Joe Frank

UPDATE MAR 29, 2024 - As we all know the City of Aledo voted to approve the lease of our green space to Press Cafe to be used as a parking lot. The term is for $1.00 per year for the next 25 years. Oddly the parking lot was completed and operational prior to City Council discussing and approving it. Even more odd was that the agenda item was added to the consent agenda. There was no discussion or feedback from the community. The way we see it, this is land paid for by tax payers. Press Cafe and property owner Joe Frank will benefit from tax payer owned property. How many other business property owners have this opportunity? None! As. a reminder Mr. Frank is a member of the CULTivate Aledo group.

It has been brought to our attention that on a recent podcast of Mr. Frank he states that "this site is borderline slanderous." He is referring to this site, Recall Nick Stanley. Some of us here at RNS have experience in business law. His comments did not make any legal sense to us and to confirm we reached out to a attorney for direction. This attorney confirmed our understanding of the legal definition of slander. We will now explain it for Mr. Frank. 

From Cornell Law School (you can click the link to confirm) 

Slander

A false statement, usually made orally, which defames another person. Unlike libel, damages from slander are not presumed and must be proven by the party suing. See, e.g. TXO Production Corp. v. Alliance Resources, 509 U.S. 443 (1993).

Again in the interest of helping out, the RNS site does not communicate it's information orally instead it is written. 

Mr. Frank cannot "legally" argue that the RNS site is slander. 

Because this site is written, his argument might be "this site is borderline libel". Lets look at Cornell Law School definition of libel. (you can click the link to confirm) 

Libel 

is a method of defamation expressed by print, writing, pictures, signs, effigies, or any communication embodied in physical form that is injurious to a person's reputation; exposes a person to public hatred, contempt or ridicule; or injures a person in their business or profession.

Traditionally, libel was a tort governed by state law.  State courts generally follow the common law of libel, which allows recovery of damages without proof of actual harm.  Under the traditional rules of libel, injury is presumed from the fact of publication.  However, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that the First Amendment's protection of freedom of expression limits a State's ability to award damages in actions for libel.

In New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964), the Court held that proof of actual malice is required for an award of damages in an action for libel involving public officials or matters of public concern. The Court reasoned that speech related to matters of public concern is at the heart of the protections guaranteed by the First Amendment and outweighs the State's interest in compensating individuals for damage to their reputations. This "actual malice" test created a national judicial standard for whether speech qualifies as libel. 

In Curtis Publishing Co. v. Butts (1967), the Supreme Court decided that, in addition to public officials, public figures must also prove that actual malice had been the intent of libelous claims against them. 

In Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc. (1974), the Court refused to extend the New York Times standard to actions for libel involving private individuals even where the matter is of public concern. In Gertz, the Court recognized a strong and legitimate state interest in compensating private individuals for injury to reputation but cautioned that this interest extends no further than compensation for actual injury.  The Gertz Court held that in a case regarding a public concern, recovery of presumed or punitive damages is not permitted without a showing of malice. The only exception to this is when the liability is based on a showing of knowledge of falsity or a reckless disregard for the truth.

If Mr. Frank would attempt to "legally" claim that the RNS site is libel, he would have to prove that the information provided here is FALSE. That would be impossible for him to do because we provide sources, copies of State, County and City Records, links to the sources, copies of emails received through FOIA/ORR/PIR plus much more.

In order to determine if Mr. Frank can "legally" argue libel (which we just proved that he cannot) he would also have to prove malice. 

Once again we will refer to Cornell Law School for explanation. 

Malice 

may also be used in connection with defamation cases or controversies concerning the First Amendment. In defamation cases concerning speech (written or spoken) that makes allegations about public officials or public figures (not private individuals), the Supreme Court has ruled that these types of plaintiffs must prove “actual malice” on the part of the person who made the allegations, meaning that they either knew the allegations were false when they made them or exhibited a reckless disregard for the truth (see The New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964)).

Legally speaking, there cannot be BORDERLINE slander/libel. Either the information is false or it is true. There is no middle ground. 

This podcast seems to be a platform to push or sell their (the Mayor and the CULTivate Crew) agenda. They have never produced any physical proof that the RNS site has published anything false. We have also given EVERYONE the opportunity to send to us PROOF that we have reported inaccurate information and if confirmed we will post a retraction and copies of the evidence. After 15,000 visitors in 5 months no one has produced anything to us showing that we have inaccuracies.

