Hello, My name is Matthew Dobbs. I am an Army veteran; I am the fourth generation of Texan to serve my nation in times of international conflict. I am a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, teacher, dad, and husband. My family has been in Texas since the 1800s, for what that’s worth. I have been a resident of this lovely city twice now in my adult life, first in 2007 when I moved here because I heard the river was a peaceful place to heal and collect myself after I got out of the military. I moved away to Houston, when I met my future wife who was, is, Houstonian. We chose San Marcos after we sold our house in Houston after Hurricane Harvey. I love this town, I just completed my Masters degree at TXST, my wife and I had a house built here, we’ve been raising our son here.

I am here to have my voice heard and my name recorded that I stand with my city government as they navigate treacherous waters. Our state politics is full of people that have no desire to govern, just the inclination to rule. I’ve read the city of San Marcos resolution, updated May 2^nd and I have read Greg Abbott’s threatening letter to this city. I cannot wait for the day where my fellow Texans are done with the lies of “small government” as the one party continues to rule us, as they make a mockery of the Republic.

I care about human beings. I care that people were murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. I care that the response of the Israeli government was to destroy the lives of men, women, and children for well over a year and a half now. I care that some people call Palestinians animals. I care that Democrats gave lip service to the bombing of homes, the killing of children, and didn’t attempt a thing while they wielded national executive power. I care that Republicans stand in support of the cleansing of Gaza of the Palestinian people.  I care that people laugh at President Trump’s AI mock up of what the rich and powerful would like to see Gaza become. I care when many pretend it doesn’t matter, then shrug when it is announced that Gaza is being stripped from the Palestinians. I dang well care that my city government is trying to do what it thinks is the right thing to do.

I am proud of y’all for even having this forum, I am proud of those who would stand for this resolution. **look around room** I am proud of the folks who came out here today.

I am really looking forward to the day where my fellow Texans embody the myth of what a Texan should be like. The myth of being a Texan tells us that we are independent, tough, and willing to do the hard things to get the dang job done. The myth of Texas tells us we aren’t willing to be pushed around by government men. The myth of Texas is that we are homesteaders who are trying their best to build a better world for us, our families, and our communities. The myth of the Texan is that we are willing to do the right thing, especially if it is the hard choice. The myth is that we are willing to stand up, be counted, and fight to keep what we care about safe from being exploited by the greedy thugs that want us to submit to their rule.

I hope we stop letting the greedy and those who expound the virtues of Jesus but continue to seed hate to control us through the politics of gangsterism. I care about the people of this city, I care about the people of this state, I care about people. I hope more cities and states take a cue from our, from the San Marcos city council and have government that stands for its people, not just its wealth generation capabilities and those who wish to profit from those capabilities. I care about people who care about We the People. I care, **look around the room** and I am glad to see so many other human beings who care, are here.

Thank you for your time, your effort, and I am grateful for each and everyone of y’alls service to this city. Protect the river and keep San Marcos beautiful, physically and mentally. This is a special place that many of us have held sacred for thousands of years and if we are decent stewards, thousands of years more. Thanks y’all.