If I understand it correctly it was 1996 that the JB Wells idea was brought to life. It was brought to the citizens of Gonzales as a place for ALL of Gonzales to be able to enjoy. In nearly 170 acres there would be walking trails, sports fields and courts, and much more with a great arena as a crowning jewel.
Since then citizens and city have worked together with state agencies to make phase 1 happen. The areans and several other buildings are out there. We've even added to the original parking/rv slots not once, but twice. We've had several attempts to basically double the size of the rodeo facilities. We've had additional 'studies' done about the arena portion of the JB Wells Park.
Then Tuesday night came. That's right our city council had on their agenda to spend $18,000 for a feasibility study for...wait....oh do you know already?.....it coming...yes a second arena AND...here's the good part, the 20,000-50,000 sq ft building (*snifff...yes, that's the smell of the Texas Center coming back*...the rat sticks to high heaven!).
Now during the meeting City Manager Barnes alluded to the fact that every time we have an event that the work crews had to move the sand from the current arena to replace the sand and it cost the city serious money. Not so. What he told me the next day was fees are about $4000 to move the sand, and the cost to Gonzales is about $500 to do. He made it sound like it was costing us serious money every time we had to this, not that we were making $3500. (**** insetered 10/11 - I was told I misunderstood, and that's we make about $4k a rodeo so the $500 is covered****) He then told me the next day he's more concerned about manpower than dollars. REALLY? I understand we're fighting oil companies for labor, but there is manpower out there.
I spoke before the meeting addressing the fact that 1 segment of Gonzales has been promised, and promise delivered for what belongs out at JB Wells. And while I love the arena, there is a huge portion of Gonzales that are still waiting for their end of the promise to be upheld. That once the rest of the community had been delivered their end of the promise I would, if it was fiscally responsible, support growing the arena, but not until.
This was NEVER meant to be JB Wells Arena. It was always JB Wells Park, that had an arena in it.
I understand that we could get larger rodeos if we kept expanding. But I know that we have soccer leagues playing in cramped quarters instead of nice fields at JB Wells. I know that there are lots of people that would use walking trails. I know we have a great volley ball league. I know that a pool over there would be used not only by citizens but by visitors alike. And that's just a start.
And for the records, feasibility studies were done BEFORE we started working on JB Wells. Texas Parks and Rec gave us money to build not an arena, but a park. I'm a bit miffed the state hasn't come down and asked for their money back or for the project to be completed as approved.
With the exception of maybe the museum, there hasn't been a bigger drain on our tax dollars than JB Wells arena over the last several years. Even now we still don't have it where we can just pull a budget and P&L on JUST the arena like we were promised 2 years ago. But last I heard Mr Barnes anticipated it to break even, but said it was definitely NOT in the black this year to date at the downtown town hall meeting.
So that's on the arena, what about this building? "Oh, no this is not the Texas Center". Really? A large building for community usage is the Texas Center. Metal building or not.
"We rent tents at about $15,000 a year for rodeos, and this would eliminate that need". And apparently there is some private money willing to help with this. THEN WHY AREN'T THEY PAYING THE $18,000 FOR THIS STUDY??? That's yours and my dollars. Trust me I understand the difference between renting and buying.
So am I for a second arena and a building out there? Yes RIGHT AFTER the rest of the citizens see what they were promised almost 25 years ago when this started. Put the bulldozers out and start the courts and playing fields, the paths and THEN and ONLY THEN am I for spending another dime on the arena expansion.
If Dr Graham would like to haul his bulldozers over there to make it happen, I'm all for it. Even better. But the 97% of Gonzales that is still not represented out at JB Wells needs to get their fair due before we lose all vision of a great family park and it becomes what most people grumble about it has ALREADY become JB Wells Arena.
I heard this week a quote that I loved and think applies here, "Our projects started need to equal our projects finished." Well we have an outstanding project out at JB Wells that needs to be finished before we start another project.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
Friday, October 5, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Where's the Justice
For long enough the town of Gonzales has been waiting for justice in the theft of money from JB Wells.
It is my personal opinion that the charges are far nicer than the crime. Nope, have no proof, and no one has told me otherwise, but the numbers don't add up, even with 13 counts of theft between $1,500 to less than $20,000 that doesn't explain the losses out there for the cash based parts.
So Belinda Walker has once again gotten a postponement. She was indicted in MARCH!!! When to WE the citizens of Gonzales get OUR justice. This is the same lady that the city wouldn't give us her name for the longest time. Why? Why? Why?
Oh but wait, we're not related to .....
We can't afford.....
And we didn't support our DA in Gonzales did we? Wonder why?
Once again I suggest you call, email, or write the DA's office and tell them it's time to quit messing around and give us justice!!!
God Bless,
Dennis
Read about it here - http://www.gonzalescannon.com/node/11135
Friday, September 21, 2012
Verizon Poles
So after almost a half a million dollars we finally have St. George street finished and ready for public usage. But like a teenager it has 6 pimples on it. Seems our city engineer didn't do any due diligence and missed the fact that there were 6 poles not belonging to the City of Gonzales were on the street. So all the money the city spent moving poles to the rear of the buildings were for not when Verizon told the city they weren't going to be good corporate citizens and either move their poles or their lines.
So the city approached them again, and for a mere $72,000 (estimated...could be a bit more), they would move the poles.
As much as I hate that these poles are a blemish on an otherwise very inviting street, the council did right by not taking Verizon up on their offer to diminish $72,000 from our coffers. But that's not the gest of todays blog. Nope, as bad as all that is, it gets worse!
Now I love GVTC. And I love that they've spent millions coming to town with fiber. In my industry that's the Rolls Royce of providers. But they messed up here. Knowing good and well that the city wanted those poles moved to the rear of the buildings and out of the public eye for aesthetics, they decided to run their fiber right down the front of St George. REALLY?
Come on guys! Here we are trying to make a difference and instead we throw another can of trash in the street? I thought you wanted to be good corporate citizens. I have to say that's not the way to do it.
Maybe we can hope that Come and Take It will provide a pickup truck driven by "Bubba" that will play pinball with 6 poles down St. George. Maybe then the City can get the poles, and their eye-sore lines where they belong on the back of St. George and out of site.
Mind you, we the taxpayers spent good money moving electricity poles and even more money and headaches getting St George looking as nice as it is, hundreds of thousands of dollars, not chump change. So I"m a bit upset at the engineer that told council it would work without checking, Verizon for not moving the poles, but even more that GVTC would run new lines down those poles. UGGGGHHHH!
Dennis
PS - I've taken a break from all blogs over the summer. I haven't read or written any in months as it was a bit overwhelming and I needed a break. Think it's time I got back on track though. So if you've got some food for thought email me and I'll look into it.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
Almost three years to the date and so far over initial budget that it's not even funny, but St. George is open!
It looks great! It it truly will extend out our town square in a positive direction. It's sad that the corner store, the old Kotzebue Drug store, isn't there to anchor the street. I hope that someone will open up there soon, and help not only the downtown square but St. George grow.
Honestly I'm not sure how some of the businesses survived the 3 years of destruction. It's hard enough in these times when everything works well, but when people can't get to you it's next to impossible to survive.
