[Snapshots] Armadillos, Resolutions and Hotdogs!

Check out these shots from the Helotes Health and Wellness Fair on March 22nd!

Over 100 people came for free health screenings, dinner, music and more. Thank you to everyone who participated and our wonderful community sponsors!

From the top:

Our intern Stephanie, dressed as an armadillo, shows visitors the right place to turn.

Rep. Garza delivers a resolution in honor of Mayor Tom Schoolcraft in front of the Helotes City Hall.

Artist Ryan Forester draws one of many caricatures.

Our intern Leighton stands in front of City Hall dressed as Harry the Hemoglobin to welcome visitors.

Delicious hotdogs grilled by Legislative Assistant Karson Nance were a part of the free meal served by Garza staff members.

Rally Against the HHS Mandate on March 23rd

Cities Nationwide to Rally Against the Health and Human Services Mandate

Representative John V. Garza to Participate, Pledges Support

San Antonio, TX- When President Obama’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandate first came to light, the Latino National Republican Coalition immediately responded with the Faith and Freedom First Rally on Feb. 18. Rep. Garza, who opposes the mandate, pledged his support for the February rally and now plans to do so again. On March 23rd, the “Stand Up for Religious Freedom- Stop the HHS Mandate!” rally will take place in over 100 cities nationwide to show united opposition against the mandate and its narrow exemption addition. The rally is organized by Citizens for a Pro-Life Society and the Pro-Life Action League, and Rep. Garza will be one of thousands who show their support.

“We will not tolerate attacks on our faith,” Rep. Garza said. “We will not surrender our freedom of religion. That is why I plan to participate in this rally and why I encourage other to do so as well.”

The Stand Up for Religious Freedom Coalition will participate as well. The Coalition is protesting the mandate because of “the federal government’s definition of what constitutes a religious institution through the narrowly constructed ‘exemption’ to the HHS Mandate, a definition which is both false and beyond the federal government’s authority to make” and “that religious institutions, even after President Obama’s so-called ‘accommodation,’ are being forced to facilitate contraception, sterilizations and abortion-inducing drugs through the health plans they are mandated to provide.”

Jobs are coming to District 117!

Schlumberger North America has opened a new operations facility in southern Bexar County. Schlumberger, one of the world’s biggest oil companies, has invested $19 million into the area to be closer to the Eagle Ford Shale oil reservoir. The company is expected to hire 100 new employees over the coming months and already employs 400 people.

The Eagle Ford Shale oil boom means incredible opportunity for both San Antonio and the smaller cities that surround it. I’m excited about the new jobs, and because I represent District 117, I urge companies to invest in the area in a way that establishes healthy communities for years to come. Regional planning must include roads, power, water and sewer improvements. That way the infrastructure of the small rural towns that surround San Antonio and the Eagle Ford Shale area can handle the population boom and support long-term industry.

Another important part of the growth process is creating enough family housing. Oil fields have experienced a rapid increase in vice crimes and drug abuse in the past. Encouraging families to move with their newly hired family member can help prevent history from repeating itself. More families also means a bigger population boost and increased tax revenue, especially for small rural areas.

Schlumberger is a great example of the new jobs and increased revenue this oil boom will bring us. We have an opportunity like never before. By 2020, the Eagle Ford Shale play is expected to employ close to 68,000 people and generate over $20 billion in revenue. I’d like to see the increased funds used to build more medical facilities and renovate institutions of higher education, since diversifying investment means more economic stability for future generations. Really, the opportunities are endless. I thank Schlumberger for choosing to invest here, and I look forward to what the future will bring.

(Map created and owned by the San Antonio Express-News)

You're Invited!

A Week in the Life: January 23-27

Here's a collection of photos from last week. John attended several events, including a meeting at the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, a Northwest Vista College Forum Panel, a joint meeting with the Alamo Pachyderm Club and the Latino National Republican Coalition of Bexar County, a discussion about the STEM Program and the City of Somerset Cowboy Breakfast. Whew!

Redistricting, Revisited

Many Texas Democrats choose to perpetuate the myth that a voter’s ethnicity can predict which party they support. Democrats claim to represent Hispanic Texans, but that claim doesn’t match up with how Hispanics in Texas vote. Hispanics, like all Americans, are not a politically cohesive group and hold a plurality of political beliefs.

