By Ashley Kontnier
The recent resignation of Kyle City Council member Dexter “Dex” Ellison comes on the heels of at least one citation.
Ellison, whose term was set to expire in November, submitted his resignation July 25, 11 days after he was issued a citation for a violation involving sale of cigarettes or tobacco to a minor. According to municipal court records, the fine is $306 and, last week, the case was deferred for 90 days.
In a Kyle Police Department case report dated May 11, Ellison was a named suspect for an offense involving drug/narcotic violations. The charge description is delivery of marijuana less than or equal to 1/4-ounce. According to the case report "CBD roll" containing THC that was given to involved party was seized. The report states the case was closed/cleared July 14 with court referral.
Ellison was in his second term as District 1 council member and was up for reelection this year. Prior to serving on council, he served on the Kyle Planning and Zoning commission.
In his resignation letter addressed to Jerry Hendrix and Paige Saenz, effective July 26, Ellison stated, “I want to personally thank you both for your service and dedication to the city I love.
“There have been great memories and even greater accomplishments I have seen from the City of Kyle staff. Please share my deepest gratitude and thanks with the staff as I have watched much of this staff work tirelessly since I began getting involved with various city initiatives nearly a decade ago. I want to sincerely thank the City of Kyle team for everything I was taught as a resident, P&Z Commissioner and a servant on the city council. I would not have been able to make the extremely difficult decisions, get the best out of myself and be there for this wonderful community if it wasn't for your service and teachings as well. There are truly so many amazing people in this organization and I will never forget the conversations and wisdom you all shared with me.
“I am extremely confident in this staff and what they will be able to do now and into the future.
“I sincerely feel the best way to assist in future efforts is to step away from my position and allow this staff and the remaining council to take on the challenging work and lead to the best of your abilities.
“Thank you for this opportunity and doing your best to understand me in every interaction and meeting.
“Godspeed and God bless you all.”
The council officially accepted Ellison’s resignation during its regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 2. Regardless of council action, the resignation would have become effective after eight days. Several council members spoke at the meeting thanking Ellison for his time on the council.
“Thank you for everything you have done for the city and for the residents,” Council Member Michael Tobias said.
Council Member District 5 Daniela Parsley thanked Ellison for always challenging her.
“Thank you for our conversations and for your advice,” Parsley said.
“Every meeting he wanted to make a difference and the items he brought forward to the city, he wanted to make a difference,” Mayor Pro Tem Robert Rizo said.
“Like every single one of us here, we want to make a difference. We want to make a difference in our city. All I can say is that I wish you the best. You have my prayers and my thoughts as well. Don't ever think of us as perfect. We're not perfect up here. We're just human.”
Ellison did not respond to requests for comment.
