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

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

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

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.

Why Send Daniel Boone USAF Lt Col (ret) to the Texas Legislature?

This election may well determine the future of our hill country. Our local population is forecast to quadruple by 2050, and this stresses our resources and infrastructure more each year. We have to get state functionaries out of our business and develop the best county level polices. I am also concerned relief from property and franchise taxes, public education and our roads. Eliminating waste while creating transparency and accountability in our state government will be top priorities when I am your representative. I do not take money from special interests; my only allegiance is to you and the hill country.

· Water: We must be true conservatives in protecting our water supplies for ourselves and our children. Water management is one of the most important issues. Currently, our water is not being adequately preserved and protected. With professional skills in statistical analysis, I know we must improve our computer modeling of groundwater availability and use for the 2020 report to State Water Development Board.

· Growth; 95% of our district is unincorporated and our county commissioners cannot help us manage growth due to state law. We need local management of growth so that we can continue to enjoy our special life style. I favor legislation that will enable our county commissioners to help locally as we see fit, right here at home. If we do nothing, we will have city style sprawl and the destruction of our hill country.

· Public Roads; I oppose double taxation and the conversion of our public roads into toll roads. Continuing this effort – and opposition to the Trans Texas Toll road are among my top priorities.

· Alternative Energy: Our legislature must promote the use of wind and solar development. Incentives now will create the new Texas boom – providing jobs and sustainable energy for generations. I will take bold steps in the legislature to insure leadership in this area.

· Education: We must reduce state bureaucratic restrictions and return control to the local district. All children deserve a superior education with both vocational and academic education accessible and respected. Eliminating the TEKS Test, keeping good teachers and taking care of retired teachers must be part of our goals. The tax monies we have must go directly into classrooms with local needs determining our priorities.

· NAIS; National Animal Identification System seems sensible upon first look. However, it must be defeated as it creates undue bureaucratic burden upon local operations and will grow a bigger government while limiting our personal freedoms.

I will work to curb development over the water recharge zones, and to ensure safe, pure drinking water for our children’s future. Current leadership has stood by as developers of high density growth, shopping centers and huge parking lots have spread across the Austin-San Antonio Corridor resulting in paved sprawl over the Edward's Contributing and Recharge Zones in Hays, Comal, Bexar and now spreading into Bandera, Kendall and Medina Counties. The EAA leadership has stated that when the water gets dirty, that they will "create treatment plants to clean it up." Who wants to be drinking reprocessed toilet water?. Do we want our representative to work for us, the people or to work behind the scenes, partnering with suburbia's water marketing importers?

I have done it all – grew up in poverty; picked cotton lived in a fire tower and sold cars. I enlisted in the Navy and Army and eventually went to college on the GI Bill, earning a PhD. Entering the Air Force as an officer, I was sent to Waco VA for an internship. Because, in addition to other professional experience, I have worked in negotiating contracts, managing multi-million dollar contracts and mediated contract disputes I have skills useful for a legislator.

I believe in the principle that the job of State Representative is to represent all the people and because I love the hill country, I am running for the HD73 seat and solicit your vote.

Interview with Dan for the Times Guardian

This is a copy of an interview with Dan back in February before we had the blog up. We though it would be of interest for those that want to get to know him better.


JS: Let’s start by getting the name thing straight. What about Daniel Boone? Are you related?
DB: Yes, I am a descendent of ole Daniel a fifth, great grandson, I have been told. My family is out of Tennessee and had a farm in Kentucky – though I have loved Texas since I was a small child.
JS: I see you are a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force and that you have a PhD in Experimental Psychology and Clinical Psychology. Tell me about that

DB: I am proud to have served in the United States Military for more than 26 years. First I started out as a young enlisted troop in the Navy. After a shore battery accident in which I was injured and honorably discharged, I recovered and enlisted in the Army. After obtaining enough G.I. Bill credits, I began to work on my college degree. I finished with a Doctorate in Experimental Psychology and then, went into the US Air Force when they offered me additional training in clinical psychology. My Internship was served at Waco’s Veteran VA Hospital in Waco.
Coming from poverty, it was the military that enabled me to successfully complete my education. The military has been a large part of the American dream for many of us and I feel strongly about backing our troops, providing care for our wounded - wounds that can be seen and those that are more difficult to diagnose. Vietnam Vets living under bridges is a national scandal. We must take care of our veterans.

