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12/17/2018: Nick Stanley moves to Aledo.
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1/24/2019: Nick Stanley is appointed as a member to the Planning & Zoning (P&Z) and Aledo Economic Development (EDC) Committees.
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3/4/2019: Nick Stanley is sworn in as a member of the EDC.
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4/25/2019: The Aledo City Council approves Mayor Kit Marshall to sign an agreement with the Velocity Group for economic development. This is noted as NOT an adoption of the Velocity Plan.
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6/6/2019: CULTIVATE COMMUNITY WORKSPACE LLC is established with Buddy Peterson, Joshua M Rogers, and Troy Austin as Owner/Managers.
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9/6/2019: Fieldstone Solar Power Company, LLC. is established with Kelsey W Beachner, Patrick D Beachner, Peter Miller, and Steven Slaughter as Owner/Managers.
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5/4/2020: Kay Granger wins her election. Nick Stanley loses his position with the Chris Putnam campaign.
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6/23/2020: Loughborough Partners, LLC is established with Clark Leibler, Micheal Hirsh, and Stephen Slaughter as Owner/Managers.
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6/30/2020: Bluejack Resources, LLC. is established with Clark Leibler, Micheal Hirsh, and Stephen Slaughter as Owner/Managers, and Marita G. Morris as registered agent on behalf of Loughborough Partners, LLC.
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8/10/2020: Canvas Capital Properties LLC is established with Troy Austin as Owner/Manager.
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9/24/2020: Fieldstone Properties, LLC. is established with Kelsey W Beachner, Patrick D Beachner, and Peter Miller as Owner/Managers.
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10/22/2020: Aledo City Council approves receiving public input for the Aledo Trail Head and Aledo Commons. The Aledo plan is added to the website for public input.
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10/23/2020: Hunter Peak Partners, LLC. is established with Clark Leibler, Micheal Hirsh, and Stephen Slaughter as Owner/Managers.
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10/30/2020: Fieldstone Properties and Hunter Peak Partners purchase their first property at 116 Maverick St., which becomes Nick Stanley's office. First Bank, where Councilmember Dan Hebert is President, is the lien holder.
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3/20/2021: The "Voice of the Valley - Aledo, TX - Cultivate the West Valley Podcast" launches, beginning discussions about the Velocity Plan and wanting to control development in Aledo. The first episode features hosts Joe Frank, Josh Rogers, and Troy Austin.
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3/25/2021: The Aledo City Council approves moving forward with the finalization of developing the Velocity Plan. This is noted as NOT an adoption of the Velocity Plan.
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3/29/2021: The second "Voice of the Valley" podcast features hosts Joe Frank, Troy Austin, and Josh Rogers, with guest Kerby Smith discussing shaping Aledo into a "Somewhere Community." Troy Austin states the purpose of Cultivate Community Workspace is to gather people who want to see change and invest in the community. Concerns about uncontrolled development are voiced, and Kirby Smith notes the Velocity Plan is a guiding document, not part of the comprehensive plan.
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4/1/2021: Nick Stanley joins Fieldstone Solar Power Company as Vice President of Acquisitions.
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4/16/2021: Fieldstone Properties and Hunter Peak Partners purchase their second property at 104 Maverick St., which becomes the temporary city hall. First Bank, where Councilmember Dan Hebert is President, is the lien holder.
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4/22/2021: Fieldstone Properties and Hunter Peak Partners purchase their third property at 105 Old Annetta Rd. (part of the telephone building). Henry Power Jr. is the lien holder.
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4/22/2021: The members of the Home Rule Charter Council are listed.
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5/12/2021: Nick Stanley is sworn in as a City Council Member.
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5/21/2021: The "Voice of the Valley" podcast features Nick Stanley discussing a "call to move from community observer to community shaper." The hosts discuss countering the "Aledo Daily Buzz" and implementing the Velocity Plan. Nick Stanley states his desire to maintain Aledo's charm and ranching culture while growing, suggesting working with developers to drive the conversation in line with the Velocity Plan and control the types of development. He emphasizes proactively seeking developers who align with Aledo's vision. Discussions about Dean Ranch and ETJs also occur, with Troy Austin mentioning bringing together citizens to invest in property and positive development.
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5/27/2021: The Council approves a professional services agreement for the Lasater Addition Waterline Upgrade Project.
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6/1/2021: Fieldstone Properties and Hunter Peak Partners purchase their fourth property at 105 Old Annetta Rd. (telephone building). First Bank, where Councilmember Dan Hebert is President, is the lien holder.
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7/1/2021: The Home Rule Charter is approved by the City Council.
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9/13/2021: Abrazo Acquisition Group, LLC. is established with Patrick Beachner, Steven Slaughter, and Micheal Hirsh as Owner/Managers.
