Neil Cardwell

While many long-time City of Forney employees left, were forced out, retired, or were fired — Cardwell's career accelerated in less than three years. He was first hired in early 2019 (remember this date, as it's important later) as the director of information technology. Amid Carson's work-place allegations, a new position was created and Cardwell was promoted to director of operations in 2020. And, while in the midst of a grievance involving former Police Chief Micah Lunt, Carson created another new position, without council or budgetary approval, and promoted Cardwell to deputy city manager at the end of February 2021. Cardwell was also instrumental in the controversial spending of $1.4 million in CARES Act funds on 22 new vehicles, gym equipment, and new office construction — federal grant money intended to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic — as he oversaw the program and his name adorns many of the contracts and invoices inForney.com received in response to numerous Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests with the City of Forney.