JS: May I call you “Dan”?
DB: I really prefer to be called “Dan”. I have had that title the longest. Doctor is a little ostentatious outside the clinical setting.

JS: How did your military career prepare you for public service? As Robbi, my wife and terrific partner and I say, “nothing we do in life is every wasted”. I understand the needs of us ordinary folk and am fortunate enough to have years of training and the skills to listen to folks, mediate differences and reach agreement on tough issues. That’s what this election is about – dealing with our hill country issues.

JS: Tell me more about why are you running for the District 73 legislative seat?
DB: This campaign is about Hill Country Issues – and about getting things done in Austin. It’s about protecting our children’s education, providing adequate water for our great grandchildren and preserving our public roads.
This election is not a question of Republican versus Democrat. It is about independent thinkers taking back our government for the people it serves. You know, I ran as a write in candidate in 2006 after the upset of Carter Casteel in the primary. Someone had to step forward to oppose the huge amount of money brought into Comal County to buy this seat. This time, the Democrats asked me to run on their ticket.

JS: What do you see as the overriding thrust of your service if you win the election?
DB: There are good people on both sides of the isle and our goal is not winning at any price but working together to solve problems and get things done. We must say what we mean and mean what we say. People deserve a responsive legislator – one who listens to them and reflects their views in the legislature. This business as usual and “go along to get along” must end.

JS: Do you think that is possible given the political atmosphere at present?
DB: Yes I do. We may be Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or Independent but our common goal is the same - to do what is best for the people, not the political organization. Of course we have diverse views of how to go about solving problems, but it is only when we come together to share those views and talk together, in good faith, that we can come to solutions I truly believe this is true for our state and our country. We must work together to regain our honor and the respect of all the people. Maybe that sounds like a politician talking but that is what I truly believe.

JS: You refer to specific problems that need to be solved. What are the issues that you feel must be addressed in the next legislative session?

DB: Well, remember I am running to represent my Hill Country District. I am very concerned about how we handle the huge explosion of growth in our district. The population of Texas is forecast to double during the same time our hill country population will quadruple.
While we are glad folks are recognizing that this is the best place to live, we must be sure that this growth contributes to our way of life here in the Hill Country, not destroy it. That demands we have the local means to make sure that we do not get houses are crammed so close together that they become blight. To maintain our personal property rights we must act now.

JS: You have said that Education is a high priority for you. Please explain your position on education.
DB: Yes, it is one of the top four major issues I consider of highest priority. It is important that our public education system be one of excellence. We must evaluate what we are currently doing and using the best models available, provide for our children to learn and grow into productive adults. Our children must have the opportunity to realize their full potential.
It is also important here, to realize that we taxpayers are carrying the major burden in our education system whereas the state is only 44th in support of our schools. One way in which we can lessen the tax burden on citizens, is to require the state to put the money promised to education into funding for education. This would allow a tax reduction for citizens and still improve the funding for schools.

JS: You said you had four major issues. What other issues do you consider priorities?
DB: Yes. The most pressing issues all follow from the issue of growth in the Hill Country. They are protecting our water resources for the present and into the future for our children, grandchildren and beyond. Remember, if you turn on the faucet and nothing comes out, it makes no difference if you are Republican or Democrat- you are out of water. There are solutions to insuring our water supply. It just means that our legislature has to be proactive rather than wait for the next drought. We can’t sit around meeting, conferring, jawboning and doing nothing to eternity. We must implement solutions that are easily available now and be innovative too, to insure our water supply.

JS: That’s two issues. What else do you consider important?
DB: Well, of course there are many issues that are important and must be addressed in the next session. However, I will combine the third and forth issues because they relate to our system of transportation. Of prime interest to me and to many of us here is the hill country is that we must not let our public roads be converted to toll roads. It even seems that it may unconstitutional because we have already paid for these roads. To convert them to toll roads is simply double taxation.

Actually there is money for our road system, and TxDOT appears to have been playing a shell game about running out of money. We as citizens should not allow this to happen and we should have a full and clear understanding of just where and how our tax money is being spent on our roads and we must end secret sweetheart deals for foreigners. How about this money going to Texans, we know how to build roads?

The second part of this issue is the Trans Texas Corridor. I see this as one of the worst ideas pushed on the citizens of Texas in living memory. In meetings I have attended in Austin, the Governor has heard from folks all over the state that the people of Texas do not want the Trans Texas Corridor.