In 2010, the Republican Party of Texas elected more Hispanics to statewide office than the Democrat party. There are presently six Hispanic Republicans in the Texas Legislature, two Hispanic Republicans on the Texas Supreme Court, and numerous Hispanic Republican officeholders throughout the state. Nationally, a significant number of majority Hispanic Congressional districts have elected conservative Republican members, including: CD 21 Florida (75.6% Hispanic), CD 27 Texas (73.2% Hispanic), CD 25 Florida (71.6% Hispanic), CD 18 Florida (66.9% Hispanic), CD 23 Texas (66.4% Hispanic), CD 2 New Mexico (51.8% Hispanic) and CD 28 California (51.2% Hispanic).

On Jan. 20, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out the court drawn Texas redistricting maps and rightfully chastised the San Antonio court for its judicial activism. The lower court erred by adopting the arguments of partisan factions seeking to redraw the maps produced by the Legislature. The San Antonio court's disregard for the Legislature's map was in fact disregard for the will of the people of Texas, who spoke through their elected representatives.

Before the Supreme Court ruling, two Federal judges voted to change the boundaries of District 117. Honorable Jerry Smith, the other Federal judge who heard the case and voted against changing the district, wrote “any purported challenge to the Bexar County districts is without foundation,” and “we should not use past elections as a crystal ball to predict how future elections will turn out.” He went on to explain that the court “is prevented from making such complex political predictions tied to race-based assumptions,” and “nothing in the State’s plan will hinder Hispanic opportunity to register and vote in greater numbers than before.”

While the San Antonio federal court clearly has jurisdiction to review redistricting maps to ensure compliance with constitutional protections, it cannot override the political will of the people of Texas when no such violations have been found. Racism in America is still a reality, but partisan factions should not use the Voting Rights Act to push a partisan agenda. The Texas Democratic Party has lost sight of the goal of the Civil Rights Movement—that we abandon superficial racial barriers and come together as a unified American people. Liberty, freedom and optimism are what truly define what it means to be an American, not race or political affiliation.

John V. Garza represents District 117.

Cowboy Breakfast

This is a picture of me enjoying the Somerset Cowboy Breakfast with my wife, daughter & sister-in-law on Friday, January 27. Early morning but the food was great. Many thanks to the City of Somerset for sponsoring the event!

My Point of View: The Redistricting Debate

The American Civil Rights movement should be about true integration. A candidate should be elected because he or she represents voters the best, regardless of race. Unfortunately, the Texas Democratic Party has failed to take the same non-racial stance. Instead, it has chosen to manipulate the Voting Rights Act as a way to gain seats in the Legislature.

The current redistricting debate centers on this. The Texas Democrat Party has chosen to support candidates defined primarily by racial background in special racially drawn districts, rather than candidates with broad appeal. The result is self-segregation, over dependence on racial politics and a class of protected politicians who are limited in their electability to their racially protected districts.

Two Federal judges voted to change the boundaries of District 117 on the belief that it violated the Voting Rights Act. They discussed changing 117 in a lengthy defense of their proposed interim map, but their only claim was that the State tried to replace regularly voting Hispanics with those who do not regularly vote. This is not part of the Voting Rights Act or any case law. They do not attack District 117’s stats because the map was carefully drawn to improve every statistic.

Honorable Jerry Smith, the other Federal judge who heard the case, voted against changing District 117. He wrote that “any purported challenge to the Bexar County districts is without foundation,” and “we should not use past elections as a crystal ball to predict how future elections will turn out.” He went on to explain that the court “is prevented from making such complex political predictions tied to race-based assumptions,” and “nothing in the State’s plan will hinder Hispanic opportunity to register and vote in greater numbers than before.”

Texas Democrats are so concerned about getting elected that they forget they must represent everyone in their districts. This is why candidates that define themselves primarily on their racial background often fail to get popular support. In contemporary America, including Bexar County, race-baiting needs to end.

Creating a climate of racial polarization does not achieve anything. Hispanics and Mexican-Americans consider themselves simply American.

John V. Garza represents District 117. He will testify before the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. next week regarding redistricting.

HOA Reforms

House Bill 2761, coauthored by Representative Garza, is one of the most current HOA reform bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This new piece of legislation changes the way HOAs are run by requiring Homeowners Associations to have open records, meetings, and elections for HOA residents. While this new bill takes HOA regulation in the right direction, it is essential to be familiar with your rights as homeowners, to know the new laws presiding over HOAs, and to be involved in making sure that your HOAs abide by Texas law.

