prices out many people, negatively affecting the younger population. Unfortunately, there are a multitude of factors that affect the financial aspect of a home purchase, most of which are out of the hands of local leadership. Mortgage rates are sitting at 6.22% for a 30 year conventional mortgage. At the end of 2021, the rates bottomed out at 2.95%. That may seem like a small jump, but it adds quite a range of short term and long term costs to purchase.
The community has seen an increase in new homes being built, but it has not been enough to cover the meek 3.5 months of inventory in the market, so we lay firmly in a seller’s market. For buyers to gain the upper hand, and supply to balance out, we would need to find ourselves in the 6+ month range.
Apartments also have to be factored in. The average rent is listed at $1,452 per month. According to apartmentsfinder.com there are 1,233 apartments for rent in Midland. Most apartment complexes advertise constantly, whether a renter is needed or not, so that number may be a little misleading. Midland has added a significant amount of apartment inventory in the past few years. There have been 7,300 new apartment units added to the market since 2013, a 37% jump according to Market Analytics. But with 93% current occupancy as of January 2025, the supply of apartments has not grown enough. There were no new apartments built in 2024, nor were any planned.
Finances are also important to both candidates. Shandi Williams wants to focus on a more efficient management of resources. “With expenditures outpacing revenues due to inflationary pressures on items like software, chemicals, construction, and health insurance, we'd need to tighten the belt without cutting essential services,” Williams stated. “Transparency and accountability and allocating every taxpayer's dollar in the budget to a necessity and need and not a want."
Blank says he would focus more on reforming current budget facets, including zoning laws. “This works to increase tax revenue because increasing the land that is allowed to be developed creates more land value and more taxable properties and an increased sales tax revenues as it increases opportunities for consumer spending.”
He also stated he would work toward altering property valuations. “Long term focus on transitioning out tax systems to land value taxation.” Blank clarified, “This would abolish taxes on improvements to property and solely taxes the land. This incentivizes people to make the most of their land as it stops the city from disincentivizing development and incentivizing land speculation.”
On the topic of reform, Williams said she would work to reform the Midland Development Corporation, which has been a popular topic. She stated that the Lubbock Economic Development Corporation reforms have been successful and we should model the MDC after their lead. “Require the MDC to launch an interactive online portal detailing all incentives, grants, and expenditures in real-time, including recipient businesses, and job creation metrics,” Williams stated. “The current seven-member board, appointed by the City Council, should incorporate diverse stakeholders such as small business owners, educators, and community advocates, not just industry leaders to mitigate perceptions of insider favoritism.”
Both candidates highlighted transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. Incumbent Jack Ladd was invited to participate multiple times, however, he did not respond to our requests.
Early voting begins on October 20th and lasts until October 31st. Voting day is November 4th. The following locations will be available for Early Voting:
ELECTIONS OFFICE – COUNTY ANNEX BUILDING ROOM 103
2110 NORTH A STREET, 79705
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 31 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
CENTENNIAL LIBRARY – MEETING ROOM 113
2503 W LOOP 250 N, 79705
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
COGDELL LEARNING CENTER – CLASSROOM # 4
201 W FLORIDA AVE, 79701
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
THE VILLAGE AT MANOR PARK – MARGARET COWDEN CLUBHOUSE – SPARKS GREAT ROOM
431 Manor Village Cir, 79707
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FELLOWSHIP COMMUNITY CHURCH – MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING
5206 MIDLAND DR, 79707
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
City Council Map
City Council Map
Only those in district 3 will be deciding between Blank, Ladd, and Williams
District 4 is unopposed but will be on the ballot
Everyone in the City of Midland will be eligible to vote for Mayor
ELECTION SEASON IS UPON US
ELECTION SEASON IS UPON US
Election Season is Upon Us
Midland, TX Politics
10/16/2025
By Jonathan Conners
You know it’s election season when the yard signs start to appear. Even businesses get in the spirit with their oversized commercial signs plastering someone’s name. You can’t miss them. At that time, you know it’s coming: the political posts, arguing, and personal attacks. It has unfortunately become the norm surrounding politics.
