Calls, e-mails insufficient for Esperanza facts

This letter is a response to the Feb. 7 article by editor Linda Byrne in the “Viewpoint” section of the Hill Country View.

Has Ms. Byrne ever met the mayor, or spoken directly to him about local government since arriving in our community? She seems to have relied solely on telephone calls and e-mails regarding the Esperanza development and the recent City Council meeting. As the editor of a local newspaper, Ms. Byrne has the responsibility to confirm information, seek out facts and report news. She is certainly entitled to an opinion as is everyone else, but as the editor, she must search for the truth, not be drawn in by those who know how to sway public opinion through using editorials to spread their viewpoint.

Rance Baker
Boerne

Praise City Council, staff for Esperanza decision

Many thanks and praise to Mayor Dan Heckler, City Council members Judy Edmondson, Ron Warden, and Jacques Dubose; city staff; Ron Bowman, Jeff Thompson, Sandy Mattick, Michael Mann, Chris Turk, and the many others that worked so long and hard on the Esperanza Development Agreement.

Most people don’t understand why this development agreement is so important to Boerne. The City Council voted to approve this because the benefits amount to around $15 million on the plus side given to the city compared to a $10 million burden to the taxpayers in Boerne if this land were first annexed. Many people don’t want this development and fail to realize that the City Council does not have the authority to stop this; their only good option was to negotiate an agreement and get the best deal for Boerne, which they did. The city will grow and fortunately this part will be very well planned out.

This is the type of leadership Boerne needs through this time when so many others are also looking to come here. I also wish to thank the large number of people in the community that spoke out in favor of the development agreement at the City Council meeting on Feb. 12. Once everyone saw the facts, it was understandable to why so many people supported this development agreement. Growth is good if managed well, families grow, businesses grow, and the leadership for this city has grown.

Mike Luckey
Boerne