VOTERS GUIDE
Boerne ISD Voters Guide, see Page 4
Boerne Mayor Frank Ritchie and Place 2 City Councilwoman Sharon Wright face opposition in their bids for re-election in the May 3 municipal election.
Launching her bid for mayor is former city employee Laura Haning, while Joe Bateman looks to reverse the outcome of his 2023 run for Place 2, when he lost to Wright by 21 votes.
The Boerne Star asked all four candidates for answers to a series of questions dealing with issues currently facing the city. Here are their answers, accompanied by short biographies of each.
MAYOR’S RACE
Laura Haning
Haning, 65, a 25-year resident of Boerne, said she wants to use her passion for “all things Boerne” and make a difference in the years to come.
“After nearly 20 years in Boerne’s planning department, I saw the community’s concerns firsthand,” said Haning, former city senior planner and community development director.
“Since leaving, I’ve realized that serving Boerne was never just a job, it was my passion. I want to use my experience to give back and make a real difference, right here at home,” she added.
In her role with the city, Haning championed two comprehensive master plans and two thoroughfare plans over multi-year periods of analysis, collaboration and community involvement.
She led a multi-year effort to create the robust and environmentally sensitive regulations that have slowed growth in the last two years, and has recently won awards from the Texas Planning Association for Planning Excellence, Comprehensive Master Plan and Scenic City Gold Designation.
Frank Ritchie
Ritchie made national news in 2023 when he spent $0 of his own money in his first bid for office, and won going way, taking 75% of the vote.
“I believe we are doing some really good things in regard to managing growth and focusing on our water conservation measures, as well as working on our infrastructure concerns,” said Ritchie, 52, a 27-year-Boerne resident.
“I am currently working with our community partners in the county, school district and neighboring city of Fair Oaks Ranch to combine resources and work together for the betterment of our overall community,” he added.
He is owner of Ritchie Automotive on the I-10 West access road, and serves as associate pastor at Spring Creek United Methodist Church, where he, his wife Jennifer, and their children Walker, Carlee and Zoey have attended since its beginnings.
He said important qualities he brings to the table are integrity, and an ethical, servant-minded focus on the community.
CITY COUNCIL PL. 2
Joe Bateman
Bateman, 50, a three-year resident, said he is running to protect, preserve and represent.
“Boerne is a special place, and I’m running to preserve its charm, protect individual freedoms, and to ensure government works for the people, not the other way around,” Bateman said.
He is a self-employed small-business owner. He received his bachelor’s degree in business marketing
from Texas State
University.
He is a member of the Boerne Historical Landmark Commission, the Boerne ISD Community Leadership Academy Class of 2025, took part in Leadership Boerne Class of 2024, and is a four-time U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipient.
“I bring private-sector discipline and civic experience to promote responsible growth, fiscal transparency and policies that reflect Boerne’s values,” he added.
Sharon Wright
Wright, 57, has lived in Boerne for more than three years. She is a nurse practitioner at the Audie Murphy VA Internal Medicine Clinic. “I am a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Iraq as a trauma nurse and now serve fellow veterans as a nurse practitioner at the VA,” Wright said.
She earned her Doctorate in advanced practice nursing from the Texas Tech University Health Science Center. She completed degree work at University of South Alabama, Drexel University and Rowan College.
She said she is doctoral- trained in policy analysis and quality improvement, is skilled in evaluating and improving systems, and committed to results.
“I’m driven by a deep passion for care and community. I’m not on City Council to be a politician, but to serve others with heart,” she added.
Q&A
QUESTION 1
CAMPAIGN: Length of terms for Boerne City Council will be on the May ballot. Are you in support of changing from two-year to three-year terms? Why or why not?
HANING
“I do not support a longer length of term because fresh perspectives and new ideas are essential to a healthy, responsive local government. Regular turnover encourages accountability, prevents complacency and ensures that leadership continues to reflect the evolving needs and values of the community.”
RITCHIE
“I am absolutely in favor of changing the term lengths from two to three years. I believe going to three-year terms allows those that are elected to serve in a longer capacity to fulfill their duties in a more effective matter.
It takes time to get familiar with everything already in progress as well as up-todate on all future projects and the working capabilities of all the departments and their roles in the city.”
BATEMAN
“I support extending council terms from two to three years. This change gives elected officials more time to understand the job and deliver results, especially in a volunteer role. It also reduces taxpayer- funded election costs.
