According to a recent article on Texas Tribune Kerr County officials have blamed local taxpayers for the lack of early warning systems. Folks did not want their taxes raised and are highly conservative both fiscally and politically. For years residents and officials talked about the need for early warning sirens along the Guadlupe River.
On July 17th, 1987, a church bus carrying 43 individuals—4 adults and 39 children—were swept into the river. And there have been others as well, this according to other published reports. On July 3rd and 4th, over one hundred people died and more than one hundred remain missing. Cary Burgess a local meteorologist has stated “They keep building and building along the river and they do not even know what the river is capable of (Paraphrasing)
So, it would not take Nostradamus to predict that a flood would happen again, the only unknown was when. The need for a better system continued for years but they only managed to get an opt in CodeRed alert system. According to published reports, coverage in the western half of the county was inconsistent due to spotty cell service.
Fast forward to 2021 Kerr County received $10.2 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act, passed by in 2021 by Congress. Here was the money that could easily fund warning systems and more. Pero, guess what 42% of 180 survey respondents wanted to reject the money on political grounds. Kerr county voted for Trump in 2016, 2020 and 2024 in a large majority.
Residents attended public hearing and voiced their objections by saying things like; “Send the money back to the Biden administration which I consider a criminal treasonous government” “We don’t’ want to be bought by the government” y mas stupid things.
Following the decision, funds were distributed to address various county priorities, including support for the sheriff’s department, county employee compensation, and the development of a walking trail. Now I do not mean to point fingers at anyone Pero, any elected official that does not act in the best interests of the people they represent is a disgrace. And for sure the excuse of “I won’t’ get reelected” should not matter. I do not understand how you can put your ego first over what you know “Is the right thing to do.”
A large part of MAGA world stands behind Trumps’ desire to close FEMA. Even though now that the flooding happened in Central Texas Trump and his lackey Fake Homeland security head Kristi Noem are slightly walking it back now.
MAGA should come with a waring label “Can cause serious injury or death” because it already has.
Our prayers continue for all affected people and their families and a hope that this kind of tragedy never happens again.
By A.Govea
So true! prayers for the families, my they rest in peace