Rockwall’s candidate forum was a rollercoaster, and from my front-row seat, I saw the city’s future take center stage. Eleven of the 12 candidates vying for Mayor and City Council seats (Place 1, Place 3, Place 5) faced off under the sharp gaze of moderators former Rockwall Mayor Kevin Fowler and Mayor Pro Tem/REDC Director John Hohenshelt, with the Parks and Recreation team delivering a flawless livestream for all 53,000 residents to judge. Outgoing Mayor Trace Johannesen framed it perfectly: this was a “job interview” with citizens as bosses.
– Mayor Trace Johannesen
The mayoral race stole the spotlight, with Clarence Jorif’s steady leadership clashing against Tim McCallum’s deceptive claims and Adam Khan’s out-of-touch ramblings. But the City Council candidates exposed a deeper issue: most are single-issue hopefuls, clueless about budgets, policies, or even their own roles. Moderators’ follow-up questions revealed glaring gaps—some candidates didn’t understand TxDOT’s authority, while others thought they could rewrite the comprehensive plan overnight. The audience groaned at mudslinging from candidates and rolled their eyes at Khan’s Naples, Florida comparisons. With Johannesen stepping down, who’s truly ready to lead Rockwall forward? Let’s break down the forum’s highs, lows, and hard truths.
Passion vs. Preparedness: Can Khan Bridge the Gap?
Mayoral candidate Adam Khan’s heartfelt outreach showed drive, but his disconnect from Rockwall’s governance left him floundering. Khan boasted of driving 30,000 miles as an Uber driver to connect with locals, claiming, “They have given me respect… you are the one we’re looking for” (Forum). Yet he wrongly stated that sales tax fuels the city budget and pitched unrealistic ideas like attracting Louis Vuitton with a “strip mall” (Forum: “We have to bring a strip mall”). When Moderator Fowler pressed him—“How would you propose… to do that given we’re a free market society?” (Forum)—Khan’s vague reliance on “connections” fell flat. The audience bristled at his disparagement of Rockwall’s dining scene, especially his comparisons to Naples, Florida.
Khan’s self-proclaimed “global peace chain” ambassadorship (unrecognized by anyone as legitimate) and other city references reveal how out of touch he is with Rockwall’s identity. Property taxes, not sales, are the budget’s backbone, and attracting retailers requires Rockwall Economic Development Corporation (REDC) strategy, not personal charm. His inability to answer Fowler’s free-market question echoes Johannesen’s X post warning against “sentiment over fact.” Passion alone won’t suffice for a mayor tasked with uniting a council and navigating complex systems—Khan needs to ground his enthusiasm in reality.
Ethics Under Fire: McCallum’s Deceptive Tactics Unraveled
Mayoral candidate Tim McCallum’s “titans of the community” pitch collapsed under the weight of his misleading claims, exposing a manipulative streak that undermines his credibility. He boasted unanimous council endorsements, claiming, “100% unanimously every single person I served with” (Forum), and exaggerated the Lofland tract’s input as an “800-page” packet. The December 16, 2024, agenda packet was actually 492 pages, with 214 responses (191 opposed outside the 500-foot buffer), and staff noted duplicates were not caught due to “spelling errors” in the names or addresses. Jorif called him out for skewing data via his marketing firm: “My opponent… utilizes his marketing company to skewer the numbers” (Forum).
When Moderator Hohenshelt asked, “How would you handle disagreements… on contentious issues?” (Forum), McCallum’s vague promise of unity failed to address his divisive tactics.
McCallum’s REDC co-liaison role should have made him a steward of truth, yet his Lofland packet exaggeration (492 vs. 800 pages) and survey manipulation reveal a deceptive pattern that risks fracturing council trust. His evasive answer on disagreements shows he prioritizes optics over ethics—a pattern consistent with his past behavior. On the Rock 30 podcast, he took a misleading jab at Johannesen, claiming the city lacked “real leadership in the middle chair”, despite serving alongside him and benefitting from his pragmatic governance.
