Katy resident accuses councilmember of censoring criticism during public comment period; calls for debate

At the April 14 City of Katy council meeting, resident Casey Hines told the council she was “utterly disappointed” by how proposed charter amendments were advanced and accused a council member of retaliatory conduct on a local Facebook group.

"Your blatant disregard for the city review committee to push through these self serving amendments is the most undermining thing I have witnessed," Hines said. She said a council member had blocked her in the Facebook group City of Katy Residents Forum and argued the page functions as a public forum because it is used regularly for city-related announcements, agendas and voter outreach.

"Given those facts and case law, these actions make this page a public forum. 1 council member has violated my First Amendment rights," Hines said. She also said she raised questions in the group in a respectful manner and accused the council of "viewpoint discrimination" when she was blocked.

Michael Payne, another resident who spoke during the same public comment period, asked Mayor Dusty Thiele to participate in a public debate with citizens about the mayoral campaign and the issues under discussion. "What is Mayor Thiel so afraid of that he can't even stand up to the citizens and prove why he deserves a second term?" Payne asked.

The council did not respond to speakers during public comment; the meeting chair had earlier reminded the audience that speakers must state name and address for the record and that the council cannot respond during public comment.

Hines also referenced other alleged problems—Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act violations—and said she would continue to advocate for transparency. The council took no action during the comments and the matter was not placed on the meeting agenda for discussion or response.