AHUMADA VICTORIOUS AT NEWLY CONSTITUTED CITY COMMISSION

Former Mayor Pat Ahumada 

with Abraham Galonsky

Looking leaner, if not meaner, former Mayor Pat Ahumada introduced himself to the City Commission Tuesday night as a builder, yes Pat the Builder.

Pat's beef was that, although he could have avoided fees by hiring weekend contractors, he'd tried to do right, but had been hit by the city's new June 10 fee structure, charging him $1,800 for the privilege of replacing a roof in Brownsville, that is 46% of the total cost.

Mayor Trey Mendez looked perplexed at Ahumada's plight, not exactly demonstrating a pro-business stance by the city.  

A vivacious city staffer took the podium to explain that, not only was the city going back to something corresponding to the old fee system, but that people like Ahumada, who in good faith had paid the exorbitant rates, would get a refund.(She said something to Ahumada as he went back to his seat, prompting Pat to smile broadly.)

Ahumada passed right by me on his way out, extending his hand.

"What are you running for next time?"  I joked.

"If I ever run for anything again, shoot me!" Ahumada shouted.