McCallum’s history of public service attempts paints a picture of someone craving the executive spotlight: he served on Rockwall City Council in 2003 and 2005, but omits that he ran against late honorable Mayor Bill Cecil in 2007—a colleague he served with—lacking transparency about his competitive streak.
He also filed for State Senator for District 2 in 2006 against incumbent Bob Deuell, a detail he conveniently leaves out despite Deuell’s notable tenure. This selective storytelling mirrors his current campaign’s reliance on social media crusades, which could lead to council chaos and spot zoning lawsuits.
Questionable Business Track Record
Has anyone even verified his current business leadership success? (See Campaign Finance Report for January 2025 Page 3 and Campaign Finance Report for April 2025 on Page 10) His past ventures raise questions—Vapiano at Mockingbird Station, where he was the owner, closed under financial strain, with notices of eviction posted on the doors in the early 2010s, as reported by Dallas Observer food editor Lauren Drewes Daniels. While McCallum hoped to reopen, the closure highlights a gap between his “titan” persona and reality. After I listened to the Rock 30’s podcast, attending the candidate forum and reading the contracts addressing “misleading” tactics—McCallum’s so-called “vision” is nothing more than a manipulative ploy to sway voters, not lead a city. Rockwall deserves better than a candidate who bends facts for political gain—a deceptive turd move that insults voters’ intelligence.
Steady Hands for Rockwall: Jorif’s Pragmatic Promise
Clarence Jorif’s focus on truth and teamwork, paired with his rationale on the IKEA vote, positions him as the pragmatic successor to Johannesen’s. He emphasized unity—“We’re one team…that works for each and every one of you”—and pledged transparency: “I’m going to communicate 100% of the truth” (Forum). Jorif voted against IKEA’s multi-family housing but supported its economic benefits, noting, “$26.9 million…That’s a win” (Forum), countering single-issue candidates who labeled it “nefarious”. A major contention that should have been squashed. Dennis Lewis, REDC co-liaison, reinforced this, explaining that incentives are standard per state law, with voters approving REDC in 1995. (Read “Don’t Be Hoodwinked” section below for how the IKEA agreement validates their stance.)
Jorif’s call-out of McCallum’s skewed surveys was backed by the Lofland city council packet evidence, showcasing his commitment to due process over public sway—unlike McCallum’s divisive tactics, which warned could lead to lawsuits. Jorif’s focus on school impacts—“The school district is directly impacted” (Forum)—addresses Rockwall ISD’s growth (700 students per 1,000 homes), a concern others ignored.
He elaborated on this priority at the forum: “These schools are why people come to Rockwall. They come for the community… our school system, and our way of life. Anything that’s built needs to have an impact study, and at the same time, we need community input so we know we’re making the right decisions—but at the end of the day, that responsibility falls on our shoulders to decide for you” (Forum). Jorif also highlighted fiscal responsibility, addressing past infrastructure missteps like John King Boulevard: “I’m not going into your pocket to pay for any infrastructure. We’re going to find another alternative”. On economic development, he pointed to the Harbor’s recent turnaround as a success: “The Harbor has been a constant loss for as long as we know… but recently, Mike Ablon, a verified businessman who knows how to run things, has turned that place around. That’s why it’s profitable now” (Forum).
His prayer-guided decisions—“Calculated decisions… based on research” (Forum)—may not be flashy, but they align with “1/7th leader” ethos, offering Rockwall a steady hand for its future.
David Thompson Endorses Jorif for Mayor
I spoke with David Thompson, a local businessman who served on Rockwall’s Planning and Zoning Commission from 1998 to 2003, about past challenges and his mayoral preference. He strongly endorsed Jorif, stating, “Clarence is someone I’ve gotten to know—a veteran with an outstanding service record, a local small business owner who’s served effectively on Rockwall City Council, and a leader who consistently makes sound decisions.”
