Lubbock Citizens for Change -LCC

07/05/2025

Happy 4th of July America!

04/27/2025

Taxpayers Paid, But the Expo Center Never Came

In 2018, Lubbock voters were presented with a bold vision complete with fantastic Marketing and Mail pieces. A brand-new shiny Expo Center that would serve as a hub for concerts, rodeos, trade shows, and events that would strengthen our economy and our community spirit.

To fund this project, voters agreed to a 2% hotel occupancy tax and a 5% rental car tax. We were told the message was simple visitors would foot the bill, not local families, it will not raise your taxes so VOTE YES and in return, Lubbock would gain a world class facility that would benefit generations to come.

Citizens fell for the feel-good message and Voted YES

The taxes were approved, the money began to flow and yet, 7 years later, the Expo Center remains nothing more than the last broken promise.

Millions have been collected.

Plans have been drawn and redrawn.

Announcements have been made and celebrated.

But the one thing that has never been delivered is the Expo Center itself.

The reality today is unavoidable:

The public funded the dream.

The leadership failed to deliver it.

Instead of breaking ground, citizens have witnessed endless delays, shifting plans, rising costs, and growing excuses. We are now told inflation, fundraising gaps, and political considerations have complicated the project.

But those were not the conditions presented to voters in 2018. No one said, "Vote yes and we will try if the economy stays perfect."

The promise was clear, approve the tax and the Expo Center will be built.

It’s a painful reminder that taxes, once imposed, never go away even when the project they were meant to fund vanishes into thin air.

The Expo Center was sold to the public as a guarantee. Instead, it has become another example of leadership asking for trust, receiving it, and then moving the goalposts once the money was secured.

The citizens of Lubbock deserve better.
We deserve accountability for every dollar collected.

And we deserve results not the usual excuses.

Until that happens, the Expo Center stands as a monument to what happens when good faith is met with broken promises.

The taxes continue.

The Expo Center does not.

And the people of Lubbock are left to wonder when or if anyone will finally deliver what they were promised.

WHATEVER, YOU DO NEVER FOLLOW THE MONEY OR ASK QUESTIONS!

Only Conspiracy Theorist do that kind of thinking.

Thank You,
Luke Steinmetz
Policy Advisor/Organizer
Lubbock Citizens for Change (LCC)
LubbockCitizensforChange.org

Click here to see Virtual Tour At A Glance The overwhelming YES vote in November, 2018 allowed for a new venue to handle not only dirt events, but also to fill for events of all kinds, from multiple family events, amateur and professional sporting events, smaller concert events that won’t fill up ...

04/27/2025

The Good Old Boys Network Strikes Again

How Lubbock Insiders Turn Bonds into Business Deals

Lubbock voters are being asked to approve $290 million in new debt for Lubbock ISD. But behind the emotional messaging and glossy mailers about "safe schools" and "modern learning," there’s a deeper truth voters deserve to know:

This bond isn’t being pushed by teachers or students.

It’s being engineered, funded, and promoted by a tightly connected group of contractors, architects, bankers, and insiders who’ve figured out how to turn public debt into private profit, time and time again.

This is what we call the Good Old Boys Network.

It Starts at the Top with The Rollo–Parkhill Connection

At the center of this bond is Dr. Kathy Rollo, Superintendent of Lubbock ISD. And while she’s guiding the district’s priorities and bond spending, her husband, Robert Rollo, is a Firm Principal at Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, one of the top school construction firms in Texas.

Parkhill doesn’t just design schools, they profit when bonds pass.

That’s a legal and accepted conflict of interest that deserves attention, especially when Parkhill employees are some of the largest contributors to the political action committee pushing this bond.

One of them is Allan Wolf, Parkhill’s Director of Business Development for K-12. He openly boasts about helping more than 35 school districts across Texas pass bonds. What’s more troubling is that Allan Wolf is already being paid to help promote this bond to Lubbock taxpayers.

That’s right he’s on the payroll before the bond even passes.

And if the bond is approved, it only makes sense that Parkhill stands to be paid much, much more through lucrative contracts funded by the $290 million in taxpayer debt.

This isn’t community engagement. This is a business strategy.

The $250,000 Trick and Why They Called a Special Election

Rather than putting this bond on the November ballot when turnout is higher and costs are lower, LISD chose to hold a May special election.

