its almost here

The movie, "Truth Be Tolled" was shown at San Antonio's Palladium Theater on October 30^th.It was excellent and enlightening; demonstrating how our state government could maintain and further develop a first class road system here in Texas - if it choose to do so. The 90 minute film also was good as it explained the issues in understandable terms.

We have purchased two copies of the video to share with Republican and Democratic groups here in District 73. If you have a group you want to see this film, please contact me or go to www.truthbetolled.com to order one for $10.

TURF and the San Antonio Toll Party have been instrumental in fighting the taking of our public roads and converting them to toll roads. They are also active in fighting the Trans Texas Corridor. I have marched, testified and spoken against these TxDOT plans from the beginning. And I have written about my testimony at the Sunset Commission Hearings regarding TxDOT and it's restructuring. Terri Hall, founder of these groups is to be congratulated on her vision and tenacity. Our government is to represent the needs and wants of the people. The people are united against these abuses of power. TxDOT and our state legislature must listen.

Another very important event has occurred. On October 20^th, Jacobs Well in Wimberley went dry. This is the second time that this has happened since the disastrous drought of the 1950's when it continued flowing. We must take action to protect and preserve our water. We can no longer wait – or worse yet, turn a blind eye to those interests who represent unfettered development over the Aquifers and recharge zones. We must respect nature – and work with it – without that goal, they day will soon come when our property values will drop, our businesses close and life as we know it in the hill country will cease. As the "canary in the coalmine", the stoppage of Jacobs Well must be noted and used as a catalyst for preservation and action regarding our water supply.

On a happier note – The Hunters Barbeque in Bandera County and sponsored by the Bandera Chamber of Commerce, was held Friday night at the park. They used a clever twist on the BBQ supper idea – They had all the food prepackaged – no flies, possibility of contamination or waiting in lines. And the food was hot – and - outstanding. The silent auction and vendors all displayed great items. – The live auctioneer did a great job. Coming from a family of auctioneers, and having held a license myself, it is always fun to hear good auctioneers. Thanks to Bandera's Chamber event, Robbi and I ""won" stays at Bandera lodgings – to use after the election. Relaxing a bit is not a bad idea.

St Andrew's Lutheran Church near Startzville, in Comal County held their holiday fair on Saturday. With lunch, holiday items to purchase and silent and live auctions, we managed to find some great gifts. We always are welcomed and enjoy spending time at St. Andrew's. We also found that they sponsor Angel Food Ministries in our area. Anyone needing a hand with groceries is invited to contact the church for monthly packages. This ministry is an outranking effort to be certain that people who request help receive it without paperwork, qualifying or being listed in any official way.

"Art Past Dark" in Fredericksburg began last weekend and is continuing through next weekend (November 9^th). It is a yearly event worth noting as it is designed to highlight outstanding visual artists in the area.

Robbi and I joined many of the artists and Gillespie County residents at their Red, White and Blue Opening party at the Fredericksburg Hanger Hotel. Held right after Halloween, many came festively dressed in red, white and blue. Rosemary Estaban even came dressed as Uncle Sam. Featuring a silent auction, live music and great food, the pre-election party had ballot boxes marked Obama, McCain and Neither of the Above. Dollars counted as votes and all the proceeds of the event are scheduled to go to children's education in Gillespie County. More information can be found at www.artpastdark.com.

Along with many terrific Boone volunteers, I am spending a lot of time on the streets – waving to motorists, talking with passersby and having a great time visiting with folks. If votes can be judged by thumbs up, honking and smiles, we are in good shape.

This certainly is an interesting year to be running for public office in HD 73. Tomorrow will tell the tale. I invite anyone reading this to participate tomorrow by voting and then by heading to a precinct area and waving the Boone "signs already there - to help remind our Republican friends to cross over (as many are doing) while in the voting booth.

It has been a long race to save our Hill Country, preserve our water and facilitate our public education system. I am very grateful to the wonderful volunteers who have worked tirelessly on behalf of my candidacy. This is truly a grassroots effort and while thank you seems inadequate it is offered with heartfelt gratitude.

