Dear Editor:

It’s officially fall – the time of year when the weather starts to cool, leaves begin to change and, for America’s farmers, harvest is in full-swing.

For the 98 percent of Americans who are not directly involved in the agriculture industry, the 24/7 life of a farmer or rancher may go unnoticed.

But, if you are reading this article, thank a tree producer for the paper and a soybean producer for the ink. If you are enjoying a cup of coffee, glass of milk, a bite to eat while you read, thank a farmer or rancher. When you dress for work or play – you guessed it – thank the 2.2 million Americans involved in production agriculture.

It’s because of these individuals that we enjoy the basic necessities of life – food, clothing and shelter – in abundance and at a lower percentage of our expendable income than anywhere else in the world.

Nowhere, but in the United States, is such a wide variety of food available to everyday consumers. It’s important to consider the farmers, ranchers and growers who work day in and day out to produce a plentiful, safe, affordable supply of food, fiber and fuel.

To bring the perspective closer to home, San Saba County’s 725 farms comprised of 717,799 acres of land produce agriculture products with a market value of more than $28,581,000 contributing significantly to the county’s economic infrastructure. Farms and ranches in San Saba County produce cattle, sheep, goats, pecans, wheat, oats,hay and other crops.

So this week, as you visit the grocery store, a restaurant, farmer’s market or sit down to a meal with family and friends, I ask that you join my colleagues and me at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in thanking America’s farmers and ranchers. I’m certain they will be grateful to know that their fellow citizens appreciate their role in making America a truly great nation.

Respectfully submitted,

Valerie Cortinovis

County Executive Director

San Saba County Farm Service Agency

Dear Editor:

The proposed liquor by the drink election is upon us. The right to enjoy a relaxing drink of the diner's choice while enjoying a good meal. However, reality does not always match the picture proposed by those in favor of such petitions. I will vote against this option for several reasons.

First, the police work very hard to prevent people from driving while under the influence of alcohol. Since liquor by the drink will force people to drive after having imbibed, the very thing the police are working to prevent will be more likely to occur.

A second reason I am against liquor by the drink is that it places temptation in front of those who might not be able to resist it. It is certanily true that some can have one or two drinks and no more, but there are many who cannot. The intention may be to have only one or two drinks, but friendly conversation and a relaxed atmosphere can easily lure a person into having more drinks than they intended to have.

The last reason I am against liquor by the drink is a purely personal one. When I go out to dine, I do not like to be disturbed by the behavior of other diners. However, although it may not be common, it is not unusual for individuals to lose their self-restraint when they have a drink, or two, too many. That can lead to outbursts of anger and aggression the person would not normally exhibit. When it does occur, it negatively impacts all those around.

James Johnston

San Saba, Texas

Dear Editor:

The San Saba Public may not understand how much the upcoming alcohol election could expand the sale of alcohol in our community. People speak of having a glass of wine with their meal as if that is what the on-premise consumption is about. In reality, the option, as worded, would legally allow the operation of bars, pool halls, beer joints, drive-thru daiquiris and other establishments for the sole purpose of offering on-site consumption of alcohol. Anything legal in the state would be legal in the city. It is one thing to allow the purchase of alcohol to be consumed at home and quite another to allow on-premise consumption and then drive home. There is absolutely no doubt that such an ordinance would increase the number of DWI's in our community and the potential for greater number of accidents. As a father of two teenage drivers, I would adamantly oppose this option if nothing but for the safety of our kids on the road and reduce the likelihood of them meeting an intoxicated driver. As the uncle of a nephew killed in an alcohol related wreck, I speak from experience. We want to be a family-focused community and create a wholesome environment for our children. Passing this alcohol option will greatly undermine that effort. I urge the citizens of San Saba to vote no on the alcohol option.

Sincerely,

Samuel Crosby

San Saba, Texas