I know our council were a bit sideswiped when they were told that they had only voted to approve 'phase 1' 3+ years ago, but this is where communication between a city manager and the city council is so important. Honestly I doubt anything would of been done on St. George had the council been given all the facts up front.
But all things said and done it looks nice, and we're finally there. Take a moment over the next week, maybe while you're at the Friday Night Concert Series hosted by Main Street and walk over to St George. It really is a nice addition to your downtown and I hope many folks will go visit the forgotten street.
God Bless,
Dennis
Friday, June 1, 2012
It's Friday - In June
That means it's time for the annual summer Main Street Summer Concert Series. It starts tonight and goes through the month of June, with a July 4th spectacular and fireworks. And it's all free.
Tonight is The Texas Jamm Band (featuring members of George Strait's Ace In The Hole band). And it's free.
Now I don't know about you, or why you might choose to live in a smaller town, but events like this is EXACTLY why I want to live in a town like Gonzales. This is where neighbors come out, we have a beer, we laugh, we joke, we have a great time building bonds and coming together as a community. Did I mention it's free?
I'm a people watcher, and I love sitting and watching all the people come and go because of the work that Main Street has done for the last several years.
So change your plans if you have to, but head down to the squares tonight and come listen, dance, sing along, and have a great time. And yes, it's for the kids too! And best of all it's free!!! So even if you're broke like I always seem to be, you have no excuse.
Thanks Main Street!!!
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
Friday, May 25, 2012
GEDC - $20,000 Position
So part of this weeks agenda at the council meeting was to hire a person as a personal assistant to Carolyn Gibsons. The GEDC board would pay $20,000 of the salary. (Mind you GEDC just says tax dollars from another pocket)
I'll be honest, I'm not exactly sure what Ms Gibsons position is, though I know that GEDC pays a good bit of her salary. I do though remember when she was hired that a good part of her position was to get grants and help GEDC with communicating with potential employers wanting to move to or expand in Gonzales.
So this new person will be there to, and I quote, "return phone calls and emails".
I speak from personal experience, as I'm still awaiting a response to an email sent over 6 weeks ago, that Ms Gibson lacks the discipline or organizational skills to timely return calls and emails.
My question though is do we need to hire ANOTHER person to do the work Ms Gibson was hired to do in the first place?
Look we've been through this before at JB Wells. We didn't get the person in charge the training they needed to make them a better employee. Instead we waited for years until it festered and blew up.
So why don't we, instead of hiring a new person, spend 1/2 that money and send Ms Gibson to school to teach her to be more organized and/or how to do her job better? There are no excuses not to be able to return phone calls and emails except a lack of organizational skills. And if we sent her to classes and she started writing grants and communicating with businesses better, don't we as a community think it would pay off 100 fold?
June 5th the tabled discussion will come back on the floor. I hope the new council will take a serious look at this issue and make a wise decision for the community.
God Bless
Dennis
I'll be honest, I'm not exactly sure what Ms Gibsons position is, though I know that GEDC pays a good bit of her salary. I do though remember when she was hired that a good part of her position was to get grants and help GEDC with communicating with potential employers wanting to move to or expand in Gonzales.
So this new person will be there to, and I quote, "return phone calls and emails".
I speak from personal experience, as I'm still awaiting a response to an email sent over 6 weeks ago, that Ms Gibson lacks the discipline or organizational skills to timely return calls and emails.
My question though is do we need to hire ANOTHER person to do the work Ms Gibson was hired to do in the first place?
Look we've been through this before at JB Wells. We didn't get the person in charge the training they needed to make them a better employee. Instead we waited for years until it festered and blew up.
So why don't we, instead of hiring a new person, spend 1/2 that money and send Ms Gibson to school to teach her to be more organized and/or how to do her job better? There are no excuses not to be able to return phone calls and emails except a lack of organizational skills. And if we sent her to classes and she started writing grants and communicating with businesses better, don't we as a community think it would pay off 100 fold?
June 5th the tabled discussion will come back on the floor. I hope the new council will take a serious look at this issue and make a wise decision for the community.
God Bless
Dennis
Saturday, May 19, 2012
What now?
So I'd like to take a POSITIVE set of ideas to the priority of what needs to be done next to our council members as they get started with new positions and a new person on the council.
So give a couple of suggestions of what you've like started - finished - a new direction taken on.
1) What should we do with JB Wells?
2) What priorities is our roads in town? Any particular street need working on?
3) What should we do for our kids in this town?
4) What needs to be done to help downtown thrive?
5) What about all these committees, are they necessary?
6) What should we do with the additional $400,000 in sales tax we just received?
Ok, I'm going to ask that you keep this positive, like a new kid on the block that is looking for suggestions, not complaining about the past, I want to look forward for this post. Not that we're going to forget anything in the past, but for this post, pretend there is no past.
If I were king (queen) for the day I would............................
Let's hear it and I'll make sure you're comments are heard by those up on the bench.
God Bless
Dennis
So give a couple of suggestions of what you've like started - finished - a new direction taken on.
1) What should we do with JB Wells?
2) What priorities is our roads in town? Any particular street need working on?
3) What should we do for our kids in this town?
4) What needs to be done to help downtown thrive?
5) What about all these committees, are they necessary?
6) What should we do with the additional $400,000 in sales tax we just received?
Ok, I'm going to ask that you keep this positive, like a new kid on the block that is looking for suggestions, not complaining about the past, I want to look forward for this post. Not that we're going to forget anything in the past, but for this post, pretend there is no past.
If I were king (queen) for the day I would............................
Let's hear it and I'll make sure you're comments are heard by those up on the bench.
God Bless
Dennis
Friday, May 11, 2012
Vote Vote Vote
Ok,
- Just because you received 2 voter registration cards does not mean that you get to vote 2x.
- And just because our city has already messed up part of the election, and I'd say there is a 50/50 chance we'll have to have a re-election at substantial cost to the taxpayers.
- And just because you don't like any of the candidates.
- And just because....well you get my drift here
you STILL have a civic obligation to VOTE! If you weren't one of the nearly 500 who voted in our city election in early voting tomorrow is your day! If you didn't vote in the water district election, tomorrow is your day!
There are NO excuses that you either didn't vote, or don't vote. When you don't vote, all the other idiots in the world (guys like me) get to pick for you! So you get to live with what I (and those like me) decide, not what you want.
No excuses.
Go vote in our local elections. County and state are coming up too, then we'll get a reprieve until November.
So VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!
God Bless,
Dennis
- Just because you received 2 voter registration cards does not mean that you get to vote 2x.
- And just because our city has already messed up part of the election, and I'd say there is a 50/50 chance we'll have to have a re-election at substantial cost to the taxpayers.
- And just because you don't like any of the candidates.
- And just because....well you get my drift here
you STILL have a civic obligation to VOTE! If you weren't one of the nearly 500 who voted in our city election in early voting tomorrow is your day! If you didn't vote in the water district election, tomorrow is your day!
There are NO excuses that you either didn't vote, or don't vote. When you don't vote, all the other idiots in the world (guys like me) get to pick for you! So you get to live with what I (and those like me) decide, not what you want.
