Canyon Lake resident Julie Sanders, the Democrat running against Republican Doug Leecock for Pct. 1 county commissioner, promises to keep “water on the forefront” if she is elected on Nov. 5.
In an interview, she said she’s following the closures of all but two Canyon Lake boat ramps and would work with the Water Oriented Recreation District of Comal County (WORD) and other civic groups to support water conservation and awareness.
“I have experience as a homeowner and water enthusiast with WORD,” she said. “…as a county commissioner, I would keenly advocate that all residents and citizens of Comal County keep water on the forefront both in maintaining safe, drinkable levels and making sure the lake is available to future generations.”
Sanders said she’s also worked with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA), which sells water from the lake; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which “owns” Canyon Lake, a federal property; CRRC of Canyon Lake, the area’s preeminent charity; the Canyon Lake Noon Lions and the Canyon Lake Rotary Club.
She is a compliance specialist with TruLights127 Ministries, a nonprofit, on-site foster care facility in Seguin.
Through block-walking, attending events, and talking to potential constituents, Sanders said she’s learned people are worried about preserving their way of life and being able to access parks, water, and community areas.
Many of them feel their elected officials aren’t listening.
“I’m not afraid to ruffle feathers, and my pioneering campaign and background as a parent, homeowner and nature enthusiast resonates with a lot of folks,” she said. “This isn’t to say I’m above forming alliances and connecting with my commissioner colleagues. In fact, I am well aware of the power of collective decision-making. As a county commissioner I want to bridge the gaps that citizens perceive, and be part of the decision-making for my community and beyond.”
Falling lake levels could mean fewer tourists, reducing income streams for residents.
“It also means that without active use and appropriate oversight, the roads and community areas fall into disrepair and abandonment, which is something that commissioners absolutely want to make sure won’t happen. Therefore, accessing water, preserving water, continuing to support law enforcement as well as first responders to the area serve as my priority.”
Vulcan Quarry is also on Sanders’ watch list.
“As a commissioner, I would recognize the impact that contracts presented by the quarry could be contested, as well as recognizing that decisions that come before the court have a right to be discussed and voted on,” she said.
Sanders wants voters to know she has “heart, dignity, and the intelligence to seek counsel and collaborations to ensure sound decisions are made for generations to come.”