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10/1/2021: Cultivate Aledo mails a postcard encouraging residents to vote for the Home Rule Charter.
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10/19/2021: The Home Rule Charter is mailed to citizens, allegedly with insufficient time for review before the vote.
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11/2/2021: Aledo citizens vote on the Home Rule Charter.
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2/1/2022: Shawna Ford joins the board for the East Parker County Library.
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2/8/2022: Summit Land Services, LLC., owned by Nick Stanley and Jeffery Scott Dempsey, is added to Bluejack Resources, LLC., marking Nick Stanley's involvement with the company.
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2/18/2022: Fieldstone Properties and Hunter Peak Partners purchase their fifth property at 101 Maverick St. (Pastor's House). Aledo Church of Christ is the lien holder.
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2/20/2022: Cultivate Venture3, LLC is established by Canvas Capital, LLC (Troy Austin).
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3/23/2022: Abrazo Acquisition Group, LLC. is removed from Bluejack Resources, LLC.
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5/1/2022: Nick Stanley becomes Mayor of Aledo.
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5/12/2022: The "Greater Aledo Podcast" (rebranding of Voice of the Valley) is launched by Joe Frank.
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5/26/2022: Nick Stanley is sworn in as Mayor. The Council discusses amending the Professional Services Agreement for the Clear Fork Interceptor Project.
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6/1/2022: Nick Stanley is listed as President & Managing Member of Bluejack Resources LLC, claiming to be a co-founder. His LinkedIn profile indicates simultaneous employment at Bluejack Resources and Fieldstone Solar.
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6/13/2022: The Aledo City Council discusses and/or approves a process for appointing individuals to vacant council seats.
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6/23/2022: The Aledo City Council approves the Dean Ranch Development Agreement and delays the Beard's rezoning in Lasater Addition.
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6/29/2022:
East Parker County Library Member - Shawna Ford, submits application for Council Place 3 at 8:36 P.M. just before the deadline to submit applications.•
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7/28/2022: Shawna Ford is appointed as City Council Place 3.
Kirby Smith submits a letter of recommendation for Shawna Ford. Kirby Smith owns two properties that are eventually awarded approximately $500,000 in EDC incentives, he was the Home Rule Charter member that pushed to have the mayor recall percentage changed to 30% and is a member of Cultivate Aledo. City Council Place 3 seat was vacated by Dan Herbert. Dan Herbert is the President of the bank that holds most of the mortgages for 1882 Historic District/Partners LLP.
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8/10/2022: Aledo City Council holds a Special Meeting where the Bailey Ranch Road reconstruction for $3.1 million is approved to be paid from the reserve account. The Pine Street Improvement and Amphitheater projects are halted due to lack of funding.
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8/25/2022: Nick Stanley is first recorded as President of the EDC. The EDC yearly budget is significantly increased. The EDC yearly budget is changed from approximately $500,000 per year to $2,000,000.
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8/25/2022: The Aledo City Council approves the rezoning for the Beard's project in Lasater Addition despite opposition from all residents in the area.
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8/25/2022: At 4:48 PM City Manager Noah Simon receives fake bid for remodel of community center in the amount of $70,000.00. Council was told that it would cost over $100,000.00 to move into the Community Center while the new city hall was being built. Instead, the city manager offered the option to rent a property that the mayors business partners owned. 104 Maverick St. (City Halls current location) at a cost of $84.000.00 for 2 years. As of the writing of this post and the rent is capable of going up 20%. on 11/20/2023 RNS requested a copy of the email and bid that was sent to the city manager, we were told that it does not exist. We had the email and the bid at the time of the request to the city. The city lied about not having the email or bid. Additional, the bid was produced by the construction company Councilman Christian Pearson worked for at the time.
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9/1/2022: Councilmember Shawna Ford becomes President of the East Parker County Library Board.
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9/26/2022: 1882 Partners, LLC is established (later name change to 1882 Historic District, LLC). The Owner/Managers are listed as Fieldstone Properties and Hunter Peak Partners.
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10/10/2022: City Manager Noah Simon emails Council Member Shawna Ford regarding the library.
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10/21/2022: Fieldstone Properties and Hunter Peak Partners purchase their sixth property at 208 S FM 1187. First Bank, where Councilmember Dan Hebert is President, is the lien holder.
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10/21/2022: Fieldstone Properties and Hunter Peak Partners purchase their seventh property at 200 S FM 1187. First Bank, where Councilmember Dan Hebert is President, is the lien holder.
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11/3/2022: Aledo City Council discusses the new city hall project being $3,000,000 short. Councilman Dan Herbert submits his resignation.