That decision cost taxpayers an extra $250,000 just to administer.
Why would they do that? Because they know fewer people show up to vote in May, especially when there are no other major races on the ballot.

This isn’t an accident. It’s a strategy. Special interest groups, developers, and insiders organize quietly, mobilize their supporters, and pass bonds while the rest of the community is left in the dark.

Then, when appraisal notices arrive and taxes go up, it’s too late.

They say "It’s for the kids." But they know the truth: Low turnout means high profits.

Follow the Money, Who’s Really Funding Prop A?

The Moving Ahead PAC, which is pushing hard to pass this bond, isn’t powered by everyday citizens. It’s almost entirely funded by:

Construction Companies

Teinert Construction – $10,000

Lee Lewis Construction – $5,000

Collier Construction – $1,000

ABF Roofing – $5,000

Schrader Roofing – $1,500

Architects and Design Firms

BGR Architects – $5,000

JSA Architects – $5,208.65

Parkhill Employees – $14,000+

Banks and Financial Institutions

Western Bank – $5,000

John Weddige (Western Bank) – $1,000

City Bank – $2,500

Vendors and Suppliers

Officewise – $500

Oberkampf Supply – $104.48

Consultants and Other Interests

Sodexo Inc. – $5,000

Rip Griffin Truck Service Center – $10,000

Lubbock Chamber of Commerce – $10,000

ZLA Consulting – $1,041.98

TXP Capital – $1,041.98

Total raised: Over $79,000, and nearly all of it comes from those who expect to profit from your tax dollars.

$290 Million in Bonds, $277 Million in Interest

This bond isn’t just about what’s on the surface, it’s about what’s beneath it. While voters are being told they’re approving $290 million for new buildings and buses, the true cost is much higher.

According to official election documents, if Prop A passes, taxpayers will be on the hook for a total of nearly $567 Million. That includes $277 Million in interest alone.

That’s right. Nearly half the cost of this bond is interest paid to banks, underwriters, and financial institutions over the next 30 years.

And guess who’s already lined up to help issue and manage the debt?

Western Bank. City Bank. And other financial backers of this PAC.

They’re not writing checks to the campaign out of generosity. They’re investing in what they expect to make back, many times over.

What You’re Not Being Told

The LISD Future Focus Committee recommended a bond no larger than $178 million.

But the school board added $111 million more, pushing it to $290 million.

Very few committee members agreed with the final number.

So who benefits from the bigger number?

The bigger the bond, the bigger the contracts and that means bigger profits for the donors funding the campaign.

This Is a Pattern and It’s Time to Call It Out

This isn’t the first time this has happened, and if voters don’t stand up now, it won’t be the last.

They’ve turned public trust into a playbook:

Use insider connections to line up contracts. Call low-turnout elections to pass them quietly. Tell voters it’s "for the kids," while hiding the profits. Leave taxpayers holding the debt for 30 years.

Enough is enough.

Stand Up and Vote NO on Prop A

This isn’t about being against schools. It’s about being for accountability.

Every parent, taxpayer, and citizen deserves to know where their money is going and who’s benefiting.

We cannot let the same handful of contractors, consultants, and connected insiders keep using our schools to cash in while we pay the bill.

Vote NO on Prop A.

Tell your friends. Text your family. Knock on one door today and share this message.

Then join us.

Lubbock Citizens for Change is standing up for the truth. We’re standing up for taxpayers. And we’re asking you to stand with us.

The Good Old Boys are counting on your silence. Let’s give them something else.

Vote NO on Prop A Today last Chance in May 3rd.

If you’re still unsure whether this is really happening across Texas, we challenge you to watch our short video that exposes how the same scheme is being repeated in district after district, using different players, but the same tactics and strategies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc5f_Dld9UQ

We want to hear from you!
We want to hear about you, your story, your passions, your concerns for Lubbock and your motivations for joining LCC.

We will absolutely respond to every one of your stories because you matter to us, so email us back when you get the time.

Here is your first challenge to keep the momentum growing if you would, think of the four closest people in your life who would also be passionate about making Lubbock a better place. Invite them to join the movement with us at https://LubbockCitizensforChange.org

By multiplying our voices, we can amplify our impact and achieve great things for our community.

Thank you once again for your support and dedication. I look forward to the incredible work we will accomplish together.

