So now what

I have been watching the last 2 weeks as the budget workshops have been going on.

I've also been going through the packet of paperwork I have received, and sorted through other things that have been coming my way.

First, in fairness to all I have a copy of the Mayflower invoice in my possession, and it is from Colorado to Gonzales.  It's for 14,000 lbs of household goods.

The payment to Borrer Electric Services stems from a failed inspection (I have the copy of that too) and that DH (David Huseman) authorized for payment.  After speaking with other city managers (2 of them) both of them stated that they would of turned it into insurance company for indication as to where or not they felt there was any liability, if not they wouldn't pay, if it didn't exceed the deductible they would of paid. While I'm certain this didn't exceed our deductible I'm also certain DH determined that it was easier for you and I to pay than to pack up our Code Enforcement. 

The rest of the package I'm going to have to defer on for right now.  I'm having to get some guidance from those more those who understand the laws better than I do.  I will update you later on those.

As for the budget. Let me start out by saying that JB Wells lost $16,069.46 if you don't take into account trailer rentals in the month of January.  On top of that we want to expand JB Wells by 91 slots at a cost of $225,000 (plus city labor).  So at this rate JB Wells will cost the city of Gonzales $425,000+ this year.  That's COST us dang near a half a million dollars.  (Entire JB Wells breakdown for January will be at the bottom of this blog)


Look I'll say it again, we have JB Wells, it's not going away. But to continue to throw good money after bad is just plain stupid! Why haven't we as a city taken the appropriate action to fix these problems? Why don't we have a committee that is looking into processes and procedures to rectify this issue.  So now yo and I will all be paying $75 each for every man, woman and child for the privilege of....of.....heck I'm not sure what privilege I can exaggerate and say here.  But I know that means my house hold is responsible for $450 this year and I haven't even been out to the arena in years.  So yeah, I'm not happy.


I also want to know why are we paying Friends of Gonzales Animal Shelter over $4000 a month? It was my understanding they were given a building and the city would pay utilities, but that the shelter was to be at no cost to our paying citizens.  Instead our cats are being treated for diabetes, fed the best food out there, and treated like royalty while our city is trying to maintain the most basic of services to our citizens.

Included in this years budget is $300,000 in transferring funds and $100,000 in reduction of the General Fund. That's $400,000 down, and yet we're throwing $425,000+ to the arena and $50,000 to the cats. Let me see, $400,000 in the hole, and almost $500,000 wasted. $400,000 in the hole, $500,000 wasted. Nope I don't see any way to make a difference at all.

Look, I don't expect JB Wells to make us millions.  I do expect it to carry it's own.  If that loss was $1,500 a month I wouldn't blink an eye.  But we can't keep $20k a month in losses out there, we MUST plug the leaks!

There are other areas of the budget I don't get.  I don't understand how we can see an actual amount of revenue this year, and expect a 40% increase (or more) next year in any one area with the one exception of Trailer Space Rentals, which I expect to go up $400,000 or better this year.

Again, not against JB Wells, just want it managed like we have a $400,000+ deficit in our budget and we have to watch every penny that is issued.  Look over the entire breakdown of January 2011 JB Wells report at the bottom.

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

J.B. Wells Park Financial Report

January, 2011

INCOME:

                Arena Fees                                                                   5,502.00

                Horse Stall Rental                                                         6,960.00

                Woodshavings Sales                                                      4,190.00

                Concessions                                                                  7,405.58

                Table Rental                                                                      20.00

                                                                                                   ________

                Gross Income                                                                                                        24,077.58

EXPENSES:

                Payroll                                                                        18,744.48

                Uniforms, etc.                                                                    87.18

                Office Supplies                                                                 114.58

                Fuel                                                                                  837.11

         Maintenance

        Buildings                                                                                   170.62

                Grounds                                                                         1,619.16

                Vehicles                                                                            166.15

                Equipment                                                                     3,203.72

         Telephone:

                                Landline                                                              96.39

                                Cell                                                                   129.07

                Misc.                                                                                   16.50

         Concessions:

                                Supplies                                                           4,649.81

                Woodshavings                                                                 4,860.00

                Utilities:     Field Services                                                2,623.23

                                 Arena                                                             2,282.56

                                 Practice Arena                                                  541.48

                Break (Hot Choc.)                                                                 5.00