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12/1/2022: Aledo City Council approves expanding "Special Use Permit" requirements, the Bailey Ranch Road reconstruction, and a lease agreement with 1882 Partners LLC for the temporary city hall. Mayor Nick Stanley recuses himself from the latter. A special election to replace Dan Herbert is also approved.
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12/1/2022: The City of Aledo signs a MOU with the East Parker County Library, adding City Manager Noah Simon and Councilmember Nelson Rowles to the Library Board.
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12/10/2022: City Manager Noah Simon emails Councilmember Shawna Ford regarding the transition of library financials.
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12/15/2022: The City of Aledo enters a lease agreement with 1882 Partners/1882 Historic District LLC for the temporary city hall.
2023
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1/16/2023: Fieldstone Properties and Hunter Peak Partners purchase their eighth property at 112 S FM 1187. Lien Holder, First Bank - Former Councilmember Dan Hebert is the President of First bank.
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1/26/2023: The Aledo City Council approves adding 4 alternate EDC board members and new IT services with Isogent, whose account rep is Lewisville Mayor T.J. Gillmore.
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2/8/2023: A Joint Special Meeting between the City Council and EDC approves a 380 Incentive Agreement with Jake's Hamburgers, including a sales tax abatement and funds for a water line. The building is owned by Kirby Smith.
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2/10/2023: The "Greater Aledo Podcast - 'Rumor Mill'" discusses rumors in Aledo, including a restaurant coming to the middle of town (building owned by Joe Frank), Dean Ranch, Wendy's, and the purchase of properties around the circle by a couple of investors with a "grand plan." Plans for the "pretty white house" and "little rock house" are mentioned, with a tenant related to men's hair planned for the latter.
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3/1/2023: RNS learns that Mayor Nick Stanley's business associates and fellow Cultivate Aledo members attempt to purchase the property surrounding the East Parker County Library.
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4/1/2023: Nick Stanley ends his employment as Vice President of Acquisitions at Fieldstone Solar Power Company.
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5/6/2023: Shawna Ford is elected to City Council Place 3.
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6/2/2023: A Joint Special Meeting between the City Council and EDC approves a 380 Incentive Agreement with Press Café, providing significant cash grants and tax grants. The building is owned by Joe Frank.
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7/20/2023: A Joint Special Meeting between the City Council and EDC approves a 380 Incentive Agreement with Daynes BBQ, including a sales tax abatement. The building is owned by Kirby Smith.
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8/24/2023: The Aledo City Council meeting includes citizen concerns about employee turnover, budget issues, parking at Jake's, water meters, and water loss. The sale of the train depot to 1882 Partners for $1.00 is approved, with the city agreeing to provide $25,000 for relocation and asbestos abatement. Discussion about allowing nonresidents to serve on boards also occurs.
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8/30/2023: "The Community News" publishes an article about the train depot sale, quoting Nick Stanley denying any business interest with 1882 Partners. The article highlights discrepancies in the purchase agreement compared to the RFP.
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9/28/2023: An Aledo City Council meeting sees Nick Stanley read a prepared statement denouncing recent social media posts as defamatory. Residents express strong concerns about water bills and allowing a nonresident (Christian Pearson) to sit on the council.
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10/19/2022: An email from the City Manager to Shawna Ford regarding the library is noted again.
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10/26/2023: The Aledo City Council meeting includes Councilman Christian Pearson recusing himself from an item related to Aledo River, continued water billing complaints, approval for an independent auditor to review the water billing process, and the creation of a citizens utility billing advisory committee.
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10/26/2023: The city adds the design cost of the library as a change order for the city hall project on the consent agenda.
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11/15/2023: Dean Ranch sends an official request to the City of Aledo to leave Aledo's ETJ.
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12/7/2023: The Aledo City Council amends procedures for leaving an ETJ.
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2024
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2/22/2024: Aledo City Council approved a parking lot lease for Press Café on public park space. Agreement shows the lease is for $1.00, This building is owned by Joe Frank, member of Cultivate Aledo. The request for 228 acres to leave the ETJ is denied.
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3/20/2024: Troy Austin posts on the Aledo Daily Buzz promoting "Public Private Partnership" and links to a podcast advocating using public funds for private development, aligning with the theme behind Cultivate Aledo.
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4/4/2024: The Aledo City Council approves amending the TIRZ boundary to include 1882 Partner properties.
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6/27/2024: The Aledo City Council approves entering into an Asset Transfer Agreement with the East Parker County Library, making the city responsible for the library's operations, staff, and finances. Shawna Ford abstains from the vote, citing her prior service on the Library Board. The estimated total cost of the library project is significant, with substantial ongoing operating costs.