No excuses.
Go vote in our local elections. County and state are coming up too, then we'll get a reprieve until November.
So VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!
God Bless,
Dennis
Sunday, April 29, 2012
VOTE
Texas started no-excuse early voting in 1987. While the first couple of years wasn't exactly what it is today, by 1991 we had pre-election day voting for elections with no reason necessary for you to go and vote. It would prevent everyone from having to stand in long lines on election day.
Voting for the City of Gonzales starts Monday April 30th - May 6th from 8 AM - 5 PM and May 7 - 8th from 7 AM - 7 PM.
For almost 3 years I've been activist on our city council. But for almost 30 years now I've voted. Even when I was in Germany I voted via absentee.
It is not only our civic right, it's our civic duty to vote!
I don't care which of the candidates you are supporting for mayor, or if you're in district 4 which candidate you're supporting, What I do care about is hearing people complain about what's going on in this community and doing NOTHING about it. Now is your no-excuse time to do SOMETHING about our city.
We ARE going to get a new mayor and district 4 IS going to get a new council member. So are YOU going to be a part of that? Or are YOU going to be someone who just whines when things aren't what you think they should be.
One thing I'll give to everyone who is running, at least they are trying to make a difference, and not just sitting on the sidelines complaining without doing anything.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
REFERENCES
Texas Early Voting
City of Gonzales Order of Election
Voting for the City of Gonzales starts Monday April 30th - May 6th from 8 AM - 5 PM and May 7 - 8th from 7 AM - 7 PM.
For almost 3 years I've been activist on our city council. But for almost 30 years now I've voted. Even when I was in Germany I voted via absentee.
It is not only our civic right, it's our civic duty to vote!
I don't care which of the candidates you are supporting for mayor, or if you're in district 4 which candidate you're supporting, What I do care about is hearing people complain about what's going on in this community and doing NOTHING about it. Now is your no-excuse time to do SOMETHING about our city.
We ARE going to get a new mayor and district 4 IS going to get a new council member. So are YOU going to be a part of that? Or are YOU going to be someone who just whines when things aren't what you think they should be.
One thing I'll give to everyone who is running, at least they are trying to make a difference, and not just sitting on the sidelines complaining without doing anything.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
REFERENCES
Texas Early Voting
City of Gonzales Order of Election
Friday, April 20, 2012
Our Neighbors
Ok, the last 2 post of mine, and several conversations later I've come to some conclusions. Now I'm not going to take credit for these ideas being mine originally, but I will say that I'm going to try to in-brace the thought a bit more.
Back 2 1/2 - 3 years ago a newspaper editor named Greg Little attacked not the policies of, but the personality of one of our council members. In a single instant he made it okay for small town politics to go negative and for us to 'hate' our neighbors based on their politics and/or personalities. The worst part, and I'm just as guilty of this as the next guy, is that we've allowed that to happen! We have allowed the negativity to drive wedges between people to the point we don't want to even talk to some people.
We can't allow that to continue.
Just because we don't agree with someones personal life, or a decision they've made, doesn't make them evil. Nor does it mean that we can't work together for the betterment of our community.
Some of you would think that after my posting on ethics I think Bob Burchard is a two headed monster. I don't. I don't like the current tactics he's using in his attempts for mayor. I wish that all we heard from his campaign were what Bob was going to do for this community, and cut out the bashing of his opponent Bobby Logan.
But last weekend Bob and I worked together with the scouts and other organizations to help clean out the city cemetery. We can agree to disagree and still work together to make our town, that's right yours and my town of Gonzales, a better place for all who live here and visit here. For 3 hours we worked as a team. No punches were thrown. No snide comments were made. No x-ray visions hoping to blow the other one up with their superhero powers were being used. No, didn't happen that way. We came together, we saw a problem, we conquered it together.
Still don't like his political tactics, but love what's he's spearheading in the cemetery. No hatred.
There is not a councilman sitting that I haven't gotten onto about something over the last 2+ years. But that's not personal. It's not because I think they are the evil city monsters trying to rule the world. It's because I felt like in those instances they didn't think things through, they didn't look long term, or they weren't looking at the whole picture. But I get along with most everyone that sits on the council including Bobby Logan whom I've smacked hard over the last 2 years in this blog. Everyone of them INCLUDING the mayor has sit at my dinner table for some talk or another over the years.
Now I'm going to say that part of this demeanor is still perpetuated by our papers. Notice that's papers not paper. Headlines like Judgement Day and similar have to stop. Facebook comments about 'the other paper' have to stop. If you want to make a personal comment then make it under your name, but don't put it on the newpapers website or Facebook page for the public to see the dirty laundry! Leave them under your blog or own personal page and don't link them. Just worry about the news you're going to report next paper, and the real news in our community that our town needs and wants.
Our community has come a long ways over the last 2 years in healing a lot of wounds created after Mr. Little opened Pandora's box. But there is still some festering and ooze leaking out. It's time we finish the healing.
When there's something wrong let's address it. This blog will continue to do that too. It doesn't mean that we won't have issues with JB Wells, finances, or other things in our city, but they need to be about what's going to make our city better, not the personalities.
As one who has crossed that line more than once I'm going to apologize now, and I'm serious when I say I'm going to make every attempt to take the personalities out of this blog and keep it more narrowly approached on the issues.
It is NOT okay to hate your neighbor. I don't care what some editor might of told us 3 years ago.
Who's with me on this?
God Bless
Dennis
Back 2 1/2 - 3 years ago a newspaper editor named Greg Little attacked not the policies of, but the personality of one of our council members. In a single instant he made it okay for small town politics to go negative and for us to 'hate' our neighbors based on their politics and/or personalities. The worst part, and I'm just as guilty of this as the next guy, is that we've allowed that to happen! We have allowed the negativity to drive wedges between people to the point we don't want to even talk to some people.
We can't allow that to continue.
Just because we don't agree with someones personal life, or a decision they've made, doesn't make them evil. Nor does it mean that we can't work together for the betterment of our community.
Some of you would think that after my posting on ethics I think Bob Burchard is a two headed monster. I don't. I don't like the current tactics he's using in his attempts for mayor. I wish that all we heard from his campaign were what Bob was going to do for this community, and cut out the bashing of his opponent Bobby Logan.
But last weekend Bob and I worked together with the scouts and other organizations to help clean out the city cemetery. We can agree to disagree and still work together to make our town, that's right yours and my town of Gonzales, a better place for all who live here and visit here. For 3 hours we worked as a team. No punches were thrown. No snide comments were made. No x-ray visions hoping to blow the other one up with their superhero powers were being used. No, didn't happen that way. We came together, we saw a problem, we conquered it together.
Still don't like his political tactics, but love what's he's spearheading in the cemetery. No hatred.
There is not a councilman sitting that I haven't gotten onto about something over the last 2+ years. But that's not personal. It's not because I think they are the evil city monsters trying to rule the world. It's because I felt like in those instances they didn't think things through, they didn't look long term, or they weren't looking at the whole picture. But I get along with most everyone that sits on the council including Bobby Logan whom I've smacked hard over the last 2 years in this blog. Everyone of them INCLUDING the mayor has sit at my dinner table for some talk or another over the years.
