FORE - It's coming!

Ok, it's not that we've finished any of the other issues, but let me point out one more.  It's about our golf course.  Now admittedly I no longer play golf. But for almost 20 years I did.

When my eldest son joined the Golf team in high school I ventured out to our cute little 9 hole course.  I can tell you we'll never get a PGA tournament here, but for a 9 hole course it's pretty nice.  I've even taken to walking around it during the coolness of the day.

But after looking I noticed the prices that are being paid by our members I almost choked.  I'm posting our golf course compared to Luling: 

		Gonzales	Luling
Green Fees:	Weekdays	$10	$10
	Weekends	$12 per day	$14
Cart Rental Fees:	9 holes	$8	$6 for 1 person/$12 for 2 people
	18 holes	$15	$9 for 1 person/$18 for 2 people
	Trail Fee	None	$5
Annual Membership:	Individual	$215	$300
	Family	$275	No such thing
	Husband and Wife	$275	$450
	Each Additional Child	$Free	$66
	Individual Child (18)	$Not Posted  I think $50	$92
	Annual Trail Fee	$None	$76

So just the basics, a husband and wife pay $175 less at the Gonzales course, not counting any trail fees.  That doesn't count if you had 2 kids another $132 (now we're over $300 difference, doubling what we charge).  Even as an individual you're looking at almost double the cost by the time you add the trail fees.

Now go way back, and I told you there are some things that the city does for the good of the people.  We need a golf course if you want anyone to come visit.  It's a simple business fact of life.  But there is a reasonable consideration that should be made.

Now let's look at some simple numbers.

$275 for a family of 4 to play unlimited golf
$68.75 each person in the family for a year of golf
$5.73 per person per month for golf
$1.43 per round if the person plays only once per week.

Even if it's just a husband and wife (not a family of 4) that's only $2.86 a round weekly.

Now what other activity can you do for $1.43 every week of the year?  And that's not counting if you want to play extra it just drops that price even more.

In 1985 I had a club membership as an E4 in the army.  During that time our fees were based partially on the rank, and I was at the bottom.  Even then I paid $200 a year.

I'm afraid that this is another example of the city not watching what is going on around them.  I'm not going to mention the numbers I've heard that the course is running in deficit because I haven't seen them personally, but I know it's substantial.  We need to be more aware of what others are doing.  If the average cost is $500 for a family, guess what, we should be too.

I know this is a sore subject for many, because it's a particular group that plays most of the golf down there, but facts are facts, and the fact is there is NO better deal in Gonzales than the one we've allowed to happen at the golf course. Let's manage our city facilities the way they should be.  Raise the annual fees, throw in a trail fee, and get in line with those around us.

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

More on Liquor by the drink

Ok, so I've gone by and found out more about the Liquor by the Drink initiative. 

First of all we have until July 23rd to have the petitions turned in for verification prior to the August vote.  Do NOT be thinking August, think today!

Second here are a couple of locations to sign the petition that I'm aware of. The Chamber of Commerce (Open 8 - 5 M-F, 9 - 5 Sat, 1 - 4 Sunday), Shear Design, and Breitschopf Reality all have petitions to sign.  For the time being Hector Porres and I have petitions to sign too, so if you see us ask.

You MUST be a registered voter in Gonzales County to sign the petition.  This is NOT just for the city of Gonzales, but the ENTIRE county.  So if you live in Waelder, Nixon or Smiley you also have a dog in this fight. People are needed in these other areas to push the initiative there too.  If you're interested contact one of the above locations.

You do not have to have your voter registration number, but if you do it will make verification easier.  If you sign the petition, please make sure you print your name next to if if you don't have your ID # so that verification will be easier for the County Clerks office.

If we ever want to fill up downtown Gonzales we've got to have a place for the people to go.  This is a good start to revitializing our downtown once again.

God Bless
Dennis Nesser

One for the Road?

Not sure how many people know this in Gonzales County yet, but there is an initiative by some people to bring liquor by the drink to Gonzales County.  In order for them to put it on the ballot it will take 2200 signatures.  This number is based on the last governors election.  They will have a set amount of days to get the 2200 signatures and have them turned in for inspection. So several thoughts come to mind.

One bravo for someone not waiting for out local government to make any change.  They are taking it straight to the people of Gonzales to decide.  Win, lose or draw they will know what the people of Gonzales have to say.

Second, if Gonzales county ever wants a nice restaurant in this county, it is going to have to have liquor by the drink. I can tell you, as someone who has managed a restaurant, that the profit margins in food industries is pretty slim. The profits are in the drinks.  And when you get into nicer places it's the drinks that make a difference.

