A parks master plan town hall meeting was held June 30. I hoped to hear Hays Countians’ input about the future of parks in our county. Instead, a vocal minority sidetracked the meeting with unrelated topics. They discussed entertaining but rambling ideas such as the United Nations’ attempts to take over the USA, Nicaraguan birds sneaking into Texas, government taking of unwilling people’s land, taxes as a form of stealing. These people diverted the conversation so that only about 30 minutes of a two-hour meeting was left to discuss the parks plan.
Kudos to County Commissioners Will Conley and Ray Whisenant for their patient efforts to steer the conversation back to the topic of the future of parks and away from the speeches, rehearsed rants, unfounded accusations, fear and innuendo.
When delivered, the county parks plan will reflect the relevant views of all people in Hays County. The parks plan does not contain one dollar of committed money or target one piece of specific land. It will be an array of options that our elected officials can consider funding – or not – based on the funds available and the will of the people of the County. Hays has a history and commitment that the land for parks be set aside by agreements between the County and willing partners. Parks are a way to preserve our quality of life, set aside some of our beautiful land for recreation and protect open space for all residents, visitors and families now and for future generations. They are truly a gift we can leave our kids.
Jeff Kaufmann
Buda
