ON MY SOAPBOX
BY JASON HENNINGTON
This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
I’ll skip the pleasantries and get right down to it. The year 2023, and we all came through it.
Samsung Highway was named for the plant’s preparation.
The iced over county was means for a disaster declaration.
Oncor did their best to keep the lights lit.
ETJ residents were mad about the land use limits.
Rising cost and infrastructure had folks on edge.
The camping ban made homeless people pick up their beds.
Fred Kerley got a water tower mural, and it was amazing work.
Ten second speech, but a statement was made with his shirt.
Percussion Park opened in Murphy to drum up fun.
Around the same time, election filing had been done.
I still hate election season, although it shows a person’s true colors.
This was beyond the issues to mudslinging at each other.
From culture war claims to vampire mailers.
To I’ve done so much to be trust, to let’s make Utopia Taylor.
After the election things didn’t improved as far council relations.
Especially with the chaotic situation with council compensation.
The ad hoc committee made an offer they all thought would work.
But the Council said, “naw, we like what we said first.”
Stacy Stork stormed the meeting and said Council should have listened.
Terry Burris led the charge for constituents petition.
The magic number was 940 for the fight to stay alive.
But they went above and beyond to get 1,345.
That battle still rages on...and on and on and on.
While Hutto lost $12 million in a lawsuit to Odis Jones.
Two fatal shooters were arrested and a new AD was hired.
Can’t forget the constant battle over who would fight fires. ESD No.10 or Avery Pickett volunteers? When flames arose you didn’t know who would appear.
Another petition that kept residents busy.
Plus a cease and desist to stop Dolcefino Consulting’s frenzy.
ESD No. 10 got the rub, and then some truths came down.
Now, some of the Avery Pickett members are no longer around.
Dr. Padavil went to Georgetown but left big shoes to fill.
I have no doubt that Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen will.
Samsung donated $1 million to be a community helper.
Mini-pitch soccer opened, so did the revamped animal shelter.
A missing man was found in a field to an unknown death.
That was in July, the toxicology report hasn’t come back yet.
So many other things happened I’m sure that I missed.
But if I don’t mention my new crew I would be remissed.
Hunter Dworaczyk hits the streets covering city, schools and all sorts.
Andrew Salmi does the same for all of the sports.
Around the Watercooler hit 300 episodes, what an event.
The 3-on-3 hit a milestone with a 10-year stint.
We had a Glimpse that went viral. We thought, “how many views can it get?”
In another I said “the people” and people got upset.
After everything this year, well, here we are.
I celebrated 10 years with the Taylor Press with a nice big cigar.
I’ll get off my soapbox in case you’re tired of my rapping.
Welcome to 2024, I wish only the best for you to happen!
