Dear Editor:

The San Saba public may not understand how much the 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, and other establishments for the sole purpose of offering on-site consumption of alcohol. Anything legal in the state would be legal in the county. 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 a greater number of accidents. Do the citizens of San Saba, Richland Springs or Cherokee really want to see a bar in their town? 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. We want family-focused communitites which provide 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 TX

In the words of Mr. Watson... Once again we are forced to the polls for the purpose of defending our rights to live in a FREE society. Last time I checked, alcohol is legal for anyone over the age of 21 in the contingent United States. As an adult, I know the rules, with number one being "Do not drink and drive." This town has an excellent sheriff/police department to uphold this rule. As a "free" American, I resent the fact that this election is even an issue in San Saba. It makes me wonder if the San Saba Mob mentality is still alive and kicking. America, freedom, the right to choose, young men and women fight and lose their lives daily so that we have this right. How dare you dictate to anyone about their right to choose. And, I'm sorry, but spouting the Bible, in your misguided attempt to sway people is WRONG. Nowhere in the 10 commandments does it say, "Thou shalt not consume alcohol." You don't want to drink, that's YOUR right. You choose. But you do not have the right to choose for me which is why I will be voting YES on May 14th.

P.S. For your information, the city election lost by LESS THAN 40 votes.

Karen Andrews

San Saba, TX

I see that Brother Welton Watson has again expressed his opposition to the proposal to liberalize the local laws concerning the serving of alcohol to adults in our community. Some may recall that last fall Brother Welton and I exchanged letters on this subject and I was a bit smart-alecky in mine. Since that time, I have been privileged to meet him and drink coffee with him on my back porch and come to love and respect him. He's a mighty good man and I agree with everything he has to say about the dangers of alcohol. I just disagree with his conclusion, that's all.

When He created the human race, God endowed us with freedom of choice. No "ifs, ands, or buts." He trusted us with that freedom -- the freedom to choose the right or the wrong. Who am I to refuse to trust others of God's children to the extent that God Almighty Himself trusted them? Who, indeed are we, the combined citizens of San Saba County, to set ourselves in the Judgement Seat and tell our neighbors "You may not do this or that because we don't think it's right?" What we're saying, in effect, is that "God trusts you but we don't so you'll have to do as we say."

Prohibition doesn't work. It's as simple as that. If this attempt fails, you can pretty well bet that the folks who brought this second election will try something else: "private clubs" maybe. Who knows? The simplest solution, as I see it is for me to mind my own business and not attempt to tell my neighbors how to live.

Regards,

Nelson Page

San Saba, TX

I don't want my taxes to go up either - BUT - I took the SSISD tour for the bond election - DID YOU? It's BAD. As adults, we would never eat, sleep or stay somewhere for 8 hours that had exposed asbestos and black mold spewing out the vents. Yet, we send our kids and teachers to it every day. I was sickened by the situation in our elementary school... it is deadly. The other facilities have been remodeled and patched to the max. There just comes a time when money has to be spent to make the necessary improvements. This community's life is our kids-our churches-our school. Look at the improvements made here in the last 10 years. When you drive down main street San Saba, we look alive. You can say it's just buildings, but it brings a feeling of confidence and success. You can see it in our community right now. Let's don't stop now...we must make these improvements. VOTE YES ON 2011 SSISD BOND ELECTION.

Carol Martin

San Saba TX

I can no longer stand by and see our citizens being misled and misinformed about the true needs of our school district. The old elementary is truly out of date and dilapidated. Cooling, heating, electrical problems, insulation, termite damage, structural problems etc. along with a problem that was unheard of back in the 1940’s when this elementary was built. That problem is security. Some have mentioned renovation. One knowledgeable builder commented at the town hall meeting on that subject. He said that we could spend the amount of the cost of a new building on renovation, and could never bring the old elementary up to code. Also, I believe the savings on utility costs will be much more than have been previously mentioned. Any savings in operating costs, mean either lower taxes or money to be used for other needs.

No one likes to pay taxes, but taxes are inevitable. A few more cents on the school tax will provide us with a school building that we can all be proud of, and that we won’t mind showing off to the new-comers in the area. I believe this new facility to be necessary for the continuation of our community. Most of the taxes we pay seem to disappear into things unseen. With this school bond that we have the opportunity to pass, we can see exactly what we are buying. If the new building lasts as long as the old one did, it will be money well spent.

Please join me in supporting our children and grandchildren, our neighbors and friends.

Vote YES for the Richland Springs ISD school bond.

Thank You,

Raymond C. Pearce

Richland Springs, TX

Recently my wife, Sheila and I had the opportunity to spend a few days in your beautiful city. I just wanted to thank everyone we met for being so kind and helpful to us.

We are hoping to relocate and San Saba is high on our hopeful list. In todays times small towns such as yours are a blessing we often take for granted and we are often subject to forget that even though everything may not suit us, we must remember how rare it is to have caring neighbors that watch out for us and go out of their way for us.

One of the ladies at the paper office gave us a Spring Guide and it struck me that she was very proud of her job and the area that she lived in and as we stayed at the Inn next door, we found pride in your past and also privacy not found in most areas (hotels and motels).

We thank you for your hospitality and encourage one another to keep the love that your town showed us to those you see everyday.

Best Regards,

Terry and Sheila Davis

Piggott, AR