Tea Party/Parade of Lights - Some History

When I joined the local Democratic party, I was surprised to learn that political groups were unable to rent the meeting room at the Grapevine Library. My husbands’ designers’ groups met regularly in Plano and Dallas libraries, just because some of their members were tax paying citizens. 

So our group tried to meet in the City of Grapevine facilities. We weren’t allowed to do that, per Parks and Recreation ordinance. After repeated complaints by myself and the president of the Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake Democrats, City Manager Bruno Rumbelow told us the ordinance would be put before the city attorney, who eventually recommended rescinding the language. It took a long time. While we waited, I was told by Chris Smith, a Parks and Recreation employee that the City of Grapevine didn’t want to appear to favor one group over another — meaning it wouldn’t look good. I told him it shouldn’t matter how things appear, it should matter that the city do the right thing. The ordinance was eventually repealed and partisan clubs could pay to rent city facilities.

Our Mid-Cities Democrats has a nearly annual presence at area city festivals, with Democratic literature, and an active voter registration drive. GrapeFest turned us down - we cannot pay the City of Grapevine to have a booth. 

In response, I have received a note today from Councilwoman Sharon Spencer and form letter (I know it’s a form letter because other concerned citizens have forwarded me their responses and it’s the same) from the Chamber of Commerce President RaDonna Hessel. I will post those separately. 

I am told the City of Grapevine was not in charge - the Chamber of Commerce was. Yet a city function is a city function and the Mayor, Council and city leadership have a say, with a louder voice than mine. 

Please let them all hear from you if you feel the way I do.