Residents accuse La Marque councilmember of harassment; council reiterates free-speech protections
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Summary
Multiple residents used public comment to accuse Councilman Joseph Lowry of online harassment, stalking and making false statements about deceased relatives; speakers said they have filed complaints and demanded action; city attorney advised council on public-comment protections and decorum.
A series of in-person and online speakers used the city’s public-comment period on Dec. 12 to level accusations against Councilman Joseph Lowry (also spelled Lowery/Loury in comments), alleging harassment, cyberstalking, and false public statements about deceased family members.
Devonya Greenwood told the council she had "formally reported Lowry to several different agencies" and described social-media hacking and doxxing she attributed to supporters of the council member. Brandon Kentowsky and Robert Harvey criticized apparent heavy redactions in police records and said they had experienced or observed stalking and harassment that they attributed to the same individual. Several speakers said they had filed complaints alleging harassment, terroristic threats, official oppression and illegal holding of public office.
The presiding officer and city attorney repeatedly cautioned the audience to observe decorum and noted legal advice that governmental bodies may not prohibit public criticism of the governing body. City attorney Augustus Knaebel said, "The government code says the governmental body may not prohibit public criticism of the governmental body," while also advising that speakers should address the council rather than the audience.
Council did not deliberate on the accusations during the meeting (open‑meeting rules and the Texas Open Meetings Act restrict deliberation during public comment), but staff and attorneys acknowledged receipt of written complaints. Several speakers said they would pursue legal remedies and asked the council to take action to address the alleged conduct.
The council did not take immediate disciplinary action during the meeting; the claims include serious allegations that council members and staff said would be handled through legal or investigatory channels.