TEXAS CITY — The president of the Texas City Municipal Police Association is publicly supporting a citizen-led effort to recall Mayor Dedrick Johnson, citing what she describes as an exodus of experienced officers, a breakdown in department morale, and unaddressed concerns over leadership and transparency.

In a two-page open letter released this week, Association President Rachael Spahr said more than 30 officers — representing over 470 years of experience — have left the department since 2023. She attributes the resignations to allegations of retaliation, low morale, and what she claims is a lack of accountability under Police Chief Landis Cravens and Mayor Johnson.

“Today, I, Rachael Spahr, President of the Texas City Municipal Police Association, announce my full support for the recall of Mayor Dedrick Johnson,” the letter states. “This decision was not made lightly. But after years of ignored warnings, dismissed concerns, and growing risks to officer and public safety, it has become clear that meaningful change cannot happen under this current leadership.”

The letter outlines a series of high-level personnel changes, including assistant chiefs and captains whom Spahr claims were either demoted or pressured into leaving. She alleges that officers are increasingly hesitant to speak up internally for fear of retaliation and warns that staffing shortages have reached a point of public concern.

“Our patrol shifts often operate at minimum manpower, and our night shifts operate with a majority of the officers who have less than two years of experience,” she wrote. “Our detective division has just one senior investigator left.”

Spahr, a working patrol officer and mother of three, said she has personally faced internal investigations and lost promotional opportunities due to her role as union president. She says the union has submitted surveys, contract proposals, and exit interviews to the city administration but has seen no meaningful response.

Petition Gains Early Momentum

The recall effort is being led by Texas Hometown Solutions, a political outreach company hired to collect signatures. Bryan Rivera, the company’s founder, told KGTX 7 that more than 300 signatures were gathered within the first two days.

Texas City resident Joshua McMeekin, who initiated the petition, told KGTX 7 he was motivated by rising crime and what he described as mass departures from the police force.

“What made me upset enough to start the petition was the crime problem. Officers leaving or being fired in large numbers. Keeping the city safe is essential,” McMeekin said.

He said the goal is to collect between 1,200 and 2,000 signatures — exceeding the minimum required by the city charter to allow for invalid or duplicate signatures.

McMeekin also provided KGTX 7 with video footage showing an exchange between himself and City Secretary Rhomari Leigh. In the recording, Leigh can be heard telling him that she does not have to provide answers to his questions regarding the recall process or petition requirements.

The interaction appears to confirm Rivera’s earlier claim that he received a similar response when contacting Leigh for guidance.

KGTX 7 has reached out to Leigh to confirm the accounts and clarify her office’s role. As of publication, no response has been received.

Investigative journalist Wayne Dolcefino, who has filed multiple open records requests with the city, told KGTX 7 the transparency issues in Texas City are not new.

“It’s systematic. I know their game,” Dolcefino said. “Their game is to give you a few records so they can claim they gave you the records, but they hide the most damaging. Sometimes they don’t give you anything at all. We know Leigh has been delaying people’s requests for years — that’s why we filed a criminal complaint on her.”

Allegations Detailed in Affidavit

A sworn affidavit submitted in support of the recall petition outlines additional allegations against Mayor Johnson’s administration, including claims of political interference, public safety failures, and lack of government transparency.

According to the affidavit:

• Development Obstruction: The mayor allegedly blocked discussion of the Latitude Margaritaville Galveston Bay project despite commissioner support. His branding demands and legal threats reportedly led to a cease-and-desist from the developer, possibly costing the city 2,000 jobs and $281 million in economic activity.
• Dignitary Protection Concerns: The affidavit claims more than 30 officers have left the department, leaving 18 vacancies. It also alleges that a special “Dignitary Protection Unit” was created for the mayor, with six officers assigned to protect him during a Christmas party while just seven were on patrol citywide.
• Demolition Lawsuit: In 2023, the city allegedly demolished a historic African American auditorium just days before a court hearing. The African American Preservation Committee has since filed suit, and documents show code enforcement gave just five days’ notice.
• Public Records Delays: The affidavit claims the city failed to respond to more than 350 public records requests, including a February 2025 request from investigative outlet Dolcefino Consulting related to internal affairs and mayoral security costs.

Editor’s Note: KGTX 7 has reviewed the affidavit and is working to independently verify elements of the sworn statement.

Mayor Issues Public Statement

In a public written statement, Mayor Dedrick Johnson said he respects residents’ rights to hold elected officials accountable but defended his record in office.

“Since taking office, we have welcomed thousands of new homes to our community, with more than 5,000 coming in the next few years, added restaurants and retailers, including Texas Roadhouse, Five Below, Lercy’s Diner, Burlington, Mr. Taco, Waffle House, to name just a few,” Johnson wrote.

“We’ve created a police cadet program, built a new fire station, improved response in times of emergency, when residents need help most. There are new community programs, recreation programs for people with disabilities … the list goes on and on.”

On July 14, Mayor Johnson sat down with KPRC Local 2 for an on-camera interview. During the interview, he stated that he is “not a dictator” and dismissed both the police union’s allegations and the claims outlined in the recall affidavit as baseless.

As of publication, neither the mayor’s office nor the Public Information Officer has responded to KGTX 7’s specific requests for comment.

What’s Next

Under the Texas City Charter, a recall petition must meet a specific percentage of signatures from registered voters. Organizers have not yet said when they plan to submit the petition for verification.

Spahr emphasized that while the police union is not organizing the petition, it supports the citizen-led effort.

“We are the voice of those too afraid to speak out,” she wrote. “Texas City deserves better.”

Editor’s Note: All allegations in this story are based on sworn affidavits, public statements, video evidence, and direct interviews. KGTX 7 has contacted city officials for comment and will update this story if new information becomes available.