Previously, the highest reported turnout for early voting was 451of the 5,080 registered voters in 2005 when Mayor Patrick Heath ran opposed by David Helmke. Of those registered, just 532 turned out to vote on Election Day that year. A total of 983 Boerne residents cast their votes two years ago from an estimated population of 9,153.  Less than 20 percent of Boerne’s registered voters showed up to elect Mayor Patrick Heath, Mayor Pro-tem Dan Heckler and Council Member Bob Manning.

“Government is run by those who show up,” said Manning at a recent candidate forum. City Secretary Linda Zartler keeps careful records of “those who show up” to make a difference at city elections.

Encouraged by the 510 early voters on May 4, she’s hopeful that there will be a big turnout on Election Day.

Since 2001, the number of registered voters in Boerne has gradually increased. Still, decisions are driven by a small percentage of voters.

In the Bond election of 2001, just 164 of the 3,088 registered voters turned out.  That number saw some increase in the general election of 2003. Still a mere 339 of 4,836 registered voters showed up at the polls.  In 2004, only 331 of the registered 4,706 cast their votes.

Currently, some 9,500 residents call Boerne home.  By 2017, Dallas-based developers Marlin Atlantis could usher some 8,000 more to the area through the 1,242-acre Esperanza subdivision just east of the city.

Growing pains seem to be the primary motivation for bringing people to the polls this year. 

“This place is just exploding. People have moved out here to escape San Antonio and Boerne is not the quaint little town it used to be,” said Jackie Sada who moved here to be near her son and, like many others, to avoid “the big city problems” that some fear will follow with the influx of development.

Scott Coy, a 14-year resident voted early for a neighbor who is running for city council, he said. “Boerne is behind the eight ball right now and we need some quality people to deal with the pivotal issues. As a city, we’re going to have to make some tough decisions,” he said.

With the choice for a new mayor, two new council members and five quality of life improvement propositions totaling $21.47 million in bonds, there is a great deal at stake for Boerne’s future—enough to get one resident out early to voice her opinion in opposition to the bonds.  “We’re growing too fast, I’d like to see us stay smaller,” said the long-time resident who wished to withhold her name.

With his son in tote at the Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser, David Brown expressed concerns about Boerne’s emergency facilities; something he says will get him out to vote on Election Day.  “It makes sense to be proactive and give our Police and Fire Departments what they need to be prepared in case of a large-scale emergency,” he said.

May 12 is Election Day.  As Mayor Patrick Heath retires after 20 years at the helm, citizens of Boerne will choose from three candidates to lead the county seat through what many call a time of transition.

On the ballot for mayor: Dan Heckler, current Mayor Pro-tem, David Helmke, BISD Assistant Superintendent for Finance and David Reder, a landscaper. Candidates for City Council are Jeff Haberstroh, Bob Manning, Kirk Riggs and Ron Warden.

For more information about the propositions or voting, visit the City of Boerne Web site.