Open Letter From Mayor of Cibolo to Residents

May 9, 2011 - PRLog -- To my friends and fellow Cibolo residents:

I have been truly blessed to have had the opportunity over these past few weeks to meet face to face with so many of you. You have invited me into your homes, shared stories of your life and families, and discussed those matters that mean the most to you right now. I've knocked on hundreds of doors and made countless new friends. One constant that seems to run throughout the multitude of conversations I've had is the exhaustion that Cibolo citizens have over the mudslinging, infighting, and bickering amongst the very people you all have elected to guide our city's ship on a smooth, determined course.

These past few months have been tumultuous to say the least..with speculation, and heated debate becoming the norm. As I see it, anything that brings to the front of citizens' minds the issues of true importance is a good thing. Unfortunately, the focus of speculation and investigation have not always been where they could best be targeted.

With the completion of a long and expensive investigation, one which has found my efforts as Mayor to be free of violations and in fact beneficial to the city, I am happy to declare that I am proud of both my work and the work of the dozens of volunteers and Cibolo residents that are spending time and resources to make our city a better place to live and grow.

I sing the praises of CCAN (Cibolo Community Advancement Network), for its tireless efforts and donation of over $4,000 in monies and equipment to support youth sports, and the SCUCISD Education Foundation, both of which I am a founding member.

I am proud of my more than eight years on our city's council, working with our council members who also give of their time and resources to improve our city and attract new business.

I am excited about the growth in our economic development, particularly in the announcement last month of Sanjel's expansion here in Cibolo that will bring more than 250 jobs to our city.

I am gratified that so many residents are actively using the 2,000 large recycling bins we received as a result of my writing the grant that gifted our city with another tool to keep us "green."

As we face another summer of drought, I am glad to have lead the initiative resulting in our current water conservation guidelines.

We in Cibolo are poised for a prosperous future, and continue to be the City of Choice for residents, and for new businesses. As so many cities struggle with economic difficulties, we are truly a magnet for economic growth.

As Election Day nears, some turn their focus to negative verbal attacks. I hear of council candidates suggesting I sit back and let others make the hard decisions that shape our city. That is not what I was elected to do. I was elected to be an active voice for you, the voter. I was elected to report to my colleagues what I hear as I take the pulse of the city. One council member suggested my job was to "cut ribbons, conduct meetings, and shut up." I refuse to do so. And I am reminded of the words of my friend Gary Kelly when he said: "if you are not getting flack, you are not over the target." My whole desire for running for office then, and for running for Mayor now, was to play an active role is seeing to it that this city can be the very best that it can be, that it should be, for each and every one of you. If that puts me in the line of fire of those who want to do things as only they see fit, so be it. I do so with head held high and goals in sight. Those goals, dictated by you the citizens of Cibolo.

My door is open to all who wish to have their voices heard. I encourage you to contact me with questions and concerns. If I haven't had the opportunity to shake your hand and spend a few moments with you, please let me do so soon. And I thank you for exercising your right to vote on May 14th.

Sincerely,
Mayor Jennifer Hartman