Don't think so? Where do you go for a nice steak? Hmmm...seems like Roberts is the big talk.  They have liquor by the drink.  Kessels? Wait, they have liquor by the drink. And yet since I moved here over 15 years ago that's where we went for a steak.   Any Outback, Chilis, Applebees, etc etc etc are always going to have liquor by the drink. Why? Because that's how they make the money to survive.

Over the years I've seen a dozen restaurants move into Gonzales and fail. Just in the corner of the square I think I've seen a half dozen places come and go.  Some of those places were pretty good places to eat. Some were ok.  But none of them could survive.  I honestly think if they had put liquor by the drink in some of those places they'd still be around.

How many of you are a member of the BPO Elks in Gonzales just for the drinks with your meals?  It's probably one of the top 3 reasons to join the lodge.

You want to learn how to bring business downtown? You want people to walk through the downtown area after a meal? Well guess what, this will be one of those ways to do it.
 
So over the next several weeks you'll be seeing someone with a clip board asking you to sign.  I am going to ask you to seriously consider it.  Consider that at NO additional cost to taxpayers we have a way to bring people to our town to go eat, walk around and purchase goods.  Now that's the kind of thinking that will allow Gonzales to survive!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Happy Fathers Day

Over the last 3 - 4 years I've been working with men groups that have shown me just how important fathers really are to our society.  I always thought that using the 80/20 rule, that 80% of the men grew up in good homes where the father was there, and the children got the approval that was needed for a health relationship later in life.  I've learned it's just not so.

Our fathers are so important to us.  They not only are the bread winners in most households, though in todays society a 2 income family is more common than not, they are the ultimate in approval.

Mothers hug us, love us, fight for us when we've done wrong, but ultimately the kids look to dad for approval in what we do in our every day life.  Be it that baseball game we played at 10 years old, our school work, the job were working in, our choice of a spouse, how we raise our kids, we want to know that our dads our proud of us.  That we are beloved.

So today I have 2 messages.

The first, to the dads, if you haven't put your kids way up on your ladder of things to take care of spiritually and emotionally, then start today. This Fathers day make it your promise to spend the time so that down the road your children will never doubt that you were proud of them and loved them. Make sure our words as fathers are encouraging, not discouraging. Loving not harsh. That they have the spiritual guidance that only a father can give to get them not only through this world but the next.

To the children, make sure your dad knows how much you love him and want him in your life.  How you appreciate him for all he's done.  For taking you out to throw that ball.  For taking you to the movies, camping, fishing, or what ever it was that he could of done by himself, but chose to take you with him. For being there when it really counted. 

As a father we make many many mistakes, and often times we wish we could take back those moments but we can't.  But today is a day to put on the rose colored glasses, to forget and forgive, and to let dad know that he really is special to us, and that today we set aside for him.

If you don't have anything for dad today, go over and spend the day with him.  Sit on the back porch, have him over for BBQ, just make a phone call and let him know you care.

God Bless
Dennis Nesser

Scouting / Venturing

I want to talk about our youth in Gonzales, and a part of it I'm involved in.  I'm scoutmaster for Troop 262 here in Gonzales. I've been involved in scouting now for about 7 years, starting out in Cub Scouts and took over Troop 262 about 3 years ago when the previous scoutmaster stepped down. 

About 8 months ago a group of boys came to me and asked what it would take to get a Venturing unit started here in Gonzales.  To the best of my knowledge, the only other Crew (Scouters have Troops, Venturing have Crews) in this area is in Lockhart.  We set out to find a sponsoring organization, and after a bit of a search the BPO Elks stepped up to become the units sponsors. 

Saturday, after the Elks put on a dedication to the US Flag, they will be signing the paperwork to start the unit officially.  John DuBose Jr will be signing the agreement between Capitol Area Council and the Elks for the Venturing Crew 264. 

Venturing is a bit unique in Boy Scouts in that it is open to all boys and girls age 14 - 21.  Unlike Boy Scouts, it's not so much about rank and badges, as the leadership and planning for activities that the participants decide they want to do.  If they want to go camping, then they figure out how, how much, and make it happen.  The adult leadership is more to keep them in bounds and make sure that they have all the training and equipment they might need to for safe activities. 

So Gonzales is pretty blessed with an outstanding Scouting environment.  For the boys we have Cub Scouts Pack 261, starting at 1st grade and going till 5th grade, Boy Scouts Troops 262 and Troop 263, going from 6th grade - 18 y/o, and now Venturing Crew 264 from 14 y/o - 21 y/o. 

