The Boerne Star (Boerne, Tex.), Vol. 93, No. 65, Ed. 1 Friday, August 15, 1997 Page: 4 of 18
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Page 4A
The Boerne Star
Friday, August 15, 1997
opinion
Editorial Opinion
The right to know and
the obligation to report
•The city editor in the 1980 movie “Absence of
Malice” said he knew how not to hurt people,
- and he knew how to print the news, but
sometimes he didn’t know how to do both at the
same time.
Newspapers have to be fair in fulfilling their
obligation to inform. They have to be fair to the
people that make the news, and they have to be
fair to the readers—and that’s the hard part.
Sometimes the reader’s interest conflicts with the
interest of the people who make the news.
Newspapers must make decisions like this every
day. News reporting often requires weighing the
hurt caused by reporting some news against the
good a story will do by informing the people.
A county treasurer in another county a number of
years ago was a lifelong resident with generations
of family in town. The long-time public office holder
was a well respected citizen loved by the whole
community.
Then one year a routine audit indicated discrep-
ancies that could not be explained. Bits of informa-
tion reaching the newspaper indicated embezzle-
ment on the part of the treasurer. The local news-
paper obtained through public information sources,
clear cut indications that a crime had been commit-
ted.
Run the story or not? We double checked the
information, discussed the people’s right to know—
their need to know, the impact on the community,
and we ran the story.
“How dare we?” said some feeling we were hurt-
ing a good person. The county requested an out-
side audit following the story, the evidence was
undeniable. The treasurer confessed, resigned and
was prosecuted.
Public officials and their employees are elected
to serve the people who elected them. They should
be held to a higher standard by the tax payers who
pay their salaries.
Newspapers have an obligation to report on the
operation of government, the actions of public offi-
cials and how tax dollars are being spent.
When questions arise out of the operation of
government, citizens should want to know, and the
media has a responsibility to inform.
Tax payers who would stick their head in the
sand are less than responsible citizens, and a
newspaper that would look the other way is not ful-
filling their obligation to the reader.
Leon Aldridge
Star Editor and Publisher
Our Readers Write ...
Plea to parishioners for
return to stand together
Dear editor:
Many parishioners of St. Peter’s Church have left and
gone to other parishes.
It is sad that a group of people has succeeded in
dividing our city. A large percentage of this group,
along with Father Tony, are really new to Boerne area
and to St. Peter’s. They come because of the quaint
town and the beautiful church building, and then they
want to change it.
Do not let happen in Boerne what was attempted, but
failed, at St. Mary’s in Fredericksburg. Please come
back to St. Peter’s so that we may stand together to fight
for our church and what we believe to be right. We need
you at St. Peter’s and want you back in our parish fam-
ily.
Esther Turner
Boerne
Worth quoting ---
1 Y ‘
66 We ought now to
look forward to ...
a new day in our
community where
we work together. 99
Boerne Mayor Patrick Heath at the Boerne
City Council meeting Tuesday night following
an agreement reached between the City of
Boerne and St. Peter’s Catholic Church in
the zoning dispute.
Virtue makes a free society a people of strength
braham Lincoln used to tell purpose of govern-
about an old soldier who was ment is to protect
X always boasting of his bravery those rights,
until the day his company actually saw The rest is up to
battle and he retreated without orders, us. Government has
When he was forced to explain his con- been attempting for
duct to his commanding officer, he said, years—unsuccess-
“I have as brave a heart as Julius Caesar fully of course to
ever had, but, somehow or other, when- legislate everything
ever danger approaches, my cowardly that politically-liber-
legs run away with it. “ al minds have been
Jeb Bush, president of the George able to conjure up.
