LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

How many times have you heard “the problem with Wimberley is that on any issue, we are split 50/50”? When viewed from this lens, conflict seems irreconcilable. Conversations become so brutal that many avoid them altogether. The wastewater treatment plan is a case in point. The strife over options has delayed protection for Cypress Creek, been expensive for businesses, and has destroyed personal relationships. What may we learn from this?

What if there’s an alternative way of viewing the 50/50 split? What if the split is exactly what we need to stimulate creative, sustainable solutions?

Wimberley has a creative brew for a reason – so that our solutions can be as robust as the challenges we face. Yet this will only happen when serving the common good is more important that convincing others we are right. The new Downtown District Committee is practicing this shift. In a transparent fashion, they are focusing on data and practical solutions to real problems like parking and pedestrian safety. The Committee members give me hope that our local government can serve community interests effectively and efficiently.

We are blessed in the Wimberley Valley with natural beauty and talented, generous people. Let’s resolve to support local public officials and volunteers dedicated to making wise choices for our shared future.

Stephanie Nestlerode