                                                                                                    ________

                                Total Expenses                                                                                     40,147.04

                                Net Loss                                                                                             ( 16,069.46 )

R.V. RENTAL SITES:

Income                                                                                                    34,207.00

 Expenses:

                                Utilities                                                        4,454.48

                                Misc.                                                               131.78

                                                                                                      _______

                                Total Expenses                                                                                       4,586.26

                                                                                                                                           ___________

                                Net Profit (RV Sites)                                                                             29.620.74

                                Net Profit or (Loss)                                                                              13,551.28               

Note:   1)  Labor was compiled in report but not broken down and some of labor may need to be applied to other parks.

            2)  A percentage of vehicle and equipment repair may need to be allocated to other parks         

            2)  No explanation on field services for electrical payment under utilities  

                               

                                                                                                   

Detente?

So once again a city council meeting came and went and again I spoke of workings of our city council and how they needed to be open and honest to the taxpaying citizens of Gonzales.  Did it do any good?  I doubt it.

Unfortunately I was not able to stay for all the budget meeting discussions because of prior commitment to Boy Scouts and the induction of 6 fine young boys into Boy Scouts from Webelos.  These boys have worked hard to earn their place next to their older brothers and I needed to be a part of that day.

But I did swing by after the clean up to see if the budget meeting was still going on.  It appeared that everyone was just getting out so I stopped to see what had happened.  I understand there is a lot of work still to be done, but that the managers and the new interim city manager will be working on that today.

But as that was going on the mayor stepped out of the city building.  As he was shaking someone else hand I reached out to shake his hand and he shook it and we started talking.  Now I have to say that about this time I watched the faces of those around us.  There was fear of lightening strikes.  There was fear of instantaneous explosions.  No one came close to the two of us.  As a matter of fact I watched people, both supporters of the mayor, and those who don't support him, walk out of the city building and walk as far away from the two of us standing there as possible.  As for the lightening or explosions, it just didn't happen. 

The mayor told me that I was right that the citizens of Gonzales did deserve some answers to some questions and that Jackie (city attorney) was working on getting those answers. I in turn reminded the mayor that regardless of the intent, the appearance of secrecy creates and element of mistrust of our city government, and especially after the events of the last couple of years we (read 'the city') needs to go out of its way to be open and honest with the citizens to gain the respect and bring us back together.  I reminded him that the voter fraud started a lot of the mistrust that is in this city, and that it will take a lot to get it back.

We agreed that the new interim city manager should be good for the city, and that our city is going to struggle with this years budget, that this is not the time for expansion of city projects when we have a million dollar deficit in the budget. 

We spoke about the JB Wells, our downtown and some of the other issues that have come up over the last year to include Mr. Huseman.

I reminded the mayor of the time I invited him into my house and we sat around my dinner table as he met my wife.  This was only 2 short elections ago. And that the disappointments I had in him we probably greater because of the support I had given him in the past.

Did we get anything accomplished?  Probably not. But let me tell you what we did do, and what needs to be done throughout Gonzales right now.  For those 20-30 minutes, we talked to each other.  We listened to each other.  We acknowledge that both of us have room to give, and neither of us are perfect, nor do either of us have all the answers.  There was a moment of detente as we spoke.  Neither of us raise our voices about a thing.  Neither of us called the other a name.  Neither of us said the other didn't know what they were talking about.  Neither of us were trying to slam the other person.

I have said before and I'll say it again, there are some issues in this town that have polarized the citizens.  JB Wells and  Mr. Husemans firing are the biggest two, but think about the animal control issue.  We have a historic homes issue before us now.  And there are others.

I will be the first to admit I'm pretty black and white, not much gray in what I see.  But I don't take it personally when someone disagrees with me.

Point and case, I work out most every weekday morning with a group of guys that disagreed with me over the Huseman issue.  These are guys I respect but we disagree on this issue.  I'm not going to not speak with them because of it.  We are going to work together to make sure the next time something comes up we talk more and hash out things before hand.  But we respect each other enough to not allow that to get into the way of the betterment of the city.

The mayor told me last night what is done is done, it's time to move on.  I can't agree more.  This city has to much work ahead of it to dwell on this issue or to let it tear us apart as a city.  We're to small, to close, to much family to not move on.