Sincerely,
Luke Steinmetz
Founder/Policy Advisor
Lubbock Citizens for Change (LCC)

04/19/2025

https://youtu.be/Rc5f_Dld9UQ

04/14/2025

Why the LISD Bond Is a Bad Deal for Lubbock

Lubbock ISD is asking voters to approve a $290 million bond on the May 3 ballot. They promise that the tax rate won’t go up if the bond passes. That may be technically true but the full story is far more concerning.

At the end of the ballot language, you’ll see a sentence required by Texas law:

“This is a property tax increase.”

That’s not a mistake or a scare tactic. It’s there because history has proven that bonds even those with flat tax rates result in higher tax bills for homeowners and the cost is passed on to renters. This affects all citizens. The Tactic behind this is something many taxpayers never see coming: Appraisal Creep.

What Is Appraisal Creep?

Your property tax bill is calculated using a simple formula:
Appraised Value x Tax Rate ÷ 100 = Tax Bill
If the value of your home goes up, so does the amount you owe even if the rate itself doesn’t change.

For example:
• A $200,000 home at a $1.00 tax rate = $2,000 tax bill
• If the home’s appraisal rises to $250,000, that same tax rate now produces a $2,500 tax bill

This is how school districts like LISD collect more money year after year without ever voting to raise the rate. The tax rate may stay the same, but your bill quietly increases. That’s what we call the Appraisal Creep Game. And LISD depends on it to fund this bond.

No Guarantees, Only Debt

LISD is currently operating with an $8.6 million deficit. Unlike growing districts like Frenship or Lubbock-Cooper, LISD is losing students every year. It has already consolidated 14 schools since 2010 and now plans to close six more neighborhood schools if the bond passes.

Supporters say this bond is about efficiency and modernization. But the actual financial benefit of closing these schools has not been clearly disclosed. The only reference point is a single past consolidation that saved $1.8 million. That number does not justify taking on nearly $300 million in new debt.

Meanwhile, the district is counting on annual appraisal increases to generate the revenue it needs to pay for the bond placing the burden directly on homeowners while deflecting responsibility to the appraisal district.

Neighborhoods Will Suffer

The closure of six elementary schools will have lasting effects on the fabric of our neighborhoods. These schools are anchors in their communities. When they are shut down and students are forced to travel farther often across busy thoroughfares safety, family connection, and property values all take a hit.

Even those who now support the bond have expressed concern about closing neighborhood schools. These concerns are not being answered. They are being brushed aside in the name of efficiency.

A Lack of Transparency

While LISD officials are limited in how they can promote the bond, a private Political Action Committee Moving Ahead PAC has taken up the campaign. What isn’t clear is who funds this PAC, what interests they represent, or how much they are spending to influence voters.

This outsourcing of advocacy allows the district to promote the bond without accountability, while taxpayers are left to navigate unclear promises, conflicting messages, and future tax bills that keep climbing.

The Bottom Line

This bond does not solve LISD’s enrollment problem. It does not guarantee better education for students. It does not reduce taxes. What it does is add $290 million in debt and leave homeowners holding the bill year after year through a quiet process most people don’t see until it’s too late.

If LISD truly wanted to serve the community, it would wait to see whether the Texas Legislature follows through on promised education funding. It would engage the public in an honest conversation about costs, trade-offs, and local priorities. Instead, they are rushing a proposal forward and hiding behind technical language.

Voters deserve better than confusing ballot language and political maneuvering. They deserve transparency, honesty, and a plan that respects the realities facing our city.

Vote No on PROP A the LISD Bond.

Protect your neighborhood. Protect your finances. And demand a smarter, more honest solution.
Thank You,
Luke Steinmetz
Policy Advisor/Organizer
Lubbock Citizens for Change (LCC)
LubbockCitizensforChange.org

03/16/2025

Save Our Kids. Save Our Schools.

Neighborhood schools are more than just buildings, they are the foundation of a child’s education, social development, and emotional well-being. When a child’s school closes, children are not only forced to travel farther, they also lose critical community connection and face unnecessary instability in their life. Research consistently shows that students who attend neighborhood schools experience fewer behavioral issues and have stronger community ties strengthening their mental well-being.

Studies indicate that children who are bused to schools outside their communities experience higher stress levels, lower academic performance and reduced participation in extracurricular activities. The loss of a familiar learning environment can lead to increased anxiety, emotional struggles, and disengagement from school. When local school’s close parental involvement drops significantly because their children are further from home leading to limited engagement in their child’s education.

