Williams good for U.C.

Editor:

My wife and I support John Williams to be the next mayor of Universal City.

We have known him to be a great asset to Universal City for well over 10 years. He has held numerous U.C. positions, all volunteer, and has served in various organizations, including six years on the U.C. City Council and several years as president of the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce.

He has always put the interest on the development of our city on the front-burner. He has done this with utmost honesty, integrity and depth of research on all projects that he has introduced, along with his colleagues.

We trust John Williams to continue further endeavors in promoting the well being of Universal City.

Colin & Kittye Chauret

Universal City residents

Douglas good for Schertz

Editor:

I urge fellow residents of Schertz to vote in the upcoming election because but we need the very best people to manage our rapid growth.

I hope you will vote for Carl Douglas for Schertz City Council Place 1. His style of communication won me over. When asked about a complex city matter, he did not give an off-the-cuff response. He said he would look into it, then called me back after researching the facts for himself. This contrasts with the incumbent whose answers are quick but sometimes in error.

When Carl Douglas tells me he will do something, I believe him because he thinks before speaking or acting. This is the style of leadership we need in Schertz.

Of course, Schertz will grow and change, but money and big business must remain in balance with our quality of life. Our leaders must weigh the options before making decisions.

When Carl Douglas says that his number one priority is all the residents of Schertz, I believe him.

Rosemary Grayson

Schertz resident

Williams is right choice

Editor:

As chairman of the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce, I don’t usually take political positions, but the situation in one of our member cities requires that I say something!

I have known John Williams for a long time. We have many mutual friends that date back to his Air Force service as far back as when I was in high school. I have worked closely with John for the last three years. To continue the work we have done in the Metrocom area, people need to take a hard look at the candidates. The choice in Universal City is clear, John has the experience and the ability to be by far the better candidate.

He is the current mayor pro tem, he knows and loves his city and I know will serve it well. John championed the chamber cause to help make Northeast Lakeview College the reality it is today. He has also worked diligently with neighboring Metrocom cities pursuing collaboration among the cities on numerous projects of mutual interest to each city. His military career is a major plus as well, and that is where integrity and dedication to the mission come to the forefront.

Residents of Universal City, you need to cast your vote for John Williams as your mayor during early voting or on election day, May 10. He is the best— and only—choice to keep your city heading in the right direction.

Pat O’Brien, chairman

Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce

Thanks for the voting tip

Editor:

I’d like to respond to the letter from Craig Martin, former mayor of Converse.

I want to thank you, Mr. ex-mayor, for expressing which candidates you endorse in the Converse election.

Now I know who not to vote for.

Candidates, with friends like him … well, you get the idea. Mr. Martin lost the last election for a reason.

Joe LaBonté

Converse

Looking forward to Painter

Editor:

It is every American’s privilege and right to vote, and what an outstanding privilege it is. We should all make it a point to get out to vote and exercise that privilege.

Live Oak residents have an important decision to make with that right: Do we look to the future or to the past. We have an opportunity to put the past behind us and elect an extremely dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate individual to the position of mayor.

Joe Painter has more than 30 years of experience in government. He brought tremendous economic development to our great city and he did it all and much more with the utmost integrity.

We currently have a City Council of five looking toward our future, with a mayor looking at the past (century). With Joe Painter as mayor, the city can again look to the future. Joe knows how to work with the administration and council to get things accomplished in a productive, positive manner for the city of Live Oak and the Metrocom area.

Knowing Joe personally and seeing the professionalism he demonstrates makes my decision easy. We need a man like Joe Painter as our next mayor. Please make certain you exercise your right to vote May 10 and please vote for Joe Painter for the future of Live Oak. Joe Painter, “Paint a Bright Future!”

Mark Cymbalist

Live Oak resident

Select best for Live Oak

Editor:

Live Oak voters need and must elect Joe Painter as mayor of Live Oak in the May 10 election.

As mayor, he will bring an optimistic outlook, set goals and objectives (not done since 2004), and return a spirit of cooperation to the democratic process with the sitting council to the city of Live Oak.

Unlike the current incumbent, who uses the mayor’s veto to override unanimous votes and near-unanimous votes of council because it doesn’t suit him, Joe has stated he will respect the wishes of council when faced with similar votes. Joe states he will have a balanced budget without resorting to excessive use of general fund reserves to correct large cost overruns ($1.3 million) as occurred in the audited year 2007. This occurred despite tax revenues being up significantly for property taxes (13.2 percent) and sales taxes (6.1 percent). Joe pledges he will return Live Oak to the status it enjoyed as the jewel of the Metrocom from 1999 to mid 2005.

Regarding the other races, I fully support and request your vote for both Anne Jorrie and Pat Kauts based on their insightful and independent decision-making performances as council members. They and the other council members have matured in their governance of city staff and city-related issues.

Vote Joe Painter for mayor, and re-elect Anne and Pat to achieve a great mayor-City Council combination.

Richard R. Lamothe

Former six-term councilman

Judson: It’s Harris, Harper

Editor:

Never in recent history has a school board election meant so much to so many in the Judson Independent School District. It is time for the voters to speak and change the balance of power in the district.

The two at-large positions are on the ballot next month so all district voters have an opportunity to vote. Mr. Johnny Harris has demonstrated through his words and votes that he has the best interest of all parties in the district and deserves to return to the board to continue his work.

Mr. Wayne Harper, the challenger for Place 7 on the Judson board, is retired military and a well-respected member of the community. He has been involved with our schools in numerous capacities for 10 years and would make a fair and unbiased board member. Wayne will not support favoring select “business partners” for the district to give our tax dollars to, which have cost Judson untold millions that are sorely needed to provide our students the best we can offer within our resources.

If you are tired of reading in this publication and others how the JISD is out of budget on a football stadium and other construction projects, and seemingly behind neighboring school districts who appear to have a better handle on things — then get out and vote. The time for change is now. Your vote can make a difference.

It’s Mr. Harris and Mr. Harper for the future of Judson.

Tom Ponder

JISD resident

Kauts better for Live Oak

Editor:

Pat Kauts has been a dedicated member of the Live Oak City Council the past two years. She demonstrates her commitment by coming to meetings prepared and focus’s on important issues and the discussion and how they will impact the community.

She has worked to support development and growth for the city and supports our Community Parks and Programs. She serves as president of the Economic Development Corp. and is on the city’s financial investment committee.

She attends all community events and shows support for planning for tomorrow and out future. She has also volunteered with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association-San Antonio chapter, to assist with the arrivals, departures and stays with the families of injured soldiers at BAMC, everything from baby showers for the wives to transportation and donations.

I strongly encourage voters to get out and vote for Pat Kauts, Council Place No. 2, for the betterment of all Live Oak residents.

Ed Cimics

Live Oak resident

Williams an excellent choice

Editor:

It’s gratifying to read in the Herald that Universal City Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem John Williams has filed for the mayor’s office.

Universal City is fortunate to have seasoned candidates interested in filling elected offices. These past several years Mr. Williams has unselfishly given his professional time and effort toward community improvements. No candidate is more credible for the office of mayor of Universal City.

Voters of Universal City, you are asked to consider Mr. Williams, a candidate with proven informed experience and integrity. We need his professional knowledge and perseverance in the mayor’s office.

Lawrence W. Kerkow, Ph.D.

Past Universal City mayor