So were any minds changed last night? Again probably not, but in that moment of detente we were at least talking and listening, somehow I think the entire city council needs the same detente, and honestly that a town hall meeting or two where we could get some of this in the open would be in order.  Respectfully hearing it all, and respectfully considering what the other side has to say.  Who knows, there might be some 3rd options that we can agree on when both sides are heard.

So what's next? I don't know, but I know that today we've got a start, a handshake, and a thought process started.  I'd love to know what the mayor was thinking when he left our meeting, but I have to believe it was similar to what I was thinking.

We really do have one of the best little towns around.  We have so much untapped potential, and so much room for positive growth.  We right now have a great opportunity with the oil boom to help make some improvements in the next couple of years if we manage it all properly.  Let's not waste these opportunities, and let's move forward in the most positive manner possible.

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Doesn't Add Up

So things are still not adding up, and I'm just as lost as ever.  Let me start at the bottom of the board and work my way up. 

Check 88321 - $421.30 - The amount paid to Borrer Electric Services for work performed  at 215 Smith Street.  The Location is owned not by the city but by Suzy Hicks.  The invoice #2391 is ok'd by DH.  Why is the city paying for a private citizens bill? 

Reimburstment for $9185.52 to pay for moving expenses for Mr. Huseman, not in March 2008 when he moved here, but December 2010 for a move in November 2010.  Now his contract said he was suppose to be here with in 1 month of the contract, so why would we be paying for any amounts in 2010?  Not only does this not add up, but the fact that his ex-wife moved about that time is in the least suspicious.  It still doesn't add up why he got reimbursed for a move almost 3 years after he moved here.  Unethical is the least of it.  But is it criminal?  I have requested through Freedom of Information Act the detailed invoice from the city.  This reimbursement went against city policy for reimbursement, and yet we paid it.  The city needs to IMMEDIATELY submit a disputed charge.  If it is not for Mr. Husemans stuff from Colorado to Gonzales, then we do not owe Mayflower.  If it is, then we don't owe it.  Either way we are not responsible for a 3 year old move.

$66766.50 - Mr. Husemans final paycheck breaks down as follows:

Pay increase retroactive to April 1, 2010 - $88,842.00
Current Salary                                      - $85,000.00
                                                                 ------------
                                                                3,842.00

Retroactive Pay 4/1/10 - 1/21/11                                 - $3,115.70
Current Payperiod (7 days @ $42.71/hr)                      - $2,391.76

Termination and Severance Pay
6 Months of Salary @ $7,403.50 per month               - $44,421.00
Travel Allowance for 6 Months                                   -  $ 3,000.00
Vacation Accrued from 3/31/08 to 1/31/2011
     @ $42.71 (340 Hours less 16 hours used)             - $13,838.04
                                                                                    -------------
Gross Pay                                                               - $66,766.50

Health Benefits will be provided at City Expense under Cobre for the next 6 months.

So let's start with the easy question.  Who the heck gets a pay raise after they were fired?  Especially after 2 councilmen submitted a 'no step promotion' evaluation, and a 3rd didn't turn one in.  So there could NOT have been a majority vote for a step promotion on the council.  And honestly a pay raise two days AFTER you get fired?  Mayor, it sure sounds like you're pushing your ethics just a bit don't you think?  Let's jab one more time at the 3 council members that voted out your henchman?  I want to hear how this good christian man (cause that's all I hear from the Mayors supporters is what a good christian man he is), could unethically if not illegally signed a check that granted a pay raise that was not authorized by the city council? A copy of this check with the Mayors signature was also asked for in the FOIA request along with any documentation that granted Mr. Cavaso the right to give that pay raise. 

Then comes the travel allowance of 6 months.  I understand if his contract granted Mr. Huseman 6 months pay, but 6 months travel after he's left the employment of the city?  Really?  $3,000 for travel that will not occur for the city?  How can we in any way shape or form justify that expense?

In 3 years here Mr. Huseman missed 2 days of work?  Maybe my memory is bad, but seems to me he took time to go move his family down to Gonzales.  I also can't believe in 3 years he didn't take any time off.  You know if anyone could put Mr. Huseman not at work for more than those 16 hours, it's falsifying government documents.  