Now I'm going to say that part of this demeanor is still perpetuated by our papers. Notice that's papers not paper. Headlines like Judgement Day and similar have to stop. Facebook comments about 'the other paper' have to stop. If you want to make a personal comment then make it under your name, but don't put it on the newpapers website or Facebook page for the public to see the dirty laundry! Leave them under your blog or own personal page and don't link them. Just worry about the news you're going to report next paper, and the real news in our community that our town needs and wants.
Our community has come a long ways over the last 2 years in healing a lot of wounds created after Mr. Little opened Pandora's box. But there is still some festering and ooze leaking out. It's time we finish the healing.
When there's something wrong let's address it. This blog will continue to do that too. It doesn't mean that we won't have issues with JB Wells, finances, or other things in our city, but they need to be about what's going to make our city better, not the personalities.
As one who has crossed that line more than once I'm going to apologize now, and I'm serious when I say I'm going to make every attempt to take the personalities out of this blog and keep it more narrowly approached on the issues.
It is NOT okay to hate your neighbor. I don't care what some editor might of told us 3 years ago.
Who's with me on this?
God Bless
Dennis
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Judgement Day
Ok, I'm not sure that Gonzales needs a tabloid for one of our newspapers. Recently the headlines read in the Gonzales Inquirer read in bold print "Judgement Day". This for an article that had misinformation and basically stated while there were deficiencies there were not going to be ANY sanctions or penalties being accessed. So this was so serious that it needed a National Inquirer style title of "Judgement Day"?
I have to tell you I was very disappointed in this headline, and a couple of others lately. I have never understood what the Inquirers personal vendetta against Mrs Kacir has been all about, but any time her name is in the paper there is a tabloid story that goes with it. This vendetta goes back over 2 years when she was running for Mayor and the Inquirer was covering up for those at the city. I really thought when the new regime came in that trash reporting like that would be a thing of the past.
It's a shame too because I thought with real articles like the city 'finding' $250,000 we were moving in the right direction. That covering the stock show, and doing several other things for the positive of the community were actually going to bring around the paper and start to re-legitimize their place in this community. They've even taken some interesting angles on some stories that I think have been thought provoking and actually good reporting.
So why would they want to throw in sensationalize, crap reporting that is more acting like 2 year olds than 100+ year old paper that has a long standing reputation in this community?
They acted the same way when they lost the bid at the city. I'll be honest, the council didn't select the Inquirer exactly BECAUSE of this kind of reporting. Okay, you might not get someone to fess up to that, but trust me that's the bottom line. Remember most of the council members that voted that night were directly affected by the Inquirers tabloid reporting 2 years ago. Things like that are not going to be forgiven or forgotten over night, and continuing to report articles like "Judgement Day" will keep those memories fresh in their mind for that much longer. But keep reporting real investigative reporting and life in Gonzales and those memories start to fade.
And for the record, I've seen Mrs Kacirs emails attempting to reply too, and give answers to the Gonzales Inquirer. The Inquirer responded that the word count was to long for their policies, but they didn't report that, and THAT is misinformation when you say that attempts to contact Mrs Kacir went unanswered. So what the Inquirer posted is a lie!
I don't care if it's the Gonzales Cannon or the Gonzales Inquirer if it's not in the Op-Ed page, then it should be facts, and non-opinionated. It should not be sensationalized. If they want to write an opinion article on the facts after writing a story then that's their right! But let's label it correctly.
And that is just MY opinion on the situation.
God Bless,
Dennis
I have to tell you I was very disappointed in this headline, and a couple of others lately. I have never understood what the Inquirers personal vendetta against Mrs Kacir has been all about, but any time her name is in the paper there is a tabloid story that goes with it. This vendetta goes back over 2 years when she was running for Mayor and the Inquirer was covering up for those at the city. I really thought when the new regime came in that trash reporting like that would be a thing of the past.
It's a shame too because I thought with real articles like the city 'finding' $250,000 we were moving in the right direction. That covering the stock show, and doing several other things for the positive of the community were actually going to bring around the paper and start to re-legitimize their place in this community. They've even taken some interesting angles on some stories that I think have been thought provoking and actually good reporting.
So why would they want to throw in sensationalize, crap reporting that is more acting like 2 year olds than 100+ year old paper that has a long standing reputation in this community?
They acted the same way when they lost the bid at the city. I'll be honest, the council didn't select the Inquirer exactly BECAUSE of this kind of reporting. Okay, you might not get someone to fess up to that, but trust me that's the bottom line. Remember most of the council members that voted that night were directly affected by the Inquirers tabloid reporting 2 years ago. Things like that are not going to be forgiven or forgotten over night, and continuing to report articles like "Judgement Day" will keep those memories fresh in their mind for that much longer. But keep reporting real investigative reporting and life in Gonzales and those memories start to fade.
And for the record, I've seen Mrs Kacirs emails attempting to reply too, and give answers to the Gonzales Inquirer. The Inquirer responded that the word count was to long for their policies, but they didn't report that, and THAT is misinformation when you say that attempts to contact Mrs Kacir went unanswered. So what the Inquirer posted is a lie!
I don't care if it's the Gonzales Cannon or the Gonzales Inquirer if it's not in the Op-Ed page, then it should be facts, and non-opinionated. It should not be sensationalized. If they want to write an opinion article on the facts after writing a story then that's their right! But let's label it correctly.
And that is just MY opinion on the situation.
God Bless,
Dennis
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Ethics, Really?
So I'm a bit miffed. I have had at least 2 other people and Mr. Burchard tell me how unethical Mr. Logan is. And mind you I've called out Bobby Logins' ethics in this blog. But I think that someone who was fined $112,000 over the course of the last 7 years by the Texas Department of Insurance wouldn't be pointing out the ethics of someone else.
In March 2004 the following was listed on the Texas Department Of Insurance - Summary Of Operations For 3rd Quarter, FY 2004 page:
Then in March 2007 the real hickey came, and is also on the Texas Department Of Insurance - Summary Of Operations For 4th Quarter, FY 2007 page:
You will notice in the first case Burchards was the second largest fine, and in the second he was 2x the next closest fine. What does that tell me? It tells me this wasn't for minor little, oops we forgot something.
Now I'm going to say this one more time, let's talk about issues!!! I'm tired of the talking about who slapped who, or who slept around and cheated on their wife. Or who chopped down trees or who didn't fire Huseman, or who wants to be holier than thou, or who skipped school in 1957. Frankly the character card in this race should NEVER have been brought up by either candidate and I said that a month ago. Hell I've only been here 17 years and even I knew better than to bring up character with these 2. So this race has to come down on issues:
Now that JB Wells is under management how are we going to make sure it stays a vital part of our community and never get into a position where we were at a year ago?
How are we going to deal with the $20,000,000 debt ($6,000,000 + 25 years interest) we've put on our citizens for our water system so that we never are in this position again?
How can we manage our current prosperity to the best benefit of our citizens?
How can we drive visitor friendly businesses downtown to revitalize the wonderful downtown we have?
