This was a big week for the City Council: noise ordinance, C.A.R.E.S. research results presentation, flood plain discussion, sign ordinance. Yesterday we got our newspaper and I was reading the recap of the Council meeting when I came across a quote I’d remembered hearing there. Toward the end of the discussion regarding the sound ordinance, a man stood up and commented on how sad it was that we had to “legislate common courtesy.”

How true that is.

We’ve been debating things a lot lately. The City decided to adopt a formula business ordinance, then this week’s decision on the noise ordinance and this weekend the voters will decide on the much debated tax cut and bond issue. There has been passionate discussion on all sides of these issues. Friends and family members have had tough discussions with each other about what they believe is the right decision.This morning I ran into Ken Knopp. Anyone who knows Ken knows that he is a resident expert on Fredericksburg’s history. I shared my concern with him about the disagreement and perceived unrest in the community. He related to me a story of one of our past mayors from 40 or so years ago by the name of Henke. Mayor Henke had a vision for a park on the edge of town with a pavillion for community and citizen events. It was hotly debated, but in the end the City voted for spending $50,000 to purchase the land and build the building. The opposition to this decision was so strong that the voters removed the Mayor at the next election.

That park’s name ultimately changed to Lady Bird Johnson Park.

The point of his story was this: Nothing we cherish in this town came without debate and disagreement. There has always been passion on all sides of these issues. His point was that leaders “have got to stick to their guns” and do what’s right for Fredericksburg. Wise words…thank you, Ken.

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