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