Summer Time Summer Time, Sum-Sum-Summer Time

So what is summer time without a dip in the pool right? I know my family and I love to go swimming the summer nights we have around here.  But this weekend I was surprised to find out how many visitors to Gonzales love to come here to go swimming too. The problem is, you and I are paying for their enjoyment. Let me explain.

We currently have a rodeo here in town.  Now I've been telling people that these people come complete. They are not your typical convention that tours your town, eats at your restaurants,  buying things throughout town, but never did I expect to see pools lining the trailers as I drove by.  These pools range from 500 gallon pools to the couple that you see above that hold 3000+ gallons of water each.  I could see 7 pools and well over 10,000 gallons of water being used by these visitors to our fine arena.

Now each of these people pay $20 for the nights stay.  Nothing stops them from dumping their pool and filling it back up as needed like the one below that had been drained till later.

When I drove by to take some pictures there were 7 kids in one waving at us wanting us to take their pictures, so here we go.

Now the $20 a night is for the use of electricity and water for their stay, but there has to be a reasonable clause. The $20 a night is made for "normal" usage.

So a couple of things come to mind after seeing these pools (by the way I could only see the pools lined up on Hwy 183, not the ones inside the compound). Ten thousand gallons of water for just the pools I saw definitely does not help the city trying to get the cost losses of the arena under control.  This is an added expense that goes beyond reasonable to expect us as local tax payers to pay for.

Second, we have a public pool that was open 2 blocks away.  Not only would it not cost us anymore for these visitors to visit our pool, we'd actually make money if they visited.  We'd be better off if we gave every slot rented 2 tickets to the pool instead of letting just those pools I saw being filled.

Third comes the fact that either we have a rule against this and it's not being enforce, or our city manager has allowed this to be overlooked. I'm sure Doc Graham is pleased to let it be overlooked but as a taxpayer in this community I'm pretty upset. This needs to be addressed immediately.  This is a case that either a simple clause needs to be inserted into or rental agreement or enforced if it's already there.

If you live in a trailer park or an apartment complex where they pay the water, there are always clauses that exclude swimming pools, washing cars, and other water activities that would run up the water bill unfairly.  Why would anyone visiting here expect anything less?

$200,000+ lost last year at the arena. I've already mentioned the commissary issue that needs to be gotten under control.  Let's look at these couple of dollars here.  Let's get our council to appoint a real committee that will put real world recommendations on how to control the losses, what to do to turn the arena profitable. Some of these issues that are plain as day to anyone that will look, others are going to take a deeper look.  But maybe that's the problem.  Maybe those who've been running the city don't really want the answers to be out in the public. They've gotten good at hiding the truth, is this just one more case of it?

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

This was brought by a tip from another concerned tax payer! Thanks, you know who you are.

Memorial Day 2010

 I think it's kind of funny that it's taken me 20 years since I've gotten out of the army to appreciate days like Memorial Day.  Yes, that's right I spent 8 years voluntarily serving my country.  I tell every young person I see today that those 8 years set a foundation for who I am today.  I served during several 'conflicts', and the start of the first Iraqi war.  I was there when we were bombing Libya and through our friends at the CIA got myself shot at in the great drug war.  But I was a young man who was invincible, and just off handily doing my job. 

Even then I didn't truly appreciate what all those men and women that went before me had given up for my freedoms, they too were just doing their job.  I didn't realize that my blank check to my Uncle Sam could really cost me my life.  I didn't realize that without those of us who wrote those checks every day, and were willing to honor them that our country wouldn't be 1/2 the country it is today.

I think about all the men that died trying to give us this country back in 1700's.  Then the civil war, 1st and 2nd WW, Vietnam, Korea, and countless conflicts (Granada, Bosnia, and so many others) that went and gave everything they had, including their life for the people back home.  It's pretty overwhelming. 

They didn't ask for much.  A cot to sleep on, three squares a day, and a little respect when and if they came back.  As a country we've not always been so great with that last part, but I think we're doing better.  I know I personally go out of my way when I see someone in a uniform to thank them for what they've done. 

We can't all go to a military cemetery this Memorial Day.  Not all of us will even see a military person or a veteran tomorrow.  But we can all take a moment, bow our head, and thank God for all those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms, then ask Him to place His hand of protection over all of our troops that are serving now, and to please bring each and everyone of them home safely. It won't take but a minute, isn't that a small price to pay for the price they paid for your freedom?

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser 

It's Not About HEB

Ok, so there is potential for HEB to come to Gonzales with a store that is 3x the size of our current store.  The problem is that the current location is to small for a store that large. They'd have to take over the library and move it, or possible take over the Dollar General and expand that way.  Currently HEBs' plan is to move out on Hwy 90a not far from Walmart.

