Supporting Minnick, Byrne and Bowman

LETTERS OF SUPPORT

Hays County is the fourth fastest growing country in the nation. How can we manage the growth in a way that preserves what we love? The only way is to elect city council members who will encourage everyone to express their diverse opinions so that we can design sustainable solutions together. Let’s apply our local brilliance!

We know this as a community. On April 23, 2018, I attended a community meeting hosted by The League of Women Voters to hear from the candidates for Wimberley’s mayor and city council. According to the moderator, every table shared the same desires for what we want from our political representatives:

1. civil conversations

2. greater government transparency and accountability

3. enhanced problem solving

4. respect for differing views and

5. reliable data

Bo Bowman, Rebecca Minnick, and Christine Byrne have demonstrated their willingness and ability to deliver on this list through their community service. In addition, they each have special gifts that will move us forward in a positive direction.

Bo Bowman is a lawyer with over twenty years experience as an educator – bringing both areas of expertise to city decision-making.

Rebecca Minnick arrives with communications skills to keep us in the loop of what’s happening at city hall and business savvy to help us create a resilient local economy.

Christine Byrne represents the interests of our pristine environment while also helping future generations learn the importance of protecting these treasures.

We need our decision making to be as robust as the challenges we face. Wimberley is famous for its independent, creative spirit. How about we apply this resource to our politics? Let’s make it possible by electing these three dedicated public servants.

Stephanie Nestlerode

When elected two years ago, I shared a vision for the Wimberley Valley – we could remain Wimberley in 2050, despite the pressures to become Anytown, USA.

But the exploiters are here, and we have so far failed to establish a strong local presence to stop their plans. Our city founders while AT, EP, Kinder-Morgan and others threaten our community and environment.

In the upcoming election, I’m standing with CHRISTINE BYRNE (Place 3), REBECCA MINNICK (Place 1), and BO BOWMAN (Place 5). They have the experience and values that can harness Wimberley’s strength, courage, and wisdom to retain its unique identity in the face of rapid growth pressures.

BYRNE has over a decade of experience on Wimberley’s Park’s Board, and as Chair proved she has the invaluable consensus-building skills that result in long-term solutions. She’s a true conservationist with a science background who relies on facts when making decisions about our waterways and green spaces.

MINNICK has served for years on Board of Adjustments and Planning and Zoning with a track record of being a clear and concise communicator of sometimes-complicated ordinances from the table. She supports the families/ small businesses that support our local economy and has been a consistent advocate to ensure the law is there to help, not hurt, the public.

BOWMAN is a Navy veteran and licensed attorney drawing on his skills to engage the next generation of Wimberley civic leaders at KAPS. He is an expert in democratic processes and has committed to continuing my “Coffees with a Council Member” because he understands that a representative’s most fundamental job is to listen.

Wimberley needs these candidates of long-term vision and service on our governing body. I support Byrne, Minnick, and Bowman without reservation. Please join me in supporting them on May 4th.

Allison Davis

Dear Voters of Wimberley,

This year’s city council election is especially crucial to me because of the dissension in our community over several issues. Bo Bowman, Christine Byrne and Rebecca Minnick have all pledged to work to resolve this discord by listening to the citizens, establishing a respectful atmosphere and casting their votes accordingly.

I wholeheartedly support these candidates, who are already serving this community in their own special ways.

Bo, a popular and excellent teacher at KAPS school, is seeking his first public office because he deeply wants to help restore transparency, greater fiscal responsibility, greater trust, and a stronger infrastructure to our local government. “Working Together for a United Wimberley” is his goal. A law school graduate and member of the bar, a Navy veteran, a husband and father of two daughters, he will bring a thorough, thoughtful and calming approach to council.

Christine demonstrates her strong commitment to the environment through her hands-on volunteering at the Blue Hole Regional Park, her leadership with the park’s master plan and tenure as chair of the Parks Board. A nurse by training, she brings her scientific background and attention to detail to all that she does. She has been a good friend and a strong voice for our natural spaces.

Rebecca brings her communications and business background to the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission where she has expressed her dedication to preserving Wimberley’s character and her support of careful management of our zoning issues. She volunteers for the Wimberley Civic Club on numerous projects.

I ask you to vote for these three council candidates for a BETTER, STRONGER, FRIENDLIER WIMBERLEY.

Sincerely,

Martha Knies

A close election is one in which the majority of the people don’t vote.

There can be a variety of reasons people don’t go to the polls: apathy, or they think government’s dirty, or their vote doesn’t count…the Big Three of voter inaction.

But, the last few years have proved apathy is a worse than usual excuse, with the winners being chosen by a majority of those who voted, but not the majority of voters. Which means, if politicians have only that minority’s interests in mind, they won’t pay any attention to the majority.

And the dirty politics excuse is really poor, because good government only happens when the majority votes. Bad politicians thrive in the shadows, and shadows thrive where too few voters participate to cast their light. Thus, voting is where cleaner politics comes from.

The non-counting vote is the biggest self-delusion. Perhaps based more on the feeling of being one of a million rather than one in a million? The former feel they have no affect, while the latter knows their effect comes only as the majority.

Last year a group gained city hall who ran on promises they reversed upon taking office. They won by narrow margins because many stayed home. And yet, the day after the election and the year since, it’s obvious your votes were much needed.

I see a lot of signs for Christine Byrne, Bo Bowman and Rebecca Minnick, and to these three all of Wimberley matters, because we all—all of us in the Valley—are tied to the city. Your vote matters, but most if you go to the polls.

These are the three you need to vote for to correct the wrongs of the past year, in order to have a more stable—and thriving—Wimberley in the future.

Clay Ewing