Mr. Husemans contract and termination salary is based upon his performance and actions.  The mayor circumvented the taxpayers opportunity to insure we were treated fairly.  I want to stress, I figured that Mr. Huseman would get his $44k, but a payraise, travel, and 340 hours of vacation? Btw, the Mayor attempted to get additional sick leave paid against city policy and Mr. Cavaso held firm, thank goodness!

We need to call in the Texas Rangers and perform a forensic audit. The Rangers are there for purposes like this.  They will do one of 2 things.  1) clear the name of those in question, 2) make sure justice is done, and charges filed if there were wrong doings without local bias or pressure.  The forensic audit will trace money that is in question.  Moneys from the JB Wells, Money internally like the 9K+ charge, etc. will be traced.  Again, either to clear up these matters or to allow us to recoup or money through criminal charges or civil suits. 

We the citizens of Gonzales deserve real answers to these questions.  I'm wondering how many more question are there, and we just don't know them yet. 

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

4 Mins

Tonights city council meeting didn't even last 5 minutes.  It was an embarrassment of a city meeting.

There were 4 items on the agenda. 

1. Call to Order.
2. Discuss Interim City Manager
3. Discuss and Consider Budget Amendments to the 2010 budget.
4. Adjourn.

Two of the items were to start and end the meeting, so 2 items left. 

The first didn't have any action item to it, so even if they did want to they couldn't vote on it. 

The second item was not prepared for by the city financial person, we are waiting for info from an engineer. 

It took longer to set up the extra chairs for the citizens who showed up then it did for the meeting to happen. Additionally the City Secretary failed to put public comments on the agenda, and left the Gonzales Cannon off as a public source. 

How disrespectful to the room full of citizens that came out to support the city.  So now we have a Friday night meeting at 6:30 PM.  Really? Because no one ever has anything to do on a Friday night now do they?  I know I have one scouting event, and one church event scheduled for that night.  But I'll be there.

I know that they plan on considering hiring the city manager from Victoria.  I honestly don't know, as I haven't seen his resume, or hear anything about him.  I do know he's been city manager for 37 years which is better than what we've had in a long time.

Personally I think we need to take care of some issues inside the city before we get there.  We need to find out about dropped investigations, we need answers to to many questions that only the council can get, we need to understand where we are financially (how can you know what we can pay someone if you don't know what you have to spend?), they need to know what Gregs Computers was doing at the City Managers office last week with the mayor and Mr. Huseman.  And that's just the start. 

Several of the points of Mr. Husemans $66766.50 check has several questionable items on it.  I can't believe in 3 years Mr. Huseman never took a day of vacation, and that we keep vacation for 3 years.  Most companies have a 1 year, use it or lose it policy.  I can't believe 3 years later we are paying for Mr. Huseman to move TO Gonzales.  I can't believe we are paying him 6 months of travel after he was fired.  I can't believe that when at least 2 city council members turned in their evaluation with a NO to a step increase, and the 3rd didn't turn his in yet (that makes it 2-2 vote)  that the mayor can take it upon himself to give retroactive to 4/10 a 3% pay raise.  Where are the answers? 

Come on Mayor, doesn't the city of Gonzales deserve honest answers? 

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

It was so much more

Ever since the City Council meeting on Tuesday night I've heard a lot of conversations about the firing of Mr. Huseman.  The misconceptions, the rumors, the ....the lack of facts.

So here are a few.

Again today I confirmed with several of the city council members that there is no agenda for Steve Hendershot in any way shape or form to be appointed interim or permanent city manger.  I don't know where those rumors started, and anything I say would in itself be a rumor.  So take that for face value, Mr. Hendershot is NOT, repeat NOT going to be our city manager.

The lack of communication mentioned by both Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Schurig is not something that happened last week, but something that has continued over the course of a year.   The City of Gonzales - Code of Ordinances list the following:


Section 4.01.A - "The city council shall appoint a city manager who shall be the chief administrative and executive officer of the city and shall be responsible to the city council for the administration of all the affairs of the city."


Section 4.01.C.4, under City Manager - Duties list "Keep the city council advised of the financial condition and future needs of the city and make such recommendations as may seem desirable." and

Section 4.01.C.5 reads "Perform such duties as may be prescribed by this charter or may be required of him/her by the city council, not inconsistent with this charter."