Don’t Be Hoodwinked: IKEA Deal Myths Busted by the Contracts
Mayoral candidate Tim McCallum and Place 5 candidate Tan Le exploited the IKEA deal as a political football, but the contracts reveal a strategic win for Rockwall—not a giveaway. I recently attended a Rockwall Economic Development Corporation (REDC) meeting, where the board honored outgoing director Carin Brock as she transitions to a new role as a Rockwall Planning & Zoning commissioner. City Manager Mary Smith shared an impressive update: a 19% increase in sales tax revenue, REDC workforce surveys, employer nominations, and a growing list of businesses thriving in our community. I’m proud of the directors’ commitment to the REDC’s mission—it’s reassuring to know they’re steering Rockwall’s economic growth with such dedication.
McCallum claimed, “IKEA was going to buy the land anyway”, implying the Council botched the deal by offering unneeded incentives. Tan Le echoed this, decrying the “$11 million tax break to IKEA” as a fiscal loss.
IKEA’s $11.5 million incentive package (City: $8.5 million; REDC: $3 million) requires a $20 million investment, 90 jobs, and infrastructure like Justin Road widening and I-30 deceleration lanes, with payments tied to performance (Agreement: “Store Opening… on or before… 36 months”; “Minimum investment $20,000,000”). If unmet by 39 months, IKEA must repay infrastructure funds (Agreement: “The entire amount… shall be repaid”). The 2007 Costco deal followed a similar model, securing 130 jobs and $1.05 million in infrastructure for $210,000 in reimbursements over five years (Agreement: “Costco shall… employed not less than 130… employees”). Dennis Lewis highlighted IKEA’s $69 million tax return over 20 years, noting that Costco is building a new location in Forney that risks Rockwall’s tax base.
McCallum’s manipulative narrative—suggesting IKEA’s arrival was a done deal—crumbles under the contracts’ conditions, which are rooted in Texas law (Agreement: “Chapter 380… to promote local economic development”).
The City and REDC, approved by voters in 1995, secured infrastructure and jobs before disbursing funds, delivering long-term wins. McCallum, a REDC co-liaison, should know better but chose deception to score political points—a deceptive turd move that misleads voters.
Tan Le’s anti-IKEA stance reveals his ignorance of local governance; he hasn’t engaged with REDC directors or city staff to understand the deal’s structure. It’s as if Tan is demanding a fork for dinner while it’s right beside his plate—he’s too lazy to review the contract or learn what cities can legally do under Texas law. Jorif’s pragmatic vote—“$26.9 million… That’s a win” (Forum)—and Lewis’s defense—“$69 million in return” (Forum)—are vindicated by the agreements, showcasing leadership grounded in facts, not fiction. Don’t let candidates hoodwink you—read the contracts and see the truth for yourself.
Council Candidates: Ready to Lead or Just Ranting?
Most Place 1, Place 3, and Place 5 candidates are single-issue hopefuls, unaware about budgets, policies, or their roles, often embarrassing themselves with shallow answers. Place 1 candidate, Richard Henson fixated on density, claiming the comprehensive plan allows “two homes per gross acre” and aiming to reduce it by 25%. Moderator Fowler challenged him: “We’re pretty much developed out… So how will that change?” (Forum). Richard’s response—cutting buildout from 140,000 to 119,000 residents.
Another Place 1 Candidate Eric Smith blamed “poor planning” for traffic but suggested moving commercial areas north, ignoring TxDOT’s role (Forum: “We can’t do anything about I-30”). Scott Johnson proposed trams to “fix traffic,” oblivious to feasibility (Forum: “Catch a tram or a trolley”). Dr. Catherine Casteel dodged debt financing: “I don’t believe in debt” (Forum), but she does believe to address reviewing the Comprehensive Plan to have some meetings to discuss changes.
Richard has shown dedication—volunteering with local nonprofits and supporting other campaigns—making him the strongest Place 1 candidate so far. The upcoming budget workshop will be a steep learning curve for most newcomer candidates.