Now a group of downtown business owners have approached HEB to stay and expand where they are.

So here's my thoughts on this.  First of all I've never in 15 years here I've never driven to HEB and then though, "Oh I need to stop at Storeys and get a necklace for my wife."  Now I live on the north side of town, so I have to drive through downtown to get to HEB.  The best I might do is stop for gas, instead of going to my usual location. 

But I do see an issue that these owners need to be looking into.  Just in the last year or so I've seen business after business shutting down.  Let's see how many I can name:

Rogers Downtown (2x)
Cafe Sozo
Lemon and Licorice
Faith and Fangles
Brenums
Sweet Irene
The Vitamin store located where The Tax Place is now
DeLaGarzas
El Ranchitos
Guadalajaras
At least one of the antique stores
Karate place
Lynn Theater

These are the ones I'm aware of, and all of them were downtown. 

Now all of these were places that I would visit from time to time.  Often times when I'd visit any one of these, I'd walk the block, sometimes 2 blocks and look in the stores, visit, see what there was to buy, eat then head back home. 

It was THESE locations that brought me downtown.  Even today we went to Mi Lupitas and then my wife had to look at the store next door.  I would never just go to the store, it's a secondary visit because I'm already there.  And honestly we've spent good money in that store next door. 

So I'm thinking we don't need to keep HEB on the south side of town (and in a second I'll give you some reasons to move it), but we DO need to be talking to all these business owners and asking them WHY aren't you downtown anymore.  I know of one that moved to Shiner.  One that's moved into a home office.  That's just the ones I know about.

So what's driving our downtown businesses out of business?  Is our city involved in these decisions in any way?  Is it just rent is to high?  Is it because we need better resources in training these owners?  Is it because we need to have more work from our Chamber getting people downtown? Is it because ....well you get the idea. 

If the city wants to spend some money, how about spending some money to figuring out how to keep downtown full.  What would anyone from the JB Wells want to go downtown for right now anyway?  I keep hearing how it's going to draw all these great crowds to the downtown, but truth be told there isn't that much for them to come spend their money on.  And still doesn't account for that group comes self contained anyway, but if they wanted to come downtown where are they going to go? The Pawn Shop? Gregs Computers? Yeah, those are exactly what out of towners are coming into town for.

So why move HEB to Sarah DeWitt?

First of all with 3x the space there is going to be 3x the traffic.  Our downtown streets are not prepared for for that kind of traffic.  Second I believe that Walmart might take the competition more serious if they looked out the door and saw HEB down the street.  We keep hearing about Walmarts expansion.  Heck I've heard about it for 10 years it seems. What better incentive than to put the competition in their sites. I bet we'd get that competition and even a food section.  What would that do? It would keep HEB in check.  I've heard complaints about HEBs' prices in the last year or so. What better way then to have Walmart expand with a food section.

So bottom line, let HEB move! Let's start asking questions and figure out how to keep businesses downtown! Let's patronize these businesses when we can. It's a vicious cycle that we have to figure a way to stop.

Make comments, let's discuss this. All ideas will be passed onto our city council members. Who knows, maybe one of them can help make a change in our city.

God Bless
Dennis Nesser

2 Months ago

So it's been 2 months since I've started this blog.  Just under 3000 hits have been logged.  When I started the blog I really wasn't certain what to expect. I know there are those that cringe every time they see my chalkboard and blog updated, and those that applaud, and honestly I think the majority of Gonzales is in favor of what I'm doing here.

I knew when I started this whole venture that there would be attacks to me personally.  I'm not sure I realized how low the Mayor would go with the lies he was spreading, but it's ok, no venture worth undertaking comes without personal attacks. And frankly, those that know me know there would be no way in the world those lies could be true.

Gonzales, there is so much we need to open our eyes to.  Even I have been amazed at the dark corners that lurk around us where our city government has stuffed their dirty little secrets.  Every time one of you call, email, or stop me in the street to tell me about something I'm even more amazed.  But then I go asking questions and people nod their heads, or point me in a direction that these are really true things going on in our city right now.  Out of everything that's been told to me I've only had 2 things I was able to disprove, a couple I'm still checking on, and oh so much chalkboard information it's just sad.

So at this 2 month juncture I want to thank all of you for your support and your comments. I would of stopped a long time ago if I didn't know that you were there, wanting to know what was going on in Gonzales.  WE are making a difference, the last city council meeting is proof of that.  We need to keep telling our council members what we think, so they know without a doubt what their constituents want them to do.

God Bless
Dennis Nesser

Not done with JB Wells

So now the initial shock of the whole 'let's spring the JB Wells project on the city council' is over we need to look at a few more issues over this whole process.

