Rob Ziegler

Major issues:

Growth: Growth has been and will be the issue for many years to come. How do we handle it? I believe growth is a matter of common sense mixed with self-restraint. Boerne will grow. The question is how we keep Boerne distinctively Boerne in the face of this growth. We can grow gracefully. The key is to make sure that growth does not outpace our infrastructure and pays its own way.

Taxes may increase as the city grows, but must not increase because the city grows. Graceful growth will insure that we preserve Boerne’s local character and keeps Boerne a distinctive desirable place to live. We need to start practicing “hometown democracy,” insisting that developers not stray from our master plan (i.e. utility districts). And if they choose to, we should have adequate input from our taxpayers into the decision making.

Protect neighborhoods from commercial encroachment: The quiet residential character of Boerne’s neighborhood is a valued asset. We need to carefully consider our citizens’ concerns when planning alterations or development, and ensure that any changes are consistent with our neighborhoods’ nature, scale and character.

When a street like School Street is rezoned for commercial development, let’s work through the neighborhoods. Let’s share the vision and the development plans with them. Let’s not rezone to make someone rich; let’s rezone to enrich. It’s about a balance of interests.

Continue to reach out to Boerne citizens: I am promoting the idea of neighborhood associations. I believe that every neighborhood in Boerne should come together and designate a spokesman and that spokesman be a direct link between the neighborhood and City Hall. We need more input from our citizens on the decisions that we are making at City Hall.

Personal statement:

“I have two years of experience on the council and understand the issues. I bring balance to the council and have practiced open, transparent decision-making. For the last two years, I have solicited input from citizens who would be impacted by decisions I have to make at City Hall.

“I am well served in making informed decisions by listening to them and inviting their participation. In the tough issues on Frey Street, School Street and most recently Sharon Drive, I have met with the neighbors and engaged them in the decision-making process. “