For the Girls Scouts I believe they go from Kindergarten - 18 y/o. I was recently at their banquet and can tell you that they too have a thriving organization here in Gonzales.

Scouting teaches these kids leadership skills and exposes them a wide variety of activities that they might not otherwise be exposed to.  Right now Troop 262 has 2 boys at National Youth Leadership Training, learning CEO type training so they will be able to come back and run the troop. 

Next week we'll be on our annual summer camp.  20 boys with a dozen adults will be camping.  The boys will be learning about Environmental Science, First Aid, Cooking, Leatherworks, Rowing, Space Exploration, Knots, Tracking, Indian Folklore, and several other topics.

If you're interested in getting involved in Scouting, either as a Boy Scout or Venturer email info@trp262.com and we will get you in touch with someone. Let us know which (or both) group you're interested in. 

God Bless
Dennis

Truth, Justice and the American Way

It's been said that truth will ultimately prevail.  For the last 4 months I've pounded on the Gonzales Inquirer for their lack of reporting of news, their misleading articles, and their  half truths.  I've complained that they are making more news than they are reporting on by doing such a thing.  I've argued that their childish antics on Facebook and in the paper are incredibly unprofessional as a mainstream paper in our community.

It got so bad I wrote the President and Chairman of Granite Publications and told them I was reporting more news than the Inquirer.  I pointed them to specific articles that were absent in the Inquirer.  I pointed them to specific bias columns (not editorials) that showed that they had become nothing short of henchmen for the mayor and city manager.

Look, I believe that every paper has a right to an editorial.  I appreciate it even more when they are willing (or better yet, their staff) post 2 opposing views.  It's keeps us sharp in our thinking if we have to support what we are saying.  Doesn't mean we have to agree, just appreciate that there is another side to the story.  The Inquirer had, over the last 12 -18 months drifted so far down the party line they couldn't see what was happening right in front of their shop. They only wanted to hear one side to every story, and that was the city managers side.  No one else had the truth in their books.

Well today it's being reported that Greg and Nichole Little were met by Mr. Chionsini, Chairman for Granite Publications, and were told to leave. These 2 are directly responsible for the direction that the paper has taken since Mr. Cunningham left the paper.

I personally think it's a good day for Gonzales.  I am praying that Mr. Chionsini and his staff have replace the Littles with someone who will bring the Inquirer back to it's standard of reporting that this town deserves and expects from a 100 year old paper. I hope the editorial page will once again be a place for discussion of our issues that we need to be discussing in our town, but that opinions stay in the editorials and not the news sections.

Good Luck Gonzales Inquirer, and Gonzales, it's a great day for Truth, Justice and the American Way!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Just a thought on JB Wells

So I've really been thinking about this whole JB Wells thing.  As a business owner I have a hard time understanding why JB Wells isn't making money.  We have a wonderful arena that other cities come to, looking at what we have. 

I have friends in Llano that tell me that Gonzales is 'it' right now and that's why they are looking to us to see how they can do something similar. That kind of attention doesn't come because your facility sucks.

I also believe, that even though these visitors are not your 'convention crowd' they are still good for Gonzales. Any time someone wants to spend time in our town it's a good thing.  When we treat them hospitable and they want to come back, that's even a better thing.

The problem, and it's very root of everything lies in the management of our facilities.  Now please hear me out on this one.

It's not often that our government, at any level, works so well in private sectors.  After discussing this with many people around town, and looking back on my days working at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, I may have an idea.  Not saying it's perfect, not saying it would fly, but saying it's something we should discuss and consider.

Did you know that the Freeman Coliseum is not run by the city of San Antonio?  It's concessions are not run by the city of San Antonio?  Nope, not done that way. 

Both are run by management groups that specialize in their industry.  Let me start with the food, because that's what I was involved in.

Now admittedly there are more food booths and food to be sold at an event at Freeman than JB Wells, but what they use to do is hire a group to manage out there.  I personally went through 2 groups in the time I worked out there.  They in turn would hire non-profits to come out and work the food booths.  Before we would start a session we would be inventoried.  At the end of the night we would again be inventoried.  How many cups had we sold, how many hot dogs and buns were missing.  We threw nothing away, as it all had to be counted. 

They would tally up the money, subtract for any shortages, and then pay us 10% of the gross for our charity.  There were dozens of charities that made good money for events like the SA Rodeo. 

But bottom line is the city of San Antonio was making money on the gross sales.  It didn't matter to them if the company involved made money or not, the city walked away a winner. 