Let's start with the citys' notification of the public for the Open Meeting laws.  All meetings have to be posted 72 hours in advance of a meeting.  Now I happen to have been up on the city website last weekend.  I don't recall seeing any posting for this special meeting anywhere.

Per the city secretary: "I further certify that the following News Media were properly notified of the above stated meeting: KCTI Radio Station, Gonzales Inquirer, Gonzales Cannon. This is what is on the agenda posted for council meetings.

Now let's look at this little issue.  If both papers were notified Friday, and the GI prints on Tuesday, the Cannon prints on the following Friday, and let's be honest, while most of us might know where 1450 is on our radio dial, it's not something we keep on everyday.  I love some of their programs, and especially special events, but I'm not getting my news there.  But my point is that NO ONE is going to find out about the meeting till after the meeting is over.  Do you think this was the mayor and/or city manager trying to get only those hand picked to be at the meeting that Monday night? You don't think they would be that underhanded, low-down and just that dishonest do you?

So the question starts with, why isn't the city website updated? Wouldn't that be the most logical place to start the notification process?  In todays world there should be a RSS feed that will update to anyone that would like to follow straight from the website.  It's built into all windows machines to follow RSS.  Even basic blogger pages like this one has it.  If I update this blog and you have the RSS set up then you see it in your drop down shortly after I've posted.  The city can't even handle something that simple? Heck they can't even be bothered to post it on their own website! Anyone else see a problem with this lack of process to inform the public of an upcoming special meeting? Maybe by the letter of the law they did what they needed to, but not by the spirit of the law.

So let's talk about the notification that the mayor and city manager gave the 3 councilmen that did not second the motion.  Friday afternoon they were given their packages with the $5,000,000 project.  Now this leads someone to believe one of 2 things.  Either the council had worked closely with this committee to get this program finalized....oh wait that didn't happen, so that leaves the second option, they wanted to slip this right past without many questions.

When you present this size project to someone it takes time to digest and get their questions in line, so that they can get reasonable answers before expected to vote on the issue.  How could you expect anyone to vote on ANY $5,000,000 project without time to digest it and get reasonable answers before voting for it?

My second problem is we don't even have control of the arena in it's present condition.  Did you know that we lost over $200,000 last year on the arena.  Now how can you tell me on one hand how much more money we're going to make if we expand, when we're not making money now?  Does that mean we'll LOSE that much more money?

Now in all fairness I have 2 comments on the lose.  First is that the city is always going to provide some services to the community at a lose.  Not everything is going to make a profit, but the loses should be kept to a minimum.  Second, I'm not sure if the arena was properly run that our loses would be anywhere near that great.  Ask someone at the city how often we inventory out at the arena, if they tell you more than once a year they aren't being truthful with you.  Ok, I'll say it straight up, they'd be lying to you.  What business, that stays in business inventories just once a year? This is bad business practices and should be corrected by our city manager immediately.

Now I know the Doc Graham is burning up the phone lines trying to get this project passed.  He's got the mayor asking for private meetings with councilmen to try to get pass all this.  Between the 2 of them they just don't understand, this town doesn't want to spend $5,000,000 for the benefit of an elite few.  So now it's your turn to make a difference.  Write you councilman and let them know to hold the course and let this project die.  Call them and let them know how much you support Tommy, Gary and Lorenzo and their decision to use good fiscal sense for our town. You can respond here, even anonymously, and let them know you are in support of what they are doing. I will personally make sure they get the responses.  If you don't let them know then they will have to guess. Don't leave any doubt in their mind that they are doing the right thing.

Now I also want to point out that this 'committee' was NEVER appointed by the city council!  Our charter specifically states all committees have to be appointed by the city council.  No committee put together by the city manager or any other group has any more influence as a committee then you or I going up and talking to the city council.  Mind you they can listen, but they have no obligation to act on it.

So now it's your time, let's hear from you Gonzales, let the city manager, the mayor, and all of the city councilmen know where you stand!

God Bless
Dennis Nesser

Congrates Class of 2010

  What a wonderful day for Gonzales! The seniors for GHS 2010 will all walk across the stage tonight, 7:30 at Apache Field.  These seniors have survived 12 years of our school districts best and worst.  They have jumped through hoops, and many of them have promising futures.  To all of those young men and women who have made it, I want to congratulate each and everyone of you! You deserve it.

Now my favorite part, for those of you not going on to college, it's time for you to GET A JOB! :-) Seriously, it's time to look for a career and plan for the future.  Taxes, bills and life all fall into your lap now.  God Bless you all, because you're going to need it!  Get involved! Let the world know you're there and ready to take everything on.

Last, be careful tonight.  As a parent, our worst fears are the potential tragedy tonight especially.  So please be careful as you celebrate this weekend.

God bless you all!

