The architect of this recall is a man who has long sought to control politics in Dickinson, Mr. Joe Wilburn. In 2021 Mr. Joe Wilburn allegedly attempted to interfere with a development the EDC was negotiating to sell property below market price to a business acquaintance of his. The mayor spoke to Mr. Wilburn on several occasions to ask him to stop. He refused and the developer reported that he said that if he did not sign an agreement with his acquaintance that the city would not enter into a development with his company. The mayor referred this potential fraud to the Galveston County DA’s office. (DEDC Complaint) Mr. Wilburn attempted to purchase this property from the developer again this year, continuing to provide evidence that he acted out of a conflict of interest in 2021. (News Article 1) (News Article 2)
The truth is that Mr. Wilburn has a reputation for shady business practices. A lawsuit alleging deceptive business practices on the part of Wilburn was settled on the eve of trial to avoid a potential $400k judgement. (Lawsuit)
He has long sought to control politics in Dickinson. In 2017 he ran unsuccessfully for mayor after the city denied him a permit to open a car wash. It is an open secret that Mr. Wilburn has likely spent tens of thousands of dollars over the last two years to fund a series of smear videos attacking the mayor, members of council, and city staff.
The fact is that Mr. Wilburn is upset he was called out for potentially unethical behavior and is upset that he does not have control over the political system. His frustration grew following the mayor’s re-election in May of 2023 with his rhetoric intimating support for political violence and egging on others.
Mr. Wilburn is the chief architect of this years long effort. Mr. Wilburn and others claim they want transparency, but their actions say otherwise. This recall campaign is funded by dark money, run through a Political Action Committee, and is justified on smear and threats of political violence.
Consider the source when they ask you to consider a recall.