How are we going to grow our infrastructure to meet the current demands without leaving us hanging in a couple of years without unpaid for projects 1/2 finished when the boom is all over?
How are we going to make sure that a our children have something that keeps them occupied, educated and employed?
How are we going to make sure we're running as efficient a city as possible so that we are never looking to have to lay off employees?
Are we going to pay for museum repairs (millions of $$$'s) with our tax dollars or are we going to make sure private sector and grants are paying for repairs?
Are we going to be business friendly, or are we going to try to keep Gonzales in 1825?
Oh, the list goes on and on, so don't talk to me about who slept with who, or who said what. Geez, it's not even a presidential election and it yet you'd think it was ....I've heard a lot of bs when what we really need is answers to real issues.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
In March 2004 the following was listed on the Texas Department Of Insurance - Summary Of Operations For 3rd Quarter, FY 2004 page:
Now I'm going to say this one more time, let's talk about issues!!! I'm tired of the talking about who slapped who, or who slept around and cheated on their wife. Or who chopped down trees or who didn't fire Huseman, or who wants to be holier than thou, or who skipped school in 1957. Frankly the character card in this race should NEVER have been brought up by either candidate and I said that a month ago. Hell I've only been here 17 years and even I knew better than to bring up character with these 2. So this race has to come down on issues:
Now that JB Wells is under management how are we going to make sure it stays a vital part of our community and never get into a position where we were at a year ago?
How are we going to deal with the $20,000,000 debt ($6,000,000 + 25 years interest) we've put on our citizens for our water system so that we never are in this position again?
How can we manage our current prosperity to the best benefit of our citizens?
How can we drive visitor friendly businesses downtown to revitalize the wonderful downtown we have?
How are we going to grow our infrastructure to meet the current demands without leaving us hanging in a couple of years without unpaid for projects 1/2 finished when the boom is all over?
How are we going to make sure that a our children have something that keeps them occupied, educated and employed?
How are we going to make sure we're running as efficient a city as possible so that we are never looking to have to lay off employees?
Are we going to pay for museum repairs (millions of $$$'s) with our tax dollars or are we going to make sure private sector and grants are paying for repairs?
Are we going to be business friendly, or are we going to try to keep Gonzales in 1825?
Oh, the list goes on and on, so don't talk to me about who slept with who, or who said what. Geez, it's not even a presidential election and it yet you'd think it was ....I've heard a lot of bs when what we really need is answers to real issues.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
Friday, March 30, 2012
Want to Make a difference?
Ok, so this one is a bit personal. This weekend one of my boys is finishing up his project for Eagle Scout. The project is working with Normas House here in town. They've needed some work on the outside of the building and he's taken on a good bit of that work.
So far they've removed and rebuilt several of the shutters. They will be removing and repainting the rest of them, power washing the building, replacing the sign on the side of the building (not the one out front) and working on the handicap ramp.
For those who aren't aware of what Normas House is, it's a child advocacy center on St. Paul. To read more about them see their website here. It's a worthy cause and I'm a very proud papa to see my son take this on.
If you want to make a difference at Normas House and help a young man earn his Eagle Scout, then come out Saturday morning and help out. We will start at 9 AM and continue on till the project is finished. There will be drinks and at lunch time he'll feed the workers. But this is one of those things that the more hands we have the faster this will go. Both of these are worth while causes, so please come out and make a difference.
There are many people to thank, and I'll let my son do that when he's done, but without the generosity of the community this project would not have been possible. The overwhelming response has been amazing and Normas House and Dennis III have been excited about getting these projects done.
God Bless
Dennis Nesser
PS - Thank you Gonzales Inquirer for printing a nice article on this. If you'd like to read it go here
So far they've removed and rebuilt several of the shutters. They will be removing and repainting the rest of them, power washing the building, replacing the sign on the side of the building (not the one out front) and working on the handicap ramp.
For those who aren't aware of what Normas House is, it's a child advocacy center on St. Paul. To read more about them see their website here. It's a worthy cause and I'm a very proud papa to see my son take this on.
If you want to make a difference at Normas House and help a young man earn his Eagle Scout, then come out Saturday morning and help out. We will start at 9 AM and continue on till the project is finished. There will be drinks and at lunch time he'll feed the workers. But this is one of those things that the more hands we have the faster this will go. Both of these are worth while causes, so please come out and make a difference.
There are many people to thank, and I'll let my son do that when he's done, but without the generosity of the community this project would not have been possible. The overwhelming response has been amazing and Normas House and Dennis III have been excited about getting these projects done.
God Bless
Dennis Nesser
PS - Thank you Gonzales Inquirer for printing a nice article on this. If you'd like to read it go here
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Way 2 Go Troop 262
This weekend I got see how hard work and dedication can pay off. Troop 262, along with scouts from Live Oak District (Lockhart, Luling, Gonzales, Cuero, Yoakum, York Town, Shiner, Molton, Halletsville - I think I have them all), came together for a pioneering competition. Gonzales took 3 patrols (31 boys).
The boys worked hard leading up to the event. For 6 weeks prior they extended their meetings to 2 hours to make sure they had it down. They spent part of Spring Break at my house working on their projects. They came up with some very unique ideas. The goal? In 6 hours lash together a signalling tower, a kitchen, and a latrine.
By now it was good and hot in the afternoon, but these boys had more. We moved to the "Chariot Races" These 3 pole structures have to be whipped together using specific lashings, then you put a person in the middle and drag the chariot up about 40 yards and back. Not only did we have the 3 patrols, but we had a group of Webelos (4th-5th graders from Gonzales Pack 261) to teach how to do this. If your guy falls off or any of your lashing come lose you have to go back to the beginning and start over again. We didn't have to worry about either of those happening. These boys make some of the tightest lashings I've ever seen!
After that it was on to the "Non-Cobbler Dutch Oven Dessert" competition. Again 4 entries went in, as the scoutmasters also had a side competition going. Cherry filled brownies, stuffed baked apples, apple, cherry and blueberry turnovers, and last ice cream all made in the dutch oven.
But this being spring meant that boys that had been chosen by their peers to be worthy of Order of the Arrow would also be tapped out. This is the "Honor Society of Scouting". These boys truly exemplify what scouting is all about. We were honored to have 10 boys tapped out. Andrew and Sadrack Moers, Brent Poteet, Max Moreno, Jacob Lockhard, Wyatt Couch, Ali Hoghoughi, Jesus DeLeon, Ian Maxwell, and Jay Newton all earned that honor. What a great way to end a night.
Sunday morning we were up and at it and then down to the parade ground to find out what we might of won. Man did we ever rake in the ribbons. When it was all said and done we took the following:
Live Oak Challenge Winners – Over All Winners
1st Place – Best Camp (Leave No Trace)
1st Place – Dutch Oven Cook-Off (Aggie Patrol)
3rd Place – Dutch Oven Cook-Off (That Patrol)
1st Place – Pioneering Projects (Aggie Patrol)
2nd Place – Pioneering Projects (Challenge Accepted)
2nd Place – Chariot Race (Aggie Patrol)
Golden Toliet Seat – Best latrine (Aggie Patrol)
And our Webelos from 261 took 2nd Place in the Chariot Race
These guys worked hard, and deserved every one of the ribbons and trophy they got. They learned teamwork and perseverance. They learned to overcome many obstacles they encountered during the last several weeks. They learned that hard work DOES pay off!
