Open San Marcos founder Steve Harvey dies; torch is passed to supporters

Even though dying, Steve’s thoughts and efforts were still focused on what we can do as an organization to ensure a government that is accountable to its citizens and whose actions demonstrate a willingness to govern on behalf of them, not special interest groups or for personal agendas

Send your comments and questions to roundup.editor@gmail.com, to Jane Hughson, the author of this letter, at janehughson@centurytel.net or click on the "comments" button at the bottom of this story

Open San Marcos website

Mr. Harvey's obituary published Feb. 22 in the American-Statesman.

To the Editor:

Steve Harvey
Larry Kolvoord/Statesman
As many of you know, Steve Harvey died on February 21st after battling cancer for many months. Open San Marcos was Steve’s brainchild and along with his wife, Debbie, Steve was the guiding force in its development. His enthusiasm and dedication to the concept of transparency in our city government was obvious to all.

Several weeks before his death, Steve asked Thea Dake, Charles Sims, John Thomaides and Jane Hughson to a meeting at his home. He wanted to know if we would serve as an “interim steering committee” for the organization after his death. Amazingly, even at this time, weak as he was, he maintained his conviction as to the importance of open San Marcos to our community and was concerned that it not lose its momentum because of his death. He expressed how much he hoped that the mission statement of Open San Marcos be implemented. He realized that his illness had already resulted in slowing down the progress that had been made at the start and was determined that his death not mean its demise.

This organization meant a great deal to Steve and Debbie. They devoted hours to it, despite the challenges they faced with his cancer. Even though dying, Steve’s thoughts and efforts were still focused on what we can do as an organization to ensure a government that is accountable to its citizens and whose actions demonstrate a willingness to govern on behalf of them, not special interest groups or for personal agendas.

We hope that you will all continue to lend your support and participation to Open San Marcos and make it become the strong and influential force that Steve felt it could be.

The next meeting of Open San Marcos will be March 30, 6:30 p.m. at the Price Seniors Center (222 W. San Antonio Street, San Marcos). It is vital that we have good attendance and continue to move forward as the Harveys would have done for better government and for a better San Marcos.

Sincerely,

Thea Dake, Jane Hughson, Charles Sims, and John Thomaides