In Midland, this year is no exception with a contest for Mayor, 2 City Council seats, and a host of state propositions. Judd Campbell is challenging incumbent Lori Blong for the privilege of being called Mayor. One of the City Council races features a three way race. District 3 has two challengers, Cheston Blank and Shandi Williams, facing off against incumbent Jack Ladd. District 4 will be retained by incumbent Amy Stretcher Burkes, as she is unopposed. All three of these elected positions are for 3-year terms, serving through 2028. They will take office, or continue serving if re-elected, in January of 2026.
Part 1: The Race for Midland Mayor
The last election Midland had for Mayor was in 2022. Patrick Payton, Mayor from 2019-2022, declined to run for re-election. This opened the door for City Councillor Lori Blong to run. She won the standoff between herself, former Mayor Jerry Morales and Robert Allen Dickson. Votes totalled 31,250 (41.64% of registered voters) with Blong receiving 16,017, Morales 13,904, and Dickson 1,329.
This year’s challenger, Judd Campbell, is a local CPA and has resided in the Permian Basin for 17 years. His interests lie with the ballooning debt, high taxes, and local government’s involvement in free enterprise. Campbell can often be heard speaking on KWEL and at City Council Meetings on these very issues.
On the taxation subject, Campbell wants to adjust focus off the rate. “This must be measured in the actual dollars paid, and not by the rate,” he stated when asked about his plan on taxes. “The current mayor describes a reduction in the rate as though the City decreased taxes, when for many Midlanders this is a tax increase.”
Our elected officials have often pointed out the fact that our tax rate is lower than most neighboring cities. San Angelo, Lubbock, Amarillo, and Wichita Falls are all lower. However, the Midland cost of living is significantly higher.
Median Home Sales Prices
Midland, TX - $354,083
San Angelo, TX - $228,324
Lubbock, TX - $229,815
Amarillo, TX - $200,755
Wichita Falls, TX - $212,373
Abilene, TX - $245,000
Odessa, TX - $258,567
Midland’s median sales price of homes looms tall over our West Texas neighbors. Even our sister down the road, Odessa, is significantly lower.
In addition to working on taxes, Campbell has hammered home budget inadequacies Midland is experiencing. “While previous years may provide a guide to what we should plan for in subsequent years, using that as the foundation of the budget leads to a lack of critical accountability about the appropriateness of the budget item.” He also added, “We should build a budget from the ground up, only including those items that have been sufficiently evaluated to provide value to the citizens of Midland.”
He wants to push for a true zero balance budget, critical review of reserve funds, and stopping any new debt. The city currently owes $884 million in debt (principle and interest), which is 2 times more than their revenue.
“By cutting wasteful spending, there is no need to add debt in order to meet the needs of our city. According to the audited financials of the City, our debt payments will soon be about $40 million per year,” Campbell stated. “This burden is significant, and one that won’t go away should our economy, our population, or our tax base suffer a downturn related to the oil and gas industry.”
When pressed about the Schaurbauer Sports Complex and the shortfall that is occurring in their budget, Campbell stated that ending waste would solve the problem. As an example, a $1 million scoreboard was approved over the summer, and several on the council, including Mayor Blong and District 3 Councillor Jack Ladd, expressed it would pay for itself. “However, when reviewing the actual numbers – the cost of the scoreboard and the projected advertising revenue – it was apparent that the additional revenue would barely cover half of the cost of the scoreboard” the Mayor hopeful responded “without considering any return on investment or inflation adjustments that would only reflect an actual cost much higher than presented.”
Campbell also stated his desire for more transparency with a focus on moving the City Council’s meetings to the evening. “This will give citizens an easier way to follow and attend meetings, enhancing transparency. I will also move public comment to the beginning of meetings, so that citizens have the opportunity to express their thoughts without sacrificing a significant portion of their time.”
His concern also lies within a recent city credit card issue. An open record request was submitted by a local resident and the information received was highly redacted with one statement not even present. The city released a statement after a social media uproar.
“During the review of responsive documents, the City identified a single line item that contains protected health information belonging to a City employee,” the press release stated. “This charge is an approved expense that the City incurred pursuant to an existing contractual obligation.”
