As the proprietor of Tavern on Main, I take pride in offering the citizens of Buda and the surrounding area a place to enjoy one another’s company.  We also offer a bite to eat, something to drink and on the best of nights some live music either inside of the tavern or outside in our music garden. Most of our artists live in Buda, a high percentage in the historic downtown district. Most make some or all of their living by writing, recording and playing music; I am proud to provide a venue for their art in our charming downtown.

The newspaper article was headlined ‘Buda Business Owners to Fight Noise Ordinance’. My headline would be ‘Buda Business Owner to pursue a more appropriate and well-researched Sound Ordinance’. The print would have to be too small, but you see my point. The current council will not spend the time or money to do a study to discover what decibel levels mean, what is disruptive, etc. There is a core of fearful individuals who listen to the loudest or most frequent voices and vote accordingly without considering ALL constituents. Until more Buda citizens show up and vote in elections, we can expect more nay-saying and refusal to acknowledge the change that is inevitable. Buda will stay small only in its mindset as it continues to grow in every other way. Buda will continue to block appropriate and well-thought out businesses while potential investments and tax dollars gush to Austin, Kyle, Dripping Springs, etc.

Now is our chance. City Council elections are this fall. Educate yourself on the workings of council, sit through meetings, get to know the personalities, opinions and attitudes of YOUR council. Look at the number of citizens who voted in the last election. Council seats are won  by tiny numbers (often fewer than 10). Do your homework and assure we have a council that listens to the voice of all the citizens and not just one or two who show up at meetings to fight growth. Add your voice to the chorus. Register to vote. Show up on election day.

– Julie Renfro

Buda