Doesn't it do your heart good to know that there are still boys out there who want to play outdoors? Who want to be the best? Who will take a challenge and conquer it? For 48 hours they lived without electronics (not even cell phones) and survived. It todays world that alone is an accomplishment.
Before I close I have 2 more things.
The first is a note of thanks to Ken Hendrick who allowed our troop to go through his scrap pile and get all the wood we needed for the competition. What we couldn't find in the pile he graciously donated to the scouts. I can't imagine what we would of done without his generosity. And to South Texas Poultry Supply and Darryl Catchings for all the rope that worked so well with out projects. With 3 patrols we went through over 300' of rope.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
Over 100 years of scouting in America, and over 50 years of scouting in Gonzales, TX
Scoutmaster Troop 262
512-799-1556
www.trp262.com
www.gonzalesscouting.com
Venturing Crew Liason - Crew 264
www.crew264.com
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Note to Candidates
This is a copy of the email I sent to all the candidates today. Hopefully all will respond:
As someone interested in getting information out to the voters I’m offering to all candidates a platform to get your message out free of charge. If you will send me what you want for my readers to see I will copy and paste it into a blog with your name at the top. I will not modify this posting, nor will I respond back to what the readers have to comment about unless it’s a question of fact that I’m positive of the answer on. I will not respond back to questions on position, or platform, or the likes. It will be your responsibility (or someone in your campaign) to monitor and answer those questions.
The blog is located at www.90asign.com, and once your posting is there you can ‘follow’ comments at the bottom of the page so that you get an email when someone post on ‘your’ blog posting.
The intent it to let my readers know where you stand and allow interaction with the candidates. I will not tolerate vulgar or over the top type comments from anyone. If you see one on your posting please let me know and I will remove it.
Dennis Nesser
As someone interested in getting information out to the voters I’m offering to all candidates a platform to get your message out free of charge. If you will send me what you want for my readers to see I will copy and paste it into a blog with your name at the top. I will not modify this posting, nor will I respond back to what the readers have to comment about unless it’s a question of fact that I’m positive of the answer on. I will not respond back to questions on position, or platform, or the likes. It will be your responsibility (or someone in your campaign) to monitor and answer those questions.
The blog is located at www.90asign.com, and once your posting is there you can ‘follow’ comments at the bottom of the page so that you get an email when someone post on ‘your’ blog posting.
The intent it to let my readers know where you stand and allow interaction with the candidates. I will not tolerate vulgar or over the top type comments from anyone. If you see one on your posting please let me know and I will remove it.
Dennis Nesser
Monday, March 5, 2012
Reminder
Just a reminder that tonight at 5 PM is the deadline for signing up for running for city council or mayor.
There are still a few names that are floating around that haven't completed their package. Are they going to? We'll know tonight!
God Bless,
Dennis
There are still a few names that are floating around that haven't completed their package. Are they going to? We'll know tonight!
God Bless,
Dennis
Monday, February 27, 2012
Mix and Match
I had several thoughts and wanted to just go through a couple of things.
First on this blog someone tried to say the people of Gonzales don't care. I begged to differ with them, and through several means, and spearheaded by Mrs. Leifeste, this community raised enough PRIVATE money to pay for the damage caused by vandals in our city cemetery. Thank you Mrs. Leifeste for spearheading this.
I want to stress two things here.
1) This was PRIVATE money used for this project. Not a dime from our city tax dollars. I believe that's the way it should be. Even today I heard a commercial for a private cemetery and they talked about perpetual care basically covered lawn maintenance. I even went to the state laws and the Texas Cemeteries Association and they both state headstones are not covered in perpetual care.
2) It's nice to see that even though the nay sayers swore it wouldn't happen, that the people of Gonzales have done what good citizens do, we took care of those things that needed to be taken care of even without the government getting into the middle of it. You go Gonzales!
Next, Monday is the final day to file for elections in our city. We've had 2 file for mayor. I hope it's a race on issues, not on personality. I think it's good for Gonzales to have people running for mayor. Who knows, maybe there will be more than the 2 by Monday. It will also be interesting to see who files in 4.
Reminder that Wednesday we have a new stop light in Gonzales. It's long past due and hopefully this will prevent some of the major accidents we've seen recently at that intersection at the new HEB and Tiger Tote. All the truck traffic coming out of industrial park has been an issue for years.
I know in conjunction with that I'm excited about the new HEB opening up in just a couple of weeks.
Is anyone else tired of seeing St. George torn up? Now don't get me wrong, I know the guys working on it haven't been on it terribly long, but the entire project has got to of been one of the worst managed projects ever. I'm hoping we're down to the end of this project and we can wipe it off our list.
Last is that 2/28 is a budget meeting. No no one showed up for the last one except our council members. While they might appreciate the quiet, the citizens should take an interest in what's going on. The proposed budget is in the city office and I believe a copy is in the library for public inspection. It would be nice to see and hear from a few concerned citizens at the meeting.
God Bless,
Dennis
First on this blog someone tried to say the people of Gonzales don't care. I begged to differ with them, and through several means, and spearheaded by Mrs. Leifeste, this community raised enough PRIVATE money to pay for the damage caused by vandals in our city cemetery. Thank you Mrs. Leifeste for spearheading this.
I want to stress two things here.
1) This was PRIVATE money used for this project. Not a dime from our city tax dollars. I believe that's the way it should be. Even today I heard a commercial for a private cemetery and they talked about perpetual care basically covered lawn maintenance. I even went to the state laws and the Texas Cemeteries Association and they both state headstones are not covered in perpetual care.
2) It's nice to see that even though the nay sayers swore it wouldn't happen, that the people of Gonzales have done what good citizens do, we took care of those things that needed to be taken care of even without the government getting into the middle of it. You go Gonzales!
Next, Monday is the final day to file for elections in our city. We've had 2 file for mayor. I hope it's a race on issues, not on personality. I think it's good for Gonzales to have people running for mayor. Who knows, maybe there will be more than the 2 by Monday. It will also be interesting to see who files in 4.
Reminder that Wednesday we have a new stop light in Gonzales. It's long past due and hopefully this will prevent some of the major accidents we've seen recently at that intersection at the new HEB and Tiger Tote. All the truck traffic coming out of industrial park has been an issue for years.
I know in conjunction with that I'm excited about the new HEB opening up in just a couple of weeks.
Is anyone else tired of seeing St. George torn up? Now don't get me wrong, I know the guys working on it haven't been on it terribly long, but the entire project has got to of been one of the worst managed projects ever. I'm hoping we're down to the end of this project and we can wipe it off our list.
Last is that 2/28 is a budget meeting. No no one showed up for the last one except our council members. While they might appreciate the quiet, the citizens should take an interest in what's going on. The proposed budget is in the city office and I believe a copy is in the library for public inspection. It would be nice to see and hear from a few concerned citizens at the meeting.
