Opinion

At Alpine ISD, one of our core goals is to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, while maintaining a positive campus culture. This is a goal we take incredibly seriously. However, it’s a priority that the state of Texas supports with their rhetoric, but not with their money.

Happy New Year Alpine. It is hard to believe that another year is winding down and 2022 is in the rear-view mirror.

“Big results require big ambitions.” — Heraclitus, ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher “Good afternoon, I hope you remember me from the early 1980s before I moved to Hemphill,” the message in my inbox from Gary Stewart began. “You were a helpful boss and advocate, and I appreciated your advice.” “Certainly, I remember you,” I responded as soon as I saw Gary’s words.

Ride for the Brand For those who may have missed it last week, the PRCA National Finals rodeo was last week in Las Vegas. Sul Ross had 3 current or former members of the SR Rodeo team qualified and participating in the finals.

“They err, who thinks Santa Claus comes down through the chimney; he really enters through the heart.” — Paul M. Ell Santa Claus is real.

In my meeting with Alpine City Manager on Dec. 12, we reviewed problems I’ve had with the Water Department meter readings and inaccurate billing. She acknowledged I had been overcharged by 7,000 gallons in November. She was unable to say when I would receive the credit and unable to assure me the December billing would be accurate.

Thank You Thank you to the Alpine Avalanche and all who joined us on Saturday, Dec. 3, for Historic Alpine’s Second Annual Christmas Stroll, down East Sul Ross Avenue.

It’s common knowledge that City of Alpine has problems reading water meters and with the subsequent and often inaccurate bills. I reference your article, City discusses water billing issues, Alpine Avalanche, Nov. 17 this year. My complaint about the water portion of the monthly utility bill is not uncommon. The estimated amount used is many times the actual monthly usage. Last billing period I was billed 9,000 gallons, but used, according to daily meter readings, 1,200 gallons. The Oct. billing was similarly wrong.

“The problem with omens is that they never come with an illustrated pamphlet explaining what they mean.” — Dean Koontz, American author of suspense thrillers Could it have been an omen? I’m thinking maybe more of a sign. That one 9/16-inch box end wrench, my favorite, was nowhere to be found when I needed it Thanksgiving weekend.

Santa isn’t the only one making lists and checking them twice. Over the last seven months the City Council and City Administration have been busy making to-do lists based on the needs and desires of residents who have participated in Meet with the Mayor Sessions, City Council meetings, and who have reached out to us via phone, email, and social media. With the help of residents, a lot has been accomplished since May.