By Don Bommer
Contributing Writer

Spring Branch Fire Department Chief Steve Stanphiell was fired from his position following a meeting of the Comal County Emergency Services District No. 4 board of directors on Oct. 28.

Stanphiell served as fire chief 18 months.

“It was a personality conflict more than anything else,” he said. “The board went into executive session to make a decision. I was given the choice of resigning or being fired. I opted to be fired.”

“I have enjoyed my time here as chief and serving the community,” he said “It is my understanding the board will appoint an interim chief until a permanent replacement can be found.”

Stanphiell is a retired from the San Antonio Fire Department where he served for more than 28 years.

By Don Bommer
Contributing Writer

The Bulverde Planning and Zoning Commission took a first step Tuesday to ensure the integrity of tree cover within the city limits by recommending the City Council the approve a revised Tree Preservation Ordinance.

City Public Works Director John Nowak and the Com-mission have been working for several months to come up with a fair and equitable ordinance.

The proposed ordinance would affect all real property upon which any designated specimen or historic tree is located. A specimen tree is described as a tree with a trunk diameter of 24 inches, or meets 50 percent of the guidelines of the Big Tree Registry published by the Texas Forest Service.

A majestic tree is described as a tree with a trunk diameter of 48 inches, or one that meets 75 percent of the Big Tree Registry guidelines. A historic tree is described as a tree of notable historical interest and value to the city because of its location or historical association with the community. A historic tree also is designated as such by the City Council upon the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission and after a public hearing.

Cedar, Chinaberry, Hack-berry, Ashe Juniper (Mountain Cedar), Chinese Tallow and Bois D’Arc are excluded from protection.

Builders, contractors and owners would be subject to regulations for all new construction, and prior to moving into and living on the homestead. Also, a permit must be issued by the city to allow removal of designated trees.

The ordinance would include all real property upon which any designated specimen or historic tree is located, all vacant and undeveloped property, property to be redeveloped including additions and alterations, and all easements and right of ways.

Platted lots occupied by a single family residence designated as a homestead would be exempt from the requirements.

The purpose of the ordinance is to establish rules and regulations governing the protection and preservation of native or established trees within the city and to prevent the clear cutting of land.

Comal County Tax Asses-sor-Collector Sherman Krause submitted his resignation last Thursday, saying he will run for county judge after current County Judge Danny Scheel’s term expires in 2010.

Scheel, who has served as county judge since 1998, will finish his third term next year.

Krause, who’s resignation was effective immediately and two months before his term expires, said he will begin work for the Texas Comp-troller of Public Accounts in Austin until next year’s election campaign begins.

Cathy Talcott will succeed Krause as county tax assessor-collector.

By Jeff Wentworth
Guest Commentary

Ten years ago this month I began writing this nonpartisan weekly column to help keep my constituents informed about state issues.

That first column was a tribute to the military men and women whose service has kept us free.  Four newspapers in Senate District 25 printed it.

A lot has changed in 10 years.  My column now appears regularly in a number of newspapers, including some not in the district. 

Originally, the column was faxed each week.  Now, it is distributed by e-mail to print and electronic media and to more than 400 individuals who have asked to be added to the distribution list.  It also may be read online.

Although the years have brought changes to the column, one thing remains unchanged.  Our nation still owes its freedom to the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces.  I hope that you will pause next Tuesday, on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, and join me and millions of other Americans in honoring our nation’s veterans and active military for their service and sacrifice.

A decade ago, 1.57 million veterans called Texas home.  Now there are 1.7 million veterans in Texas.  More than 260,000 live in counties that are wholly or partially in Senate District 25.

As one of only five Texas state senators who has seen active duty military service, I am proud that a quarter of a million veterans live in the district that I represent in the Texas Senate.

I also am proud that the Legislature has passed bills which reflect Theodore Roosevelt’s observation that “a man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.”

Although Texas’ strong military presence is, in all probability, responsible for many veterans’ choosing to live in Texas, I believe that the state’s programs and benefits also are responsible for so many veterans’ deciding to call Texas home.

Texas veterans’ programs are overseen by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission.  The Land Board helps veterans obtain loans to buy land, a house or to improve their homes.  Information about veterans’ loans is available on the Internet at www.glo.state.tx.us.  At the site, click on “Veterans Land Board.”

The Veterans Commission helps veterans with disability, education and employment issues, as well as home loans.  Some veterans may be unaware that their disability rating could have changed through the years. 

Veterans’ widows also may not be aware that they may be eligible for a pension.  Only about 14 percent of eligible widows are collecting their pensions.  Contact for the Texas Veterans Commission is available on the Internet at www.tvc.state.tx.us.  Both the Land Board and the Commission may be reached by calling toll-free (800) 252-VETS (8387).

It is fitting that we pay tribute to veterans, not only on Nov. 11, but all year long.  Without their service and sacrifice, we might not have been able to exercise our right to vote on Nov. 4. 

Texas State Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) represents District 25, which includes part of Bexar County. He can be reached via e-mail at jeff.wentworth@senate. state .tx.us.