He denies his podcast is heavily edited, this is a word for word transcript from one of his podcast: 

 31:30: Nick Stanley: So lets give all your listeners a little background on how this all materialized. You and I, Joe Frank and Nick Stanley started talking months and months before Press Café came into the picture. And I told you that I thought that Bistro was struggling, we had a discussion that the writing maybe on the wall that Bistro is not going to make it. Lets start engaging some restaurateurs, lets start talking to people, but lets be targeted on who we would like to see come here. We did that and we practically went out (they edited this out) and now I would say that as a small town Mayor that is probably more common.

The last sentence does not make any sense. 

We did that and we practically went out  and now I would say that as a small town Mayor that is probably more common.

You practically went out and did what? What did you do?

In conclusion, we find it ironic that the only party making false statements is Mr. Frank. 

More to come.

UPDATE FEB 22, 2023 - Several sources are reporting and we can confirm that the City of Aledo will VOTE tonight to enter into a agreement with PRESS CAFE to lease property in the Aledo Commons for a private parking lot. The simple terms of the lease are $1.00 per year for 25 years.  Oddly, even though City Council has NOT voted to approve the lease, we all have seen the construction and the parking lot completed. 

This has been added to the CONSENT AGENDA and NOT public discussion, why, so there is no discussion. Council will just vote to approve. 

There is also rumor of PRESS CAFE receiving GREEN SPACE for their corn holes (this is a game that consist of throwing a bean bag into a hole) and play space for the children.

This is on PUBLIC LAND bought and paid for with public tax dollars and to be used privately by PRESS CAFE patrons. 

Prior to Nick Stanley and Noah Simon taking office, there where several designs for improving The Aledo Commons. These plans had been discussed for years and previous City Council had approved funding. When Nick and Noah took over there was an estimated $650,000 in public funds in the Aledo Commons account. That money has disappeared with Noah Simon alleging that the money never existed. 

Did Bistro have this opportunity? No, in fact, city staff felt like they where harassing Bistro with all the "ANONYMOUS" complaints they received from the City Manager, Noah Simon,  for code enforcement against the Bistro. this started in July 2022 one month after Nick Stanley became Mayor. 

The Mayor is also on record via a small local podcast as saying: 

 31:30: Nick Stanley: So lets give all your listeners a little background on how this all materialized. You and I, Joe Frank and Nick Stanley started talking months and months before Press Café came into the picture. And I told you that I thought that Bistro was struggling, we had a discussion that the writing maybe on the wall that Bistro is not going to make it. Lets start engaging some restaurateurs, lets start talking to people, but lets be targeted on who we would like to see come here. We did that and we practically went out (they edited this out) and now I would say that as a small town Mayor that is probably more common.

NOTE: I know his last sentence makes zero sense, this is transcribed word for word and it shows that the podcast was heavily edited.  

For those who will argue, "IT HAS NOT BEEN VOTED ON AND APPROVED!" Well, we all can see the parking lot completed.  

This should be painfully clear that the Mayor Nick Stanley and his business partners/CULTivate Aledo have a different set of rules for themselves.

The complete council packet can be found below. Oddly, the City did not include a copy of the "potential agreements" with PRESS CAFE to the public.

Its good to be Joe Frank, we the tax payers just improved his property. 

UPDATE DEC 9, 2023 - CORRECTION: We where WRONG with our report that Joe Frank/Press Cafe may receive up to $450,000 in Tax Payer incentives. On Dec 7, 2023, RNS received a copy of a FOIA request for a copy of the EDC Incentive Agreement with PRESS CAFE (attached below in it's entirety). In that agreement it shows that PRESS CAFE can receive UP TO $675,000 in incentives. They are as follows: 

1. AEDC Additional Cash Grant - $25,000
2. AEDC Initial Cash Grant - $50,000
3. Maximum AEDC Sales and Use Grant Amount - $225,000
4. Maximum City Sales and Use Tax Grant Amount - $75,000
5. Maximum Sales and Use Tax Grant Amount - $300,000

The document is signed by the Mayor of Aledo and by the AEDC President. There is not a written description of who the Mayor and EDC President are under either signature. We know it is the same person, Mayor Nick Stanley. The properties owner - Joe Frank, is a member of Cultivate Aledo and the Mayors bible study group. 

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Mr. Frank is a unique story. He is the owner of Aledo Volley Ball Club and the building that The PRESS CAFE (The old BISTRO) will move into.

He also runs a small podcast. 