House Bill 2761

Open Records:

• Upon request, HOA records are accessible to all HOA residents. Accessible records include financial records and attorney files.
• To access copies of records, HOA residents must:
• Submit their request via certified mail.
• Pay for the requested copies.
• In response to request, HOAs must:
• Provide copies of records within 10 days, or notify HOA residents of the delay and give notice on when requested copies will be obtainable.
• Upon request, HOA records are accessible to all HOA residents. Accessible records include financial records and attorney files.
• Important notes on open records:

• HOAs are required to keep residents' records on file in HOA neighborhoods that exceed 14 lots.
• HOAs are prohibited from foreclosing on residents' homes based on unpaid fees for requested records.

Open Meetings:

• All HOA meetings must be open to HOA residents, and upon resident request, HOAs are required to give information on each meeting time and location. HOAs must also mail a notification of meetings 10 days prior to meeting dates, or must post a notification 72 hours before meetings. In the exception that HOA board members must hold an executive meeting in private, HOAs are required to take minutes and notes to be reviewed by HOA residents.

Open Elections:

• All HOA residents may vote in an HOA election, and anyone may run for a position on an HOA board. Under the new legislation, HOAs must represent the entire HOA residency in elections. HOAs may notify residents of voting dates 60 days prior to an election, or by a minimum of 10 days before an election.

If your local HOAs are not abiding by these new Texas laws, take action and get involved by informing your local judge. It is up to you to help make sure that your HOAs are properly serving your neighborhoods.

Thanksgiving

Dear Friends and Constituents,

As the holiday season approaches, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue serving as the District 117 State Representative. The ability to represent your community in the Texas House of Representatives has been a blessing, and I look forward to working on everyone’s behalf over the next year.

We all know our State faces many challenges, but these challenges can be overcome if we continue to listen and work together. Meeting with many of you during my time in office has opened up discussions about the issues that are most important, and I thank you for taking the time to give me your opinions and thoughts.

As we start to prepare for the upcoming year, please continue to give me your input so we can keep moving in the right direction.  Our community and our state will only grow stronger if we work together and I invite you all to call my office at 512-463-0269 or feel free to visit my website and Facebook page at your convenience. 

Thank you again for trusting me and for allowing me to continue to represent you in the Texas House of Representatives. I would also like to thank all my staff for all their hard work and dedication. May God bless you this Thanksgiving!

                                                                                                           Kind regards,

 John V. Garza

Rep. Garza Visits Lackland Air Force Base and Honors Veterans Day

Rep. John V. Garza toured Lackland Air Force Base on Friday, Nov. 4, in observance of Veteran's Day. "As the "Gateway to the Air Force," Lackland's primary mission is to provide basic training for all non-prior service Airmen of the regular Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve (Lackland AFB)". He toured with Brian Grelk, Commander of the 326th Training Squadron.  Rep. Garza encourages everyone to take part in the Celebrate America's Military events this weekend.  The Greater San Antonio Chamber has organized the events since 1970, when the Chamber created Celebrate America's Military as a way for the community to say thank you to the U.S. Armed Forces.

"I encourage you to attend a Veterans Day service near you to show your support for our veterans and the victims of the Fort Hood shootings, their families, and our active military members across the nation and world," Rep. Garza said. "They make tremendous sacrifices every day to protect our freedoms."

Veteran's Day is tomorrow on Friday, Nov 11. Please join Representative Garza and honor the veterans who have bravely served our country.  

H-E-B Plus! Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony in Lytle, Texas

On Thursday, October 27, Representative John V. Garza, along with many other political figures, came together with the City of Lytle, TX to celebrate the opening of the new H-E-B plus! located on Interstate 35.

Along with Representative Garza, Atascosa County Commissioner Bill Torans, Lytle Mayor Mark Bowen, Somerset Mayor Paul Cuellar, Devine Mayor Bill Herring and Natalia Mayor Ruby Vera, came to show their support for the new business in the growing Lytle. Representative Garza said about the city, which currently has a population of 2,800 residents: “It's great to see our small communities growing and thriving. The new H-E-B will undoubtedly help facilitate the new growth of Lytle.”

Surrounding communities also joined together in the celebration, as local high schools provided entertainment for guests: the Medina Valley High School JROTC presented H-E-B colors, the Lytle High School Drum Line greeted guests, the and Somerset High School Mariachi Band, Azul Real, performed live music to guests as they toured the new store.

Stay tuned for more of the latest news and most recent updates on events for Rep. Garza!

