|
Keep past problems out Editor: Things have not improved with the Live Oak city government. We still have department heads abusing their power; the city staff opening registered mail not addressed to them and refusing to give it to the addressee; and lack of leadership from the city manager and assistant city manager. When will it stop? I have sent e-mail questions to both mangers and two directors — all without a reply or answers to the questions I sent. They are not responsive to the taxpayers. (To be fair, I have also sent e-mails to the mayor, council place 5, and first-line supervisors that were answered that same day). Seems when someone tries to improve Live Oak, they are fired or ignored — “Don’t make waves.” Now we have people running for office that couldn’t perform when they worked for Live Oak before, either in management or on the City Council. We see recommendations coming from non-residents and non-voters in Live Oak. They have nothing to lose, that’s obvious. I highly recommend the sitting council follow the lead of the San Antonio mayor and council and get rid of personnel abusing power and/or obstructing city operations. It’s your duty to insist on a review of the city government. Don’t let past problems return to the Live Oak government, making it even more corrupt than it is now. Now get out and vote! Kent C. Martin Live Oak resident New direction for Judson Editor: Voters in the Judson School District have an opportunity — beginning April 28, when early voting starts — to change the “good ol’ boy” system and direction their school board has assumed. By voters bringing Johnny Harris back for Place 6 and replacing Rick Maas with candidate Wayne Harper for Place 7, the board can turn the corner and start making decisions that are in the best interest of all parties in the district. The taxpayers of this district deserve a board that will ensure we get what we were promised when we approve bonds for new construction. Building smaller than promised schools and then declaring they are within budget is unacceptable. We have the power to turn things around. Get involved, check out the facts, and vote. Don Krebs Judson resident Typical GOP arrogance Editor: Kaye Williams’ letter of April 10 has struck a nerve. While not a military man myself, my father fought in Korea; I lost an uncle in Vietnam. I have come to understand their sacrifices — to keep secure our freedoms, be they religious, governmental, educational, or otherwise. Among those freedoms is the right to hold — and voice — differing opinions. But evidently, Ms. Williams doesn’t see it that way. She sits on her imaginary throne and tells someone who expresses a view different than her own to “forfeit his citizenship,” because he doesn’t like the current administration. She asks a war veteran, a Mr. Chauret, to leave because he dislikes Bush; it only follows that we’ll have to ask her to leave, if either Sens. Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton is elected in November. “Watch your paychecks” if a Democrat is elected, you said, Ms. Williams — well, the Bush administration has never met a spending increase it didn’t like. What was a budget surplus when President Clinton left office has been completely eroded, and we now find our nation deep in debt. That’s the Republican way. Reagan started it, the Bushes proved it, and if McCain wants to stay in Iraq for 100 years, he’ll surely enhance it. It’s no wonder that truly conservative Republicans are gnashing their teeth — there’s no one left to protect their tax breaks and write-offs. In the last 10-12 years, being “Republican” has come to mean big government, overspending and unapologetic arrogance. Ralph Mitchell San Antonio resident Another view of Painter Editor: As his pastor, I see the candidate for mayor of Live Oak, Joe Painter, from a different perspective than anyone else. These are some of the reasons I would recommend him for mayor. Joe Painter: • Sees things as they are and steps up to make them better. • Is creative and inspires enthusiasm in others for excellence in everything. • Respects everyone equally, regardless of social status. • Sees the whole picture and organizes exceptionally well. • Is a master at creative solutions and works well under pressure. • Has well-formed ideas but seeks to mediate practical solutions in tough situations. I believe Mr. Painter, in the office of Live Oak mayor, would lead the city to economic growth, excellence in public services, and to a higher quality of life for all residents. Myron A. Ricketts Senior pastor Universal City United Methodist Church Live Oak: Time for change Editor: The purpose of this letter is to challenge the residents of Live Oak to vote in this upcoming election. There are so many residents, yet so much apathy when it comes to voting. This community needs to combine all efforts with goals to create a prevailing future. Simply stated, I choose these candidates: Joe Painter for mayor, and Ann Jorrie and Pat Kauts for re-election to the council. The city is widespread, yet landlocked and isolation from the future is not reasonable any more. It is time for change because it is happening all around; road improvements, new businesses, upscale apartments and the college. We are all comfortable with low taxes and minimal government interference, however, all residents need to focus on future endeavors for this city. I believe that the re-election of Kauts and Jorrie would offer teamwork toward the council. I believe that Pat Kauts has the cognition and administrative creativity that the council needs. On the other hand, Jorrie offers superior listening skills and is a team player, and I have observed this firsthand as well. Other candidates will make personal promises that cannot be kept, because the position for council is met with the city’s focus for prosperity, not hostility for each other. So as you decide if you are going to vote for your friend, keep in mind our need for a team that can focus on city issues and not personal agendas. Susan Kirschner Live Oak resident Don’t like it? Fix it Editor: In response to Ms. Kaye Williams’ letter of April 10 (“Don’t like it? Leave”), she’s entitled to her own “truth” but not to her own facts. Recent polls show 81 percent of Americans believe America is on the wrong track while only 28 percent support Mr. Bush’s handling of the economy. Thanks to him, our paychecks already suffer — just check the cost of gasoline and milk. American jobs continue to be outsourced and workers’ pensions erased while executives escape unscathed. This administration supports corporate welfare and tax loopholes but damns government assistance to the poor, the elderly, the disabled, veterans and children. While the GOP abhors corporate regulation, they condone government regulation of your private life, who you can marry, when to have children and how you want to die. Not only has Mr. Bush shredded the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Geneva