Bush Presidential Library Foundation, a You see the results,
board member of the Heritage Not a pretty picture, is it? Millions of is a typical teenager, always testing lim-
Foundation, and chairman of the dollars of our tax money is being thrown its, and is reveling in his newfound
Foundation for Florida’s Future believes down thinly disguised rat holes of wel- notoriety. Typical? I don’t think so.
that there is little doubt that Americans fare, environmental protection and use- Most teenagers I know have their brains
possess brave, caring hearts. “But,” he less, meaningless studies, geared up for the future, not in the gut-
says, “when it come time for us to act Of course, it’s not all the govern- terto wallow their lives away.
virtuous and to insist that others do the ment’s fault. We all do our share too. Then there s the case involving the
same, we find our cowardly legs run- Instead of focusing on real issues~ we Citadel. It was formerly an all-male mil-
ning away with our brave, caring allow petty politics, sensational head- itary college that waged a long and
hearts.” lines, and underachieving, over-paid, unsuccessful campaign to keep women
America is a nation in which one sex-obsessed actors and athletes to rob out of its ranks. But, guess what! With
becomes American not by accident of us of our senses. the help of the ACLU, Shannon
birth or by ethnic heritage, but by sub- Oh yes, then there’s the ACLU. True Faulkner became the first woman cadet
scribing to an idea. It is not blood or Americans, they are. Fighting to protect in the school s history.
marriage that counts, but a vision—a their clients against the tyranny ofcom- No, she didn t spend a dime on the
vision of a society based on two funda- mon sense folks. Currently, in New case. No, she isn t enrolled there any-
mental beliefs: First, all people, created Braunfels, Texas, the ACLU is coming' more. Yes, the ACLU s lawyers are still
equal in the eyes of God with certain to the aid of a teenager who was arrest- hanging around—trying to collect their
unalienable rights, are free to pursue the cd at a local Wal-Mart for wearing an $6.15 million fee including a $524
longings of their heart. Second, the sole offensive T-shirt. It depicted a nude cost of a going-away party for an ACLU
OurReaders Write...
Court should stop
needless spending
Dear editor:
Once again the County Commissioners are wrestling
with the problem of what tax rate to impose on the
property owners of Kendall County. Last year the rate
increase was set just below the eight percent limit that
would trigger a roll-back election. This year the pro-
posed increase is reported to exceed thirteen percent.
The new courthouse, now under construction, does
not account for the total rate increase. After the voters
defeated the attempt to acquire the building now occu-
pied by Benefit Planners on Main Street in Boerne, a
past Commissioner’s Court passed the current project
without an election. Increasing costs of supplies,
salaries and benefits are also factors to be considered.
One item that seems to escape the scrutiny of the
Commissioners Court though is waste of tax dollars.
One department in particular has been very public in
spending of money that is in my opinion, being squan-
dered. Items are being replaced that still have a useful
life. Unjustified construction. Office space that is
available in a county controlled building for no addi-
tional charges given up and replaced by a rented loca-
tion. All of these items have been reported in the local
press.
By my estimation over $10,000 has been spent in the
first seven months of this year without need by just this
one department. Tax money spent for purposes that I
feel do nothing to complete the tasks that justify this
department’s existence.
If the county commissioners are doing nothing to
stop the needless spending of tax money that is in plain
view, then what waste in less conspicuous areas are
they missing? Until this court is willing to address this
issue, I feel that I must strongly oppose the increased
tax rate and support a roll-back election as allowed by
law should the increase exceed eight percent.
I urge you to join me in Commissioners Court
Monday, August 18,1997 to voice your opinion in this
Reader dislikes stories on
sheriff’s office problems
Dear editor:
Your editor’s blatant attacks on Sheriff Henry Hodge
since he announced for office have been nothing but
persecution. Your newspaper belongs at the check-out
line in the convenience stores. There is no editorial or
justifiable text to your headlines other than you still
back the loser of last year’s election.
I urge all your readers to boycott anyone who adver-
tises in your paper.
This is reporting of the facts as the general public
feels about your egotistical editor who belongs with
the Enquirer, not The Boerne Star.