“Importantly, it doesn’t remove accountability. Voters still have the power to make changes at the ballot box. This simply balances the need for responsiveness with the time required for effective governance and thoughtful decision making.”
WRIGHT
“As a member of the committee that brought term lengths to the ballot, I’d like to see Boerne in line with other communities. I feel that this should come with term limits, but was outvoted. Two years is not enough time to gain traction.
“It takes a year to get acclimated and start to get things done. I’ve made real progress with water conservation efforts and process improvement and want to keep going.”
QUESTION 2
TRAFFIC: Congestion, lack of parking, condition of roads: You are appointed to head a panel studying these issues. Which do you attack first: why, and how?
RITCHIE
“We are currently trying to address all of these at the current moment. Congestion is probably our No. 1 concern of these three and we are currently working with TXDOT to address these issues as the most prominent areas of congestion in our city are on roads that are controlled by them.
“Other areas of congestion are being addressed by working with the county and the school district in those areas. By implementing the passing of the voter approved bond we are already working on all three of these issues in several areas of our community.”
HANING
“Congestion: Boerne has been studying traffic since 1974, and the answer hasn’t changed; we need roads that move traffic around the city. There’s not much space left to widen roads in town, and now, new growth is pushing into the county, where state laws make it harder to manage. This affects everyone, not just city residents.
“The city and county need to work together on a shared road plan, and developers must help build the roads we all need. It might not be the popular answer, but it’s the right one for our region’s future.”
WRIGHT
“Most of the day, Boerne traffic flows just fine; but when it’s bad, it’s terrible. That’s why our first step must be improving the roads we already have.
“I’ve taken action by working with county commissioners to secure a meeting with TxDOT to address the Esser/Herff/Main/ River Road intersection. Fixing this key intersection will significantly reduce peak-time congestion and improve both safety and quality of life for our residents.”
BATEMAN
“From these three, congestion must come first. It affects everyone’s daily life. Traffic is the top concern for 77% of District 2 residents, so I get it. I’ve met with Boerne’s Transportation Director and Commissioner (Richard) Chapman to discuss current priorities.
“Roads take time, money and coordination between city, county and state. We must fix problems efficiently without raising taxes. I support smart-signal syncing, public- private partnerships, better bus solutions and safer crosswalks.
“Let’s be honest, we can do better without growing government. Boerne deserves practical transparent solutions that reduce congestion and protect our smalltown quality of life.”
QUESTION 3
Growth. Economic Development. Property Taxes. The UDC. Water. Incorporation: All have been hot topics around the city. Pick ONE and explain, “How can the city respond and “make things better?”
HANING
“Water conservation is critical to Boerne’s future. By carefully managing development within city limits, we can better protect our limited water supply and natural resources.
“The city’s Unified Development Code is designed to slow rapid growth while preserving the environment. It sets clear standards that promote responsible development, protect open space, and reduce strain on our water systems.
“This approach ensures that as we grow, we do so in a way that respects and conserves the natural beauty and resources that make Boerne special.
“Thoughtful planning today helps secure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
RITCHIE
“It’s important to know all of these are tied together in some regards. By managing our growth — we have not approved any new residential growth in the past two years — and focusing on economic growth that is smart and community- minded and desired, we can help our community move forward.
“Water is definitely a priority focus for me and the city moving forward. With our one water initiative as well as our conservation measures, we will try to navigate the future of Boerne by seeking every opportunity and possible resource to secure its waters resources for the years to come.”
BATEMAN
“Economic development should be guided by free-market principles, not government red tape. A lifetime resident once recalled when Boerne’s Main Street had boarded up windows, proof that growth brings opportunity.
“To keep our economy strong, we must remove barriers that raise costs for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Let’s support industries that provide meaningful careers for young professionals such as ag-tech, cybersecurity, business, law and vocational trades.
“With thoughtful planning, public- private partnerships and a level playing field, Boerne can grow a resilient economy without losing the charm, character and values that make it the place we’re all proud to call home.”
WRIGHT
“The UDC has been a point of frustration for many in our community. While I believe the city of Boerne had good intentions in creating a development guide, it led to unintended consequences that weren’t fully considered.
“Thankfully, the city has begun to adjust with lessons learned, but that process shouldn’t stop here. I support more frequent re-evaluation of the UDC to catch and correct negative impacts on everyday citizens.
“I’ve also advocated for a “throughput” process — now being implemented — that ensures a single point of contact guides residents through their projects, reducing confusion and conflicting interpretations of the rules.”
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