About Us
As part of our effort to restore transparency and accountability in local leadership, we are working to initiate a recall election. A recall election simply means that voters will have the opportunity to decide—through a new election—whether the current mayor should remain in office. It does not automatically remove the mayor; instead, it allows the community to weigh in and give their vote of confidence—or not.
This process is about making sure that the people’s voices are heard and that leadership reflects the will of the community. It’s a democratic safeguard that gives us, the citizens, the power to evaluate our leaders mid-term if we feel they are no longer representing our best interests.
By supporting a recall election, we’re not just calling for change—we’re calling for choice. We’re standing up for a local government that listens, responds, and serves with integrity.
Q: Why wasn't a petition addressed to me?
A: As a small grass-roots operation, Friends of Ennis is working with very limited resources. To cut down on printing and mailing expenses, the decision was made to send only one petition to each household, and provide multiple lines to allow for all household members to sign. No one was intentionally excluded and everyone is welcome to sign the petition and participate in this historic chance for the citizens of Ennis to hold their elected leaders accountable. If you didn't receive a petition, and want one, email us and we will bring one to you: Friendsofennis@gmail.com
Q: What do I do with my signed petition?
A: You can drop it off at our Petition Collection Event on Saturday, May 10 at the Walmart in Ennis between the hours of 10AM and 2PM, or you can mail it to Friends of Ennis, PO Box 147, Ennis, TX 75119, or you can email us at Friendsofennis@gmail.com and we will come to you to pick up your signed petition.
Q: I did not receive a petition. How can I get one?
A: You can stop by The Village (113 NW Main), Fern In The Wild (211 W. Knox) and sign the petition, or you can drive through our Petition Collection Event on Saturday, May 10 at Walmart between 10AM and 2PM, or you can email us at Friendsofennis@gmail.com and we will come to you.
Q: Who can sign the petition?
A: Any registered voter who lives inside the city limits of Ennis is eligible to sign the petition. Even if you did not vote in the last election, you still have a voice and are eligible to sign the petition. If you are not a registered voter but you live in Ennis and want to participate in our local government, you can fill out a voter registration card and sign sign the petition- shoot us an email and we will come to you with the required forms. Friendsofennis@gmail.com
Q: Why not just wait until the next election?
A: Ennis has demonstrated a remarkable period of growth and prosperity over the past 10 years. Much of this growth has been directed by Master plans and influenced by the voice of the people as a result of the Community Survey that was conducted. As a result, many current initiatives such as the street repair evaluations, water system improvements, airport expansion, and railroad underpass have moved forward and received funding. Since the change in leadership, the city has seen an exodus of experienced professional city staff- and a complete loss of institutional knowledge. Projects have been cancelled, funding has been cut. There is a general consensus between community leaders, business owners, and the various partners of the city tied to these projects that the Mayor has acted outside his defined roles and responsibilities, has directed city staff, has oppressed city leaders, has destroyed relationships with valued city partners, and has created strong division within our community. Our town cannot afford to wait two more years and must take action now to protect our future and our prosperity.
Q: Does the recall force the Mayor out of office?
A: No. A recall election simply forces another election- giving voters a chance to decide if they want the same leader they previously supported, of if they would rather choose a different leader. The process requires candidates to apply and run a campaign again on a ballot. It is possible that the same candidate may run again and win the election again, it is possible that the candidate will draw no opponent, and it is possible that the candidate will lose the recall election to an opponent and only in that instance is the Mayor removed from office.
Q: Why should voters (and those who didn't vote at all) get a second chance at choosing an elected official?
A: There may be times when voter turnout is unusually small and not representative of the community, and there may be times when a candidate does not reveal their true intentions until after the election. For this reason, the City Charter provides a Second Chance option- known as a Recall- to allow the process to better represent the community and hold elected officials accountable. It is important to remember that our great nation was founded on this very concept- and the most American thing you can do is to stand up against a government that you disagree with and to participate in elections. We are simply encouraging everyone to get out and vote- you have a voice and this is your time to use it. The Recall option exists within the Ennis city charter for EXACTLY this reason!
Q: I have read on social media about corruption in local leadership. Can you explain to me what corruption has been found?
A: We are not investigators and certainly don't claim to be. What we can say is that we too see these claims on social media, and we are unaware of any charges of corruption against any current or former city employee from the past few years. We are aware of some incidents where employees were terminated due to violations of city policy- but these don't constitute "corruption". More troubling is that the claims of corruption and missing money seem to come from elected leaders themselves- yet to date- we are unaware of any charges filed, any identified monies missing, or any evidence lending credibility to the claims- and as such- find it unprofessional for city leaders to perpetuate these rumors.
Q: How does a Recall work? And why does the process exist?
A: The City of Ennis is a Home Rule style of government and thus is governed by a City Charter. The City Charter provides an option to allow voters to force a Recall Election should the current sitting elected official operate outside the City Charter guidelines or act in a manner inconsistent with the roles, responsibilities, and professional conduct associated with the position. Think of it as an Emergency Brake- it doesn't shut the city down or force the Mayor out of office. But it forces the conversation to the table and allows the voting public to either affirm it's original choice or to choose a change in leadership. Recently we saw the citizens of Dallas come together and through this same process- they were able to force the city to hire more police officers and provide accountability when city leaders fail to adhere to the City Charter.
Q: I fear retaliation if I sign the petition. What are my options?
A: Unfortunately we have heard this far too many times. And honestly, what better reason to sign the petition. You should never feel oppressed to exercise your right to participate in local government. As a registered voter you have every right to make your voice heard and to support the candidate you feel best will lead your community going forward. Rest assured, that if we do not obtain the required number of signatures needed for the recall, your signature will not be turned in and will not be made public. We will only turn in signatures in the event we have the required number to force the recall election- and at that point, you are in good company with your neighbors who share your same concerns.
Q: When do the signatures need to be turned in, and how many are needed?
A: We are well on our way to collecting the 3370 signatures required. Our goal is to have the required number of signatures to turn in by June 1 in order to allow time for the verification of all signatures in order to place the recall on the November ballot.
Q: Is Friends of Ennis Associated with The National Polka Festival, Destination Ennis, or any other local community organization?
A: No. Friends of Ennis is not associated with any other local community organization. Therefore, the views of Friends of Ennis should not be considered to be the opinion of any other organization.
Q: What candidate is Friends of Ennis Supporting?
A: Friends of Ennis is not currently supporting any candidate as there is not currently an election in process. Our organization is focused on community involvement by bringing about change in order to force accountability and transparency from elected leaders. We are focused on protecting the community. Should an election be called, Friends of Ennis, just like you, will evaluate the candidates and may or may not endorse a candidate.