Now for those of you wanting more on the city....come back tomorrow and we'll have a new board and new blog.

God Bless
Dennis Nesser

What's up Doc? Not the the JB Wells project

So they thought they were going to slip one right past the council...or at least Tommy, Gary and Lorenzo.  They (Doc Graham, Bobby and Bobby, David Huseman for starters) put together a "JB Wells Master Plan".  They called a special meeting so that you and I wouldn't be there, and then presented this oh so wonderful plan to the city council so that JB Wells could be expanded.  Supposedly there would be no cost to the city.

Oh wait, flip the page and there is a $5,000,000 price tag on this master plan!!! That's 5 MILLION DOLLARS!

Now it was shown during the meeting that during the events at a similar town as Gonzales that did the upgrades we are wanting, that tax revenues actually went DOWN during these events.  What to know why? Because everyone is out at the rodeo arena, not shopping downtown!  These guys aren't interested in our downtown.  They are here for a single purpose, that's for the rodeo. 

Now don't get me wrong, someone would benefit from it all.  Oh Doc Graham would rake in the bucks.  I've heard he would triple his profits for a single weekend event.  I don't know that for certain, but I assure you Doc did not try so hard to push this through the city council because he loves Gonzales.

Now for those of you who don't know, Doc Graham is one of the largest campaign contributors in Gonzales.  Heck, he might even be the top contributor, and he EXPECTS those he donated to vote his way.  Well guess what, one of them stepped up and did what is right instead! I'm certain Gary Schroder has caught all kinds of flack for not going with the plan, but I give him two thumbs up for standing up for what's right in Gonzales!

So here's what finally happened.  Bobby Logan made a motion (this is not a surprise to anyone that who's been to a city council meeting, as Bobby makes all motions), and the mayor called for a second.  Tommy, Gary, and Lorenzo looked straight ahead.  Four times the mayor called for a second and it never came.  The motion failed for lack of a second! HORRAY for the good guys! David Huseman had to just look down at his Mountain Dew, and Doc Graham just got up and left upset.

The way I look at it is since the election - Gonzales 1 Elitist 0

Keep vigilant Gonzales, because they are going to keep trying till they are run out of town, or till they get their way.  Let Gary, Tommy and Lorenzo know that you appreciate them looking out for your interest and not those of the elite few of this town!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

David Huseman on Behalf of GEDC

I'm not sure if Mr. Huseman just has a set of brass balls, or is so stupid to think he's Gods gift to Gonzales.  Recently I saw a document that Mr. Huseman had drawn up for the purchase of some land that he wanted purchased for parks through GEDC.  The contract that he had drawn up read, "David Huseman on Behalf of GEDC". 

Now first of all this order was put in on 1/29/10.  It was sent to the GEDC for their meeting one week before the election in April.  Now I'm certain that in the 3 months interim Mr Huseman meant to tell the GEDC board about it, and it just slipped his mind.  Really? Our city manager just let it slip? At $60,000 deal?

But worst of all, who the hell does this guy think he is making deals for the GEDC? Last I saw he wasn't on that board in any capacity, and sure doesn't speak for them! They are an independent board that manages the money.  His comment, "Well you have money set aside for parks". *slapping forehead* So he just decided he could spend it the way he wanted to.  Doesn't matter that we have a board set up to make those decisions. 

GEDC does have approximately $100,000 set aside earmarked as 'parks' for the JB Wells area.  But again, Mr. Huseman decided that it's ok, he knows better than the rest of the city, and obviously what's best for ......I'm not sure who he know best for.

Speaking of boards, what gives Mr. Huseman the right to set up a Texas Center board? Seems to me the charter says that only our city council has the right to set up committees.

You know Mr. Huseman was let go from his last position because he 'wasn't a good fit'.  I'm beginning to thing his attitude is getting him there once again. The man forgets that he works for us, the city, and more specifically the city council.  And let's not think he's not playing politics. 

Don't think the mind slippage he had wasn't politically motivated.  Don't think that not getting a copy of the city financials out to the city council on the last meeting before elections wasn't politically motivated. Don't think that his actions aren't all calculated to cover his rear and allow those who won't question his motives and actions.

Why are we dumping in the river at all? Why are we spending emergency funds? Why are we not holding Mr. Huseman responsible for his actions? Come on City Council, let's have some answers!!!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Gonzales Inquirer Acting Like Children

So as the story goes, Sunday evening the Gonzales Inquirer posted a comment boldly stating that they had not created any disinformation and they they dared anyone to copy and paste ANYTHING that they had misrepresented!

Ok folks, I didn't go looking for this fight, but If you put a target that big on your chest you best be ready for someone to try to hit you, and since when have I ever been bashful of picking up that stone?

