Why the Firefighters, Paramedics Endorsed Letty Perez-Garzoria, Not John Villarreal for District 4 Commissioner

John Villarreal

Brownsville's firefighters and paramedics supported John Villarreal in his first election for city commissioner.  Youth, good looks, a degree from UTB and a polite demeanor were all considered pluses for John.

Three years later, both groups have changed their mind about John's fitness to serve in political office.

As one firefighter stated:  "I actually like John and respect the heck out of his parents.  It's just that we can't afford to have a commissioner not doing anything.  Brownsville and district 4 have too many needs and John Villarreal has done no more for Brownsville than his portrait that hangs on the wall of the city commission building."

Unfortunately for District 4, Villarreal has been more of a spectator on the city commission, seldom even making a comment, let alone taking a leadership role.  In his first city commission meeting, he allowed Mayor Tony Martinez to steal his first appointment to an important city board right out from under him without so much as a whimper from John, costing his district valuable representation.

Like the rest of the city commission, Villarreal has stood idly by while Tony Martinez has squandered 3.5 million taxpayer dollars on older properties downtown.  Why those properties were purchased has never been explained by these weak officials who always talk of transparency and openness when they campaign, but have no actual understanding of those terms.

The firefighters and paramedics have watched the city population grow during these years and seen the safety of local citizens put at risk while Brownsville's leadership has twiddled their collective thumbs.  National safety standards call for a city the size of Brownsville to have at least 14 ambulances.  Brownsville has only 5 and several are badly in need of repair.  Recently, a 911 call was received at the city's busiest station for a heart attack victim.  The ambulance simply wouldn't start.  That is not an isolated incident.  Think of how many ambulances and other necessary equipment could have been purchased with the taxpayer money John Villarreal and the city commission wasted on speculative real estate.

Letty Perez-Garzoria with Union Leaders

The two unions have endorsed Ms. Perez-Garzoria, a retired nurse, political activist, who is not afraid to challenge Martinez.

Perez-Garzoria addressed a roomful of supporters recently:

"Monopoly is not good in business and it is not good in government.  Tony Martinez has used his office to benefit his friends, his cronies.  He may have a plan, but that plan has not been shared with us.   We need people on the city commission who will ask 'why?' and not just go with the flow.

I make no promises except that I will work and I will listen.  I've not seen a magic wand that will revitalize downtown.  We have to face the fact that our city's business has moved to the north of town.  If private investors want to transform downtown, so be it.  

There is so much to be done in neighborhoods.  District 4 has extreme needs.  I don't believe in government doing everything for us.  I believe in volunteerism.  Where are the churches?  They can help.  

"I want to repeal the bag ban and refine the smoking ban to allow club owners to make a living for their families.  It is not the job of government to impose these limitations on citizens.  We are not required to eat what Rose Gowen eats or zumba our way from place to place."