SOME OF OUR CITY CANDIDATES' BIGGEST SUPPORTERS!

From the editor:  If you expected this article to be about Mike Hernandez III or Carlos Marin, behind-the-scenes operatives using money for influence, it's not.  

First of all, if, as a candidate, Hernandez has given you money, don't let that influence you in any way.  Do what's best for the city.

Hernandez, was/is a great car salesman, but not a political savant.  The fact that his first political move, once back in the Brownsville vicinity, was to throw money at 6 losing candidates tells you all you need to know about his political IQ.  One candidate was even his secretary, but, when someone explained to Mike that her opponent, Trey Mendez, was a shoo-in, Hernandez gave some money to Trey.  LOL!  

If, somehow, you were impressed by Carlos Marin, don't be.  Carlos does what's good for Carlos, nothing more.

No, this article will deal with legitimate, honest support, not based on personal greed.  Of course, we can only comment on people we've actually met and observed, so our omissions should not be viewed as slights, but simply our own limitations.

District 1 City Commissioner Candidate Michael Rodriguez

Ruth Rodriguez(on the left)

With two businesses and three young children, it's pretty obvious Michael Rodriguez could not run for office without the support of his wife Ruth.  When Michael has appeared on the Whine & Cheez podcase, Ruth has come along, toting the three little tykes.

It's noteworthy that of all Ruth's online pictures, there seem to be none of her by herself. Even her Facebook profile pics, like the one on the left, depict her with her husband, kids or another relative.  Selfless?  Quite possibly.

Erasmo Castro

Also, involved in the Rodriguez campaign is loquacious BISD Trustee Erasmo Castro.

Castro tries to be objective on the Whine & Cheez podcast, but finds it difficult to hide his admiration for Rodriguez.    




District 1 City Commissioner Candidate Nurith Galonsky

Abraham Galonsky, Ben Neece

For one of her podcast appearances, Nurith brought along her mother, who was delightful, with a unique sense of humor.  

Her father, Abraham Galonsky, pictured above, supported his daughter at the City Secretary's drawing of ballot position, but also accompanied her to the court hearing where Jessica Tetreau challenged the legitimacy of Caty Presas-Garcia's petitions to get on the ballot.

The constant supporter, though, for Ms. Galonsky, has been City Commissioner Ben Neece, in attendance at both of her podcast appearances and other events.  

At Large "A" City Commissioner Candidate Jessica Puente Bradshaw

Jessica Puente Bradshaw,
Jonathan Bradshaw

At Jessica Puente Bradshaw's side at all her campaign appearances has been her husband, Jonathan Bradshaw.  

The articulate Jonathan, somewhat of a secret weapon, has been observed asking citizens what they think Brownsville needs to move ahead.  

 

Daniel Lenz

Another strong addition to Jessica Puente Bradshaw's campaign this go-around is Daniel Lenz.  Many remember his strong work on the Brownsville Metro Advisory Board and the Rio del Sol subdivision.

At Large "A" Candidate Carlos Guerrero

Monica, Carlos Guerrero

Supporting her husband, Carlos Guerrero, at campaign events has been his wife, Monica Guerrero.

Her father-in-law, Alex Guerrero, told me early on that Monica was "terrific," very talented in her own right.

Alex Guerrero

While keeping a low profile, Alex Guerrero is obviously working tirelessly in support of his son.  He may not be always seen at campaign events, but he's still using his powers of persuasion to talk up Carlos' qualifications.  

At Large "A" City Commission Candidate John Cowen

Ralph Cowen, John Cowen

Ralph Cowen, nephew John's biggest supporter, stopped by my table at Luby's yesterday.  We talked about John's race.  

"He's been just great running our company," Uncle Ralph reminded me.

"Yes, I'm sure of that," I responded.  

"He got a great reputation, good education, but I just want him to be more assertive," I commented.

"Yeah, John is just being himself," Uncle Ralph responded.

Mayoral Candidate Charlie Cabler

Charlie, Rosie Cabler

As with Ruth Rodriguez, I could find no pictures online of Rosie Cabler without her husband.  

Although I'd never met her, Rosie greeted me like a long-lost friend at Charlie's campaign event.

"Have I ever told you the story of how Charlie and I first met?" she asked at one point, then, at the end of the evening, she walked me to my car.

And, I think that's how she treated everyone!

Wow!  Talk about a campaign asset!

P.K. Patel

Cabler's selection of P.K. Patel, a local businessman and hotelier of Indian descent, might have been Charlie's smartest move.

Patel scheduled one event primarily for Brownsville's Indian population and may also reach out to Filipinos.

District 2 Candidate Jessica Tetreau-Kalifa

Art Kalifa with Daughter Abigail

 It's doubtful Jessica Tetreau-Kalifa could have run three campaigns without Art's support.

With Art's work schedule, I'm certain there's much needed grandparent involvement as well.