Mr Campbell has concerns regarding this incident and plans to change processes regarding property disclosure and oversight for these activities. “Withholding details of credit card spending on City credit cards is not transparent. And it is especially concerning that there exists “highly intimate and embarrassing” information on those statements.”
We reached out to Mayor Lori Blong on four occasions with no response.
Early voting begins on October 20th and lasts until October 31st. Voting day is November 4th. The following locations will be available for Early Voting:
ELECTIONS OFFICE – COUNTY ANNEX BUILDING ROOM 103
2110 NORTH A STREET, 79705
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 31 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
CENTENNIAL LIBRARY – MEETING ROOM 113
2503 W LOOP 250 N, 79705
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
COGDELL LEARNING CENTER – CLASSROOM # 4
201 W FLORIDA AVE, 79701
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
THE VILLAGE AT MANOR PARK – MARGARET COWDEN CLUBHOUSE – SPARKS GREAT ROOM
431 Manor Village Cir, 79707
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FELLOWSHIP COMMUNITY CHURCH – MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING
5206 MIDLAND DR, 79707
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
#midlandtx #chroniclesofreason #permianbasin #cityofmidland #politics #midlandcounty #elections #publicinformation #FreedomOfPress #journalism #PublicDebt #midlandmayor #midlandtexas
Murky World of Public Debt
Murky World of Public Debt
Midland, TX -
10/5/2025
Midland, TX -
10/5/2025
Midland is No Exception to Massive Debt
Midland is No Exception to Massive Debt
By Jonathan Conners
10/5/2025
We see it all over the country. Municipalities, states, and the federal government are all saddled with massive debt. This all comes at the expense of the public, often without their approval. And there never seems to be an urgency to expunge the debt, only the plea from bureaucrats for votes and shrugging off the massive debt behind them.
The City of Midland is no different, currently sitting on $800 million of debt. The exact number is $884,031,439. Which totals $6,300.02 per resident of the city. The city is anticipating an expense of $20 million in payments over the course of 2026. These debts include water/ sewer upgrades, the new Bush Center, and roads.
It’s true what they say: “More money, more problems.” Or in this case, more debt. The City’s revenue is currently at $454,311,174 in 2025. Revenues have increased 36.4% since 2019, during which the city took in $333,162,188. They are anticipating an increase in income by 1.4% to $461,000,000 in 2026.
Debt has increased substantially since 2019 when the City accumulated $269,344,558 worth of debt. Since then, it has increased 328% to the aforementioned $844 million tab. Per capita, the number has increased 332% in the same time period – from $1,892.21 to the previously mentioned $6,300.02.
The City’s debt-to-income ratio is 194% and they would not qualify for any further debt if they were an individual. However, since they have a guaranteed income with your taxes, they can leverage that to acquire more debt.
What is noticeably absent from any discussion of finances in Midland is the difference between principle and interest. If there is discussion of acquiring debt there is rarely the mention of the total cost. Usually we hear the initial dollar amount, the amount they are wanting to borrow. However, debt costs money and it adds up. The Midland College bond was an initial sum of $450 million. However, the total cost would have been upwards to $800 million over 30 years.
A prominent defense of the debt revolves around debt being paid by user fees. These certificates of obligations are obtained leveraging revenue from a specific entity into obtaining debt. This is all contingent on the user fees being able to handle the debt servicing requirement. If the revenue falls below the budgeted amount then taxpayers funds will be required to fund the difference.
The 2024 Certificate of Obligation (COO) for golf course improvements is anticipated to be paid by the fees collected to use the golf course. The Water and Sewage COO from 2018 is being paid for by system users. The 2018 COO for the Bush Center is being funded by hotel/motel tax. Out of the $884,031,439 in debt users are supporting over $683,020,840 million of the debt. That leaves $201,010,599 coming from ad valorem tax AKA property tax.
However, user supported debt is a fragile game. The Midland golf community has seen two public golf courses close in the past 2 years. That has led to an increase in user fees for Hogan Park. In 2023 the golf course had a revenue of $2,653,555 with expenses totaling $3,263,551, a net loss of $609,996. In 2024 the budget was balanced at $3,363,661. In 2025 they are anticipating an increase of 26% to $4,263,979. For 2026 they are forecasting a 15% increase to $4,911,812.
