Public service begins with experience, knowledge and a deep connection to the community. Being a Fredericksburg resident for 70 plus years and with work experience that I have acquired operating a business on Main Street for 24 years and 25 years as an active Realtor. Throughout the years I have served on the Fredericksburg City Council, Planning and Zoning Board, Fredericksburg Independent School District, Justice of the Peace, Gillespie County Leadership. My family remains active in schools, churches, city /county events and Gillespie County Road Litter Program.
Fredericksburg continues to grow that create challenges that require thoughtful planning and responsible leadership. Key priorities include improvements of infrastructure including Water, Sewer and Electric to ensure they meet our current and future demands. It is also critical that we attract and retain quality city employees who provide the essential services that our community relies on every day. Planning and implicating future city street extensions necessary to support the growth and mobility. Development of new sports fields for recreational opportunities for our residents of all ages.
Through conversations with folks, I heard first hand their concerns with water consumption and the impact of development that has put additional stress on our ground water aquifers and city services. A strong desire to provide park fields space for activities for both young and old through public and private partnerships. An interest for a diversity of business on Main Street while preserving the character that makes Fredericksburg unique. On a POSITIVE NOTE all agree that Fredericksburg and Gillespie County are still a great place to call home.
I am running for re-election for my 3rd and final term for City Council, City of Fredericksburg. I was born in Fredericksburg an except for serving in the Military for 2 years and getting my college degree at Texas State University, I have spent most of my life in and around Fredericksburg. I have served as Chairman of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, Gillespie Economic Commission, Leadership Class of 1993, Hill Country Memorial Hospital, Hill Country Hospital Foundation, Crime Stoppers, Gillespie Appraisal District, Fredericksburg's 175th Anniversary, Golden Hub Foundation & Fredericksburg Optimist Club.
Growth in the community. Traffic issues and keeping Police, Fire & EMS personnel to help our community. Water issues and constant demand for more. Doing more with not putting a burden on the taxpayer.
The citizens of Fredericksburg are concerned about traffic issues, especially on weekends and the number of tourists. As always, they are concerned about tax increase for all citizens in the city but especially the people that have lived here most of their lives and are single with Social Security and very little income beyond that.
I've lived in Fredericksburg all my life, ran a business employing many people, enjoyed membership in civic organizations and church. I feel I know my community. In addition, I've served on the original City Charter Committee, and six terms on city council, not all consecutively, so I know how our city works.
Managing growth and infrastructure is a big issue, especially water resources and traffic. Affordability is a sticky issue we must try to find solutions for. We need to support our local community members and businesses, while maintaining our historic identity. These are the people who have bult this town and made it the special place it is. We need to improve our working relationship with the county. Sometimes it seems the county doesn't realize our city is part of the county, and doesn't appreciate the revenue we create for them.
I've been hearing a lot of concern about growth, loss of neighborhoods to B & B development, concern about water resources and increasing traffic issues. I welcome questions and feedback from any concerned citizens.
I have served 4 terms on the City Council. I served as the City Manager of the City of Fredericksburg from 1991 to 2011, at which time I retired. Prior to 1991, I was the Director of Finance for the City of Fredericksburg for 18 years. My management and financial experience would be an asset to the City Council. Additionally, given my knowledge of Fredericksburg government, I would be able to start work will little training and definitely able to contribute to the budget process, which starts right after the election.
The most pressing issues facing the Council are water availability and usage, increased traffic congestion and potential solutions, the need to manage growth and consider potential solutions to protect the aquifer and other natural resources . In addition, proper budgeting and budget management are an issue every year.
Most citizens are telling me that water availability for the long term and potential explosive or unmanaged growth are major concerns for the City and County. Citizens fear the loss of our heritage, the loss of our uniqueness, and becoming just another overpopulated suburb of Austin or San Antonio. Unwanted or dangerous businesses (battery storage, solar farms) are here or lurking (1,000 unit mass produced residential subdivisions). Property taxes are always a concern to many, especially those who own or operate businesses. Recent city tax increases have hurt businesses and have offset or lessened the impact of State property tax relief for homeowners.
