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.

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.

First week in October, still on the road

There are so many great events in the Hill Country that it is hard to keep up:
I spoke with many folks at the Living Green & Renewable Energy Roundup in Fredericksburg on the 29th of September.
Saw innovative and useful green items. Can’t wait until we have the time to install some of them here at the ranch. We listened to great presentations, especially one by Judith McGeary on NAIS. www.farmandranchfreedom.org People need to be aware of the restrictions, limitations and imposition that will be made on our small ranching businesses. Please help me lobby for “voluntary” participation in NAIS. Mandatory membership will put many local folks out of business. Best it should go away altogether.

Just one thought: what I have been told: large ranchers will be able to list an entire herd with one identification number while small operators will have to tag each animal – and account within 24 hours, of any change in their status. Ouch . . . we must act now.

Independent Texans, having endorsed me, are now helping with independent voters. They too are aware that while our issues are non partisan, they will affect all of us. Party names, like fraternities are fun, but we really need to look beyond labels.

KSAT filmed a great two minute piece that we will post here for you to watch. Let us know what you think. Not being a professional politician, I tend to speak from the heart.

My speech, along with many others, will be shown on air . . . . ..
Speaking of on air; Be watching for the KGNB radio forum with me and my opponent.
It will be on the radio October 17th, 5pm and October 18th 8am on KGNB and October 19th 9am on KNBT.

The Health Fair at Holy Name Church in New Braunfels was well attended. It offered a great 5K walk/run, entertainment and lots of very good health screening. Ramon Chapa, candidate for the New Braunfels commissioners’ court, Precinct 3 led this effort. Good going Ramon. Speaking of Ramon, he is being honored tonight at the La Prensa Gala (an interview will be broadcast on Fox News around 8:15 pm this evening).

The Bulverde, Spring Branch, Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce Trade Show was held last Saturday at the CRRC Building below the Dam near Canyon Lake. Talking with our locals showed lots of support, even among our strong Republicans. People are thinking about what concerns us all – water, growth and the future of the hill country. Thanks to everyone for a very successful chamber event.

Robbi and I attended the Garden Ridge Lion’s Club fundraiser, Fish Fry and Barbecue, last weekend. What a terrific event and great group of people. Welcoming and responsive, it is good to know these people. In addition to the usual silent auction, they had new furniture items for sale and a good live auction. In fact, Robbi picked up two chairs for our home. . .and I volunteered to be next year’s auctioneer (more about that later).
Mayor Jay F. Feibelman was welcoming, showed us around, introducing us to many. The Mayor is justifiably proud of the well designed civic center Garden Ridge built and owns without debt. We hope to have a candidate forum or debate there soon. Watch for more information soon.

The S.A.F.E Quarry meeting was held at The Old Barn on Solms. They had a great turnout – with many concerned people. Their issues include noise, dusk, traffic near the school, vast amounts of water used to keep the dust down, dust polluting the aquifer and so much more. Many of these people have lived here for years are finding their needs not being met. This is one more reason for getting legislation giving more control to county commissioners.

Things are moving so fast, we can hardly keep up

Another busy weekend found Dan block walking in New Braunfels Saturday. It's a great way to meet lots of voters and get a feel for their needs. Later, he attended the largest Cajun Festival in Texas in Lake Hills, and a benefit for the Public Library in Boerne (at the Hungry Horse Restaurant - great music, too) - and it was their 25th anniversary celebration, - and a really well attended, successful event, with delicious food.

Later there was the White Hat Gala, benefitting the Bulverde-Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce, at the Johnson Ranch (where Dan donated a stay at his bed and breakfast in San Antonio). It was a restaurant tasting party - with different wineries, shops and restaurants providing all the food (more to come on all those involved!).

Sunday Dan was off to Fredericksburg for the Renewable Energy Roundup and Green Living fair. Lots of folks to meet and things to learn about going green!

Stay tuned....

Busy grass roots week - WHEW!

This was the week without rest. Dan started in Bandera, where he led a grass-roots block-walking tour, knocking on doors and meeting dozens of residents. Later, Boone met with customers at popular local restaurants: Turks Deli in Lake Hills, where owner Gwen Smith generously hosted voters who wanted to ask questions of Boone; and Brick’s River Café on the Medina River, where Boone was warmly welcomed to speak with local residents. Like Dan always says, local government is about the people who live here.

Thanks to both Gwen and Brick. Check out their restaurant websites and go have lunch with them! www.turksdeli.com and www.bricksrivercafe.com.

In Bulverde, Dan was invited to speak to the city council Tuesday. He addressed local issues including the proposed toll road, education, and water issues. Another issue Dan says we have to tackle, is how to get the burden of school funding off the backs of property owners. "We must find alternative ways to fund our schools."