The golf course does have a fund backing their finances. However, the fund is one of the smallest the city hosts. In 2024 there was $3,723,964 added, they spent $3,432,392. There was an excess from 2023 of $261,878 plus the leftovers from 2024 totaled $553,450. In 2025 there was $4,263,678 available and they used all of it. For a frame of reference, the airport fund has $30 million in funds.
The golf course is indebted $16,170,835 ($10,090,000 principal and $6,080,835 interest) with a maturity date of 2045. After it is all said and done, they will have spent 60% of the initial sum as cost to borrow.
Good news for the City of Midland, golf is growing. According to Links Magazine over the past 5 years on-course golfers has increased 16%. There should be cautious optimism, however, due to the limiting nature of the golf game. There are only so many tee times available over the course of a week. There are two other courses in town, however both are private and have financial requirements to play there.
On the water and sewer side, their revenue has dropped 7% since 2023. Their departmental income is holding up $605,137,922 in debt with a maturation date of 2037, 2045, and 2048. The water and sewer fund holds a little more than the aforementioned golf course fund. They are anticipating $78,902,541 at the end of 2025. At the end of 2023 they were left with $73,439,600 with 2024 having $5,462,941. In 2025 they anticipated using all of the $93,151,000 allotted to them.
The sanitation system holds a paltry $29,415,383 in debt, being held up with their user fees. Their revenue dipped slightly from 2023-2024, from $26,408,303 to $25,323,172. They projected $28,941,757 in 2025.
The last facet of user fees is the Midland Center’s funding with Hotel/Motel tax. They are holding onto $32,296,700 in debt for the construction of the center. In 2023 they collected $7,363,797 in taxes from hotels and motels. In 2024 that number dipped 17.7% to $6,060,000. They anticipate for 2025 to see a 16% rebound to $7,060,000 in 2025. As we have found in recent years, relying on discretionary spending such as hotels and travel is a risky venture. The COVID years decimated the travel industry and economic downturns such as 2008 can do the same.
Public debt is speculation on the factors you currently experience will continue. Individuals have to incur this when they buy a new house, a car, or open a new business. However, the difference between the individual and public entities is the individual has a limited amount they can take on before it buries them financially. If the individual has a substantial change in income, experiences health issues, or has a death in their immediate family, they are still liable for that debt no matter what they do.
Bureaucrats and politicians do not share the same responsibility for the debt they promote, they can take on a 192% debt-to-income ratio and it will be the next person’s problem. However, that problem will follow their constituents forever. That will remain in effect through population shifts, economic downturns, or catastrophic events. It handcuffs those citizens into a lifetime of taxation. As long as the debt persists the taxation dollar amount (not rate) will never go down.
*All data referenced in this article is from the City of Midland’s budget documentation on their website
MISD, MC Address Kirk Commentary
MISD, MC Address Kirk Commentary
Summary
Summary
- MISD, MC employee Lynette Fields has been terminated
- Unclear what Fields did or said, it was in regards to Charlie Kirk's death
- MTSU, Office Depot, Carolina Panthers also dealing with commentary
By Jonathan Conners
September 16th, 2025
Midland, TX -
Midland is not immune to the backlash regarding Charlie Kirk’s death which has reverberated across the world with a myriad of reactions. Now Midland ISD has to address an employee commenting on the topic.
Midland ISD superintendent Dr. Stephanie Howard released the following statement on September 12th: “Midland ISD is aware of comments made by a district employee regarding recent national news. These comments do not reflect the values and beliefs of Midland ISD, and the district has placed the employee on administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.”
The MISD Board has a special session scheduled for September 18th with an agenda including the possible termination of Lynette Fields. Beginning her MISD employment in 2023, Fields is listed as a Midland High School English teacher and Dual Credit teacher at Midland College, as well as a Career Counselor at Inverness Technologies.
It is still unclear what Fields said or did as neither MISD nor Midland College will comment on specifics. Both Midland ISD and Midland College have suspended Fields pending an investigation headed by MISD. Inverness Technologies has not responded to requests for comment.
Midland College Associate VP of Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations Karisa Danley stated: “The views or actions of any individual employee do not represent the values of our institution. Midland College remains committed to fostering an environment built on respect and professionalism.”