Fausto Gutierrez
Boerne
Breath
of
Fresh
woman and an inverted
crucifix on the front and
had a profane slogan
referring to Jesus on the
back.
The teenager, who
spent one night in jail,
thinks it’s “cool” that the
ACLU wants to help him.
His father, who obvious-
ly is a step behind in the
parade of life, destroyed
the shirt. He said his son
By Ken Nietenhoefer
^rWDOI RITS
OUNUUL DUO
as YI%
• ‘
DRIVE
REAL SLOW
WILL YAZ
ALTON
WATCH
OUT FOR
KIDS!
Taxpayer’s question not treated in a tasteful manner
Dear editor:
Several months ago, a male companion and I walked
into the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office seeking help
and advice on a matter of grave concern to me. After
waiting for a few moments an officer came out an intro-
duced himself to me as Commander Samuel Smith.
Before I could really get to the heart of the matter, I was
barraged with a multitude of rapid fire questions which
at that point I began to feel like someone of the “Top
Ten Most Wanted List.”
Congratulations Sheriff Hodge on your selection of
Commander Samuel Smith. He may have experience in
law enforcement, but he is certainly lacking in manners.
What happened to the law abiding citizens of Kendall
County that should be treated in a tasteful manner and
not like someone that was taking up your time with
such a menial problem.
After a few moments of frustration, I left feeling
quite upset. I took my small problem to the San Antonio
Police Department, where I was received very cordial-
ly and was heard. They explained to me the procedures
I would need to do and assured me that my concern was
a rightful concern.
They were first class! Mr. Smith, you don’t work in a
big city. We’re still a nice town, and if you continue to
staffer who had worked on the case
against the academy.
The government cannot do everything
for us. The ACLU cannot do everything
for us. Nobody can do everything for us.
We must be responsible for our own
actions. We must be virtuous.
Virtue is the oxygen of a free society.
As it fills our lungs, we become a peo-
ple of strength.
Without it, we become strangled and
weak.
Without virtue, we turn to national-
ized health care, V-chips for every TV
set, metal detectors in all public schools,
volunteers paid by the government to
volunteer.
Without virtue, we embrace a “Little
Things presidency,” featuring a chief
executive who acts more like a nanny
instead of the leader of a free people.
What to do? Vacate the TV couch.
Volunteer without being paid for it.
Vote without having to be reminded.
Virtue will follow.
Ken Nietenhoefer is a business and motiva-
tional speaker who presents keynotes and semi-
nars throughout the country. KCN
Communications, Copyright 1997. You may
write to Mr. Nietenhoefer, c/o The Boerne Star,
P.O. Box 820, Boerne, Texas 78006.
r BY TH'TIME °
WE GET THERE,
MAYBE SCHOOL
WILL BE
OVER!
treat citizens seeking your help in a condescending,
egotistical attitude that you have, you won’t be here in
four years.
I’ve always heard birds of a feather flock together
and what goes around comes around.
Sue Pittman
Boerne
Visitor likes reporting all
of the community news
Dear editor:
While visiting Boerne and the Hill Country last week,
I read your local newspaper, The Boerne Star. It’s
refreshing to see a small town produce a professional
newspaper that isn’t afraid to report on questionable
activities of local officials in addition to the “pleasant”
aspects that make a small town pleasant.
Too many small town papers report little more than
club news or rainfall averages while dodging controver-
sial issues. When I retire in three years, I’ll move where
the newspaper reports all the news—good and bad.
Oscar Milton
Dallas
Bible Verse ...
U.S. river heritage initiative deserves a closer look
"And all things you ask in prayer,
believing, you shall receive."
Matthew 21:22
New American Standard Bible
THE BOERNE STAR
P.O. Box 820
282 North Main
Boerne, Texas 78006
Phone 249-2441
or 816-2532
Fax 210-249-4607
E-mail boernestar@aol.com
longressman Lamar Smith was each river to work
I fielding questions at a political with the community,
gathering a couple of weeks ago The River
when someone in the crowd ask about Navigator will be a
the American Heritage Rivers Initiative, federal employee
Congressman Smith expressed con- who will serve as a
cerns about the manner in which the liaison between the
proposal has moved through the admin- federal government
istration without much public input. and the community.
