LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I’m a runner, but you may have noticed I didn’t run for any Woodcreek office this season. “Re-election” struck me as odd, anyway, because I did not endure the grind of a campaign in 2017. I landed on Woodcreek’s City Council by invitation, a walk-on for an uncontested seat.

Then, as when I first volunteered for Vision 2030 long-range planning, I thought I might make some new friends. I had never held public office, nor been involved in politics beyond voting. I belong to no party.

Two years have elapsed, and the journey to improve Woodcreek continues. The responsibility rests on all of us to serve as we can to conserve what we value, cooperate to protect and improve it, and communicate openly and freely toward action.

My term representing citizens was a study in continuing education, particularly through the Texas Municipal League. I learned there are a thousand legal ways to kill a proposal, but only one to get it passed: majority consensus.

In that spirit, I’d say our little town is striding ahead. Council and Parks meetings are available by streaming audio. We see “Transparency Stars” financials on the City website. The Parks & Recreation Board is active again, and has a Parks Master Plan, with street trees. There’s a new Social Media Policy promoting free speech, an expanded Tree Ordinance to conserve our natural surroundings, and an updated Council Meetings Policy, revised and restored to use. Shortterm rentals are less a worry. Budget increases allow gender pay equity for City staff and cybersecurity to protect City infrastructure.

Today, our demographics are changing. Woodcreek is getting younger, on average, and trends suggest soon the number of citizens who are in households of families with children will surpass those who are not. Policies we passed were what we could do, working together as neighbors. Our hundreds of children deserve much more attention, beginning with playgrounds and parks around town.

I have indeed made new friends. The depth, diversity, and character of the people here continually delight and amaze me. I am grateful to you all. Even if my only run these days is as “Maverick” among the Woodcreek Stampede. Join us sometime!

The Valley is alive with opportunities to step in. We volunteer and vote, exercise Public Comment, and raise our voices to our elected representatives and hold them accountable. Let’s pick up the pace.