Looking forward, engaging changes

“Lost time is never found again.” – Benjamin Franklin.

I can’t believe it’s been a year since moving from the D/FW area and joining the staff at the San Marcos Daily Record. I’m not sure I’ve lost time, but I’ve expended as much as I could getting to know the people of San Marcos. What a wonderfully diverse city with so much to offer.

Over the last year, the Daily Record has slowly begun to change. It’s altered its look, improved its digital footprint, and has made a greater effort to present stories that impact the lives of those we serve.

There’re certainly more changes ahead at the Daily Record, and you know what they say about change – it’s never easy.

The same could be said about our city.

On Tuesday, March 19, a crucial vote at City Council is on the table which will answer the question, once and for all, is San Marcos a business-friendly city? Thumb through this edition and on page 4A, the opinion page, you will see the names of six former mayors imploring the city council to vote in favor of the San Marcos Air, Rail and Truck terminal – (SMART).

The project will be subjected to all the required “red tape” to meet the new development standards. It will be required to comply with the strict environmental requirements contained in Code SMTX to ensure protection of water quality, manage runoff and mitigate against flooding.

The development’s first major employer, Katerra, is prepared to invest $109 million and provide 542 jobs.

At this point it would seem like this is a no brainer but believe it or not, there are some members of the city council that have voted against the development. Looking around San Marcos, I understand why in some cases. I see some developments and I shake my head and wonder how they were ever approved.

But take heed, council. This project will be required to follow all the rules and standards set forth by the city. If San Marcos ever wants to get a sniff at future development and grow into a city where more meaningful jobs will be available for all its local citizens, current and future, you’d better wake up and show your support.

Change is hard – but nothing worth having ever comes easy.