No time off for Boone

The candidate forums may have ended, but Daniel Boone takes no breaks.

In a drive around New Braunfels Wednesday, Boone could be seen waving to motorists, and talking with supporters and potential supporters outside the coffee shop on the square. This is a dedicated man with endless energy. The happy sight of the smiling candidate mingling with the public did my heart good, and it was just another sign that this is a tireless candidate who will be a tireless worker once he has an office in Austin.

In recent weeks, we've seen the opposition's financial support coming from all sorts of special interest groups, from oil companies to quarry interests. This kind of money provides clear evidence about those whom would be represented in Austin if Boone's opponent were to be elected. Voters continue to hear the same rhetoric from Miller at every candidate forum, not the clear information and analysis of problems that we want to hear from our candidates.

Boone's grass roots efforts and his willingness to openly address issues and questions at every debate are clear evidence that we, the residents of the Texas Hill Country, will be represented in Austin. Dan isn't going to Austin to represent the oil companies or the quarries -- or the insurance industry. He's headed to Austin to do good work for good people.

Mr. Boone, thank you for your tireless efforts on our behalf. And yes, I proudly voted early for you!

Eileen Pace Fitzsimmons

On the campaign trail

A great Democratic Rally was held on Saturday at a beautiful home on the banks of the Guadalupe River outside New Braunfels. Speakers included Barbara Ann Radnofsky, Jim Jordan candidate for Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, Judy Hall, speaking for Senator Obama, Dan Grant who spoke for Rep. Noriega, running for the US Senate, and me. A large crowd enjoyed the view, live music good food and listening to outstanding speakers.

The bracken VFW Potato Pancake benefit was a great event hosting lots of enthusiastic potato pancake and applesauce lovers. Happy folks, friendly and raising money for the fire department – we all had a good time together. It is always a treat to be in the lovely new Garden Ridge Municipal building. One neat thing – outside under the sunshade – was a man making homemade ice cream using an old John Deere tractor engine to power the churn. Very interesting and the ice cream was delicious. He also had other antique John Deere engines on display. Growing up working with my father, an auto mechanic, I always enjoy looking at engines.

Tuesday was the last candidate forum of the election cycle. Sponsored by the Canyon Lake Retired Teachers Association, it was held in Sattler, at Rio Raft. There was a lively discussion of issues with many questions asked of the candidates. Mr. Miller, when asked about gambling, said that he is not in favor of casinos. I asked him why he then accepted large donations from gambling interests that do favor casinos. Mr. Miller did not stay to talk about issues after the forum ended.
It turns out that Mr. Miller, within the last month has also accepted donations from Exxon Mobil, Valero, Texas Oil and Gas PAC, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Merck Pharmaceuticals as well as the gambling interests. My donations are from people who care about water, schools, growth and the beauty of our hill country – not special interests.

The Bexar County Metro Planning Organization (MPO) meeting also held on Tuesday made the decision to not make a decision about extending their boundaries into the New Braunfels and Boerne areas. The New Braunfels Mayor, Bruce Boyer, spoke eloquently, indicating that this was a matter for joint discussion and consideration. I spoke to the group regarding Item 10 – advocating the development of light rail, connecting outlying areas of New Braunfels – and - to eventually connect with Austin (to alleviate congestion on the highways by providing affordable transportation for students, the elderly and our working populations).

The New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce hosted the Living Legends dinner in the new Civic-Convention Center on Wednesday evening. About 400 people attended to honor this year’s recipients: Jack Ohlrich, Roxolin Krueger and Arno Becker. The Braunfels Foundation Trust is a nonprofit organization emphasizing education programs and scholarships for young people. A silent auction, good music and delicious food rounded out a fine evening for a worthwhile cause.