Now last year we purchased over $80,000 worth of goods for the commissary.  We sold (or what was turned in) was just over $65,000.  I can tell you from food management, that $65,000 worth of goods should of brought in over $195,000.  So where did the other $130,000 go? 

I can also tell you that there was (if there was any) only one official inventory done last year at the commissary.  Highly unprofessional of any business.  Especially a cash business like that. 

So let's look at the booking of the facilities themselves.  What incentive does the city have to make any money on the arena?  None! There is no accountability for anyone to run it like you would any other business.  There is no incentive to run it profitably. 

If there was, we wouldn't have pools being filled up on a $20 hook-up.  We wouldn't have someone discounting 10 day stays down to $125 instead of the posted $200 rate. We wouldn't be running the place at a $230,000 loss last year. 

A management company that had to pay the city based on gross receipts would have incentive to make a profit. They would be careful not to allow the pennies add up to dimes up to dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars in loss, as it would be their bottom line effected, and in private sector a loss would not be tolerated.

So here's what I'm asking you as those affected by all this in tax dollars, what is the plan that will work?  I can think of probably 2 or 3 different business men here in town that could manage the concessions.  I can not think of anyone off the top of my head that would necessarily be able to handle the management of the arena itself, but I know there are companies that do just that.

What is the down side to leasing these 2 functions out?  Year 1 the city would be making a profit on the arena.  Let's see, your and my taxes would not increase to cover the $200,000 loss. 

And as long as I am going on about the similarities on us and San Antonio, I want to put out that while the city of San Antonio built the original coliseum, Peter Holt and businessmen of San Antonio built the expansion that stands there today.  We've built the arena, why isn't the private businesses that will be effected by the proposed expansion not coming up with dollars to back up what is so good in Gonzales? I'm all for expanding the JB Wells park, but first we have to make money on what we have before we should even consider it, and second, I'm not for taxpayers putting up $5,000,000 for something they are not going to recoup. It's time private sector comes to the table reasonably with their checkbooks in hand to make this kind of expansion happen.

Let's hear from you Gonzales, tell us what you think!

God Bless
Dennis Nesser

Bobby L. Just say "NO"

I went to the city council meeting Tuesday night.  It was a packed house, and I'm assuming that for the most part people were interested in what the city was going to do about the horses in our city limits.  It was nice to see our citizens in action, and that they are so passionate about an issue.

But the thing that made me laugh more than anything was Bobby Logans performance on 3 different votes.  During the discussion he'd made it clear he was against these issues, and that's fine.  Your city council person should not always be in line with the rest.  There isn't a person up there I agree with 100% of the time.

But what was funny to me was when the mayor call for the vote it went like this, "Mr. Schroeder?" "Aye", "Mr. Schurig" "Aye" "Mr. Hernandez" "Aye" "Mr. Logan" ".....(tapping pencil on the desk)...(squirming to his right)...(tapping some more).......(deep breath)....(more tapping of the pencil)...."aye", "and I too will vote Aye".

These performances by councilman Logan were nothing shy of Oscar performances.  His district should be proud.

GIVE ME A BREAK!  Just say "NO"  If you don't agree with paying the alley, the GEDC appointments, or anything else that has been discussed, just say so! I would have more respect for Mr. Logan if he did.

I give the mayor credit for not making to much of a big deal about it.  2 times he made snide comments about the issue at hand that could of been left off the records, but when it came time to vote he just did it.  No scene from Gone With the Wind to go along with it. So while he too could of said "Nay" (the vote issues were already passed by the time they got to Mr. Logan anyway, so his No wouldn't of effected a thing), at least he showed a bit of class.

You know our city council shouldn't be voting 100% one way or another.  It makes me worry there is to many behind closed door deals when it happens.  So my message to Mr. Logan, grow up and just say "NO" next time!

Kudos to both Tommy and Gary for stepping up this week!! Both of them came prepared for bear, and had to put their foot down to get their points across.  I love to see our city councilmen actually prepared to talk about issues, and know the right questions to ask when the city manager tries to squirm out of it. Both need to be called and told what a great job they've done!

Lorenzo should be complimented on not dragging out this GEDC board any longer.  If left up to Mr. Logan it would of taken another 2 months to get people appointed. I think Councilman Hernandez had done his job to seek out good candidates that will help Gonzales grow through GEDC.  After all they've been vacant since April, how much longer should we expect to wait for these positions to be filled? Keep up the great work Mr. Hernandez!


God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

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