I have heard about Mr. Huseman being at plenty of meetings throughout the city last night.  Problem is that Mr. Huseman wasn't tasked by the city council to do many of those thing.  Some of them come in the nature of the job, I understand, but Mr. Huseman has been given direction as to the way the council wanted to operate in matters at JB Wells, in matters concerning roads and infrastructure in Gonzales, to make getting grants a top priority, to explain to them why the documentation he gives them for financial monthly, which have changed since he had taken over, can't be made heads or tales of, and why the numbers don't jive when you try to add them all up.

A month after being told we are not going to expand JB Wells, he signed a contract that obligated the city to pay money to, to provide labor for, and provide logo and date on many of the supplies all as part of the contract, as well as trailer slots and hotel rooms.

With that Mr. Huseman went to the individual members of GEDC asking them to go get a USDA loan that the city would pay back at a higher rate then GEDC borrowed it at.  Apparently the pulse wasn't strong enough for him to pursue it at a meeting, but he was looking to build 300 more slots, and needed to get it done in a hurry for the March rodeo.  Don't believe me? Ask any of the GEDC board members. 

Now he didn't ask the council if he could go borrow that money.  It wasn't budgeted.  It was specifically not approved, and yet he was moving forward with his agenda, not that of the council.  So how is he being following the guidance of the council?  How is he keeping the council advised of the financial future needs when the council didn't find out about it until 4 months later when the newspapers broke the news.

And don't tell me that the slots weren't promised, the promoter called city hall today asking if the 61 new slots were ready.  There was no mention of primitive camping to the promoter.  Give me a break, these are rodeo'ers with their trailers.

The council members never could get any answer other than "oh it's all taken care of" when the pictures of the dumping in the Guadalupe river was exposed.

The council was mislead on the St. George project. Not one of the council members I've spoken to had ever heard of breaking up the rebuilding of the street and sewage in 3 parts as Mr. Huseman did.  So they were shocked when he came back for more money.  They have asked him several times when is this project going to be done (they've asked at city council meetings), and it's always, it's almost done. It's time to be finished with.

GBRA came to the council 2 months ago and told the council that after 2 years of frustration they needed to be aware that projects were in jeopardy because of lack of response by Mr. Huseman to projects that the council had approved 3 years ago.  That they could not get Mr. Huseman to respond to their continued request for action.

On 2 occasions Mr. Huseman created boards (the Texas Center and JB Wells) in direct violation of the city charter.  Section 3.07.F of the Code of Ordinance gives all board creating and appointments to the city council themselves, and does not delegate those duties in any way shape or form to the city manager.

When they went to the retreat in October this topic was a major point of discussion.  They needed more information, they needed to know things that were effecting the city management and finances, they needed more timely information.  One out of three was accomplished.  The council now receives weekly updates instead of monthly.  Admittedly this was a positive.

Several of the members have asked about specific roads or issues, and get the run around time and time again.  One the council members has told me that he'll bamboozled you so bad you just don't know what to believe. 

These are just a few of the things I am aware of, and I'm not even on the council.  I have spoken with several of the council, and heard their frustrations to not be able to get things accomplished for this city.  To not be able to get accountability for the funds that were being spent. To not be able to get a handle on the losses of JB Wells, because Mr. Huseman continued to run interference.  Every one of the council members that voted Aye last night are approachable, and will listen, even when they disagree with me, they will listen and discuss the issues with me.

I know that in the coming weeks there will be more exposed on the situation.  I believe that many will go "oh I can't believe that he was involved in that, he was so nice" and once again not want to listen to the facts.  But it will come out.

Last night I heard many points of 'he's a nice guy, and he talks to us' over and over again.  Never once did I hear "he's financially responsible", "he's fixed the problems with our infrastructure", "he's directing the police/fire department in a fantastic fashion".  I didn't see one city employee come forward and say how great he is to work for, though I have seen a huge turn over in employees during his tenure in Gonzales. This is not indicative of  great leadership.  People last night wanted to make this a personal issue, and it had nothing to do with his personal self, but his business and managerial abilities.  It can not be taken personally, it was not! It was business!