He said the proposal should have Each navigator will
been presented as legislation since the serve a five year
effects have national implications.
I have to admit I had heard a little
about it, but I had never read the initia-
tive.
The congressman’s concerns and
request for comments to Vice-President
Al Gore’s once raised a few questions of
my own.
So, what is the American Heritage
Rivers Initiative?
Last February, in the State of the
Union address, President Clinton
announced he was directing his cabinet
County
Talk
Internet. ence.” Is this incremental approach to
A “State of the eroding local, state and individual
Rivers” homepage rights?
will link the home- I’m just an old country boy. I get sus-
pages of all federal picious when I see so many politically
agencies with pro- correct words repeated frequently in one
grams to benefit document. I need to have some clarifi-
waterways. There will cation.
also be a“talent bank” I agree with Congressman Smith and
for technical help. The his efforts to effect a congressional
information will be overview. The U.S. Constitution pro-
available to everyone vides a system of checks and balances
By L.M. Holman Comm. Pot 2
The Boerne Star
282 N. MAIN • (UPS 059-740)
P.O. Box 820 • 210-249-2441 • FAX 210-249-4607
THE BOERNE STAR (UPS 059-740) is published twice weekly for $28 per
year in Kendall and adjoining counties, $35 elsewhere in Texas and $50 per
year outside of Texas by the Boerne Star, 282 N. Main, Boerne, Kendall
County, TX. 78006. Periodical postage paid at Boerne, TX.POSTMASTER:
Send changes of address to THE BOERNE STAR, P.O. Box 820. Boerne,
Texas 78006-0820
Designated rivers and their communi- on the Internet and on hard copy. to protect state and individual rights. It
ties will receive a “Good Neighbor” That bit of information raised other is essential to determine the total effects
commitmentfrom the federal agencies questions. Why do we need another of this initiative and to question why it
in the decision-making process. Each layer of government to direct the public was not presented in the form oflegisla-
ri ver will become a laboratory for “rein- to federal agencies for information that tion ft1 earn more about
vention of federal programs and deliv- is already available? If all river commu-Make an effort to call Chessman
ery of services.” nities have access to the same services, this program. I hen call Congressman
According to the literature, any “river why is nomination and designation as Smith’s office at (202) 225-4236, or
community® may nominate a river. A an American Heritage River necessary? submit your comments to the Executive
river community is self-defined by the Two phrases in the text wave caution Officer of thBidY Room 360
members of the community and can flags for me.Execunyen DC 20501
include a short stretch of the river or the Experience gained from the designat- Washington. mad' vour comments on the
to design an initiative to “restore and entire watershed Jurasdicuienat paundi edpponTror thYinhiative will guide Federal Register Notice. The deadline is
protect America s rivers This year, the ariesmay be crossed ( future river designations. The qualifying Aug. 19.
President will proclaim ten rivers to be SuppOral of the initiative according to criteria are intended to be broad, flexi- Your thoughts and suggestions are
Amencan Heritage Rivers. . , The goal ot themiuauve, a utstar tie and credible important to me. Call or fax me at 755-
Information provided by the Council the text, is to improve servicer me LEAT What does this mean? Here is a pro- 8269 or at home 755-4492) or leave a
on Environmental Quality outlines the access to information an crate with vague criteria that allows the message.
process. After the proclamation a cies will be accomplishe g Rules be changed based on “experi- I’ll get back to you.
“River Navigator” will be assigned to - 6
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Aldridge, Leon. The Boerne Star (Boerne, Tex.), Vol. 93, No. 65, Ed. 1 Friday, August 15, 1997, newspaper, August 15, 1997; Boerne, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1626280/m1/4/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Patrick Heath Public Library.