Last Sunday, September 21, more than 300 voters turned out to hear Boone and other Democratic candidates at a rally in Landa Park. Boone joined representatives for presidential candidate Barack Obama and U.S. Senate candidate Rick Noriega, who was away with his National Guard unit. Also joining the rally were Comal County Commissioners Court candidates Larry Horton and Ramon Chapa, Jr. and numerous other democratic candidates. Boone told attendees that he wants to protect the Texas Hill Country by giving county governments more power to guide growth and manage water and other resources.

Dan is on top of issues concerning New Braunfels citizens. He shares their concerns about quarries, the proposed outer loop, water resources, and educational issues, Boone said, “I believe elected officials should represent the people they serve, not special interests. I can best carry your voice to Austin by personally listening to your concerns.”

What a week Dan! You go boy!

Democratic Rally in New Braunfels This Sunday

Sunday Afternoon, September 21, at 3 -- Big Rally

Spread the Word! Democrats are Alive & Well in Comal County!
Our Democratic Presidential Candidate, Senator Barack Obama will be well represented at the rally, as will Rick Noriega, Candidate for the U.S. Senate, whose National Guard unit has been called to help with hurricane relief efforts. Among the Candidates attending the rally will be Mark Thompson, Railroad Commissioner; Susan Strawn, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3; J. R. Molina, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4; Woodie Jones, Chief Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals; Daniel Boone, Texas House District 73; Larry Horton, Comal County Commissioner, District 1; Ramon Chapa, Jr., Comal County Commissioner, District 3; and Sandy Morales, Incumbent Constable, District 3. We proudly note that the last four on the list are also loyal Members of The DoCC. All of these candidates have juggled their schedules just to meet you. We hope you'll be able to return the honor. It's important!

Music, food, and beverages, will be available after 2. Candidates will begin to address the crowd at 3. It'll all be happening at Picnic Area #11, in Landa Park in New Braunfels.

http://www.boonefortexas.com

From New Braunfels ChamberTrade Show to Longhorn Cafe in Harper

The New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Trade Show was, once again, a first rate event. Held in the newly expanded and beautifully designed Civic Center in downtown New Braunfels, the preview evening featured good food, great booths and friendly people.
Heading out to Harper the next morning, my wife, Robbi and I again enjoyed viewing the beauty of our Texas land. Untouched by large commercial signs, this part of the hill country is just a pleasure to drive. Voicing your Views -where I travel the district listening to the people -was held during lunch in the Longhorn Cafe. This Harper restaurant proved to be a real treat. Their grilled cheese sandwiches are thick, crisp and delicious while the burgers received the review, "best to date on the campaign trail."
I was graciously welcomed by locals who are very interested in water and schools - subjects that seem to concern all us Texans these days. After a very interesting conversation we headed to Fredericksburg - though the advertised Voicing your Views at the Altdorf Biergarten had to be moved. The home furnishings shop and wine bar next door, House.Wine. welcomed us. Owner Todd and manager Bruce made us welcome and we drank the world's best sangria - a sparkling white wine potion with a sexy name. Try it next time you are on Main Street in Fredericksburg. This cool oasis is just the perfect spot to hang out - but be careful or you will end up buying gorgeous furniture and accessories at the same time.
The Kendall County Retired Teachers sponsored a candidate forum for the HD73 race on Thursday. This active group of active professionals had specific questions and seemed very responsive to my message. As they know, I began my run for office because of public education. Effectively taking a 24% pay cut over the last eight years due to no cost of living raises, these folks have my support.
We also discussed the GPO (Government Pension Offset) and WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision). The group consensus was that those "in the trenches"- the classroom teachers need support, time, authority and meaningful testing - eliminating the TEKS and returning to academic subject testing before and after each grade. To attract and hold high quality classroom teachers demands the will of Texans to treat teachers as professionals - expecting professional behavior and providing professional status and pay.

Dan's Videos

Be sure to check out the Daniel Boone video on the Myspace page.
http://www.myspace.com/boonefortexas
Daniel Boone


Here he is addressing the Gun Owners Caucus

Block walking schedule

Block Walking for Dan scheduled so far:
Sep 16, 1–5 P.M. New Braunfels - Meet at The DoCC's Office (Sandwiches available at noon)
Sep 17, 9 A.M.–12 Noon - New Braunfels
Sep 23, 2–5 P.M. - Bulverde
Volunteers are needed, Contact the DoCC office

Campaign Update

Endorsement was just received from Democracy for America. This exciting announcement was made at a reception for Dan at the Miller's home in New Braunfels Thursday evening. A great article followed in Friday's Herald-Zeitung. We are awaiting copies of other district newspapers to see what they have to say about this valued endorsement.

Welcome

Welcome to the Daniel Boone for District 73 blog. Dan will be posting his travels thoughts and campaign information here, subscribe or come back often.