Look, Mr. Huseman did things no other city manager has done in a long time (or at least before my time here).  He got out from behind his desk and went to group meetings, many of them social meetings like the Rotary, and people got to like him as a person.  Why shouldn't they?  He would listen to anyone and nod politely.

But don't confuse liking a person from liking the job he did, and remember, ultimately his job was to work for the city council.  They were his boss, and NO BOSS likes the surprises and slaps in the face that the council received time and time again by his lack of communicating to them what was going on in the city. 

Filing fees are $0 to run for city council.  Applications should be available shortly.  Run if you think the council members aren't doing the job they should be.  I don't understand why we don't have 10 people running for each position every time under the current system. There are no party lines to declare.  There are no filing fees.  Sign a couple of papers and you're running for city council.  But be ready, because regardless of whos on the council, you are going to have to face some tough issues, it comes with the job.  And you are going to have those for something, and some against.  And when they get mad, you will hear about it.  So you might think about the job these council members are doing before you chastise them to bad.

These three men were elected by the people to do the best job for Gonzales they are capable of doing.  Sometimes that means they have to make tough decisions, and these men did it.  They didn't hide from their duties.  They didn't keep sweeping the problems under the rug, hoping it would go away.  They approached it and took care of it.  God bless them for their faithfulness!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

As a side note, you might read Dave Mundys column or Granby, Colo. or  Lawrenceburg, Tenn about Mr. Huseman have the same MO in other cities, it ultimately came down to he forgot who he worked for.

Reply to letter from the Mayor

The Mayor posted a letter to the editor on 2/3/2011 on the Gonzales Cannons Website. I have the following answer in response to that letter:

Mr. Mayor,

With all due respect I hope you can look in the mirror and see yourself in so much of what you have written. You and your faction have control this city to a point that to quote Mr. Huseman, "there is no money."

Mr. Mayor, I posted on my website (www.90asign.com) in response to someones comment asking if you'd be willing to sit down with guys like me and instead of 'hiding behind fences' bring it up front and be transparent.(Note from Dennis, I moved that response to here instead of comments)

But Mr. Mayor, if you would,  please answer  a couple of questions that I have like who authorized Mr. Husemans final paycheck with his severance pay when the city council didn't direct it. Section 3.08 of the citys code of ordinances says no member of the council can direct any employee to do anything, they can only direct the city manager to do something, so who authorized the payment?

I would ask why Mr. Huseman was in his office today with you and our city police when Mr. Huseman is no longer an employee of the city.

I would ask why Mr. Huseman was given a step promotion pay raise, retroactive to 4/2010, when at a majority of the council didn't authorize that raise?

And that's the type of secrecy and lack of transparency in just 1 day Mr. Mayor that drives me and any person who cares about how this city operates nuts.

You see Mr. Mayor, I didn't profit a dime from anything that's happened. I haven't gotten any position of authority, haven't taken (and actually refused 2 request to take) a position on a city board, I haven't gotten my road fixed so water doesn't flood my house every time it flash floods, nor have I gotten Ft. Wahl street fixed where the vehicles my tax dollars pay for travel on a daily basis. I haven't gotten answers as to why the arena (another 'faction group') can't be run without loosing money, I haven't gotten answers as to when St. George is going to be finished, do I really need to go on?

So either I'm doing a piss poor job of running 'the city from behind their fences', or I'm just not going to take your silence as an answer that I will accept. I and every other taxpayer deserve honest and open government from our city.

So Mr. Mayor, are you ready to sit down and talk? I would love to talk, and lets come up with REAL solutions to the real problems in this town. Why don't we have business downtown? How can we get JB Wells at least to a break even so we can expand the park? How are we going to attract businesses to our fair city so that we have jobs for everyone here? What are we going to do for our younger generation so they have some reason to stay in this town and help it grow? What are we going to do/how are we going to afford our infrastructure from falling apart?

I'll meet you in any public forum to discuss these and any other pertinent issues of this town. I'm ready, but it has to be transparent, honest discussion, open to anyone that wants to attend. And please don't waste my time with words with no action.

So there it is Mayor, you want to accuse with words but no backing, I'm willing to put action to my words, what about you?

Dennis Nesser
A Concerned Citizen of this great city!