Rep. Garza Awarded "Newcomer of the Year" by the Texas Association of Builders

Rep. Garza accepting the TABGRC Award for "Newcomer of the Year"

On October 20, 2011, Representative John V. Garza attended the Texas Association of Builders Government Relations Committee meeting in Austin, TX where members discussed taxes and the November 8th Texas Constitutional Amendment Election. John was also honored with the Texas Housing Champion Award for "Newcomer of the Year." 

"Affordable home ownership for families is a pillar of our economy; it is a private property right that we must protect. The right of homeownership for all families and citizens must be passionately defended. We must be able to own our homes without a ongoing perpetual debt attached (taxes)," Rep. Garza commented after receiving the award.

Representative John V. Garza's is focused on building and supporting the economy in order for Texas communities and families to grow and thrive.  

Rep. Garza's "Texas Housing Champion" Award from the Texas Association of Building"

Rep. Garza with Christian Finke the Sales Manager at Builders FirstSource

   

OCTOBER 24- NOVEMBER 4 VOTE

Texas Constitutional Amendment Election 2011

The 2011 Texas Constitution Amendment Election is on Nov. 8. Do you know what’s on the ballot? Here is a list of pros and cons for the 10 new propositions. Early voting for the election is Oct. 24 – Nov. 4.

Proposition I

The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.

This proposition gives property tax exemption to the surviving spouses of disabled veterans.

Pro: 

·         This amendment will give disabled veterans peace of mind that their families will be taken care of after they die. 

Con:

·         Opposing this proposition means opposing tax relief for the surviving spouses of disabled veterans.

Proposition II

The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $6 billion at any time outstanding.

This proposition gives the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) the right to issue bonds up to the amount of $6 billion.

Pro:

·         The new budget will give TWDB the funds for community water and wastewater needs.

·         TWDB can loan funds to water providers at a low-interest rate for infrastructure projects.

Con:

·         Could create long-term debt by allowing TWDB to issue bonds to the maximum value of $6 billion, and could cumulatively cost over $6 billion.

Proposition III

The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds of the State of Texas to finance educational loans to students.

This position would allow the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to provide student loans at lower interest rates.

Pro:

·         Would keep the stand-alone Hinson-Hazlewood student loan program running, and wouldn't raise tax rates.

·         By giving THECB the right to help fund student loans at low-interest rates when needed, the state could avoid expensive constitutional amendments every 4-6 years in order to fund education.

Con:

·         The state’s current debt could make loaning money a risk. If students default on loan payments, the debt of Hinson-Hazlewood will ultimately affect the Texas budget.

Proposition IV

The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit a county to issue bonds or notes to finance the development or redevelopment of an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted area and to pledge for repayment of the bonds or notes increases in ad valorem taxes imposed by the county on property in the area.  The amendment does not provide authority for increasing ad valorem tax rates.

This proposition allows counties to fund underdeveloped areas with property taxes.

Pro:

·         By developing unused land, counties can bring in additional property taxes and funding.

·         Would allow counties to use undeveloped properties for needed transportation projects.

Con:

·         If counties use the undeveloped land to create new areas of transportation, it could spark higher property appraisals instead of higher tax rates.

Proposition V

The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to allow cities or counties to enter into inter-local contracts with other cities or counties without the imposition of a tax or the provision of a sinking fund.

This proposition would allow cities or counties to start inter-local projects without being taxed or creating a sinking fund. A sinking fund is traditionally a fund created to pay for the loans an entity borrows in order to reduce its debt and liability.

Pro:

·         Saves taxpayers money in the long run by allowing inter-local government projects to run more efficiently and continue without contract renewal.

Con:

·         In situations where inter-local projects acquire a debt, there is not a required tax or sinking fund to hold those projects accountable for that debt.

Proposition VI

The constitutional amendment clarifying references to the permanent school fund, allowing the General Land Office to distribute revenue from permanent school fund land or other properties to the available school fund to provide additional funding for public education, and providing for an increase in the market value of the permanent school fund for the purpose of allowing increased distributions from the available school fund.

This proposition would allow schools to take from their permanent school fund to pay for expenses.

Pro:

·         Allows schools access to funds without the barrier of the General Land Office.

Con:

·         Is only a temporary solution and could cause problems later on if schools are unable to replenish their permanent school funds.

Proposition VII

The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.

This proposition allows El Paso County districts to issue bonds supported by taxes to create recreational facilities and parks.

Pro:

·         Would bring in human capital and create regional investment for El Paso County districts.

·         Supports community recreation.

Con:

·         May increase debt or shift community focus away from growing the local economy.