So I commented on their wall that something to the effect of "How about the $2,300,000 that Greg Little is trying to say was spent on fire trucks and turbines.  These items were budgeted items, hence not emergency fund items, let's start with correcting that bit of disinformation!"

There were several other comments noting the unprofessionalism of a newpaper to put such a post on facebook.

A couple of hours later they removed the entire posting from their facebook wall, so I posted the following, "Wow, you can't even back up what you start? You wanted to see someone step up and tell the world how you are spreading disinformation. When we do you just delete the post? Either man up and admit you're lying to the public or shut the doors". 

I took the above screenshot knowing that they would delete the post, but wanted proof that the Gonzales Inquirer is running scared. They know they are in the wrong, they just won't admit it. So they did delete the post (go see if their wall looks like my picture, it doesn't because of all the deletions), and they un-friended me.  I'm going to take that as a badge of honor!

Look here's my beef with the Inquirer -
1) They have gotten so bias that it's sickening.  They  might as well call it the Mary Ann MacLean news paper because that's all they are printing.  Did you know that they did NOT print Steve Hendershots paid article that was delivered in a timely manner.  Seems to me they have an obligation to print equal space if the opponents want it (remember it's a paid ad).

2) They have gotten to where they are printing 1/2 truths.  Yes, we purchased a fire truck. Yes we purchased some work on the dam turbines, but those were ALL budgeted items for the city, not emergency fund items.  So somewhere we have combined 2 stories that look like one to cover up the guilty.

3) Where was their reporting on the fraud cases? These guys are suppose to be bringing us the news, not making it! When was the last real 'scoop' they had? Come on, with the information I get daily their paper should be full of 'interesting facts' that you need to be aware of.

4) They have just gotten childish.  I would NEVER have posted my comment just willy nilly on their facebook wall, but THEY ASKED FOR COMMENTS!!! If you are going to do such a thing you best be willing to back it up! A professional would of never done that, but if they did they would of responded to the comments placed up there! Comment on the disinformation on the Normas House.  Comment on the disinformation on the fraud cases. Comment on the disinformation on the GEDC board. Comment on the disinformation on the budget.  Let's just start there!  Back up your facts, the budget is there under the Freedom of Information Act to back you up, but we all know I'm right here.

I have read the Gonzales Inquirer for about 14 of the 15 years I've been here.  But I dropped my subscription.  We've quite advertising in their paper (admittedly it wasn't a lot, but a hundred  or so a year). And honestly except when someone brings a copy over to roll their eyes with me I never even touch it, why bother I like to get my local fiction from guys like Tim Quinton and his Sea Huntress series, not from my newspaper.

It's sad, because the Gonzales Inquirer has a great tradition in our community.  Unfortunately the current staff has brought it down to a couple of children wanting to take their balls home because they didn't get their way.

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

PS, Hey Greg, I know someone at the paper is reading my blog, I see the cookies, I want you to know I won't delete your comments. Here's your opportunity to get it right. Even if I disagree with them I will either rebut them or let the world decide the truth, but I won't delete them!

We're watching you

 The election is over, and it's time to move forward, but that doesn't mean that it's we are going to roll over and play dead.  The eyes are looking directly at city hall, and there's good reason for that.

I'm hoping they get even cockier, even more brazen then before.

We already have a city manager that has illegally signed contracts for GEDC.  We already have nothing shy of dumping into our Guadalupe river with concrete and rebar.  I'm certain that is going to cost you and I the tax payers money.  And there is more.

We  have a city council that is not taking care of business.  We've still got shady deals going on.  Nothing has changed.

So for now the message needs to be loud and clear to city hall -

We're watching you!

Happy Mothers Day

L

Let us remember that there are things in this world more important than politics.  If we forget God, if we forget our family, if we forget our true friends, then what does it matter?

Today is the day to honor our mothers.  Flowers, candy, small trinkets of appreciation are all brought out for this special occasion. So on this day of days, remember to thank your mom for all the things she's done for you. For not killing you all the times you deserved to be killed (my wife reminds ours that in the wild moms eat their young all the time).  For all the boo boo's she kissed and made better.  For all the hugs she gave you when that was the only words that would do you any good.

So to all the mothers out there I want to pass on a heartfelt 

Happy Mothers Day!

Election Day

Ok, here it is, reality time.  Saturday is election day.  We have both City and School board elections. Let's start with the city.

We currently have a corrupt mayor and councilman.  Even the District Attorney whom I have no lost love for stated she believed there was fraud in the mayoral election.  I know for a fact that he has tried to spread lies about me for shining the light of truth his way.  I know for a fact that he has allowed, with the aid of the council (Russell Grant and Bobby Logan), the city manager to time and time again over step his legal boundaries.While Mr. Grant had to resign over the charges placed against him, the other 2 have managed to snake out of these charges.  I wonder if Mary Ann or Doc has purchased someone to turn another way.