God Bless,
Dennis
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Reflections
Normally I leave reflections to my other blog My Journey of Enlightenment but considering I'm going to do so here.
It was 1 year ago this month that the world as Gonzales knew it started to go through one of the most turmoil of times. A very split council, lots of accusations, lots of people upset, and it didn't matter where you stood politically you weren't very happy with what was going on in our city government.
We had issues from our council all the way down to several employees within our city. We had state agencies coming in from TCEQ, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Rangers, LCRA, and others all not happy with the city of Gonzales. Many of them speaking at our council meetings letting us know we were dropping the balls in many areas.
I went to the council meeting last week and afterwards I reflected where we are today.
We've made HUGE changes in management. We've made huge stride (not that there isn't further to go - but give credit where it's due) in working transparently in our city. We've replace several employees that were either crooked or over their heads.
JB Wells is on the rebound. Our concessions are making money (how? we leased them out). We are actually charging for the services we were suppose to be charging for. We aren't financially bleeding the citizens of Gonzales dry over a rodeo arena.
Our city manager is letting the council know BEFORE contracts are being entered into, and asking their blessing, rather than trying to fly below the radar, even when he has the authority to sign the contracts already. We have public access to all checks written. He manages our city AND still goes out and listens to what the citizens are doing in social functions (something some of the previous managers didn't do).
We have a new financial officer. This one is brand new, but the fact that the old one who failed to reply to Tx Unemployment on time, failed to report proper income, failed to give the department managers timely and CORRECT information is gone is a blessing. The interim found undeclared deposits, accounts improperly posted, and helped get the accounting system on track, something that was always 'in the pile' for the previous one.
I see a council that actually can get along and not only be civil, but can exchange thoughts and ideas for the first time in probably 6 - 8 years. They've grown one of our biggest assets, Victoria College. They've brought new business in, and the rumblings I hear under the surface is that several more businesses, places for adults and our teenagers can work have either purchased or are looking for places to move into Gonzales. That's not counting the surveying stakes across the street from HEB where a Super Walmart is suppose to move in. Hotels, restaurants, and other businesses all looking and/or moving in.
A year ago I'm not sure I would of thought we would be here so quickly. I figured our council would still be bickering, and we'd still be figuring our way out of all the mess we were standing in last February.
Do we have more to go? Oh my, you bet we do! But as we continue to move forward, let's not forget what all has been accomplished. Let's remember that we were knee deep in alligators and honestly not very marketable to an outsider, and let's NOT go back that way again.
I know there are still a handful of tough issues the council and our city manager has to cross off their list. Not fun ones. But I have confidence when I reflect back in another year we can once again be better off than we are today.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
It was 1 year ago this month that the world as Gonzales knew it started to go through one of the most turmoil of times. A very split council, lots of accusations, lots of people upset, and it didn't matter where you stood politically you weren't very happy with what was going on in our city government.
We had issues from our council all the way down to several employees within our city. We had state agencies coming in from TCEQ, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Rangers, LCRA, and others all not happy with the city of Gonzales. Many of them speaking at our council meetings letting us know we were dropping the balls in many areas.
I went to the council meeting last week and afterwards I reflected where we are today.
We've made HUGE changes in management. We've made huge stride (not that there isn't further to go - but give credit where it's due) in working transparently in our city. We've replace several employees that were either crooked or over their heads.
JB Wells is on the rebound. Our concessions are making money (how? we leased them out). We are actually charging for the services we were suppose to be charging for. We aren't financially bleeding the citizens of Gonzales dry over a rodeo arena.
Our city manager is letting the council know BEFORE contracts are being entered into, and asking their blessing, rather than trying to fly below the radar, even when he has the authority to sign the contracts already. We have public access to all checks written. He manages our city AND still goes out and listens to what the citizens are doing in social functions (something some of the previous managers didn't do).
We have a new financial officer. This one is brand new, but the fact that the old one who failed to reply to Tx Unemployment on time, failed to report proper income, failed to give the department managers timely and CORRECT information is gone is a blessing. The interim found undeclared deposits, accounts improperly posted, and helped get the accounting system on track, something that was always 'in the pile' for the previous one.
I see a council that actually can get along and not only be civil, but can exchange thoughts and ideas for the first time in probably 6 - 8 years. They've grown one of our biggest assets, Victoria College. They've brought new business in, and the rumblings I hear under the surface is that several more businesses, places for adults and our teenagers can work have either purchased or are looking for places to move into Gonzales. That's not counting the surveying stakes across the street from HEB where a Super Walmart is suppose to move in. Hotels, restaurants, and other businesses all looking and/or moving in.
A year ago I'm not sure I would of thought we would be here so quickly. I figured our council would still be bickering, and we'd still be figuring our way out of all the mess we were standing in last February.
Do we have more to go? Oh my, you bet we do! But as we continue to move forward, let's not forget what all has been accomplished. Let's remember that we were knee deep in alligators and honestly not very marketable to an outsider, and let's NOT go back that way again.
I know there are still a handful of tough issues the council and our city manager has to cross off their list. Not fun ones. But I have confidence when I reflect back in another year we can once again be better off than we are today.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Reporting of Committees
At the council meeting this last week a gentleman stood up during public comments and complained because a plan that was submitted to the Beautification committee was rejected (for this purpose it doesn't matter why), and when he tried to get records from the committee meeting he was informed that we have no such records in our city for any of our committees.
While that's not exactly right, GADC, the Zoning Board, and a couple of others keep and maintain records, it is so that most have no reporting to the city what so ever.
So straight from the Open Meetings Handbook 2012, page 12 -
D. Committees and Subcommittees of Governmental Bodies
Generally, meetings of less than a quorum of a governmental body are not subject to the Act.70 However, when a governmental body appoints a committee that includes less than a quorum of the parent body and grants it authority to supervise or control public business or public policy, the committee may itself be a “governmental body” subject to the Act.71
Our committees definitely fall into the 'less than a quorum' since I've never seen our council members appointed to these committees. But they most definitely ARE given permission and authority to supervise and control public business and public policy.
In September I wrote about the need for our committees to report to the council on a regular basis. read here
I'm being told that there are committees meeting without proper notification to ALL members of the committees, that there are some that are basically committee in name only and that the 'elite few' just do whatever they want on these committees. When I spoke to Bob Burchard about some of his actions in the city and upsetting people by those doing things (things often related to committees he's on), and he told me "I didn't do it it wouldn't get done!"
Really?
So that means that you can circumvent all the policy, procedures and laws that were set out to make sure that the public has say in our city and for a COMMITTEE (defined as - a group of persons elected or appointed to perform some service or function, as to investigate, report on, or act upon a particular matter). That the few don't dictate to the many. It's also that the council knows what's going on! The sad part is he's not alone in his attitude about committee work.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, our committees all work for the city council (who in turn works for the best interest of the people of Gonzales). They don't get free reign, and they have a obligation to keep the council and the citizens of this town informed as to where they spend any money and what policies they are dictating. As a courtesy to the council they also owe them a "what we're working on" so that the council can direct any actions that might be duplicated (or in some cases triplicated) or in contrary to the direction the council is trying to move our city.
