Can Ban Passes In New Braunfels, Opponents Vow Fight

Voters have approved the controversial container ban in New Braunfels. Nearly 9,000 people – 27 percent of registered voters – cast ballots in Tuesday’s election.

Of those, 58 percent voted in favor of the ban on disposable containers on the Comal River and the Guadalupe River in the city limits.

Support The Ban PAC spokeswoman Kathleen Krueger is pleased with the outcome.

“I’m proud of New Braunfels,” Krueger said. “I’m not surprised that this is how the vote went, because I’ve lived in this community for 30 years. I know that we cherish our rivers and I’m proud that we have protected them for the next generation.”

Can The Ban PAC spokesman Mark McGonigal says the fight isn’t over. They’ve filed a lawsuit against the city and also plan to file a lawsuit against the state because they feel the constitution is too vague when it comes to the authority cities have over rivers.

“Our city lacks transparency and responsibility,” McGonigal said. “We’re going to proceed with what we need to. It’s unfortunate. This city was divided. It still probably will remain divided for quite some time.”

The ordinance is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2012.