A Tough Decision

As I sat in the council chambers tonight the first thing I noticed was the anguish on the faces of all that were sitting on the council bench.  The 4 councilmen, the mayor and even the city lawyer were all struggling with this issue that was basically item number one on the agenda, that of the City Managers David Husemans continued employment. 

I can tell you that not one member, not the 3 ayes, nor the 2 nays took this vote lightly.  It was serious, and they all knew that this would be a sad day for Gonzales.  Some of you are probably thinking, 'yeah right, Nesser has been after him for a year now'.  And you'd be right.  I have thought for many months now that Mr. Husemans management of our city finances and over at the arena were far less than we deserved.  In my mind he had gotten in over his head and was playing the deck out hoping he could distract us with a slight of hand instead of showing us the truth. But that doesn't mean I'm jumping up and down with joy.  I'm not, and no one in Gonzales should be!

It was a matter of business, a matter of lack of oversight, a matter of lack of courtesy, and lack of communication with those that Mr. Huseman was ultimately responsible too, and that's the city council members. Three fifth of the council felt like he refuse, even after being talked to about the matter at the city retreat in October, section 4 of the city managers job description, and further did not follow the direction they had given him in several matters.  In business world we call that insubordination and is grounds for terminations every day of the week.

I have said it before and I'll say it again, I do not know Mr. Huseman personally, and have no personal beef with him.  He's never kicked my dog, whipped my children, or anything of the sort for me to have a personal grudge against.  All my beefs are with his job at the city.

So why should it be a sad day? Because once again this city was polarized by a topic.  There are very few that were middle ground on this issue, it was very clear where the lines laid today in the chambers. 

Because we have to go through the painful task of going through a vetting process to find a new city manager, and we have to do it during our budgeting period. 

Because a man lost his job, and regardless of my thinking this was the right thing or not, it's a sad situation.  Not to mention the stress it has put on the city council the last week or so when they decided to bring this up.  I am sure it's been completely unbearable stress. 

So now what?

Well first let me dis spell the rumor that ex-councilman Steve Hendershot is going to be our new city manager.  I heard that brought up in the council chambers by Mr. Hanson.  I've spoken to at least 2 of the council members, and never once was his name brought up, and when I specifically asked about him they both said no, not even in consideration.  So let's stop the rumors. 

There will be someone appointed as an interim manager to get by the daily operations.  There will also be a vetting process for a new city manager, and within a couple of months the newspapers should be announcing a welcome ???? to Gonzales. 

Next we can continue to let this issue be a sore spot, or as someone so keenly reminded us tonight, we can and should come together and get past the handful of issues that have been polarizing this community and come to some conclusions we can live with.  How are we going to handle downtown?  What is going to be the resolution and design for JB Wells?  How are we going to deal with this oil boom?  That's just to name a few of the issues right now that need to be figured out. 

Last, and actually needs to be first, we need to pray for the 5 men that are our elected officials to make the difficult choices to make Gonzales a better place to live.  We need to be praying for our town.  We need to be praying for healing.  We need to be praying for truth.  These men are struggling to make sure they keep the promise they made to their constituents, even when it is unpopular, but is right.  Those are the toughest calls of all, and tonight was one of those nights.  I am thankful we live in a country, and a town where there are men willing to do those jobs!

Honestly it's not a happy day in Gonzales, but it is a day of new beginnings.  A day that the potential for our town is unlimited.  A day that we get a fresh beginning. A day that we can look forward to great things coming. 

Do you believe Gonzales is a great town and has even greater potential?  I do!  So let's start this day and support out council, ALL OF THEM, in their path that lies ahead.

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Dear Lord,

We have struggled as a town polarized for so long that I'm not sure we remember what it's like to work together, all of us, for the betterment of our city.  I pray that in the coming days that the truth be revealed, and that you will bring healing to those wounds and peace to those who were so greatly affected tonight.  That You will lead us in a way to bring us together so that our town can prosper the way You would like for us too.

I pray for our mayor and our councilmen, that they continue to have the strength and courage to do what's right for Gonzales.  That they lead us down a path of Your will, and that you will bless them for their faithfulness. 

I pray for Mr. Huseman, that he will quickly find his next place of employment.


I pray for those that are appointed to so many of the boards in Gonzales, they they too are following Your desires for our community, that You are the guide in each and ever meeting held for/by the city of Gonzales and their boards.



All in your name - Amen