Residents Clash Over Flooding, Development and City Leadership.

A conversation with two Benbrook City Council candidates has stirred debate among residents over flooding concerns, neighborhood development, and the direction of city leadership.

Longtime Benbrook resident Tammi Cauthen, who has lived in the city for 33 years, shared her concerns on Facebook after speaking with Greg Clem, a candidate for Place 4, and Whitney Hughes, a candidate for Place 6.

Cauthen questioned the candidates’ discussion of potential flooding along Timberline, citing historical water levels along the Clear Fork Trinity River. She also defended the city’s approach to growth and development, supporting current council members Dustin Phillips and Laura Mackey.

Her comments drew pushback from residents who argued that historical flood records don’t necessarily account for future development, changing drainage conditions, or flooding risks near Mary’s Creek and Trinity Estates.

Some residents also questioned whether the city and developers have adequately addressed neighborhood concerns, while others defended the city’s record and its efforts to manage growth.

Donna Clem, wife of candidate Greg Clem, joined the discussion, disputing Cauthen’s account of the conversation and defending both candidates’ preparation and willingness to address residents’ concerns.

The exchange reflects an ongoing disagreement among some Benbrook residents over how the city should balance new development with drainage, flood safety, and neighborhood concerns.