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12/6/2024: The ICE RINK, contract signed AUG 22, 2024. The cost - $129,980 PLUS - Generator to power 3 phase, 480 volt, 300 AMP continuous power 24/7, the fuel for the generator, the maintenance, 110-Volt source for the skate rental, continuous water source, level the site, 24 cubic yards cushio sand, 24 hr security, digital signs - 10% of all gross ticket sales where paid to the vendor. We estimate the cost of the rink to have cost the tax payers over $200,000. We calculated that if the rink was open ever day and hour that it was supposed to be open the rink would need to have 40 skaters every hour it was open to break even.
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Cast of Characters and Brief Bios
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Nick Stanley: Moved to Aledo in 2018. Was appointed to the Planning & Zoning and EDC Committees in 2019. Was terminated by REP. Kay Granger in 2020. Served as a City Council Member (starting 2021) and became Mayor in 2022. Co-founded Summit Land Services, LLC., which was added to Bluejack Resources, LLC., where he became President & Managing Member. Simultaneously worked for Fieldstone Solar Power Company as VP of Acquisitions until 2023. His business partners in Bluejack Resources were also owners of Fieldstone Solar and 1882 Partners.
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Buddy Peterson: Owner/Manager of CULTIVATE COMMUNITY WORKSPACE LLC.
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Joshua M Rogers: Owner/Manager of CULTIVATE COMMUNITY WORKSPACE LLC and co-host of the "Voice of the Valley/Greater Aledo" podcast.
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Troy Austin: Owner/Manager of CULTIVATE COMMUNITY WORKSPACE LLC and Canvas Capital Properties LLC, co-host of the "Voice of the Valley/Greater Aledo" podcast, and involved in Cultivate Venture3, LLC. Was previously on the Planning and Zoning committee.
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Kelsey W Beachner: Owner/Manager of Fieldstone Solar Power Company, LLC., Fieldstone Properties, LLC., and partner in 1882 Partners/1882 Historic District, LLC.
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Patrick D Beachner: Owner/Manager of Fieldstone Solar Power Company, LLC., Fieldstone Properties, LLC., Abrazo Acquisition Group, LLC., and partner in 1882 Partners/1882 Historic District, LLC.
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Peter Miller: Owner/Manager of Fieldstone Solar Power Company, LLC. and Fieldstone Properties, LLC., and partner in 1882 Partners/1882 Historic District, LLC.
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Steven Slaughter: Owner/Manager of Fieldstone Solar Power Company, LLC., Loughborough Partners, LLC., Hunter Peak Partners, LLC., Abrazo Acquisition Group, LLC., and partner in 1882 Partners/1882 Historic District, LLC., and Bluejack Resources, LLC.
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REP. Kay Granger: U.S. Representative who terminated Nick Stanley's employment in 2020.
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Chris Putnam: Opponent of Kay Granger to whom Nick Stanley allegedly provided donor information.
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Clark Leibler: Owner/Manager of Loughborough Partners, LLC. and Hunter Peak Partners, LLC., and partner in Bluejack Resources, LLC.
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Micheal Hirsh: Owner/Manager of Loughborough Partners, LLC., Hunter Peak Partners, LLC., Abrazo Acquisition Group, LLC., and partner in Bluejack Resources, LLC. and 1882 Partners/1882 Historic District, LLC.
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Joe Frank: Co-host of the "Voice of the Valley/Greater Aledo" podcast and involved with Aledo Volleyball Club. Owns the building that houses Press Café.
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Kerby Smith: Commercial developer and member of the Home Rule Charter Council and Cultivate Aledo. Recommends Shawna Ford for City Council. Owns properties receiving EDC incentives.
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Dan Hebert: Aledo City Councilmember and President of First Bank, which holds mortgages for several properties purchased by Fieldstone Properties and Hunter Peak Partners/1882 Historic District. Resigned from the City Council in November 2022.
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Shawna Ford: Joined the East Parker County Library Board in February 2022, became President in September 2022, and was appointed to the Aledo City Council Place 3 in July 2022. Was later elected to the same position. Involved in discussions and the final agreement regarding the City of Aledo taking over the library that will cost taxpayers over $7,000.000.
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Noah Simon: City Manager of Aledo who was involved in the lease agreement with 1882 Partners and discussions about the library with Shawna Ford. Was added to the East Parker County Library Board.
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Nelson Rowles: Aledo City Councilmember added to the East Parker County Library Board.
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T.J. Gillmore: Mayor of Lewisville and account representative for Isogent, the new IT services provider for Aledo.
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Christian Pearson: Aledo City Councilmember who worked for the construction company that provided the fake bid and recused himself from a council agenda item. His residency was questioned by citizens.
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