Conventions, he’s entangled us in a needless half-trillion dollar war, decimated the military, dishonored and discarded veterans. As a veteran, I take issue with Ms. Williams’ comment on “Mr. Chauret’s government retirement check.” This is no gift — veterans earn their benefits, sometimes posthumously. Frederick Douglass commented that “A true patriot is one who loves his country and rebukes it instead of excusing its sins.” Ms. Williams says to love America or leave it. I say fix it or lose it. Candace Flenniken King Schertz resident Thanks for Park Day Editor: An open letter to Matt Smith, Live Oak city manager. Dear Mr. Smith: Please express my thanks and appreciation to the members of yours staff, particularly the parks and recreations folks and the public works department, for the great Live Oak Park Appreciation Day they put on last weekend. It was a very well organized function with a variety of entertainment and fun for all adults and children. I believe our Live Oak residents and welcomed guests were very appreciative of your efforts. I for one am very proud of our city and those who make things happen. Emilio F. Serrano City Councilman, Place 3 Mayor obstructing council Editor: At its April 8 meeting, the Live Oak City Council unanimously passed an ordinance approving a budget resolution to the general fund. It was vetoed by Mayor Henry Edwards in a letter dated April 11. This resolution was presented by the city manager as a means of alleviating a fiscal year-end rush (September) on reallocation of existing funds between departments. It also ensured funds available for engineering and legal advice. Unused funds would be used for a new position in the finance department. This sorely needed position was agreed to by the full council. City Manager Matt Smith made very strong arguments based on city growth, and correction of a critical deficiency identified in the last three audit reports concerning oversight of city funds and resources. Mr. Smith and the city’s finance director both stated these allocations were revenue neutral, with no change to city budget expenses. What does Mayor Edwards want by vetoing these changes? Same old Live Oak operations of wait and panic at the last minute and maybe overlook something. As a result, the council must now revote this ordinance to ensure adequate financial accounting and legal advice is available. I sincerely hope the council sees through the obstructionist attitude of Mayor Edwards in this matter. I strongly urge a second unanimous vote to override his veto for the betterment of the city of Live Oak. Richard R. Lamothe Former Live Oak mayor pro-tem Who to vote ‘For’ Editor: Converse residents, election time brings with it a cast of characters. You have some candidates who have never served on any city commission, board or volunteer organization, yet they want to be “your representative” on City Council. Please learn about the candidates running for the council. Most importantly, don’t believe everything people tell you about a candidate. There are some going around spreading half-truths. Case in point: One group of residents (one who doesn’t live in Converse) and a candidate are going door-to-door pointing to another candidate’s sign saying, “Did you know he’s unethical? He has an ethics violation against him.” They point to a document, show you a headline, yet won’t let you read the entire story. Here’s the whole truth: When this candidate ran for office 10 years ago, he didn’t have the word “FOR” on his campaign signs. The complaint was filed after the election by his defeated opponent. Yes, this is a violation of the Texas Ethics Commission rules. Does that make this candidate the “unethical scoundrel” as he’s being characterized by his opponent? No. It was an oversight by the candidate who took responsibility, and the ethics commission agreed — there was no fine or sanction imposed. Read the flyers and talk to the candidates so you are making an informed decision about who will best serve you and the city. I am endorsing Councilman Rene Rodriguez, Dr. Mary Riley, Jon Lindgren and Carlton Degenhardt. They are honest, hard-working, experienced leaders deserving of your vote. Craig Martin Former Converse mayor Kusek gets my vote Editor: I have known Loretta Kusek for 10 years and during this period of time she has energetically and actively supported many causes for the betterment of the city and the residents of Live Oak. I have worked with her on various committees and am very much aware of the high standards she sets for herself. Her goals have always been to meet the needs of the people of our city. Loretta Kusek is a person of integrity, who is very civic minded. Personally, I want a person of her good character who is morally motivated to serve the people, on the City Council of Live Oak. Sarah J. Toten Live Oak resident Edwards deserves vote Editor: We have good times in Live Oak. Since we are having prosperity and growth, let’s keep the people like Mayor Henry Edwards in office. Mayor Edwards has worked hard for the residents. He has kept our city fiscally responsible and worked hard to keep our taxes down. This will be his last term in office. Let’s re-elect him for the outstanding job he has done for the city of Live Oak. Frank E. Graham Live Oak resident Painter: Man for the job Editor: We have been residents of Live Oak since May 1972. In all the years we have lived in Live Oak we have seen many changes – some good and some not so good. At one time, our local government seemed to be concerned with the residents of the city. Over the past few years, things seem to have changed and it doesn’t seem as though the local government is really interested in what is best for the residents of Live Oak. There has been entirely too much squabbling between the mayor and the City Council. We have seen more than enough of the bad publicity Live Oak has received in the past few years. We feel it is time for a change for Live Oak. That is why we are supporting Joe Painter for mayor of Live Oak. Joe has the best background in city government and is interested in what is best for the residents of Live Oak. We feel he is an excellent candidate, an upstanding citizen and a good Christian man. We hope other Live Oak residents feel the same way and will vote for Joe Painter for mayor of Live Oak. John and Barbara Morris Live Oak residents What makes people happy Editor: Ms. Kaye Williams’ opinions in her Letter to the Editor April 10 have forced me to write this short note. She thanks God that she was able to enjoy a comfortable life during President Bush’s presidency. I’m glad she did, because some of us with a softer heart, we couldn’t — especially if you happen to see the young injured, maimed and handicapped soldiers with their parents or other members of their families at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston. Money doesn’t always make people happy. Vi Perry Schertz resident
|
