Is Filemon Vela Running on Ideas or Family Laurels?

Filemon Vela, the Shipbreaker

Despite crushing seven democratic rivals in the primary election, Filemon Vela did receive criticism for a campaign that seemed devoid of specifics, with an emphasis on heritage.

Attending several Vela functions, Mean Mister Brownsville left with nothing scribbled on his notepad.  Yes, the candidate, his wife and their team were warm, hospitable and engaging, but it was hard to pinpont what Vela stood for or how he would represent one of the poorer regions of the country.

Starting in mid-September, the Vela campaign shifted gears with a series of newsletters that contain specifics, ideas to promote, energize and enlarge the role of the Port of Brownsville with emphasis on existing industry and ties to Mexico.

In the 9/17/2012 newsletter, Vela honored Louis Cobolina, referring to him as the "Father of the Port of Brownsville", having initiated work to create the port in 1910.  Vela finished the article with this platitude:  "My vision is steadfast -- to continue developing economic hubs, including the port, for current and future generations of South Texans. I will work to create new prosperity for the region; to pick up visionary projects began by others and carry them until they are complete. We must all work together to maximize each other’s potential and that of our beautiful region. My pledge is to foster the cooperation that will carry our visions forward."

In his next letter, Vela listed all the commercial activities currently engaged at the port:  "Currently, the port houses 230 companies that already understand its value - their activities include: construction of offshore drilling rigs, ship repairing and dismantling, steel fabrication, boat construction, rail car, rehabilitation, liquid petroleum gas storage and distribution, waste oil recovery, use of bulk terminals for miscellaneous liquids, and processes involved with shrimping."  Then, Vela mentioned his longterm goal:  "I believe that with proper attention and further investment, the range of activities can grow. This will expand our districts economy and potential. More economic activity will benefit the people of the 34th Congressional District of Texas and will improve opportunities for the 230 businesses already present. If elected as your next congressman, I will work to raise the economic floor at the Port of Brownsville by fostering cooperation between entities that are vital to its advancement and growth. That is my pledge."

Of course, those are just words, but, at least it is an area of focus and it is specific.  Probably, one of the least sexy industries at the port involves tearing up old ships for the steel and other valuables they possess: shipbreaking.  While Vela looks a bit ridiculous with a hardhat perched on his head, his description of the value of this industry to Brownsville does not seem ridiculous:   "Nearly 80% of activities within this industry, that deconstructs decommissioned ships for recycling, happen at the Port of Brownsville. Large pallets and rolls of steel sourced from these ships are then used to make car frames and other goods. One Naval suppercarrier can return 60,000 tons of steel and other various metals. We are at the center of the shipbreaking world in the western hemisphere.It takes many skilled workers to break down a decommissioned ship. One vessel can support 200 jobs for two years. The industry supports 1,200 jobs by some estimates. If we cooperate to increase business opportunities at the port, the shipbreaking industry could create more jobs. This industry is a vital part of the district's economy. I am committed to ensuring that the Port of Brownsville remains the preeminent location for shipbreaking. Creating jobs in our region and revitalizing our country's economy are my top priorities."

In other letters, Vela hypes the Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railroad and Keppel AmFELS.  He goes into some detail how the growth of those two firms could enhance our local economy.

We've been asking the heavy favorite in the general election for the District 34 congressional seat for specifics.  It seems that he is giving us that.