One must emerge from behind the veil to discuss openly reasons for decisions

By Preston-Dankert

Village of Salado Alderman

There is a point when one must emerge from behind an iron veil and discuss openly the reasons that decisions are made, or not made, and the repercussions that those decisions have on our village.

I have been repeatedly asked why I have been so openly opposed to The Sanctuary development. I am not so opposed to the development itself, but rather the individuals making deals behind closed doors and our board’s inability to see clearly through the fog of big development and proposed earned tax income the development portrays. At the end of the day, I am not willing to sell myself, or my beloved village, short of what we all deserve. And please understand, The Sanctuary and the sewer are not necessarily synonymous. I am decidedly for a sewer, just on our own terms.

The primary concern I have is that the first time the documents outlining the deals with The Sanctuary are viewed outside the confines of executive session, they will be signed and complete. I have long felt that transparency and open review will allow fallible government officials the ability to reap the benefits of review by our constituents. After all, is it not that same public that elected us to these esteemed positions?

Of course, there are other apprehensions as well. I have concerns with eminent domain and being required to take land from property owners who have owned property surrounding the development for generations. How is it the Village’s responsibility to service The Sanctuary and all of its homes and businesses on the backs of those who have lived among us for years before this plan was set into motion? And further, how can our board vote to give away the valued effluent from our wastewater treatment plant for up to 45 years? I will most likely (and only in stellar health conditions) be the only Alderman who will live long enough to see that plan conclude. There are many other concerns, holes, gaps, and failures, which I will always be happy to discuss with anyone who wants to listen.

Change is inevitable. More and more people move to Salado, and a mosaic of opinions and values transfer here with them. But let us not forget where we started, our roots, and why you, or your family, chose Salado as your home. We did not move here to change Salado, we moved here because we loved it and wanted to see it succeed.  As the only elected official opposed to this development, you can imagine my plea has fallen on deaf ears. The wolves of big development and big government are upon our flock. I walk among the sheep and covet this flock. But, make no mistake, I am your sheepdog, and I will do my best to protect this Village.

Amber Preston Dankert

Alderman