NEWS:

7/18/08

First I want to let you know about something that has nothing to do with Lago Vista City Council:

It is free of charge and open to the public right here in Austin, so I didn't want you to miss out

People may have noticed I was pretty quiet at tonight's council meeting. There really wasn't much for me to say. The meeting went uneventfully.

First there was a tribute to Hollace Bowden, "Mr Lago Vista". One of the nicest people around and a big part of this city's history.

Then there were presentations from various groups requesting the city to give them money in the budget. I respect these groups and value their contribution to the community, but I prefer that they not be financed through coercion. I would like to make government smaller and spend less of your money so we can put money back into the pockets of our residents and businesses so that you can support the causes that you most care about.

There was one particular issue discussed about a request for money from LifeLong Friends, formally known as the PAWS animal shelter. Several of the former volunteers were present to state that the current conditions and treatment of animals at the shelter is not acceptable. I have visited the shelter before, but not recently. I should probably check it out. I do understand it is difficult with little funding and few volunteers to do the job, especially when people drop animals at you doorstep. I thank these people for bringing their concerns to our attention.

We approved the new FEMA flood plane maps, as if we had a choice. The problem here is a National Flood Insurance Program that micro manages city policies and encourages people to build in locations that can get flooded. Maybe when Libertarians get in Congress we can eliminate these federal bureaucracies and allow people and cities to take responsibility for their actions.

There was an item for discussion of the master plan, but I had nothing to add from previous comments. I want to explain that I know the people that worked on this made genuine and sincere efforts to do the right thing, but I have fundamental disagreements of the role of government micro managing the economy and private property rights.

That's really all there is to it. If you want to see me Saturday night at the big event
we will be happy to have you.

After some time off, I'm running for City Council again because I want to serve our community. I've got the time for this important American tradition and in Lago Vista it's a completely volunteer position. I'll continue to be an independent voice watching out for the best interests of our community and I am especially committed to minimizing the impact on taxpayers. I'm not afraid to be the lone dissenting vote on an issue if I think it's unfair or against the best interests of Lago Vista home owners. What I hear most often is that you want to preserve the unique character of Lago Vista in the face of increased growth pressure from Austin. I will do my best to represent you.

Lago Vista is a great community that faces challenges as we grow. We need representation on city council that will listen to our concerns and is not afraid to address the important issues.

Pat Dixon will represent YOUR concerns on city council!