Following September 10th, the country has seen a host of action with people being removed from positions for openly approving of the death. One of the more notable names, Matthew Dowd of MSNBC, was terminated after stating Kirk was "one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions."
Middle Tennessee State University fired their Associate Dean of Student Care and Conduct, Laura Sosh-Lightsy, for her Facebook comment: “Looks like ole Charlie spoke his fate into existence. Hate begets Hate. Zero Sympathy.”
In addition to MSNBC and MTSU, Office Depot, the Carolina Panthers, Delta Airlines, and American Airlines have all publicly dealt with employees’ comments on the situation.
MISD has a special meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 18th at 7:30 AM at the MISD Administration Building Room 101. The other agenda item addresses termination of MISD Director of Transportation Isaac Johnson. MISD would not comment on why Johnson is being considered for termination.
Chronicles of Reason reached out to Lynette Fields and Isaac Johnson for comment, at the time of release they had not responded to requests.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10th at the first stop on his “Prove Me Wrong Tour.” Kirk founded Turning Point USA, the home base for public discussion tours, podcasts, and writing. He was 31 years old and leaves behind his wife and 2 small children.
Eligible for reprint, reshare, and reproduction
#midlandtx #permianbasin #midlandcollege #politics #cityofmidland #midlandcounty #MidlandHigh #midlandisd #charliekirk
Realtor Board Accuses Former Director of Embezzlement
Realtor Board Accuses Former Director of Embezzlement
Summary
Summary
- From 2021-2024 Rhonda Lesley is accused of misappropriating $500,000
- Accusation includes credit card payments, misuse of bonus program
- Lesley was terminated in Dec of 2024
- Police report filed in April of 2025
- PBBOR informs membership of situation in July of 2025
- Lesley was arrested in July of 2025 in Amarillo, current status of case unknown
By Jonathan Conners
Midland, TX -
The Permian Basin Board of Realtors is addressing issues with a former employee and financial records that are not lining up. Midland PD was dispatched to 3114 Sunburst in April of 2025 to take an incident report. This report included accusations of misapplication of fiduciary property over $300,000, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
The accused, Rhonda Lesley, 53 of Odessa, TX, was the Association Executive of PBBOR from March of 2021 until December of 2024. She was terminated for suspected theft of association funds. Joel Cooke, current association President, and Laura Camp, President-Elect, both reported the discrepancies to MPD.
The accusation begins with a bonus program for staff. Lesley was given autonomy to deliver bonuses at will but had no authority to give herself a bonus. Any bonuses to her would come directly from the association board. In the report it states the board rarely authorized bonuses to the association director.
According to PBBOR financial records, they found Lesley was sporadically giving bonuses to staff and herself. These unauthorized bonuses total in the amount of $38,934.74. She is also being accused of unauthorized salary adjustments of $2,529.82.
Lesley is also being accused of reimbursing her personal accounts with association funds.
The report states she cut reimbursement checks to the amount of $75,405.80 which is unaccounted for and unauthorized. She also reportedly used funds to pay for her personal credit cards. American Express received $289,567.80 and Chase Bank received $162,897.01 in payments from PBBOR for Lesley’s personal credit cards.
The total sum of the finances misapplicated totals out to $569,334.17. However, the PBBOR is only pursuing $478,388.73 with this legal action. They are also pursuing “Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence” as Lelsey had been in possession of an association laptop after being terminated. The property has since been returned.
Lesley’s salary is listed at $93,928 in the 2022 PBBOR 990 form. The 2023 990 does not list her salary.
PBBOR is a non-profit entity that is member-supported. Local real estate agents do not have to be a member but in order to be a member you must be a licensed real estate agent. The fees to join range from $1,000 - $2,000 per year depending on certain factors. There are 1,436 agents listed on their website. From 2024, the PBBOR form 990 - has net assets totalling $2.5 million with $692,744 in revenue.
PBBOR and related individuals declined to comment
District Attorney of Midland Chief Administrative Assistant, Jana Anderson, stated they are reviewing the case
Midland PD did not respond to requests for a statement
Jonathan Conners
Independent Journalist
Eligible for Reprint, Sharing, or Repost
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