Alarming News

JACOB’S WELL STOPS FLOWING
Emergency 30% reduction in water use called for

Wimberley, Texas
Oct. 27, 2008

Jacob’s Well, the famous natural spring known to be the longest underwater cave in Texas, stopped flowing for the second time in recorded history on the evening of October 20th. “ The lack of rainfall and the continued pumping of the aquifer to serve local water supply has caused Jacob’s Well to cease flowing,” stated Jack Hollon of the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association (WVWA) and the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.

Jacob’s Well has been hovering at between one and two cubic feet per second for the past several months. The well continued to flow through the drought of record in the 1950’s and was the primary source of water flowing to the Blanco River which is also at it’s lowest flow since the drought of record in 1956. Jacob’s Well is the barometer for the health of the aquifer; the well ceasing to flow at this time is a major environmental event, as it stopped for the first time in recorded history in the summer of 2000.

Jacob’s Well is the primary source of water flowing from the Trinity Aquifer to form Cypress Creek, the beautiful stream that rambles through the cities of Wood Creek and Wimberley. “Losing the flow to Jacob’s Well is a signal that the aquifer is stressed and we all need to conserve water immediately. The WVWA is calling for a moratorium on permitting of any new wells or sub-divisions in the Trinity aquifer recharge zone that sustains Jacob’s Well. We also request that all water supply companies and individual well owners move into drought contingency and cut back water use by 30% or more,” stated David Baker, Executive Director of WVWA.

The Jacob’s Well Natural Area was recently awarded a grant from Hays County parks and open space bond funds to purchase the 55 acres around the well and to establish a research and environmental education center. WVWA was founded in 1996 and acquired the property in 2005. The WVWA’s mission advocates protecting the water quality and quantity of the area by promoting sustainable watershed management through community education, conservation and land protection.

The community’s investment in protecting Jacob’s Well, Blue Hole and Cypress Creek is threatened by unchecked development and the lack of authority to regulate pumping from the Trinity aquifer. Land in the recharge zone of Jacob’s Well must be protected from any further development. As a community, we need to stop over pumping groundwater and advocate legislation to mandate rainwater harvesting for all new development in this sensitive area to preserve Jacob’s Well and the environmental and economic future of this valley.

“We will know the worth of water when the well runs dry.” - Ben Franklin

To keep track of the discharge of flow and water quality of Jacob's Well go to this link.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/tx/nwis/uf?08170990
or click on the link at www.jacobswellspring.org



David Baker
Executive Director
Wimberley Valley Watershed Association
PO . Box 2534
Wimberley, Tx. 78676
Phone 512-722-3390
Fax 512-722-3457
www.jacobswellspring.org
jacobswellspring@gmail.com

Letter to the editor

Dear Editor,
Many voters across our nation have expressed concern about the influence on elections by county officials who have a political bias that could affect the ballot box. I am proud to know that here in Comal county we have a person in charge of the election who is fair, unbiased and one we can be confident in, Joy Streater, County Clerk. I had occasion to be involved in a problem with an absentee ballot that was inadvertently marked as “indefinitely out of country” which meant the voter could only vote for national candidates. When this was brought to Ms. Streater’s attention, she took the time and effort to contact the Secretary of State to resolve the problem and get a full ballot sent back to the individual. I think this shows the dedication and commitment of our office of elections.
I am less confident in our electronic voting machines. Like all things electronic, they can have problems and errors. It is important for every voter to carefully indicate the candidate of their choice and see that the correct choice is indicated. When all selections are made, be sure to check the review screen before hitting the “VOTE” button. When in a hurry to return to work, haste could result in an error -vote.
As has always been the case, you can trust those who have earned your confidence, but a machine can never be trusted.

Daniel Boone, Candidate for District 73
1610 FM 484
Canyon Lake, Texas 78133
830-223-5111

Water is crucial to all of us.

I promise to work only to represent the peoples’ interests:
Protection of our water, public education and legislation for local management of growth. Please read to better understand what is really at stake with this election.

