Council demonstrates community effort

During the city council budget workshop that I attended last week the Gonzales City Council demonstrated what I thought was a great example of what can happen when the people in a community work together.

Jay Hilscher, who along with his wife, organizes the annual Independence Relay that is held in Gonzales, came before the city council to request the use of Confederate Square and the closing of Smith Street. During the discussion of this event Hilscher mentioned that in the prior years flags have been put up along the street where the run begins. He said that he thought those flags would not be provided this year.

Glenda Gordon explained that the flags would be put out around the reflecting pool in front of The Gonzales Memorial Museum.

After further discussion it was revealed that the flags that had been provided in the past at no charge would require a financial obligation this year.

It was quite impressive how quickly Councilman Tommy Shurig asked Hislcher if they could use American flags. It seemed that the atmosphere in the council chambers changed immediately. There was a sudden sense of community and pride in putting forth a little bit of effort to work together to get something done.

Councilmen Tommy Shurig and Bobby Logan discussed briefly the idea that the local Knights of Columbus could provide American flags for the event, discussed the details and committed to provide the flags.

Councilman Logan stated, “Community effort!” and the citizens sitting in the audience applauded.

This was quite a site, especially after just a few weeks ago it seemed our city council was divided.