I think our city needs to immediately inform all committees to insure they are following by certain rules, and while some of them are not laws, they are still courteous and transparent ways to operate -
1) All meetings times and places are posted on the city websites for all committees
2) A quorum must be present at all committee meetings for any votes of action to be taken
3) Minutes for all meetings must be posted with the city secretary within 3 business days following the next committee meeting (to give time to approve the minutes before posting - so most minute, just like our council minutes would be a month behind).
4) All committees must make a public report at least quarterly to the city council with general details of project status (what's been completed, and what are we working on) for the councils knowledge and direction.
Some of the committees have done an excellent job. But honestly I believe some of our committees have taken on a life of their own that were never intended. We as a public have a right to know what's going on in our committees. We have a right to be at any meeting of any committee. We have a right to have a say, even if we're not on the committee, just as we do with our elected officials. But the way it's set up right now, our citizens and our city council have no way of knowing what's going on in those committee meetings.
God Bless
Dennis Nesser
While that's not exactly right, GADC, the Zoning Board, and a couple of others keep and maintain records, it is so that most have no reporting to the city what so ever.
So straight from the Open Meetings Handbook 2012, page 12 -
D. Committees and Subcommittees of Governmental Bodies
Generally, meetings of less than a quorum of a governmental body are not subject to the Act.70 However, when a governmental body appoints a committee that includes less than a quorum of the parent body and grants it authority to supervise or control public business or public policy, the committee may itself be a “governmental body” subject to the Act.71
Our committees definitely fall into the 'less than a quorum' since I've never seen our council members appointed to these committees. But they most definitely ARE given permission and authority to supervise and control public business and public policy.
In September I wrote about the need for our committees to report to the council on a regular basis. read here
I'm being told that there are committees meeting without proper notification to ALL members of the committees, that there are some that are basically committee in name only and that the 'elite few' just do whatever they want on these committees. When I spoke to Bob Burchard about some of his actions in the city and upsetting people by those doing things (things often related to committees he's on), and he told me "I didn't do it it wouldn't get done!"
Really?
So that means that you can circumvent all the policy, procedures and laws that were set out to make sure that the public has say in our city and for a COMMITTEE (defined as - a group of persons elected or appointed to perform some service or function, as to investigate, report on, or act upon a particular matter). That the few don't dictate to the many. It's also that the council knows what's going on! The sad part is he's not alone in his attitude about committee work.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, our committees all work for the city council (who in turn works for the best interest of the people of Gonzales). They don't get free reign, and they have a obligation to keep the council and the citizens of this town informed as to where they spend any money and what policies they are dictating. As a courtesy to the council they also owe them a "what we're working on" so that the council can direct any actions that might be duplicated (or in some cases triplicated) or in contrary to the direction the council is trying to move our city.
I think our city needs to immediately inform all committees to insure they are following by certain rules, and while some of them are not laws, they are still courteous and transparent ways to operate -
1) All meetings times and places are posted on the city websites for all committees
2) A quorum must be present at all committee meetings for any votes of action to be taken
3) Minutes for all meetings must be posted with the city secretary within 3 business days following the next committee meeting (to give time to approve the minutes before posting - so most minute, just like our council minutes would be a month behind).
4) All committees must make a public report at least quarterly to the city council with general details of project status (what's been completed, and what are we working on) for the councils knowledge and direction.
Some of the committees have done an excellent job. But honestly I believe some of our committees have taken on a life of their own that were never intended. We as a public have a right to know what's going on in our committees. We have a right to be at any meeting of any committee. We have a right to have a say, even if we're not on the committee, just as we do with our elected officials. But the way it's set up right now, our citizens and our city council have no way of knowing what's going on in those committee meetings.
God Bless
Dennis Nesser
Monday, February 6, 2012
Today starts it off...
So today is the day you can go down to the city secretary and fill in your paper work to run in the May election.
Remember a few things...
1) Per city rules you must be registered to vote and live in that district(council member) / city(mayor) for 6 months. That means your voter registration card and drivers license have to match where you fall to sleep at since December 2011 (I did tell you that back in October).
2) It cost NOTHING to sign up. That's right, no expense what so ever to sign up to run.
3) There are no party affiliations for city races. You don't have to declare Republican or Democrat or other, as a matter of fact there is no where TO declare such an affiliation.
4) There are, by state law, financial forms that have to be filled out periodically, and you can get in big trouble if you don't.
5) There are guidelines for all signs, printed material, and advertisements that you put out that have to be maintained (Those little disclaimers, etc).
6) We have a wide open Mayoral race (meaning no incumbent) and 2 council seats (3 and 4) running this time.
7) Who is more qualified than YOU? You have ideas, you have talents, you have vision for this town? Then why aren't you running?
So get down to city hall today, ask for your application, sign up and let's have some good, clean exchange of ideas that will help the city grow.
And for the records, those of you who are seriously thinking about it, leave the crappy mud slinging for the mud wrestling shows in the big cities. We don't need to know who didn't wash their hands this morning, or who said what about who, or who did something 25 years ago...it's not pertinent to the issues at hand.
What are those? How are we going to continue our stride to a more transparent city government? How are we going to manage our money better so we don't have to borrow $6,000,000 in the future? How are we going to deal with the influx of people who are coming in the city right now? And how are we going to keep our infrastructure in good shape through all of this? How are we going to make JB Wells accountable and yet be the best little rodeo arena in Texas? Those are just a few of the issues at the top of my head right now.
That's what the voters of Gonzales want to hear about!
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
Remember a few things...
1) Per city rules you must be registered to vote and live in that district(council member) / city(mayor) for 6 months. That means your voter registration card and drivers license have to match where you fall to sleep at since December 2011 (I did tell you that back in October).
2) It cost NOTHING to sign up. That's right, no expense what so ever to sign up to run.
3) There are no party affiliations for city races. You don't have to declare Republican or Democrat or other, as a matter of fact there is no where TO declare such an affiliation.
4) There are, by state law, financial forms that have to be filled out periodically, and you can get in big trouble if you don't.
5) There are guidelines for all signs, printed material, and advertisements that you put out that have to be maintained (Those little disclaimers, etc).
6) We have a wide open Mayoral race (meaning no incumbent) and 2 council seats (3 and 4) running this time.
7) Who is more qualified than YOU? You have ideas, you have talents, you have vision for this town? Then why aren't you running?
So get down to city hall today, ask for your application, sign up and let's have some good, clean exchange of ideas that will help the city grow.
And for the records, those of you who are seriously thinking about it, leave the crappy mud slinging for the mud wrestling shows in the big cities. We don't need to know who didn't wash their hands this morning, or who said what about who, or who did something 25 years ago...it's not pertinent to the issues at hand.
What are those? How are we going to continue our stride to a more transparent city government? How are we going to manage our money better so we don't have to borrow $6,000,000 in the future? How are we going to deal with the influx of people who are coming in the city right now? And how are we going to keep our infrastructure in good shape through all of this? How are we going to make JB Wells accountable and yet be the best little rodeo arena in Texas? Those are just a few of the issues at the top of my head right now.
That's what the voters of Gonzales want to hear about!
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
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