Some Uvalde County interests are big water permit holders and want a pipeline to sell the water “under their land” to San Antonio. It is currently illegal to sell Uvalde County groundwater to Bexar County. These water folks want to change Texas law. In order to get this done, they need to elect a person who will press for this legislation, enabling them to make millions of dollars selling “their” water.
Uvalde interests heavily donated to my opponent’s campaign. Former Democratic Governor Dolph Briscoe, the 4th largest water permit holder in the state, donated $10,000 to Miller’s campaign. His partner, Archie McFaddin, gave $2,000 and John Weisman, $60,000.

Many New Braunfels residents need a state representative to help them regarding the local quarries. Residents state that dust, truck traffic, daily blasting, damage to their homes and breathing problems are reasons to not Permit new quarries. Texas law does not allow county commissioners to help manage this development.
Texas Aggregate and Concrete Association donated significantly to my opponent’s campaign. Ingraham, a local ready mix plants displays a campaign sign of his on FM 46 toward Boerne. Miller has stated that our county commissioners have enough authority.
Please help me represent our beautiful Hill Country in the Texas House. Send a small donation my way and ask your friends to help, too. Time is short and the message crucial. Please forward this to thinking friends and family. I have NO conflicts of interest and NO implications of unethical behavior.

I promise to represent the interests of us – the people.
Thank you,
Dan
Sources: Concerned citizens and EAA Board Members, Edwards Aquifer Board Meeting Notices and Minutes, New Braunfels Herald Zeitung, San Antonio Express News, Texans for Public Justice, Lobby Watch tpj.org/Lobby_Watch, Texans for a Strong Economy PAC, Texas Ethics Commission Candidate Reports

End of the week update

The activities of this campaign have kept me too busy to blog lately.
In the last weeks I have continued to listen to voters by participating in numerous town meetings and events. The S.A.F.E.Quarry Meeting met at “The Barn” 156 N. Solms in New Braunfels. A large group of concerned citizens turned out. They are worried – concerned about dust, traffic (especially at the new school), water wasted, increased blasting noises, damage to their homes, piece of mind and many other issues. They asked about why they have never seen my opponent at their meetings – and wondered why.
I am amazed, but have recently been told (backed up by verifiable documentation) that he does not meet with them because as the Chairman or Treasurer, for all his many years on the EAA (Edwards Aquifer Authority) he is working with the quarries – their lobbyist, and even accepted multiple donations to his campaign from the quarry association – Texas Aggregate and Concrete Association. The location of this meeting, The Barn, is a great spot for large weddings and parties in a rural garden setting. As my wife Robbi and I host small weddings and parties at our Canyon Lake Ranch, we told Ron and Rhonda that we will refer the larger events to them.

We shared a table the La Prensa Hispanic Heritage Awards Gala, with a lovely television personality from Univision and her husband. A most interesting and vital woman, originally from Columbia, she hosts a Spanish language television show here and has for many years. This party was held at the Omni Hotel in SA, and is yearly benefit raising money for scholarships for outstanding Hispanic students. It was a treat to hear several of these terrific young students speak. Comal County’s Ramon Chapa was honored with the Community Service Award at this event.

The Bulverde Jubilee Parade and Festival was fun. We got to see many old friends and meet many new ones. Held in downtown Bulverde, this autumn festival really brings out crowds in Bulverde – and highlights businesses and local organization in a very wholesome manner. While Bulverde, like so much of the Hill Country, has growing pains, it is a terrific town filled with involved and committed people.

The Canyon Lake Lions Club Shrimp Fest, held at the CRRC near the Dam in Canyon Lake featured great shrimp and all the trimmings in their fund raising efforts for the Lions charities. What a great job these civic minded folks do. We ate – again - and then headed to Stonewall for their well known (and even better attended) Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry. Again, great people pulling together for important reasons. The Stonewall Fish Fry is known all over the Hill Country. I salute their efforts.

It was a busy day, so Robbi and I then headed to the Cibolo Nature Center Gala, where we had also donated a stay at our Alamo Street Victorian Inn BB in San Antonio. This annual benefit, featuring great food from the finest restaurants in the Boerne area, is a terrific way to raise money for the Cibolo Nature Center. The efforts of Carolyn Evans and the whole staff is enabling this community to preserve a beautiful piece of land for the public and provides many interesting classes as well.