The decision to close local schools does not just affect children; it weakens entire communities. Schools create safer neighborhoods, increase property values, and serve as centers for family and civic engagement. Removing them disrupts the foundation of a neighborhood, leaving families less value for choosing to live in a neighborhood without a school.

The Harm to Families and Communities

Closing neighborhood schools creates more problems than it solves. Students who must travel long distances to school face longer commutes that cut into valuable learning and family time. Parents who relied on proximity to schools for easy communication with teachers, participation in school events, and volunteer opportunities are suddenly distanced from their children’s education.

Without nearby schools, children may struggle to form lasting friendships, leading to social isolation. Familiar teachers and staff who understood their needs are replaced by new faces, making it harder for students to get the personalized attention they need. Additionally, forced transitions can increase dropout rates, as students who struggle to adapt often disengage from learning.

When a school closes, an entire neighborhood feels the loss. Families lose a trusted institution that once fostered a sense of belonging and safety. Communities that once relied on schools for public events, after-school programs, and local partnerships are left without a central hub, further weakening neighborhood stability.

Parents, this fight is not just about policies and budgets. This is about our children, their future, and the stability they need to thrive.

The truth is, this is happening now our children are under attack , and it is our responsibility to stop it. We are their voice. If we do not stand up, who will?

This is about protecting childhood. This is about preserving the right for kids to learn where they live, grow where they feel safe, and stay in schools that understand their needs.

If we do nothing, our children will be the ones who pay the price. We cannot allow this to happen.

We Must Act Now

We cannot allow neighborhood schools to disappear without fighting. This is more than education, it is about protecting childhood, ensuring stability, and preserving strong, connected communities. Parents and community members must stand together to demand that schools remain open and accessible.

Every child deserves the opportunity to attend a school that is close to home, provides stability, and nurtures their development. Every parent deserves a say in their child’s education. Every community deserves the benefits that strong neighborhood schools bring.

Now is the time to act. Call local representatives, attend school board meetings, sign petitions, and spread awareness. The future of our children and our communities depend on it.

Lubbock Citizens for Change is willing to the fight to save our neighborhood schools and protect our children’s education. We are parents, teachers, and community members committed to keeping schools open, strengthening local education, and holding decision-makers accountable.

We need your voice. We need your support. Join us today and be part of the movement to protect our children’s future.

Learn more at https://LubbockCitizensforChange.org

Thank You,
Luke Steinmetz
Policy Advisor/Organizer
Lubbock Citizens for Change (LCC)

02/23/2025

Just the latest reason we are in the fight to protect citizens from the dangers roaming our streets. Thank God they are safe because so many others have not been so lucky. As we continue to bring these dangers to the attention of LAS and City Council and they delay putting public safety as a priority we pray that no other citizens have to die or be permanently harmed.

Send a message to learn more

02/11/2025

ANIMAL ADVISORY BOARD SPEECH I PRESENTED TODAY ABOUT BREEDERS

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address an issue that is important to our community.

Lubbock is facing a serious problem with dog overpopulation. Every year, thousands of stray and abandoned dogs flood our streets and our shelter. LAS alone took in over 10,000 animals last year, and despite their best efforts, euthanasia rates remain high due to overcrowding. These are both problems that LAS needs tools to combat.

One of the key contributors to this crisis is unregulated breeding. Right now, anyone can breed and sell dogs without oversight, tracking, health standards, or accountability. This creates a cycle where more and more puppies are introduced into an already overwhelmed system.

If you spend any time on Nextdoor or Facebook you can see a new batch of puppies for sale of abandoned weekly. If you drive around town, you can see people selling puppies on the side of the road constantly.

Requiring dog breeders to register with the city would help control this issue in several ways:

Registration would ensure breeders follow ethical practices, prioritizing animal health and
welfare.
Many unregulated breeders ignore proper health and socialization, leading to increased cases of disease and behavioral issues in our community.

By monitoring and limiting excessive breeding, we can reduce the strain on Lubbock Animal Services and cut down on unnecessary euthanasia.

The cost of dealing with stray and abandoned animals falls on taxpayers. Registered breeders could contribute through fees that support spay/neuter programs and shelter operations which are so important to solving the problem.

This is not about banning breeding or punishment, it is about responsibility. Just like businesses need licenses, breeders should be held to standards that protect both the animals and the community. By requiring breeder registration, Lubbock can take a major step toward reducing dog overpopulation, improving public health, and ensuring that every dog born has a responsible and loving home.