Proposition VIII

The constitutional amendment providing for the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of open-space land devoted to water-stewardship purposes on the basis of its productive capacity.

This proposition appraises the tax value of a property with a water source based on the amount of clean, quality water the property can produce.

Pro:

·         Gives landowners incentive to work with the state to create clean, quality water sources.

Con:

·         Increases the number of tax exemptions landowners involved in water stewardship already have.

Proposition IX

The constitutional amendment authorizing the governor to grant a pardon to a person who successfully completes a term of deferred adjudication community supervision.

This proposition allows individuals who have pleaded “guilty” or “no contest” to their crimes and completed their court mandate to receive a pardon by governor.

Pro:

·         Gives those who plead “guilty” or “no contest” the same right to be pardoned that individuals with convictions already have.

·         Gives an individual with no criminal conviction the chance to remove the crime he or she pleaded guilty to from his or her permanent record.  

Con:

·         The public would not see the crime on a person’s record after he or she was pardoned.

Proposition X

The constitutional amendment to change the length of the unexpired term that causes the automatic resignation of certain elected county or district officeholders if they become candidates for another office.

This proposition extends the term for district and county officials by 30 days to prevent officials from resigning from office to campaign for another office before their term is over.

Pro:

·         Prevents district and county officials from resigning from office in the transitional month during elections.

Con:

·         Officials should not be allowed to hold office while campaigning for another office.

John V. Garza represents District 117.

Representative Garza's Remarks on September 11 (at the New Life Christian Center)

Each one of us here today has those specific and unique events in our life that have shaken us and in some way defined who we are.   Ten years ago our entire nation shared in one single event that undoubtedly we can all look back on and know we are different.  Different as individuals, yes, but changed as a nation; as a people we encountered a tragedy than no one in this country could escape. On September 11, 2001 the world changed forever.

I remember being on the top floor in the highest building in the Rio Grande Valley looking out on a bright crisp morning, a clear blue sky, attending an executive meeting, trying to keep my mind on the discussion at hand when someone interrupted with the news of what had occurred in New York.  I remember taking mental inventory of all our loved ones and how this event would unfold and possibly affect them. I remember worrying most about my family in San Antonio with our armed forces presence here.  I recall most the peace and calm of my spirit as the Lord assured me that me and my household would be safe through this ordeal and at the same time a spirit of mourning and compassion over the lost souls and the families impacted by these horrific events that were unfolding rapidly before our eyes, an event that rattled every single heart in America.

            I speak to you today as an American who like many of you drew on our faith and the Comforter of that Faith on September 11th.  I remember Him, that same Spirit, Who rose up within the heart of this nation, I remember the public prayers, the fear and reverence for God, and the compassion that rested upon our people. I reflect on that day, these ten years after the fact, only one word comes to mind.  Strength.

 Our country was attacked and we suffered severely. They attacked what they saw as national symbols of our strongholds of military power and our economic prosperity. Our enemy no doubt tied the twin towers as our tower of Babylon, the making of a name unto ourselves and the Pentagon as our tower of Hananeen and Meah, the towers of fortification and protection for Israel. America did not let this catastrophe end with the aftermath of destruction.  We, the United States of America, lived up to our name and united around our common grief and stood tall as a country. America was created by strong faith in a Strong God by men and women persecuted by common and similar tragedy that would break a common will. They valued justice, freedom, truth and what was right and what was honorable. A Heritage who sought to enter into a land of peace where Gods rest would prevail. They understood the lengths and widths necessary to protect those values.  Now 235 years after their legacy, that same will, that same spirit is alive and must continue to prevail in this country, and it was just 10 years ago today that an attack on those freedoms awakened The Truth. The Truth that we have an indestructible Tower which is a Tower of Protection, A Strong Hightower of Salvation, The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower, that the righteous may run to and not be afraid. He is Our Strength and the Cornerstone of the faith that built this nation. We as His Church and as His People must be the Banners of that Truth in our society, We must exhibit His Righteousness as a multicolored robe of compassion and mercy, We must be the Healers and Comforters in those times of tragedy and despair, We must be a provision to the widow, to the orphan, to a struggling brother or the stranger traveling through our nation. We must exhibit the justice of His law through the compassionate grace of His Son breaking every burden and setting the captives free, for those who are at liberty in Christ are free indeed and we are a free people with the Liberty to exhibit God in all His excellence.   We must carry forth that bravery exhibited by everyday citizens that sacrificed themselves for the preservation of that legacy for the generations to come.  Remember the New Yorkers that hurled themselves into the smoke and flames to retrieve their fallen countrymen, and the men and women that overturned the suicide hijacker in flight 93 and selflessly saved our Capitol at the cost of their own lives.  These brave souls put themselves in the midst of danger to safe guard those same principles that so many soldiers sacrificed for since the dawn of our nation and still do today.  These brave citizens may have not worn a uniform; they were valiant warriors just the same