Back to Kerrville, I attended another GMA9 Water meeting. I left there uncertain as to how the models for our Future Desired Condition (to be presented to the Texas Water Board in 2010) are actually going to be done. I have talked about this before – and had thought the drought of record (1950’s) was going to be utilized – but now I am not so certain. There are powerful forces working on this and we will have to see what happens.

Talking with the Gillespie Retired Teachers, I again stated my positions about retired teachers needed a cost of living increase, doing better regarding the testing of our children (getting rid of the TAKS) and many other education issues. With a teacher wife and three educator daughters, we talk education in our family – and fully understand what must be done.

The Fredericksburg Chamber Member Appreciation Hamburger Supper was well attended. Fredericksburg is filled with interesting and interested folks – involved in their community and caring deeply about its future. Afterwards, and headed over to another Transmission Line meeting in Harper. Everyone in Gillespie County is worried about the commercial interests trying to bisect their land with huge power transmission lines. We will continue to work on this issue so that we can avoid the cutting up of family lands and the disfiguring of the hill country.. My suggestion; use the right of ways along I-10. This way we do not have to disturb so many families.

Thanks to the Boerne Chamber of Commerce for hosting a Candidate forum for their membership. My opponent, once again proved he has no understanding or knowledge of my positions. I am a strict Constitutionalist and believe in the 2nd Amendment - and – hold the highest rating from the NRA and the Texas Rifle Association. He just tries to align himself as a conservative, though his actions paint him as a tax and spend liberal. Strange . . . this politics business.

Attending the Garden Ridge Marketplace Robbi and I found great items for our home, our San Antonio Bed and Breakfast and for gifts. As always the Garden Ridge people are warm, friendly and anxious to talk about the local issues.

The Fredericksburg Rotary Club sponsored their famous spaghetti Supper on the 17th. For a group supper, the food was excellent. Everyone was friendly and interested in talking. Good company and more support. Robbi shared suppertime with the Fredericksburg founders of Angel Ministries. What a terrific project they began four months ago. Through the Methodist Church, and lots of volunteers, they are doing a fantastic job of bringing a month’s supply of food to folks in the Fredericksburg area at reduced cost. See more about this at www.angelministires.com

The New Braunfels, Bark in the Park was again held on a beautiful day and was filled with happy dogs and their owners. The Wiener dog race was a hoot. A great New Braunfels “happening”.

Last Saturday was Rock the Vote, designed to encourage and involve high schooled students in the political process. All of the Comal County Independent School District High Schools participated. A pizza lunch was served afterwards and the students each received a great Rock the Vote tee shirt. Held at the new Canyon High School, many local candidates attended in support of students – Larry Horton, Donna Eggleston, Ramon Chapa, Greg Parke and I. Sandy Morales, candidate for Constable, Woodie Jones and Catherine Stone, for judicial slots were also in attendance. My opponent, Doug Miller did not attend.

The Kendall County Democratic Women sponsor the Eleanor Roosevelt Dinner each year as their major fundraiser. This year, Catherine Stone, Judicial Candidate was the featured speaker. It was a great evening with an active group of Boerne area Kendall County Democrats. We were sorry to miss the Fischer Store Italian Spaghetti Supper held at the old Fischer Community School at the same time. It is just around the bend from our place – and we were sorry to miss seeing our friends and neighbors.

Last week Sunday was the Anhalt Oktoberfest. It is always a treat to be in Anhalt. The people are very friendly and it is such fun to speak German, dance and watch others dance at lunchtime.

The League of Women Voters is to be commended for hosting their Candidate Forum and Voters Guide. Impartial and well conducted, the LWB offers a wonderful service to us all. Please consider joining the League as they research and lead the way in a totally bipartisan manner on many important issues.

On the radio in Gillespie County, I had fun sparing with James Williamson. The morning talk show host on Revolution Radio, James and I both respect and appreciate our Constitution and love talking about it. We discussed a whole range of things – from water, to same sex marriage, finance, education and a host of other things.