It is FACT that $2,300,000 is spent out of our Emergency Funds! It's not been moved to another fund, it's been spent! Your and my safety money in case of emergencies in this city. The "Fire Truck and Turbines" that the Gonzales Inquirer would lead you to believe is where the money was spent were BUDGETED items!!! Someone is covering up in this town! We deserve honest city management and we aren't getting it!

We've not had one NEW grant since our current city manager was hired.  The one we have received was already in the bag before he was hired.  Every other municipality within 60 miles from here has, except for Gonzales! And we gave this manager a raise? Really?

There are a group of Bobby O'Neil, Bobby Logan, Greg Little, Mary Ann MacLean just to start that are trying to run above the law.  They believe that you and I are to stupid to catch them.  They believe that you and I don't know what we should be doing.  Their arrogance is overwhelming to me.  They think they are above the law.

Do you really want to keep blinders on and stay in ignorance? Do you really want to pretend these problems don't exist? Do you really want to just say 'they seem so nice' and let them continue to treat you like second class citizens?

Next is the school board.  I'm not happy with a group that has not kept our kids education as their number one focus. They've been indecisive and slow to move. Their priorities are what is going to make them look good. Instead they've failed to come to action for dress code in a timely manner.  They failed to act swiftly in the Coach Lock issue.  They've failed to put a standards and enforce them. They've overlooked poor teaching that needs to be removed, and failed to recognize the excellence in other teachers leaving us open for good teachers to leave.

They've got to get a hold of their spending and quit this misguided spending.

So please, I don't care what else you have planned Saturday, you need to go vote!!! Know who is running.  Know the TRUTH, not some 1/2 concocted  truth to hope you'll quit looking in their direction.

It's time for some change Gonzales.  The ONLY way that is going to happen is if there is a large turnout for the election Saturday.  If you know someone that needs a ride to the poles get them in touch with me. If you see your neighbor, remind them to go VOTE!!! As you see people throughout the day, remind them to go VOTE!

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Voting Part 2

How did I let it slide that we ALSO have an election for school board? I'm not much happier with our school board and their misplaced priorities than I am with our City Council with twiddle dee and twiddle dum that are sitting there.

I have to ask you, do you think it was smart of these guys to have picked "Coach" for our superintendent?I'm not happy that we are spending money upgrading our sports facility when we've have temporary buildings for our educational classes. I'm not happy that our high school has teachers that need to be fired, so that those who want to teach can.  I'm not happy with the way the school board did the dress code (I'm not opposed to the dress code, heck I think it should be tighter, but why wait till the last minute to do it?).  I'm not happy with the moving ACE back to a campus when these students have proven they can not function in that environment and I truly believe personalities with the superintendent that were not in control by the school board was the real reason it's being moved.

These are just a few of the items I can come up with off the top of my head.

Did you realize that the largest portion of your house taxes are for the school board? Off the top of my head I think it's 4x that of the city. And why? Because of bad decisions of the school board!

Gonzales, find the candidates personally if you want to and ask them what do they believe in.  Ask them if they promise to do something about these and any other issue you know of. Worst case educate yourself on what these people believe in.

Pray about the answers you heard.

Then GET OUT AND VOTE! VOTE VOTE! Please, it's at the School Central Office.  Don't wait till election day when you might forget.  Get out NOW AND VOTE!

God Bless
Dennis Nesser

Vote!

Ok, it's that time to speak out Gonzales!!! You have the voice to make change in Gonzales.  Don't believe your vote doesn't count.  Even it there are those who try to steal elections with ballot tampering, numbers can over come any of that.

If you really think that the pot holes, the attempt to raise taxes, the massive spending, the letting the city manager run out of control (oh wait there will be more on that soon), believing that there is nothing about large donations influencing votes on the council, then don't make a change.  In a couple of years we'll be bankrupt, our we'll find some remnants of streets between the pot holes, our parks will still not have what is needed to take care of the kids (coming soon in my blog), and our property taxes will be 2x what they are now.

Look at their record, only one councilman has consistently voted to NOT raise taxes.  To DEMAND of our city manager accountability of expenditures.  One has had the guts to question WHY and vote against the group, and that's Lorenzo.

I would LOVE to see where Bobby Logan has voted 1 time against Bobby O'Neil.  In all those years, I don't think there has been one time that the Bobby and Bobby team has voted apart.  You'd think they were Siamese twins. I'm not sure if there is one brain between the 2 of them, and they definitely are trying to share one.

So I don't want to hear you complain if you don't vote!!! You can vote for someone, you can vote against someone, I don't care, but go VOTE!!! Even if you disagree with me on the candidates, go vote, it's your right, it's your obligation for living in a free country!

