<\/p>\n
A reader praises City Council for pausing on a proposed SAWS rate increase and calls for raising rates on those who use large amounts of water. Another reader asks why SAWS has not reduced drought restrictions in light of so much rain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
MARVIN PFEIFFER\/San Antonio Express-News<\/p>\n
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones greets people after a press conference at the Holocaust Memorial Museum where she called on canceling a planned Alamodome concert for Ye, who has a long history of making antisemitic comments. A reader says other acts at the Alamodome also deserve scrutiny.<\/p>\n
Blaine Young\/Contributor<\/p>\n
Right to pause rate hike<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Re: \u201cCouncil delays SAWS rate hike,\u201d<\/a> Front Page, June 20:<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n I applaud the council members who wanted more details about the San Antonio Water System rate increase.<\/p>\n I would hope they insist on specific details and\u00a0time frames for projects. I also would prefer assurances that none of the increases would go toward\u00a0 bonuses.\u00a0<\/p>\n Another way to raise SAWS revenue would be to lower the volumes that incur higher rates during watering restrictions.<\/p>\n Summer is barely here, and I already see individuals in my area disregarding restrictions. Starting at Stage 1, SAWS could lower the volumes subject to higher rates, and continue reductions and higher rates at each subsequent stage of restrictions.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Let those who think their lawn is more important than a dependable source of drinking water bear the burden for their indifference.<\/p>\n Hopefully the City Council will get behind this.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n SAWS fees in disguise\u00a0<\/p>\n The Edward Aquifer Authority has been in Stage 2 drought restrictions for San Antonio<\/a> since May 30.<\/p>\n Many San Antonio residents want to know when San Antonio Water System will lower its drought restrictions from Stage 3 to Stage 2 and why it has taken so long.<\/p>\n Homeowners who maintain a decent lawn know the Stage 3 drought fees are simply a water-use rate increase in disguise.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Jones in wrong job<\/p>\n Re: \u201cMayor\u2019s first year marked by her failure to lead,\u201d <\/a>Editorial, June 21:<\/p>\n The Express-News had been very gentle on Mayor Gina\u00a0Ortiz Jones\u2019 abysmal job performance, at least until last Sunday\u2019s damning editorial.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Editorial Board faithfully assessed Jones and her stunning leadership failures. Perhaps more is at stake.<\/p>\n I spent 32 years in federal service, half at the executive level. I observed many individuals with exemplary credentials and experiences, like Jones, but with deplorable interpersonal skills, rendering them incapable of public service. They do not play well with others.<\/p>\n Jones has honed intelligence, but she belongs in a think tank or research facility with limited public contact.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Downplay military ties<\/p>\n Re: \u201cS.A. can do more to ensure next decade is prosperous,\u201d<\/a> Another View, Tuesday:<\/p>\n Only one thing stood out to me in Council Member Marc Whyte\u2019s opinion piece with which I disagree.<\/p>\n He wrote that San Antonio should \u201cexpand the military presence in our city.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n As he noted, San Antonio ranks last among Texas cities\u2019 readiness for future prosperity. The military has been integral to our history here for almost 200 years. Yet we\u2019re poor, still.<\/p>\n I recommend that unless our city is applying for some kind of government program or contract, we don\u2019t mention Military City, USA.<\/p>\n Other than for ex-military members and contractors, I question whether advertising our government affiliations and military dependency is positive advertising.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n What about Chris Brown?<\/p>\n Five days after news broke that Ye would be performing at the\u00a0Alamodome, Mayor Gina Ortiz-Jones advocated for canceling the event.<\/p>\n