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November 9, 2009

Open Letter to the Council and Citizens of Blanco from the Mayor:

Much has transpired since May when I was elected and took my oath as your Mayor. Early in July my brother was killed by a drunk driver.

Later in July I suffered a severe head trauma and underwent reconstructive surgery. I was unable to work in Austin for three months, returned to “light duty” status, only to have to take off again.

While still in “recovery mode”, the timing of my return to work coincided with more demands on me in Austin and for the City of Blanco. In addition, I faced a Council with opposing goals.

My efforts to assist Councilmember Howerton in following what we believe to be requests of the majority of our citizens have met with stalemate.

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Blanco IS growing and we are feeling the effects of the larger cities which surround us, including more serious crime. I believe we need to be in front of that growth, equipped with the appropriate police staff and facilities to accomplish what must be tackled and adequately protect our citizens.

A council cannot properly function or respond to the citizens’ needs if personal agenda, power, and politics get in the way. However, I am no longer in a position to press for what you elected me to do.

Because of my sincere desire for the well-being of Blanco and its citizens (including my own family), I have decided to step down as your Mayor effective immediately.

This has not been an easy decision, as I wanted to accomplish more to bring Blanco into the 21st Century, and to complete business voted on by councils in years past.

But my health after this accident is not sufficiently improved to allow me to fight for what I believe will benefit Blanco without compromising my recovery even more. Council member Ron Houston’s recent passing brings that feeling closer to home for me.

I have noticed more involvement from the citizens and more desire to attend council meetings and speak your voice.

I encourage you to continue to make your wishes known directly to your council members by contacting them, and by your votes. Those wishes are what should always drive your council.

As I have been informed by the Texas Municipal League, since both Ron Houston’s position (Mayor pro tem) and the Mayor’s position will be vacant, the City will be required to hold an election.

This should prove to be in the best interest of the citizens, since you will have a direct voice in who will be on your council, representing your will.

Warmest regards,

Christina M. Gourley