So for everyone, Pray for guidance, Educate yourself, then GO VOTE!!!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Wise leadership

I was reminded of Proverbs 11:14 - Without wise leadership a nation falls. I sat for a minute, almost in tears thinking how much we can see that in our time right now.

You see, there is a huge difference between being smart, and being wise. I have no doubt that several of those in leadership on our city and school board are smart.  Most probably have degrees from respected universities. I don't doubt their abilities to add 1 + 1, or to be able to read the documentation that is sit in front of them for their review.

What I have a problem with is that they don't seem to know what it is they have.  They can't see that their actions, or as often as not, their in-actions have a resounding effect on things other than the simple answer right in front of them. Need an example?

Smart is seeing that the road by Ft. Wahl street needs repairs, and makes repairs.  Wise is understanding that 1/2 of our tax payer dollar vehicles drive on Ft. Wahl street, and when it's barely passable because of the potholes, then not only haven't we taken care of the tax payers with basic working functional roads, but we've caused our city vehicles to be damaged which will cost use more tax payer money to fix.  So in the end, there will be more roads NOT repaired, and more vehicles torn up because instead of fixing the road correct the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, heck who am I kidding, the dang road has NEVER been fixed right in the time I've lived here in Gonzales. And yet the maintenance department wants a new truck because theirs is torn up. *Slapping forehead* A wise person would have seen that one coming.

Our school board wonders why our kids have problems with discipline in school. A smart person makes rules for the kids to abide by. A wise person makes and enforces evenly and equitably the rules. For example, Warior Path is a one way street from Sarah DeWitt to Sedlyer.  So why is it that it takes a phone call from a parent to complain to get the Principal and one of the Vice Principals to quit driving in the wrong way? Wonder why the kids won't follow the rules? It's because their leadership are showing the kids that rules are not to be followed.

A smart person knows how to work the system.  How to cheat the people out of their right to a fair election.  A wise person understands that the division such actions create in a community are irreversible, and are dangerous to our society.  They cause distrust amongst the citizens of the community that will take years and years to overcome.

A smart person knows they've done wrong.  A wise person understands how important it is to fuss up and do what's right for the community.

Look, there is not a person in political power that never makes a mistake.  It happens.  I but the bottom line is a wise person learns from those mistakes, makes amends, and corrects their actions.

By the way, I could go on and on and on about things that are smart, and things that are wise, but I'm wise enough to know I've gotten my point across. :-)

Till Friday!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Most Qualified

First of all I want to say that for once the school board did the right thing in re-instating Coach Lock.  The man made a huge mistake, and I hope he takes this back to the kids and shows them how stupid drinking even 'a couple' was.  That he almost lost everything he's worked for over literally one last one for the road. But I think as a community we've shown we are not perfect and can look past ONE mistake of this nature. Coach it's all up to you now, please don't make us regret the support.

But with that said, I'm hearing to many rumors that the school board is stuck on a candidate at least partially because of race.  I'm sick and tired of hearing about racism in this town!!! It doesn't matter if we're talking about where we live, the church we go to, or our school district race should NEVER be a factor!

What I care about is that the person that comes to Gonzales to take over from the mess that "Coach" Salazar has made is a certified superintendent that knows what they are doing, and will get our kids educated.  I care that they can clear out some riff raft and make sure we have quality educators from pre-K - 12.  I care that we have someone to motivate both kids and staff to bring Gonzales ISD up to a respected school district.  I care that we get someone who will teach our kids priorities in our system.  Education first, sports and all other extra curricular activities come next. All those other things are important, both in life and for the morale of the kids, but if the kids can't read, write, add and subtract, and handle basic sciences, and most of all reasoning skills then they will have wasted 12 years for not, and worst yet will be a drain to our society. 

So school board, get over yourself.  I don't care if it's a pink and purple dotted woman that has a green dot in her forehead, if there is a best candidate that's who this town deserves! So quit the petty stuff and let's get what all of our kids deserve, someone who doesn't answer to "coach" and does answer to the people of Gonzales about how our kids are going to get the best education out there.

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

A visitor - Gary Schroeder

I was able to catch a bit of our City Council meeting yesterday.

Today I got a visit from Gary Schroeder, Councilman from my district, District 1. I have to give Gary some credit for coming by and visit. It's clear I don't agree with all Gary has done in his first year as a councilman, but I have to give him credit for at least listening.

Gary came and we talked about several issues. The shrinkage of $2,300,000 from our reserve funds, the Texas Center, the city manager, the GEDC, the expenditures at the city, amongst others things.

