The Seguin Gazette-Enterprise from Seguin, Texas • Page 14

Page 14A Sunday, June 7,1987 The Seguin Gazette Enterprise OPINIONS Today's question: How have the heavy rains of the past week affected you? INQUIRING PHOTOQRAPHIR Isabelle It; hasn't affected me much. It has been a time of restt Joann Sutherland They have caused health and safety hazards. Teena McKnight I'm an outdoors person and since it's been raining I haven't been able to go outside. Douglas Parks It's basicly ruined my week, but at least I wasn't flooded out. Peter S.Meyer The rains haven't really affected me since I've had no desire to visit any small towns around Seguin.

Commission seeing light The need for a zoning ordinance in -cguin has been thrust upon the city oiincil with more frequency of late and they, in turn, are looking more at the Seguin Planning Commission, which is drafting the or- dinajnce. itycent complaints by citizens firslj over the placement of a mobile iofj manufactured) home in a residential neighborhood on Moore Street and more recently because of fhe establishment of the Martin u'ther Home in The Willows sub- uivison have cast the lack of zoning in Seguin into the spotlight, demonstrated graphically what can happen if the city doesn't come up with some kind of land use egulations. As it stands, Seguin is a prime target for just about any type of operation because it can't restrict land use without a zoning ordinance. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, however, and city planners are getting closer and closer, but it's a slow process. Any zoning ordinance Gary Gossett STAFF WRITER is a complex, massive undertaking, even for a newly-formed municipality not nearly as large as Seguin, and the process more complicated as the municipality grows older.

Seguin will celebrate its 150th birthday next year, and over that time span without any type of zoning laws land use is a conglomerate of conflicting and contrasting uses. There are junkyards next door to restaurants, bars and lounges within spitting distance of churches, multiple family dwellings in the midst of single family neighborhoods, commercial establishments in residential neighborhoods, The list goes on and on. All these factors must be considered when drafting a zoning ordinance for a city that's been thriving for as long as Seguin and has never had one. To provide an example of just how complex the issue is, consider that City Planner Jake Krauskopf told the city council at its first meeting in June that the zoning ordinance, once it's completed, will probably be "27-30 pages long." The planning commission has been working diligently on drafting the document. At least a portion of almost every meeting is devoted to the process, and for several months now the commission has held a second monthly meeting as a workshop devoted exclusively to its study.

Still, it will probably be several weeks before the ordinance is ready for adoption by the council. Krauskopf said there would probably need to be "several workshops with the council to make sure you are knowledgeable about the ordinance, and understand it," and public- meetings will also be held to give the citizenry a chance for input. And the first of either of those is still a distance down that tunnel, because the ordinance is still being formulated and won't be brought to the council until the planning commission feels it's right. Then it will be the council's turn to churn and chew on the document, and if they treat it as they have the sign ordinance, it may never be adopted. But don't say the planning commission hasn't tried, or isn't trying.

After sitting through some of their sessions on the zoning ordinance, I have developed a great deal of respect for them and admiration for their patience. And after you get a chance to look at the finished product, I feel sure you'll feel the same way, whether you agree with the ordinance or not. An ode to a very rainy several days Rain, rain, go away. And stay away! I can't afford you! I have killed three umbrellas surviving the May-June monsoon season. Priding myself on being an organized individual prepared for anything, I have the umbrellas stashed in strategic places the car, the newsroom and my entry hall closet.

The first one met its demise in a 50- mile an hour straight wind as I attempted to cross a parking lot in a downpour. Two metal ribs snapped, and the silk sunk inward, drenching me. The second bumbershoot bit the dust in more dramatic fashion. It blew out of ray hand and floated topsey-turvey down what we in the neighborhood laughingly call Woodland Street. It's actually a raging river that has carved new bajiks in the last two weeks.

That left me with my Mary Poppins special a large, basic black, no-nonsense brolley with spread wide enough to cover two adults and a Hyundai. Doreen Howard IMAGE EDITOR The ribs of the umbrella were strong enough to weather any gale, and the heavy, wooden curved handle was so stable that it was not likely to fly out of one's hand. It was ser- vicable, but ugly, the reason I didn't carry it often. But, it too met its doom. Black ugly developed rot.

The material disen- tigrated, letting plops of water style my hair. Which brings me to another expense all those ruined hairdos! Unless my hairdresser Gloria takes pity on me and offers rne a volume discount, I can count on wearing Tina Turner's hairstyle for a while. I've learned a valuable lesson about the effect water has on in- dustrial-strength hairspray. It turns it to super-glue. And as I mentioned, the umbrellas were no help.

As a member of the fourth estate, I have to go where the news is, and that means out in the rain. Which brings me to the tow truck charges. Twice I flooded the engine of my car trying to navigate water over the roadway. Both times, I had no choice but to cross the high water or die. The first time was last Sunday evening near Walnut Creek.

The water was rising all around me and overflowing the streets. I had to move. The car did get me to higher ground, before it died. Fortunately, it was a temporary death and the car was drivable before the water got too high. The second time I lost to a high water crossing, I was on an emergency, mercy trip in search of a bottle of Kaopectate.

