Many of our friends and neighbors are feeling economically pressed already, and unless we get our debt and spending back under control, that pressure will increase via the planned property tax rate increases
Send your comments and news tips to roundup.editor@gmail.com, to Mr. Brannon at LoveHaysCounty@hotmail.com or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of the story
By Sam Brannon
Special to the RoundUp
The Hays Citizens’ Budget Project has been working hard to bring new voices into the discussion on Hays’ financial situation, and the feedback so far has been fairly remarkable.Recall that by the end of 2011, Hays County estimates that its debt level will be in the $400 million range, up over 500% from the 2007 level, and spending will have increased to $243 million from a 2007 level of just $71 million.
In the same period of time we’ve had over 4,000 residential foreclosures (about 10% of Hays County households), and unemployment has doubled, and the number of food stamp recipients has doubled, and we’ve had some troubling commercial real estate foreclosures.
The rapid growth in spending and debt seem out of balance with the general economic indicators in Hays County, and the purpose of this project is to inform the community about these incongruent trends, and to begin a meaningful public discussion on whether a new direction would serve our community.
By the numbers, we have had 4 public meetings in February, and one private meeting that with a Neighborhood Association. So far, 70 different Hays County residents have viewed our presentation (we’ve had some repeat attendees, and some from Caldwell County). Among the Hays group, 55 (79% of attendees) have joined our project by completing our petition to our elected officials, going on the record with their concerns and recommended actions.
Of those who signed-on to our project: 55/55 agreed they are concerned about the county's financial situation; 54/55 stated their expectations that our elected officials should hold full-on Public Hearings around the county in March; 52/55 stated their expectations that all capital projects be put on hold until the Public Hearings occur, as well as put in place a county hiring freeze and pay increase freeze.
This level of response is highly significant in that it transcends party and ideological lines, and in that once people become informed about where we stand today, they overwhelmingly want to have a voice in the process. At least that goes for 79% of them.
We haven’t yet hit all parts of the county, but we’re working hard at it. Of those 55 who have joined our project: 19 were from San Marcos, 21 were from Kyle/Buda, 10 were from Dripping Springs/Driftwood, and 5 from Wimberley.
We’ll be in Wimberley this week in a private meeting for 15-20 people. On Friday, March 4th, we’ll be on the air in Dripping Springs on KDRP somewhere between 9a-10a.
On Tuesday, March 15th, we’ll be presenting to the Sunrise Breakfast Club at 7am at The Root Cellar, just off the San Marcos Square. The public is invited to this meeting, but please RSVP ahead of time to LoveHaysCounty@hotmail.com to make sure we have enough seating available.
There are some other dates in the works as well, and will keep you posted on those as they firm up. If you’d like to invite us to speak to your group, or to a group of friends in your home, please write to us.
Many of our friends and neighbors are feeling economically pressed already, and unless we get our debt and spending back under control, that pressure will increase via the planned property tax rate increases.
So far our Commissioners Court has been mostly silent on the debt and spending, but I’m pretty sure that if we continue down the path we’re taking, we’ll see them respond in meaningful ways.
These types of conversations are fundamental to representative government. Before we can expect our elected officials to fully represent our wills, we must be informed, make conscious decisions, and then let them know what we would have them do. To the extent we participate in the process, our lives improve. So please join us!
11 comments:
Our commissioners court was elected to govern. Let them govern. If you want to be the one making all the decisions, Mr. Brannon, then run for public office.
I agree with Anon #1, you seem to be on the right track but what can you do if not a decision maker? Are you contemplating a tax increase, less spending or both? I would start by eliminating the graft and fraud but sadly we must penetrate the thick restive skin of County politician entrenchment. I think you could do a real service but only from on the inside. Right now, we are waiting for Judge Cobb along with the conservative majority of Commissioners to work their magic ... still waiting ... ... still waiting ... ... Has anybody found an honest man?
I say good on Sam for trying to keep the citizens involved. The first anon seems to believe that citizen input and responsibility ends the day after the election. Not so. Besides we have a county government GONE WILD and only one defacto leader/spender on the court who needs to be checked, often. That would be Will Conley, hardly representative of the wishes of the people unless the people really have voted for over-development and overcrowding. I am still waiting for some leadership from Mr. Reform, Bert Cobb. The current sad state of affairs is not what I would call governing.
An honest man (or woman)? Well, you certainly won't find one in the Environmental Health or Hays Appraisal Departments. Barton is gone but we still have Conley "the Car Wash Guy" and "Doubletalk Debbie from San Marcos.
It's time for Judge Cobb to step up. He ran on a platform of bringing honesty and fiscal responsibility. Freeze all hiring and salaries, Judge. Don't let the department chiefs dazzle and bamboozle you with their expensive "needs" - especially the new county sheriff. Get your game face on Judge, and kick some ___.
Thanks to Sam, the Rock, McMeans, and Dr. O- we do have a few honest folks in Hays County. Get with the program angry, flag and cross......haters. It's time to give honesty a chance, and let's all hope our county appraisals go down, but don't hold your breath.
"What can you do if not a decision maker?"
I can bear witness.
We did our homework, saw some things that troubled us, and now we're sharing a true story that most folks in the county haven't heard. When they do hear it, they are concerned and usually grateful for my having shared the story.
I'm not prepared to make recommendations yet, but we're beginning to understand where the levers and knobs are on the spending machine, and that's an important step.
This project's goal is to inform, and to bring the topic to a public discussion - Public Hearings around the county - so that those of us who are concerned about our financial situation can hear from our elected officials, share our ideas, and negotiate a plan that better serves the people of the county, according to the people of the county. If we get to that point, I think the outcome will take care of itself.
Its interesting that it seems somehow radical or subversive to some. Its really the basis for good government.
As I describe in our presentations, all day long SOME-body has the attention of our elected officials. If its not me/you, then how can we be surprised if my/your needs and wishes are not met.
Granted, it may not be for everybody, but we just picked up 8 more people who signed-on to project this morning, and I honor them for informing themselves and taking part in the conversation.
Sam Brannon says:
"Granted, it may not be for everybody, but we just picked up 8 more people who signed-on to project this morning.."
This Brannon cat sounds more like he is offering some network marketing hustle than something real that we can sink our teeth into.
Why all the "teasing" rhetoric when you can just tell us what you and your group are really about? We have seen three or four articles from you yet so far you have only thrown out some fear producing statistics that tries to get us to believe you are some budget guru. If it sounds like BS, it usually is.
I'm surprised the publisher of this blog site allows himself to be manipulated by your say nothing, we plan to do everything tomes.
Community action, or community circle jerk? Yeah, I know. I should come and check it out. Give me more real information first. Otherwise, go play games with someone else's time.
I've seen the "presentation" several times. I'm not sure which is worse; Brannon's "pass the plate" or Ms. Lovejoy's "join my service for $19.99 per month".
Maybe they weren't paying attention, but the CC changed big time last November. Let's give the new court a chance to show us how they will govern.
Brannon is campaigning for something and is aloof and disingenuous. Perhaps he should focus on something productive with all of his energy and free time. I would love to hear his SPECIFIC recommendations, but alas, there are none.
I can't help but wonder why he campaigned for Judge Cobb. What is the connection between them? I hope our County Judge has more sense than Sam "the wanna be". If our judge has the same ignorance as Brannon, God help us all.
The best some people can do - for myriad reasons - is to try to discredit people anonymously. So be it. Few people care what anonymous detractors say.
I live out in the open, and am willing to be known by what I say and do. I trust readers to draw their own conclusions.
Over 60 people so far have informed themselves and asked for a public conversation on the state of our finances, standing up and signing their names. That's meaningful. Anonymous detractors are not.
By the way, I know the only 2 folks that attended "several" of our talks. They've signed on to the project. There are several that have attended twice. I can only think of one that hasn't signed on to the project, and I doubt the comment is his (but that would be funny).
Here's the real Sam Brannon:
First, recently ran against Lloyd Doggett as a Libertarian.
Second, according to his "track record" at Meetup.com attends meetings of the following groups:
1) Libertarian Party of SM
2) Austin Texas Tea Party
3) 912 Patriots (Glenn Beck group)
4) Austin Liberty Action
5) Austin Liberty Coalition
6) Central Texas Republican Caucus
All this is on-line. Just google Sam Brannon of San Marcos, Texas.
It seems Brannon is being secretive because he is trying to recruit disillusioned Democrats and independents into his conservative/libertarian/Tea Party movement.
Also, Brannon tries to discredit Anonymous posters to hide his so far sly but disingenuous political recruitment strategy. Sometimes the smartest right wingers are the most dangerous.
As to this Love-Joy woman, apparently she is charging $20.00 for some Hays County anti-tax, spending cutter newsletter.
"The truth shall set you free."
Pfft... The comment from Anonymous Detractor #3 (AD3) sounds familiar... suspiciously similar to the Feb 23rd email authored by Jeff Barton that has been circulating with similar misinformation and other personal attacks. My goodness.
People discredit themselves with mischaracterizations and lies. To do so anonymously is a shallow existence.
I ran for Congress as an Independent, not a Libertarian. I stand against the PATRIOT Act and homeland security state as violations of the 4th Amendment... I stand against illegal, trillions dollar wars... I stand against debt servitude that's being thrust upon us by both parties, at all levels. As part of the Citizens' Budget Project, I'm standing for open and accountable government, and honest public discussion. In short, I stand for Freedom. I'm not sure which of these Jeff Barton or our anonymous poster(s) have a problem with.
Rock on...
Brannon says:
"People discredit themselves with mischaracterizations and lies."
The meetings Brannon goes to - which he cannot deny - speaks for itself.
"I stand against debt servitude that's being thrust upon us by both parties..."
Welcome to the Hays County Tea Party Budget Group with Ms. Love-Joy as the Minister of Information.
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