We spoke about his first year on the job as our councilman and some of the trials and tribulations that have occurred and while it's taken him some time to feel comfortable with some of the things, he's feels like he's starting to really get his feet under him and able to hold his own with the pool of barracudas.

It's clear I think Gary has made a couple of mistakes this year. I also think he is sincere about his desire to do well for his constituents. I encourage you, that if you have a problem with the council, let them know. If it's with Gary, call or go by, I've never known Gary to not take the time to talk to me, and I promise, in this year Gary knows who I am personally.

You want a council person to work for you? Then let them know what you're thinking. Crystal balls are all on the fritz here in Gonzales County, so if you don't tell them what you're thinking they won't know.

In the mean time I'll keep telling the council what I think via my chalkboard.

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Register to Vote

Ok, if you live in Gonzales and are not registered to vote, you have 2 more days to do so and get to vote in this years elections, and personally I wouldn't want to miss this year. I would want to be able to say, "I was a part of making a difference in Gonzales, MY VOTE COUNTED!"

So if you aren't registered, go down to Norma Jean Debous office behind HEB and get your application.  It's simple, fast and puts you in a position to make a difference!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Show me the money!!!

Interesting fact this week.  Since our city manager has taken over our city of Gonzales almost 1/2 of our city reserve money has been spent.  That's right, over $2,300,000.00+ is GONE! Gonzales, the town of 7,000, has had to dip into their rainy day funds to the tune of over $2,300,000.00+.  That's $325+ for every man woman and child in Gonzales. I have a family of 6, that's $2,000 for my family. Hmmmmm, nope, I haven't seen my 2k worth of expenditures.  All I see are pot holes everywhere.  Look on Ft. Wahl, College, Church just for a start.

So when do you stop the bleeding Gonzales? Why isn't our Mayor and council stopping this bleeding right now? This isn't a case of we didn't raise taxes, so we've had to go through the money.  It's a case of we don't want to do what it's going to take to run a balanced budget in the long run. I honestly think it's a case of we don't have a clue of how to stop the spending. I don't think the mayor has ever met a program that cost us money that he didn't like.

If you or I ran our household like this we'd be in bankruptcy court. Guess what? We keep up spending like this the City of Gonzales will also be declaring bankruptcy.  You think it would be bad to have to cut back on some services now? Wait till the town has no money what so ever and we have to cut back! This will effect you and I directly. 

Want to know how they rate you for interest for loans or bonding if we need to get any? It's based on your spending, and on your ability to repay.  I can hear the broker now, "Lets see, you've just spent 5,000,000 and you want another $5,000,000 to replace that? Sure, it will be 21% interest."  Who do you think pays that? It's YOU and me!

Ask your councilman where that money is going.  He's suppose to be on top of it.  Remind him he's running a business here, and right now he's running it into the ground.  He needs to change course and right this ship so that we're not in a bind and going to have to shut down the entire city! And oh, by the way, let's not wait another meeting, let's start now! I don't know about you, but I don't have a spare $2,000,000 to pay in taxes. Times are hard for everyone, and that means cities too. 

I think our city manager and council would rather keep their head in the sand and ignore the problems then to deal with them.  Then WHY ARE YOU SITTING THERE? Move over and let someone who will deal with them take the positions.

I do want to point out there as I have watch the voting in our city council there is consistently one vote against all the spending.  Unfortunately that one vote is not enough to sway the city spending.  But that is councilman Lorenzo Hernandez.  I've watched over the years as the vote has been 3-1 and 4-1 over and over and over again.  I've never seen the others vote against the mayor on anything.  Wondering if they can think on their own? Would love to hear in this forum what they are thinking about and how they plan on stopping the bleeding.  Hear that mayor? Bobby? Gary? I know some of you read these blogs, how about a response and let your constituents know why you are going through our money so fast?

Just more food for thought Gonzales.

On a different note, I will probably repaint the board Wednesday of this week. So weather permitting there will not be anything on the board till Friday morning.  But have no fear, I'll be back Friday morning after breakfast, weather permitting. :-)

God Bless
Dennis Nesser

It's Easter Weekend

Ok, even I believe there are more important things to put up on my chalkboard on Easter weekend then to hit the council, school board, the D.A., congress or President Obama.  It doesn't mean that I don't have my opinions, it means that there are more important things in this world, and the next, then those I've been posting about. I truly hope you feel the same.  So today the board is dedicated to the real reason for Easter, the death of our Savior to pay for our sin, but more importantly the resurrection of Christs to bring us new life. 

Remember, we are all beloved children of God.  How about this weekend we pray for those who are our elected officials, that they learn humility and pray for wisdom? Remember Solomon prayer for wisdom, and we given it in abundance.  We could sure use some of that in our elected officials right now.

God Bless and may you and your families have a blessed Easter weekend.

Dennis Nesser