Round Top’s Well-Oiled Machine

To the Editor:

Vintage 1960s-70s Gravely Tractors have been an integral part of most of my life. They are a remarkable example of American ingenuity and engineering excellence. Gravely’s mighty walk behind convertible tractors were designed to directly power several bolt on attachments for various jobs in the residential and commercial markets. The all-geared machines feature an effective attachment “safety clutch” to protect the tractor’s engine and drivetrain from sudden shock, dissipating that energy when it strikes an obstacle. The attachment “safety clutch” is central to the machine’s very survival and without it catastrophic damage will occur. Likewise, similar protections are in place for the current administration running the Town of Round Top.

Years ago, many of us were taught in civics and government classes that “government” was just another word for “the people”. Some individuals lose sight of this truth once they are in public office. Others might use techniques or, for this illustration, “safety clutch” moments in concert with their elected duties. Round Top is a truly unique example of this. The town limits are a little under one square mile. As of the 2020 census, 87 residents live in Round Top. Some have homes in the town limits and visit on a part time basis, many of those “residents” do not show up to vote. The result is a very small minority making rules that directly affect not only the town, but the greater Round Top area community, because they impact quality of life here. The small size of the town also creates a very limited pool of candidates for city council, but if one can hand pick nominees for placement on the council, then one can control not only the town, but the greater area community by the decisions made. Tammany Hall’s William “Boss” Tweed once stated, “The way to have power is to take it.” Ol’Boss Tweed has a few partisans left in modern day Round Top. Generational citizens of Round Top and newcomers of like mind have watched in disbelief as the Round Top Town Council passed one resolution after another that threatened the traditional institutions of the town and will possibly change the landscape literally coming into town should the sidewalk grant be approved by TxDOT.

Alderman Karen Duddlesten’s Aug. 29, 2025 Letter to the Editor is prime for one of those “safety clutch” moments. Despite her assumed knowledge of my emotions, I find the council meetings anything but enjoyable. I also find attendance necessary because of tyrannical overreach that negatively affects the community and the town that I live in. Alderman Duddlesten’s argument that only citizens in the town limits should have an interest “in the affairs of Round Top,” is not only illogical, but it’s also quite disturbing. Using this reasoning is like saying the generational citizens living outside the town limits, some as many as six generations and longer, have no reason to be concerned about the town their families have called home since possibly the 19th Century. Based on her statements, one could also argue that the Round Top Festival Institute is not key to Round Top, because it resides outside of the city limits. How about telling that to people around the world who know about Round Top, because of that magnificent venue.Alderman Duddleston statement “I voted to eliminate vendors on the square (as did the majority of Alderman)” is a half-truth, and another “Safety Clutch” moment. It’s true, former DYD member Duddlesten voted for it. Resolution 2025-240, which terminated the DYD’s nearly 50-year tradition of the “Square Fair”, was a tied vote by the council, and that’s not a majority. It was also rather contentious, as I recall.Alderman Duddlesten and Former Alderman Owen Massey voted for the resolution, and by no surprise, the tie was broken by Mayor Judith Vincent who voted with Duddlesten and Massey, ending the DYD’s main fundraiser, which among other charitable deeds helped students with scholarships. Mayor Vincent owns the “Square Fair” demise, she made the final choice. Does Alderman Duddlesten expect us to believe that the town’s residents allowed 50 years of DYD “Square Fairs” if they were so against it over the years? Make no mistake, this is not about green space or the handful of Alderman Duddlesten’s 23 voters that had her ear. Could it be an example of machine politics at work? After all, Boss Tweed also declared “I don’t care who does the electing as long as I get to do the nominating.” We watched Boss’s statement in action this year with the disgraceful treatment of the exceedingly qualified Round Top Town Council Candidate Mr. Barry Bone. Mr. Bone never had a chance of being appointed. The plan machinated prior, when Alderman Owen Massey resigned at the same meeting where another “safety clutch” event nominated and appointed Lou Ann Phillips, who just happened to be there. Mr. Bone’s 22 voters should have swamped this paper with letters to the editor over that, but not all of us “enjoy sparing with the mayor” huh Alderman Duddlesten?

Alderman Duddlesten’s letter also stated, “The Town Council has an obligation to do what’s in the best interest for the community.” I agree, and “the community” is much larger than the one square mile town limits of Round Top. I can’t imagine anyone inthegreaterRoundToparea community professing that only those in the town limits of Round Top, are “the community” like Alderman Duddlesten appears to be arguing.Those in “the community” let their voices be heard loud and clear concerning their beloved Round Top Courthouse. Thankfully, the former Fayette County Precinct Courthouse still stands, thanks to Fayette County officials and community members who stepped up to make sure that it would.

OnAug. 21, 2025, as Mayor Vincent defiantly proclaimed ownership once again of former Fayette County Precinct Courthouse, referring to it as “Town Hall of the Town of Round Top” on Agenda Item 4.6, the fact is nothing has changed. Fayette County still owns it (a fact that the Town of Round Top Resolution 2025-240 agrees with). Mayor Vincent’s own campaign literature states “I Stand For – Rule of Law – The People’s Voice – Transparency & Authenticity.” How does her campaign declaration line up with her actions as Mayor? At the time of taking her oath as Mayor of Round Top, Mayor Vincent had her homestead exemption in Harris County. By Texas law, a homeowner’s homestead exemption must be their “principal residency” and with but few exceptions, one’s Texas Driver’s License must match their homestead exemption address. How did Judith Vincent claim residency (for Mayor) in Round Top, when her principal residency was in Houston? It now appears Mayor Vincent’s Houston homestead exemption has ended, but what about when she took the oath of office? Is this “Standing for Rule of Law”? Is thishowtheTownofRoundTop operates? Who administered her oath? How was she seated as a Mayor in Fayette County when she claimed up until earlier this year, principal residency in Harris County through Texas Homestead Exemption Law?

“Safetyclutches”deflectand protect, machines of all kinds. If you love Round Top, the town and the greater community, it’s past time to get involved. Join the movement to keep Round Top safe from big city change agents. Elections are just around the corner.

Mark Neeley Round Top