What’s the rush on Esperanza?

I am a citizen of Boerne and am very disappointed the city has not given any time for me to review the Esperanza plan. I find it very inappropriate that a development agreement this large in scope, in its final draft, was sprung on the citizens of Boerne less than a week prior to a special called meeting in which the council was prepared to vote.

What is the reason for speeding up the process and coming to a vote so soon after the final draft hit the streets?  Slow down a moment and let us review the agreement and then come back to our council for questions.  We live here and pay the taxes also. Our voices deserve to be heard.

When someone rushes you to  sign off on something and pressures you to do it, that smells bad to me.  What is the rush? Is there something that the developer thinks we might have time to uncover? I heard a very wise man say once, “People who have nothing to hide, hide nothing”.  Slow down. 

I support responsible, well planned, growth. I do not support over-development of land and over-use of water.  Caution, I say to our council members. It is time to be open-minded before you cast your vote, and listen to both sides, and to review the facts.  My concern is, at a time when our economy is in a recession, even if this is the best deal in town, is this really the time for our city to enter into a huge real estate development agreement?  I think not.

Give us time to provide you with additional questions to present to everyone involved.  We have the right to know the answers. It is not right that our city has not made us privy to important information about this. The San Antonio media has been very helpful in getting out the word to Boerne residents.

I love living in Boerne.  I am passionate about preserving its heritage.

Liz Davis
Boerne 

Continue excellence in 216th District Court

Steve Ables has been an example of the best in our Texas model of an elected judiciary, serving the people of our area and influencing the policies of the state on behalf of us all. Having brought honor and excellence to his position, he will not be easily replaced.

Among the good and capable candidates, I am convinced that one in particular can step in and continue our tradition of excellence in the 216th District Court. Keith Williams has the breadth and depth of experience, plus the disposition and capabilities, to make an extraordinary judge. In addition to being a brilliant advocate in the courtroom (I have experienced this personally), he has become a well-known mediator renowned across the state for being able to understand both sides in a dispute and to help parties seek common ground. That knack for impartiality and insight should be a welcome characteristic for anyone standing before his court.

Keith has given generously of his time to defend and support charities in the area, especially children’s charities. Many a non-profit agency has benefited from his keen legal expertise and willingness to go to battle for a good cause. While helping, he has also learned about children’s issues and will be an experienced participant in judicial oversight of government and private agencies charged with caring for our most vulnerable citizens.

Above all, Keith Williams is a Christian man who loves his family and his community. In this time of political conflict and confusion about values, Keith will be a judge of high morals, impeccable character and dependable integrity. A man of faith and conviction, he has proven these qualities throughout his 22 years of living in the Hill Country.

Gary Priour

Boerne