Forest Hill councilwoman calls allegations false, blames former mayor

This story has been updated with comments from Stephanie Boardingham.

FOREST HILL — Councilwoman Stephanie Boardingham could face a recall election in November after residents accused her of using tax dollars for her personal expenses and of abuse of power.

The petition with 322 valid signatures was submitted on Feb. 15, too late for the recall to be placed on the May 5 ballot.

Boardingham said in an email to the Star-Telegram that the allegations against her were baseless and “a matter of Political Posturing by [former mayor] Gerald Joubert as HE attempts to get back into office.”

According to the petition, Boardingham is accused of violating several sections of the city charter, including that she used her office to vote on matters involving her business, Indoor and Outdoor Market, and operating her business without the proper permits.

She is also accused of using tax dollars for car rentals and “extended hotel stays” with her spouse and family members.

The petition also discussed a lawsuit Boardingham filed against the city in 2016 that is still pending, alleging that Forest Hill continuously harassed her for operating her flea market while leaving similar businesses alone.

The lawsuit was transferred to federal court, according to court documents.

Boardingham said that because she has a lawsuit against Forest Hill, she is “excluded” from executive sessions when her business and the lawsuit are discussed.

“Since I am not in the session, how am I making decisions?” she wrote.

Boardingham said that her business has all of the necessary and current permits and that she must follow the same ordinances as other business owners.

Boardingham added that she also did not misuse tax dollars for the rental cars and hotel expenses, and said the city never paid expenses for her family.

Travel is approved by the city manager and finance department.

“Policy adopted by the City of Forest Hill does NOT allow City Council members to have City Credit Cards, nor make or pay their own travel,” Boardingham said.

Joubert, who is seeking re-election to the council after he was narrowly defeated in last year’s mayoral race, said a small group of around 10 residents wrote and circulated the petition.

“We don’t believe that Ms. Boardingham is serving the best interests of Forest Hill,” Joubert said.

Besides the recall petition, another possible shakeup at City Hall involves whether Community Development Corp. board President Venus Wehle will keep her job. On Monday, the board voted 4-3 to remove her as president, but the City Council will have the final say on whether she keeps her job.

This story was originally published March 1, 2018 at 4:02 PM with the headline "Forest Hill councilwoman calls allegations false, blames former mayor."