We have been reading and hearing accounts of the growing growth/no growth/planned/growth/managed growth/good growth/bad growth/so-called pro-growth/no-growth council members controversy in Boerne and, frankly, it is growing tiresome.

What also is growing in our minds is the fear that what drew us to Boerne -- a peaceful, polite, graceful, reverent and courteous community, whose priorities are kinder and gentler than the norm -- is in danger of becoming just another angry, split community with way too much agenda-driven politics, mud slinging and public character assassination. Some may call it growth pains. We think it is a growing pain.

There has to be a better way to handle the growth issues facing our city and our county, both of which are equally affected by these issues and therefore equal stakeholders in the future.

Assuming we are all people of good will with only the best for Boerne as our goal, surely there can be a meeting of the minds, a consensus of opinion and an a universally-accepted approach to solving the issues facing us. Is it too naïve to believe so? Hopefully it is not, for if so, then our community, despite all of its surface beauty, charm and desirability, will have an ugly underside that will continue to fester.

Let’s come reason together as a community and find common ground. Let’s start by attending city council and county commissioner meetings, planning and zoning meetings, public hearings and, hopefully, more town meetings. Let’s educate ourselves on the issues, then voice our thoughts about Boerne in a positive, gentlemanly manner. Let’s listen to all sides thoughtfully with our minds set on community welfare and not personal agenda. No more name calling and false labeling, please.

Pat and Jackie Blackman

Boerne