William Ochse II

“The adoption of a new zoning ordinance to preserve the character of Terrell Hills … our neighborhood … is a top issue,” said William Ochse II, the incumbent Terrell Hills City Councilman running for re-election. “It’s in response to the requests of the citizens of Terrell Hills. The new ordinance will maintain the desirability of our community by planning for the future with sensitivity to property owners’ rights. It will also help to uphold property values.”

Ochse, who has lived in the community for more than 45 years, said, in August 2006, the Terrell Hills City Council, with the assistance of the city manager and assistant city manager, formulated and adopted Terrell Hills’ mission statement: “Terrell Hills is committed to preserving the character of our neighborhood and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens by providing excellent public safety, city services, infrastructure, and administration through responsible fiscal management.”

Property rights and building ordnances have also been a hot topic in Olmos Park and Alamo Heights, and Ochse said the citizens have made their thoughts know to him.

“I am focused on fulfilling this commitment,” he said. “Everyone recognizes that property owners have property rights. Likewise, they also recognize that one of these rights is the right to privacy. It is common sense that one’s property rights do not entitle a property owner to infringe on the rights of their neighbors.”

A former chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission of Terrell Hills, Ochse was asked in 2000 to fill an unexpired term on city council. He is in the commercial real estate brokerage and development field, which he says is a plus for his City Council job. “I feel my background in real estate, development and construction enables me to use my knowledge and experience to contribute to effective and efficient decision-making for the city.”

The longtime Terrell Hills resident lives in the city with his wife, Cyndy, and children, William III and Chloe.

“I love Terrell Hills,” said the 1967 graduate of Alamo Heights High School, who has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Texas. “I love that it is a large neighborhood with neighbors who know one another. I like the trees and landscaping that I see when I drive through the city. Terrell Hills is a great place to live and raise a family.”

Ochse said the other specific issues confronting the city include the “continuation of the replacement and relocation of the aged water and wastewater lines remaining in our City and the resurfacing and/or replacement of our city streets.”

“In 2003, I proposed that the city issue bonds to provide funding to jump-start infrastructure improvements that had been lagging and to refund existing bonds which had been issued at a higher rate,” Ochse said. “As of today, more than 60 percent of Terrell Hills’ sewer lines have been replaced and streets repaired. By 2008, more than 70 percent will be done. To control costs, our intent is to get streets and wastewater on a scheduled maintenance and repair program and away from an ‘as-needed’ basis.

“Inadequate city facilities, dispatching for emergency services, the retention or sale of our wastewater system and beautification projects are all current issues confronting the city,” he said. “Provided the city continues its forward thinking and a cost-effective approach, I feel Terrell Hills residents will continue to enjoy a lifestyle and level of city services unsurpassed in the San Antonio area.”

The councilman said the rewarding part of his experience on council is having the opportunity to serve with an outstanding group of individuals, including the mayor, co-council members and city staff.

“The job is interesting, challenging and a way I can contribute to my community,” Ochse said. “I will continue to work hard to make our city the best it can be and to address the concerns of its residents.”