Candidate for Place 3, Melba Jeffus focused on anti-density, admitting she was not familiar on shared services when asked, how can Rockwall better coordinate with the county on shared services such as roads, EMS and others and what opportunities do you see for regional economic development? Her response, “I have absolutely no idea how to answer that”. Melba claims two decades as a local activist, attending council and planning meetings, and says residents feel unheard. Elected officials have welcomed her input, she has appeared on a past Rock 30 podcast to share her concerns on the past school district bond propositions and stating that she will be voting for the 2024 VATRE.
While she’s passionate and likely wants to listen, her activism often pushes the Council to vote a certain way so it should be interesting to see her engaging in the process. Melba takes credit for advocating against a “cheap developer” in Fontana Ranch, influencing larger lots and L-shaped driveways. Hopefully, the overlooked narrowed streets, complicating two-way traffic near Shannon Elementary—will showcase to not just focus on housing type but set thoroughfare improvements as a priority. She’s eager for this thankless role and will face challenges, but as one of seven votes, she expressed to lean on staff expertise. Her comment on shuddering at Heath’s high-dollar land use lawsuits hints at caution. Budget workshops will test her readiness.
City Council Candidate for Place 3 Mr. Jules Corder has not been present at any of the meet and greets or candidate forums.
In Place 5, Tan Le railed against IKEA’s “$11 million tax break,” ignoring its $69 million return (Forum: “We’re robbing the city”). When Moderator Kevin Fowler asked, “Does Plano monitor all traffic signals… TxDOT owns or city owns?” (Forum), Tan sidestepped, focusing on emergency systems (Forum: “They can trigger the thing”).
Caren Williams opposed selling water to other cities, unaware of its revenue: “I did not understand that is a significant amount of money” (Forum). Moderator Fowler pressed: “What would drive that decision… when we have a surplus?” (Forum). Caren doubled down, missing the fiscal impact (Forum: “I still don’t think that Rockwall should suffer”). I appreciated Caren’s honesty about not understanding the budget and her willingness to learn from staff—something any resident can do without being on the Council.
Dennis, the incumbent, stood out with depth, citing fiscal stats and was respectful to all candidates—“Our property tax rate is 24.745 cents per $100 assessed value. That’s low. And we still maintain city services and city functions. We compare with other cities all the time. Cities our size have way more city employees than we do. I’m not talking about a little bit I’m talking about a bunch more city employees. 10 years ago we had 6.57 city employees per 1,000 residents. Today we’ve got 6.74 employees per 1,000 residents. That’s good fiscal management by the city council. By prior councils. By Mary Smith and her staff. Prior city managers and their staff. I think we’re very fiscally responsible. I think we operate lean and mean.” (Forum)—and he is the REDC co-liaison.
Vote Wisely For Rockwall’s Future
Rockwall’s 2025 election is poised to be a historic turning point, demanding effective, steady leadership to guide Rockwall’s bright future. Rockwall shines on the map, not just for its growth but because of the unsung heroes—volunteers, staff, and residents—who make this community exceptional. While elected officials often deliver the headlines, it’s the collective spirit that drives us forward. We need stewards, not showmen, to honor this legacy—leaders who uplift staff and council, not sideline them with radical agendas or divisive tactics.
Some candidates, while passionate, revealed they’re not ready, needing more time to serve and learn through volunteering. Others, like Tim McCallum, lean on deceptive claims and a troubling history of unethical behavior, lacking the proven success needed to collaborate with the EDC. His claim of “100% endorsements” is demonstrably false, and my writeup on the mayoral race was generous in its restraint.
As you’ve learned about the candidates, I urge you to vote for the best fits for Mayor and City Council Places 1, 3, and 5. Trace Johannesen leaves a Rockwall worth leading—McCallum’s buzzword blitz might sway voters, but Clarence Jorif’s logic and integrity should win the role. Tune into to watch Rockwall’s Candidate Forum, Rock 30’s debate, hear Johannesen’s perspective, and ask: Do we need a hot-headed performer or a principled steward? Share your thoughts in the comments or email me—I’d love to hear from you!
View Early Voting Locations and Schedule for the May 3, 2025 General Election.