Austin’s response has been that the Governor wants to spend nine million of our tax dollars for advertising - to try to sell the people of Texas on the idea that this is a good thing. It isn’t and the people of Texas know it and have told him so.

JS: Well, you seem quite intense about that. Is there anything else that you would to add?

DB: I would like for your readers to know that during the last years of my military career, I had the opportunity to work in contract solicitation, evaluation and management of contracts ranging from two million to twenty million dollars. I believe these experiences and my last 14 years of experience as a small businessman here in Texas give me perspective on how we should be overseeing how our tax dollars are spent. My training as a professional psychologist gives me a perspective on how the differences in approaches to problem solving can result in the coming together of differing positions into a successful and meaningful solution to issues.

One last thing- I do strongly hold the idea that the government belongs to the people, not that the people are simply a resource for government spending. If the people insist on that truth and the Legislature recognizes that fact; with us all working together, Texas has a very bright future.

JS: Thank you Dan. This has been very informative.
Daniel Boone can be reached through his website at www.BooneforTexas.com and at his ranch 210-240-6565.

http://www.boonefortexas.com

Guest Artical, Ground Water Area 9 August Meeting

This article was published in the Bulverde Standard on September 10th.

The Hill Country's Groundwater Management Area #9 (GMA 9) Counties met on Friday, 29 August in Kerrville, to discuss scientific methods relating to sustainable vs. non-sustainable water use in conservation districts throughout the region.

In 2005, the State's 79th Legislature passed House Bill 1763 which required individual groundwater conservation districts within GMA's to meet on a regular basis and to scientifically determine the "desired future conditions " (DFC) for their groundwater resources.

Comal County, while included in the State's designated priority groundwater management area and inside the GMA 9, is the only county in the area that does not have a groundwater district and therefore, is not officially represented on this important panel. I attended this meeting as a Comal County resident and to my knowledge, was the only Comal County citizen present at the meeting.

This meeting was of particular interest as it included discussion concerning computer models on the effect of drawing down the aquifers by as much as 33 feet. The districts are considering varying drought conditions of recent years along with current and speculated future pumping to arrive at a negotiated "managed available groundwater" (MAG). The results of this modeling effort will be the basis of a report to be submitted to the Texas Water Development Board in 2010. The purpose of this modeling effort is to report on the "Desired Future Condition"of our aquifers and what we need to do regarding support of property rights and the water needs of our population.

I suggested, along with others attending the meeting, that the "drought of record" between 1950 and 1957 should also be included in the data base for the model as that will provide a realistic outlook for future expectations and planning. Several attending the meeting also suggested that the model include the projected population increases in the Hill Country by the year 2050.

With the lack of authority given counties by the legislature to manage growth, a drought of record model is highly desirable to show state and local governments what effects can be expected during moderate and severe droughts, taking all these factors into account. Realities,
such as limited surface and groundwater resources, should precipitate action by the Texas Legislature. The results of this study will provide information demonstrating the need for additional regulatory authority for county water conservation districts and commissioners courts.

The GMA panel discussed the fact that inclusion of the drought of record would severely skew the model in a direction that was totally unacceptable in considering any additional drawdown of the aquifers (how much more water can be pumped out). The panel suggested that multiple factors such as high density subdivision developments and population growth is going to make it all but impossible to sustainably maintain the aquifer. One panel member said that future pumping as is being allowed now is "going to be a disaster", but then also argued against using the drought of record model run because of fears that its findings would cause restrictions to selling land and future growth.

Finally, another panel member said that due to such a strong public insistence, along with assurances from the Texas Water Development Board that such a model run would provide valuable information, the model run should be done . As this additional information could protect Hill Country spring flows, it was suggested that it would be wise for the GMA
9 panel to ask for a TWDB Drought of Record model run. The Drought of record model run should be done before the panel decides on "managed available water" in a desired future condition.

At that point, a panel member said he would not agree to it and that his County would vote "no". Another member joined with him and the idea of a drought of record model was postponed until another meeting.

I suggest all Hill Country residents become aware of the crucial work being done by the GMA 9 panel and ask that citizens take part in solving the problems facing us for both near term and future water needs. I believe that the GMA 9 panel appreciates input from citizens and believes participation from communities is the best way to find solutions to the substantial water and growth issues facing us.

Daniel Boone
http://www.boonefortexas.com