We are aware of why he launched AVC and it's a great story. But not our place to tell. 

Mr. Joe Frank owns the property that PRESS CAFE will occupy. Mr. Frank is a part of Cultivate Aledo's Tuesday morning's bible study group. His property/tenant, PRESS CAFE, received EDC financial incentives from the City of Aledo. 

Mayor Nick Stanley is the President of the City of Aledo EDC (Economic Development Committee)

Estimated Incentives: 

PRESS CAFE or property $450,000

If for some reason this business does not succeed, Mr, Frank's property keep's the improvements thus increasing the value of his property. 

Only two property owners in Aledo have received EDC financial incentives from this administration, both are members of the Cultivate Aledo bible study group. The other group member is Mr. Kerby Smith, property owner of JAKES and DAYNES BBQ,  These two bible study members' tenants have received a combined estimated total of approximately $1,000,000 in EDC financial incentives.

Why is Joe Frank so defensive against RNS and does his relationship with Cultivate Aledo and the mayor assist him in getting EDC incentives? 

On 03/20/2021 Mr. Frank did his first podcast with Josh Rogers, from Mr. Franks podcast:

Welcome to the Voice of the Valley (or at least that is what we are calling it for now). Josh and Kim Rogers have been fixtures in Aledo for a long time. Kim probably took your family photos when she owned Milestone Portraits. Listen in as Josh shares an incredible story of inspiration, trials, near surrender, and how he was was miraculously led to press on with what has been the Young Life House and now Serve Coffee. You will hear how an old junky house can become redemptive real estate. Maybe you will be inspired to redeem your own piece of dirt or some seemingly too far gone house or building in Aledo. Voice of the Valley is Joe Frank Josh Rogers Troy Austin You can find us at www.cultivateworkspace.com. You can email us at hello@cultivateworkspace.com.

On 3/29/2021 Mr. Frank did his second podcast with Kerby Smith, from Mr. Franks podcast: 

Welcome to the Voice of the Valley (or at least that is what we are calling it for now). We are thrilled to have guys like Kirby Smith living and investing in our town. Kirby is an accomplished commercial real estate developer, community volunteer, and patron of Aledo. He has finally decided that it was time to make a real estate investment here in Aledo and he is passionate about where we could be headed. We enjoyed learning from Kirby about how each of us plays a role in shaping the future of our Aledo. Take a listen and see where you can plug in. Voice of the Valley is Joe Frank Josh Rogers Troy Austin You can find us at www.cultivateworkspace.com. You can email us at hello@cultivateworkspace.com.

On 5/21/2021 Joe did one of his third podcast with then City Councilman Nick Stanley.  From Mr. Franks podcast:

Welcome to the Voice of the Valley (or at least that is what we are calling it for now). Nick Stanley was just elected to City Council. Nick and his family have been in Aledo for almost 3 years. Nick brings a wealth of experience in helping civic leaders, such as Jeff Williams (mayor of Arlington) and Kay Granger (Congresswoman for Wise, Parker and Tarrant County), accomplish great things for their communities. Nick decided it was time for him to serve his community and for that we are grateful. Listen in as Nick shares his vision for our town and why it was important for him to get involved. Maybe you will be inspired to lean in and get more involved in shaping the future of Aledo. Development is here. Either we will control it, or it will control us. Let's join together to build a stronger Aledo and the West Valley. Voice of the Valley is Joe Frank Josh Rogers Troy Austin You can find us at www.cultivateworkspace.com. You can email us at hello@cultivateworkspace.com.

Mr. Frank has obviously been a member of Cultivate Aledo for some time now. What we have noticed is that Mr. Frank has said time and time again on is podcast that he does not know what is going on in this city. That he does not know what the plan is, then turning right around and shares information that no one knows about.  

We know that Mr. Troy Austin has publicly admitted on Facebook that his partners (also known as his bible study group) have a plan. He has gone as far as too invite people to have coffee with him and learn the plan. 

On a recent podcast Mr. Frank admitted to being a part of that bible study group as well and he invited people to join them. Based on his own podcast (see above) his own comments, feedback from the community and evidence that we have in our possession, Mr. Joe Frank is very much a part of what is happening in Aledo and part of Mayor Nick Stanley's inner circle. It seems that he has financially benefited from Nick Stanley being mayor (i.e.the EDC financial incentives estimated at $450,000). 

You will also recognize the names on his above podcast throughout this site. They all seem to be a part of the inner circle in Aledo.