Members of the Board, I urge you to support the Registration of Breeders in our City.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Luke Steinmetz
Policy Advisor/Organizer
Lubbock Citizens for Change (LCC)
LubbockCitizensforChange.org

Send a message to learn more

02/09/2025

A Statewide Dangerous Dog Registry to Protect All Texans Introduced

I want to Thank Representative Elizabeth Campos for taking this seriously.

In an attempt to enhance public safety, Texas House Bill 2325 was filed on February 3, 2025, by Representative Elizabeth Campos. The bill seeks to establish a Statewide Dangerous Dog Registry, ensuring that communities have access to critical information about dogs classified as dangerous. If passed, this law will provide a public database containing key details about these animals and their owners, improving transparency and reducing the risks posed by aggressive dogs.

House Bill 2325 amends the Texas Government Code by introducing Section 411.952, which mandates the creation of a statewide online registry for dangerous dogs. This initiative is designed to equip Texans with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves, their families, and their pets.

Lubbock has seen numerous dangerous dog incidents in recent years, many of which have resulted in serious injury or loss of life. Without a tracking system, citizens remain unaware of the potential risks in their neighborhoods.

By implementing a statewide database, HB 2325 ensures that Texans can make informed decisions about their safety while holding dangerous dog owners accountable.

House Bill 2325 represents a major step forward in addressing public safety concerns surrounding aggressive dogs.

At Lubbock Citizens for Change (LCC), we are dedicated to advocating for policies that protect Lubbock residents. We believe in holding local authorities accountable, ensuring safer neighborhoods, and improving animal control regulations.

To ensure these efforts lead to real policy improvements, we need the voices of engaged citizens to advocate for necessary changes. Lubbock Citizens for Change is working to push these efforts forward, and we invite all citizens who care about animal welfare, public safety, and city accountability to join us.

Join us for FREE at LubbockCitizensforChange.org as we fight for Lubbock citizens and a safer Texas.

Together, we can make our voices heard and push for meaningful change.

Thank You,
Luke Steinmetz
Policy Advisor/Organizer
Lubbock Citizens for Change

Send a message to learn more

02/06/2025

Animal Services Advisory Board February 11th 11:30 AM moved to City Hall

Open for Public comment

https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/storage/images/3A4IOw8tSfVC8WTNpSrxiseqFYRKTmG4nuWXtNo1.pdf

DIRECTOR’S REPORT
4.1 Staffing
4.2 Operations
4.3 Performance Metrics
4.4 Events
5. DISCUSSION ON BREEDER PERMITS
6. GENERAL DISCUSSION

02/04/2025

UPDATE: LCC’s meeting with City Officials to work on Solutions to Dog Issues

Lubbock is taking meaningful steps toward addressing critical animal welfare concerns. In a productive one-hour meeting at City Hall, I had the opportunity to work with Deputy City Manager Bill Howerton, Assistant City Attorney Rachael Foster, Lubbock Animal Services Director Steven Greene, and Assistant Director Taylor Ruggles on solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing our city.

LCC’s focus is currently centered around three major areas of concern:

1. Dangerous Dogs and Public Safety – Addressing concerns related to dangerous dogs and ensuring policies are in place to protect citizens while balancing responsible pet ownership.

2. Mandatory Spay and Neuter Ordinance – Exploring ways to implement this policy effectively, using legal precedents from other Texas cities while allowing for responsible exceptions.

3. Transparency and Training at LAS – Identifying key modifications needed within LAS to improve operational transparency and enhance staff training, ensuring the department is fully equipped to serve the community.

This meeting represents a significant step toward real, lasting change in Lubbock’s approach to animal services and public safety. However, meaningful progress doesn’t happen in isolation, it requires collective action and community engagement.

To ensure these discussions lead to real policy improvements, we need the voices of engaged citizens to advocate for necessary changes. Lubbock Citizens for Change is working to push these efforts forward, and we invite all citizens who care about animal welfare, public safety, and city accountability to join us.

Together, we can work toward a safer, more humane Lubbock for both people and animals.

Join Lubbock Citizens for Change today for Free and be part of the solution!
LubbockCitizensforChange.org

Thank You,
Luke Steinmetz
Policy Advisor/Organizer
Lubbock Citizens for Change (LCC)

Send a message to learn more