Regarding same sex marriage - Any two people should have the right to be legally, financially and medically responsible for each other as they choose. This is not same sex marriage, but has total respect for the individual and smaller government, not more government control.

Leadership New Braunfels, a reunion of those who have completed the leadership training through the New Braunfels Chamber, offered another opportunity for all our candidates to speak. The luncheon, held at Landa Park, was delicious and the event well attended.

The Comal Needs Assessment Study presentation held at New Braunfels Convention Center was very informative. An additional Needs Assessment presentation was held today at the Bulverde library –another gorgeous new building with loads of good activities including a genealogy group, exhibitions and story times for the little ones. The new library has a great staff and is off to a good start.

I also attended the TxDOT Meeting at Hoffman School where TxDOT explained about all the coming changes to FM 306. What wonderful new buildings we have – the New Braunfels Convention Center, the Bulverde Library and our new Comal County schools. We are growing very fast here in District 73 – which is why I am running for office.

The New Braunfels Chamber Mixer at Eden Home had our favorite, Betty Doepenschmidt with her camera, recording this lovely party. She let us know that the next Eden Home Gala will be held in New Braunfels next March 27th. Eden Home, around for almost 100 years is yet another local organization that provides outstanding service to our seniors. We plan to again attend and support their efforts with a stay at our bed and breakfast.

Dear Friends,

Frank and I used to live on the Boone's ranch in Canyon Lake for almost two years. We became good friends and I can attest to his convictions to our area. Dan is a good listener and has the best interest of our land and water at heart. He is committed to protecting our area from irresponsible growth and has a true interest in our water concerns. He's a fighter and has never wavered from his convictions.
He's not a politician. He cares about Democrat and Republican views with no biases.
If we could vote for him, we would!!!
GOOD LUCK DAN and ROBBI. WE HOPE YOU WIN!

Pam and Frank Sullivan
Republicans for Dan Boone

Eleanor Roosevelt Dinner, Boerne, TX

Eleanor Roosevelt Dinner, Boerne, TX, originally uploaded by BPL Bibliophile.

Dan and Robbi at the Eleanor Roosevelt Dinner

Who's protecting our water?

Good News:

Radio Debate with Opponent: Please listen – Saturday, October 18, 9:00 am KGNB 1420 AM and on Sunday at 9:00 am KNBT 92.1 FM

Non-partisan candidate forum: Monday October 20 - 6:30 pm GVTC Auditorium in Spring Branch. Sponsored by The League of Women Voters.

Last Month’s Question: “Knowledgeable water people cannot find much positive my opponent has done to carry out its legislated mandate – the protection and preservation of the EA water supply. However, he has helped developers a lot. Can you help with this information”?
Answers: Water board members from all over the district and EAA folks responded - here are just a few things they said:

1. Doug Miller has been either Treasurer or Chairman of the EAA since it was formed.
2. The lobbyist for the EAA, Freddy Warner and his firm were at the same time (and for 8 years) the lobbyists for the quarries (TACA).
3. Mr. Warner is now employed by Cemex, the folks applying for another New Braunfels quarry permit.
4. Texas Aggregate and Concrete Association has donated significantly to Miller’s campaign.
5. Ingraham ,one of our local ready mix plants, displays his campaign sign on FM 46 toward Boerne.
6. The EAA paid for the video used by the quarries (TACA) to educate the legislature about what good neighbors quarries make and how well they clean our water.
7. The quarries use more water than the entire metropolitan population of New Braunfels

Voters are concerned: About quadrupling growth, water shortages, public schools and the need to get taxes off our backs. We are worried about ruining our hill country with huge, lighted signs and clear cutting for high density subdivisions.

I will represent local interests at the state level with water and quality of life issues here in our district. – Many do not think my opponent can.

Working cooperatively – all of us together - is the only way to get things done in Austin. With your help, this is exactly what I intend to do.

And - most importantly - as an American, please vote,
Dan