            I am so proud to be an American today because of who we proved ourselves to be under such horrific circumstances.  Unlike any other time in my life I witnessed our nation rally around goodness, faith, and hope.  Do you remember all the "God Bless America" slogans that popped up soon after the attack, and the surge of prayers that were offered up, it was incredible, and we need with all His Strength to continue to be that America and more today.  God is a living God and God of the Living, He will do for this country what His Word says, and His Word is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever. We will in this country and will continue to prosper so long as we Trust Him, Fear Him and Let Him continue to use us as the defenders of His people Israel.  As a nation we saw the face of evil, and we turned to the grace of God.  Psalm 91 reads:

            Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High 
            will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

                I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, 
            my High Tower, my God, in whom I trust.”

I remember when the entire U.S. Congress joined hand in hand on the Capitol steps to word a prayer for our safety.  Party lines didn’t matter, opinions didn’t matter, money didn’t matter, and instead we all paused, set aside our differences and focused on our huge similarity, being American.

            Helen Keller once said "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering, the soul is strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."  And looking back on that day few words are as truer.  So today as we remember the attack of September 11, 2001, and the near 3000 lives that were taken from us, remember the strength that we share on this day.  Remember the pain we felt, but the ambition that was inspired, and certainly how we have succeeded in defending freedom. 

            As we reflect on the events of September 11th, a milestone, and cast our eyes forward to the next chapter in our history, with great pride I know that against all odds we prosper.  The forces of evil, war, fear, or even fallen buildings can never crush our American spirit.  We stand today as a testament of that undying spirit knowing that in the face of oppression can we rise up against it and say, in the words of Todd Beamer, "Let's, Roll"!

Dissolving BexarMet would silence voice of rural customers

Bexar Metropolitan Water District customers have had enough. We want to do something about the problems within our water company. Some have presented a vote for dissolution as the only viable option, but a yes vote to dissolve BexarMet would permanently silence rural customers.

The district's board is selected by public election, BexarMet customers presently have the right to vote for their water district representatives. If BexarMet is dissolved and transferred to the San Antonio Water System, the San Antonio City Council will be appointing all representatives. San Antonio residents may choose their City Council members, while 44 percent of BexarMet customers who live outside the city will not have that voice.

A vote to dissolve means BexarMet's ratepayers surrender their right to directly elected representation. Those who support the dissolution of BexarMet justify the lack of rural representation because voters will have the choice of whether or not to agree at the ballot box. But does everyone really understand what they are agreeing to?

The San Antonio City Council's primary concern is for the residents of San Antonio, not those who live outside of it, and naturally so. Yet those who live outside the city are being asked to surrender local control of their water resources to an entity they have no voice in selecting. Presently, voters cannot be assured that SAWS will be accountable to the needs of rural customers and future development outside the city.

Legislators have placed us in an additional difficult position. SB341 places Bexar Met in pending receivership. The possibility of dissolution of the company by pending election gives SAWs a five-year option provision of takeover and sovereign immunity against all new contracts and debt agreements that bind BexarMet. Consequently, banks have recently given notice to pull short-term financing commitments which paralyzes all current capital improvement projects to outlying areas. This creates all sorts of immediate dire consequences.

If voters chose not to dissolve BexarMet by election, Senate Bill 271 takes effect by imposing strict term-limits on its board, as well as reformed ethics and reporting requirements. This will result in a better BexarMet while maintaining voting rights, accountability and direct representation for its customers.

No one denies that there have been serious problems with BexarMet. However, dissolving the company in favor of San Antonio Water System denies rural voters direct representation, governmental accountability and the local control they deserve and currently possess.

I urge all BexarMet customers to seriously consider voting against surrendering your voting rights and against loosing local control. A no vote on BexarMet will introduce reform, impose term limits and ensure a water district that is directly accountable to all of its customers — all of us.

John V. Garza represents Texas House District 117. He is a BexarMet customer.

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Dissolving-BexarMet-would-silence-voice-of-rural-1625227.php#ixzz1TnOCmsoe