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| City Commissioner Debbie Portillo |
Mayor Tony Martinez had only words of praise for Portillo Tuesday night and her family. He also thanked "Mr. Sarkis" for running for that office.
Behind closed doors, those on the City Commission, have not found Mayor Tony to always be so gracious, especially when a commissioner has a different viewpoint from the mayor or questions something the mayor has done unilaterally without consulting the commissioners. Tony can be quite testy, condescending and even belittling to those young and/or female, city insiders tell us.
Many of us remember when, early in his administration, Mayor Tony referred to the ladies on the commission as "girls," a habit, which for him seemed difficult to break. He still uses the phrase "mi hija" in addressing certain female commissioners and "boy" in reference to a male commissioner. He just doesn't get it. Consensus building through mutual respect and cooperation is not his modus operandi.
A few weeks ago, without the many on the City Commission even knowing about it, Mayor Tony gave Ramiro Gonzalez of the Planning Department the assignment of giving UTB officials a guided tour of City Plaza with a giveaway or leasing in mind. Mayor Martinez is autocratic, not inclusive. Think of the 50's TV show Father Knows Best.
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| Mayor Tony Martinez |
Obviously, if a plan or idea does not seem good for Brownsville or the area a commissioner represents, a "no" vote is appropriate. If the mayor tries to ramrod a plan through the commission without explanation or commissioner input, the only way to stifle that sort of undemocratic approach is to table the item or simply vote "no."
Mayor Tony may be a sexagenarian, but he only has one vote, just like the commissioners. He was not elected to fly solo.
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we have no representation on the Commission
ReplyDeleteMr. Martinez has managed to hoodwink the majority of the Brownsville 200,000 population before and after his election. Only until recently has some of this majority begun to wake up out of this stuper. Remember the slick "Believe in Brownsville" election campaign and the sell job from a man that most thought just because he was a rich attorney with money would not try to be self serviant. Well guess what, he has turned out to be a a real toad and the community has not been able to stop him much less new commissioners who are afraid to speak out. And where is all the professional legal help in this city when you need them? None of them have stepped up to the plate to help our community from this individual where surely some of his manuvering with the city properties is out of line or illegal. Also I hear all the bloggers whine and complain but none has done anything to change things either. It is too bad for Brownsville, for we deserve better than this sorry excuse of a mayor. But complacency and apathy have taken over this city big time and until we stop electing jerks like Matinez who manage to set us back rather than forward, we will continue to reap what we sow.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Miss Portillo, I hope her term as a city commissioner is a positive experience for both her and the residents of District 3.
ReplyDeleteThis can take the form of a simple question: "Why did you not inform us of this plan, Mayor Martinez? Are you trying to act independently of the commission?"
ReplyDeleteObviously, if a plan or idea does not seem good for Brownsville or the area a commissioner represents, a "no" vote is appropriate
Because, you know, that's what's clearly, OBVIOUSLY best for Commissioner Portillo, Jim. Taking YOUR sage-ass advice. After all you did for her campaign and stuff...
Pay attention to what 8:31PM wrote. You have no representation on the commission. Nor, from where your sitting, do you deserve it.
So, change the channel already. Portillo will be just fine without your ham-fisted guidance.
Whether or not Debbie does "just fine" will be in the eye of the beholder, but certainly expectations are low citywide. It may take years before the new commissioner gets up to speed with respect to independent thinking.
DeleteWhile Tony got exactly what he wanted, the city took a hit last night with the departure of Zamora and the installation of Portillo.
Jim
Jim, to what do you chalk the subservient behavior of our commissioners? Too inexperienced in city workings? Ignorant of Roberts Rules of Order? Easily intimidated by authority figures? Afraid of loosing political/financial support?
ReplyDeleteThese people committed to our citizenry to lead and do what was best for our city. What happened to make them all mousy and why are they not called out by our local daily? Should they not be responsive to our concerns and answer to us when we see them not leading and allowing themselves to be taken for granted by the Mayour? The office of Mayour is not that strong, as I recall Ahumada discovered that to his dismay. So what is going on?
It's a combination of several things you've mentioned. Two of the commissioners received financial and organizational support from Tony; Estela Chavez-Vasquez and Rose Gowen, thus limiting their freeness of speech. Estela has spoken up on certain issues.
DeleteNatural timidity and a desire to seek another, paying office may effect John Villarreal. Jessica Tetreau has grown into the role and displays independent thinking while looking after the nuts and bolts issues like brush pickup, etc.
Ricardo Longoria has been vocal when he felt differently than the mayor, but has likely tired of the commissioner role.
As for the Brownsville Herald, it takes a very hands-off approach to local government, likely fearful of losing advertising.
Jim
Only time will tell if she is an independent thinker, a strong debater when she knows she is in the right, a critical thinker of issues, a person that takes her fiduciary responsibility to the citizenry seriously, a person that can stand her ground without feeling intimidated, a person who will not allow anybody top talk down to them or be condescending, a person who has already learned the art of compromise while sticking to their moral and ethical beliefs, a person with a strong moral compass, a person who is will to listen to her constituency and not just their inner circle of political supporters.
ReplyDeleteWhat troubles me is that our city does not have the time nor financial means for on-the-job training commissioners.
Chrstian
Her biggest challange is to show her constituents that she will do positive things for her district and for the city of Brownsville. Her biggest challange is to "grow up" and use her facebook page in a positive way, to "re-invent" herself as a serious person that wants to work for her community and not for a self serving old man that thinks everyone can be bought in Brownsville.
ReplyDeleteHer biggest challange is
ReplyDeletechallange? what a goddamned loser you must be. It's "challenge," pendejo! Ya hack.
Rey
Thanks for being here for us, Rey. Ya queer.
DeleteDags.
Mr. Guevara, I make mistakes when I type in the computer, and sometimes when I write. I am a 50 year old lady. Even if I make spelling or grammar mistakes, I do not use your vocabulary. Thank you for pointing out my spelling error, and thank you for showing with your vocabulary the type of person YOU are. Even with my typing error, I stand by my comment. I might not be the best speller, but education is also shown in the way you express yourself when directing comments towards others.
DeleteRey is a toad.
DeleteWell, missy, your "education," whatever that may be, also shows when you blow it. WTF! YA HACK. YA HACK.
DeleteRey
Oh, Rey, you sure told her. You are a are real man.
DeleteWhy is it that "Rey" never seems to visit Mr. DPM or McHale? Guess they are bot masters of the English language.
DeletePorque lo dejan todo enchufado, al puts.
DeleteDags.