That cost $30 for the elixir and tow truck. Then there are the fruit trees loaded with rotting fruit in my backyard sinking at a 45-degree angle into the muddy morass. And then there are the nine pairs of leather shoes soaked in water and coated in Guadalupe Goo. And the pure silk dress dotted with water spots that the drycleaner tells me will never come out. Rain, rain stay away and send somebody else the bills.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Residents' attitude saddens Seguin city councilman To the Editor: During the past 32 years I have had the privilege to work with handicapped children and youth. It has been a highly rewarding experience in knowing that in some way or somehow I may have been able to serve and help someone with special needs. I read the article in your newspaper entitled "Willows residents upset about home." This is in reference to a home for mentally retarded young adults. The Willows refers to one of our community's most affluent neighborhoods. I am saddened by the lack of understanding by those who oppose the setting solely on the basis that this home is a business that is serving or housing six tenants.

The fact that the six tenants being served are mentally retarded is a prime concern of mine. I personally want to commend the sponsors of this facility, The Martin Luther Home, for their empathy and concern for those persons with special needs and providing this excellent setting for these adults. This concept of housing for adults with special needs is new and evolving: it has evolved into something highly beneficial to many of our fellow men. Adults with developmental disabilities rarely have the opportunity to own property or to have a voice in the type of services provided for them. They need to have an opportunity to partake of those things and services that will have a positive impact and contribute to their personal growth.

They need to find and have a place in society and in our community. It has been my experience that the greatest per- centage of handicapped persons lead fulfilling and productive lives. Social integration into all facets of our community life is of vital importance to adult mentally retarded persons. Our primary goal, in helping the handicapped, is to allow every individual to determine destiny to the extent possible. The central problem is to protect and restore a person's satisfaction in belonging to a community where can find security and significance.

We in society in Seguin must be willing and determined to provide all adults with disabilities opportunities for self determination. This will require mutual understanding of the rights of all citizens. If zoning constitutes a problem by prohibiting housing facilities anywhere in our community, whether commercial or residential, for the handicapped, then I will work diligently and oppose any such measure. If deed restrictions in subdivisions within the city of Seguin prohibit residential housing for the handicapped then I will also oppose any future city ordinance or policy that would advocate that. As an elected official I feel responsible to address this concern.

It is a well known fact that the state of Texas is releasing many handicapped persons from state institutions. Those released will be looking for their place in the sun in communities like ours. If they become residents of this fine city I want them and their families to know that they have a friend and advocate in this public official. Respectfully yours, Sam Flores City councilman An American first, a Mexican by descent To the Editor: I praise the name of Jesus for the land of the free and the home of the brave. Sunday, May 24, was an especially enjoyable day for me as I enjoyed reading a letter to the editor submitted by Joe Gonzalez.

Joe, why do you use the word minority 0 I sure didn't, but it seems to me that you are using the same tactics that you accuse me of using. It seems to me that you have appointed yourself to represent a certain minority and if there is no discrimination why do you use the word minority. Who invented it? 1 sure didn't. You say you are a Mexican. You, sir, are discriminating against America.

What has Mexico ever done for you? I thought you were an American first, and a Mexican by descent. Who told you that being born in this country made you a Mexican? How did you conceive in your mind that you are Mexican instead of Mexican-American, or just plain American. Is it because your name is Joe Gonzalez or because people call you Mexican? Or because you changed your citizenry? As for being "God-loving" as you say, that's also another one of my privileges. And if you want to talk about minorities let me ask you this. Of all the minorities that you personally know, whether they be blacks, Uispanics, Orientals or of any minority ethnic group, how many are doctors, lawyers, bankers, engineers, officers, supervisors or owners of businesses that are on the same level as that of the majorities that hold those same positions? But again I say to you this is the greatest country in the world.

You can say and believe what you want. It is your privilege. The people can say and believe what they want. It is their privilege. If you look at the Constitution of the U.S.A.

its very core is exactly that protecting and defending the rights of the people. And if for 30 years you never heard so much about discrimination, all you have to do is ask the Seguin Gazette, NAACP, LUI.AC, GI Forum and MAUJEF for their daily editions records of any claims of discrimination ever made. Even in Russia the Stalins and Krushchevs are no longer in power. I remain in Jesus' name Rodolfo "Rudy" Salazar I Support of telethon draws accolades To the Editor: This past weekend, hundreds of individuals, churches, businesses, clubs and organizations in San Antonio and South Texas expressed their love and concern for children in a very special way by supporting the Children's Miracle Network Telethon benefitting the Santa Rosa Children's Hospital. Among these kind supporters were the people of Seguin and Guadalupe County.

On behalf of our physicians, staff and young patients, I would like to thank everyone in your area for joining with us in believing that kids truly are special. Our most sincere appreciation goes to John Donegan Delores Rocnsch and the employees of NBC Bank-Seguin for organizing telethon efforts in Seguin for the fourth year, Thank you for your support. Sincerely, W.Mike White Administrator Teatro de Artes expresses thanks To the Editor: On behalf of the board members of Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguin, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for your on-going cooperation and assistance in State Rep. Edmund Kuempel Texas House of Representatives P.O. Box 2910 Austin, Texas 78769 U.S.

Rep. Mac Sweeney United States House of Representatives 1713Longworth House Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20515 State Sen. Judith Zaffirini Capitol Station P.O.

Box 12068 Austin, Texas 78711 making public all of our cultural activities performed by the Ballet Folklorico De Ix Hosa and Mariachi Juan Seguin. Your timely announcements served to promote the public interest in the artistic activities sponsored by the memtwrs of Teatro de Juan Seguin. Our success resulted from the combined effort of many hard working members of our community. Your role was vita) and well done. Again, thank you! Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguin.