Brownsville Benefactor, Colleyville's Mike Hernandez of OP.1033: "Why Don't They Like Me?"

DFW Car Dealer Mike Hernandez

As a kid I was told not "to look a gift horse in the mouth."   That is not always good advice.

Colleyville resident Mike Hernandez, who wants to give back to his native Brownsville with certain strategic donations, must certainly feel that some in this town are not sufficiently grateful for his generosity.

"Who are these carpetbaggers?" asked Tony Zavaleta-Reid, candidate for TSC Trustee Place 3, to an article on OP.1033.

Carlos Quintanilla of Dallas

A current TSC official compared Mike Hernandez to convicted con artist Carlos Quintanilla, who charmed Brownsville with a bogus airline offer in 2010, then tried to field a slate of candidates for BISD trustee positions.  When I pointed out that, like Quintanilla, Hernandez already seems to have a following, the official simply said:  "Sheep!"

The following anonymous comment was received in response to a previous article on OP.1033's Mike Hernandez, where I explained that Mike's promise to donate $2 million to United Brownsville, a shadowy, unelected body, intent on worming their way into the riches of development at the Port of Brownsville and the so-called FM 550 industrial corridor had aroused suspicion about Mike's actual intent:

Jim you need to check your research. I am not one to defend Wightman but there was a meeting concerning the development of 550. Mike Hernandez is leading the manufacturing group. United Brownsville is not part of this effort. If you check the map overlay most of 550 is LFCISD, not Brownsville. LFCISD will earn a lot of tax dollars. We are happy in Los Fresnos. Can you quote anywhere where Mr. Hernandez has actually said he will give $2 million to United Brownsville? What we were told is his money is seed money to help move things along and that is it. Having met him at the meeting there is no way he is just going to give $2 million to anyone. He was clear that if his money is being used, he will have oversight over his money.

My response:  

Mike's initial efforts on his OP 1033 Facebook page promised donations of $1 million to BISD, $1 million to Guadelupe Middle School and $2 million to United Brownsville.

After getting a better feel for UB's self-serving reputation, he may have adjusted his promises, but several local bloggers reported his initial offerings. It's difficult to get up to speed from Fort Worth/Colleyville.

Obviously, Mike Hernandez has some public relations work ahead if his stated plan to pull Brownsville out of poverty by 2033 will succeed.

Identifying from the get-go with Carlos Marin and United Brownsville did not set well with the more knowledgeable locals.

Pictures from Downtown Brownsville, Monday, March 21, 2016

The old Wells-Fargo Bank property, purchased by Cameron County for the same price that Tony Martinez paid for Casa del Nylon.  Juan Montoya suggested that Tony was "pissed" the county beat him to the punch on the building.  A friend joked:  "Can you imagine if Tony had purchased the building?  Homeless  people would be living at every entrance, not to mention the six story fire staircase and the old bank drive-throughs."

By the way, in my picture-taking walk downtown Monday, I ran into the homeless man I interviewed several years ago, who's been living at the entrance of La Casa del Nylon since the city purchased it in 2012.  He didn't want any more publicity, mentioning also that since our last conversation, both his wife and his dog had passed.

Last year Historic Preservation Officer Peter Goodman told me an investor was interested in El Jardin Hotel.  Last week, BEDC Director Jason Hilts was observed showing someone the building. As today's picture shows, it would be quite a restoration.

Just after taking this picture, I ran into Leo Lopez and Trey Garza collecting signatures for Leo's write-in campaign for Cameron Country Tax Assessor.  Both laughingly denied being part of the investment team to buy the old hotel.

You can barely see the electrical box on the left side of the Sportsman Club, just behind the power pole.  The man approaching the box today looked more like a homeless person than an electrical technician.  He opened the box, pulled out a pint of liquor, took a swig and placed the bottle back into the electrical box.  As they say:  "Necessity is the mother of invention."

Are Mike Hernandez and OP 1033 Simply Out-of-Touch with Brownsville, Cameron County?

Latest Cryptic Billboard from Car Dealer Mike Hernandez

Just a few years ago, litigious, but highly unethical City Attorney Mark Sossi, proclaimed that United Brownsville was simply "an informal board," not falling under the guidelines of the Texas Open Meetings Act.

In March 2014 a resolution sponsored by Rose Gowen and Debbie Portillo was easily passed by the docile and inexperienced City Commission yielding control of the industrial corridor to United Brownsville, Imagina Matamoros and the City of Harlingen to "promote a Bi-Ned zone in the FM 550 industrial corridor."  This resolution elevated United Brownsville from a mere "informal board" to a controlling entity in the development of the industrial corridor.

Robin McCaffrey Defending his Industrial Corridor
Plan to the Publisher of the Brownsville Observer

Not surprisingly, the $454,592.08 study penned by Robin McCaffrey two years earlier, a 600 page report called the Greater Brownsville Infrastructure & Development Plan, presented to the Carlos Marin-controlled GBIC board, had suggested that United Brownsville control the multi-billion dollar investment in the industrial corridor.

Recent developments are tugging Brownsville to plan development regionally, not as a smallish civic entity at the southern tip of the Rio Grande Valley. Even County Judge Candidate Dan Sanchez hints that creating a regional Metropolitan Planning Organization could solicit not $1 million in TxDot dollars, but $50 million.  

This raises the obvious question:  Do we even need United Brownsville when the focus should be on a united Rio Grande Valley?  There have been mumbles from some of the entities contributing their annual $25,000 stipend to United Brownsville.  

A TSC official explained:  "How can we justify contributing tax dollars to an entity promoting only Brownsville when so many of our students live in Port Isabel, South Padre Island, Los Fresnos, Harlingen, etc.?"  Of course, the Cameron County Commissioners Court could say the same thing.

As for yielding control to a regional oversight, such as a regional MPO, count Mayor Tony Martinez as opposed to that idea. The mayor's off-again, on-again bromance with Matamoros businessman Carlos Marin aside, Tony would like for his minions to control development in the FM 550 industrial corridor.  But going at economic development and planning alone looks sillier by the minute.

Even when United Brownsville Director Mike Gonzalez bragged about the San Diego/Tijuana Bi-Ned development in 2012 as a model for Brownsville/Matamoros, that plan seemed to dwarf Brownsville.  You could superimpose a map of the San Diego/Tijuana region over south Texas/northern Mexico and it would easily cover the entire RGV, Matamoros and Reynosa, not simply B&M.  Uniting for simply Brownsville no longer seems current.

Mike Hernandez, D&M Leasing

Enter car dealer Mike Hernandez of Colleyville, Texas, a johnny-come-lately to Brownsville politics, who wants to steer Brownsville out of poverty by donating $2 million to United Brownsville, an idea that seems on the surface to be misguided. Not only is United Brownsville not an official entity of ANY local government, the concept of developing Brownsville unilaterally is so 2012. Mike, you're behind a bit and certainly out of touch, but Fred, Irv and Carlos will gladly take your money.  

Chambers Expulsion Obscures Historic Turnout in Cameron County Republican Primary

John Chambers

Lost in the furor concerning the removal of John Chambers from the ballot for the general election by Cameron County Republican Chair Morgan Graham is the fact that the March 1 primary election resulted in likely a historic Republican primary turnout in the race for County Sheriff.

10,604 voted in the 2016 Republican primary for sheriff which may well be the highest turnout ever in a contested Republican primary in Cameron County.  John Chambers was the highest vote getter among four candidates with 3,395 votes.

Contrast this total with only 1,745 who voted for County Judge in the 2014 Cameron County Republican primary.  Carlos Cascos won that primary with only 1,155 votes.

Did You Notice That the County Commissioners Bought the 6-Story Wells Fargo Bank for $2.3 Million, Exactly What Tony Paid for the Dilapidated Casa del Nylon?

Yes, friends, six air-conditioned stories including a drive through purchased for well below market value.  Obviously, Tony's law partner, Horacio Barrera, had no role in "negotiating" this purchase.

Unveiling the Cameron County Democrats Clever "Do Nothing" Plan for You Conspiracy Theorists

An underground political genius shared the plan with us over dinner at a local Chinese restaurant.  

"The Democrats have a master plan to continue to control the tax assessor's office despite Yzaguirre's indictments," the pundit claimed, while chomping on an egg roll.

"You see Tony got over 10,000 votes in the primary, from Democrats who either didn't know he'd been indicted or didn't care.  Either way, it wreaks of Brownsville," he continued.

"My good friend, Leo Lopez, has already entered the race.  Another friend, Jessica Bradford may soon declare.  Why even Raul Lopez, we hear, is contemplating entering as a write-in candidate. None of these write-in candidates would declare a party affiliation," the savvy vet offered.

"What's wrong with that?" I asked naively.

"I'll tell you what's wrong with that," the man continued, getting a bit riled up.  "They will split the vote and Yzaguirre will be elected as a Democrat.  He already got the vote of 10,000 dummies the first time."

"Yes, but Yzaguirre will likely be serving a prison sentence and be ineligible to fulfill his office," I countered, trying to sound intelligent.

"Well, that's my dad gum point.  The Cameron County Commissioners Court would then appoint David Betancourt to serve out the term as tax assessor.  The old boy has been asking for a raise since he got in office as County Treasurer.  The Tax Assessor position pays substantially more. Betancourt gets the raise he's been whining about for years."

"Well, who fills Betancourt's position as County Treasurer? I asked from the edge of my seat.

"Well, let me put it this way," the wise old political head continued.  "Would you rather make tortillas for a living or draw the cushy salary of the County Treasurer?  The commissioners will appoint John Villarreal of City Commission and La Milpa Tortilleria fame to replace Betancourt."

"So, by doing nothing, the Cameron County Democrats get good old boys in two important slots.  What else do you want to know?"

At the Historic Alonso Building with Trey Mendez

Nena's first video effort since her stroke is below. Actually, it was in two parts.  I may publish the introduction later.(Trey made a couple good short jokes.)

Mendez highlights a 35% reduction in tuition, accreditation, dual enrollment and working with the business community to ensure a suitable work force.  

The video is a little shaky, but has good sound.

Trey Mendez Speaks at Meet and Greet, Alonso Building, 3/10/16

Texas Southmost College Trustee Elections May Key Community College's Future

Dr. Antonio Juarez with Campaign Manager/
Wife at Cobbleheads event Wednesday night

With Hector Guzman playing tunes from the Lovin' Spoonful, the Mamas and the Papas and the Eagles, we took a seat at a Cobbleheads table for the Dr. Antonio Juarez Meet and Greet with TSC Trustees Adela Garza and Trey Mendez, along with local advocates Alex Guerrero and Gilbert Velasquez.  

Much of the conversation involved improving and growing TSC.

"Lily Tercero did a good job with accreditation and the lowering of tuition.  Now, we need the president to lead in marketing the college. Brownsville and the county have a great demographic for growing enrollment," stated TSC Trustee Trey Mendez.

An alarming rate of attrition among faculty and administration was a concern expressed at the table.  The loss of skilled personnel was linked to "micromanagement" from the top.

Mendez and Garza, along with candidates Ruben Herrera and Antonio Juarez, could conceivably create a new majority.  The need for such a contingent was illustrated when Tercero was able to push past the board $185,000 in "consultant fees" for her old bud from a Fort Worth junior college, Dr. Leonardo De la Garza.  De la Garza is viewed by some trustees as an unnecessary Tercero security blanket.  

"She told us she could do the job herself," was an opinion expressed at the table.

Antonio Juarez event at Cobbleheads

Dr. Antonio Juarez(his doctorate is in education) presented himself to the Cobblehead's crowd as a "product of the Citrus Gardens housing project," a six year army vet and a man who passed his CPA exam, despite being advised by his Pan American College instructor to change majors.  He wants to tweak the E-book program, match curriculum to the needs of local business and grow enrollment.

Tony Zavaleta-Reid, Candidate for TSC
Trustee, Place 3

Juarez is not unopposed.  He faces opposition from J.J. De Leon, Evelyn Cantu and Tony Zavaleta. Zavaleta, particularly, has administrative and professorial experience at TSC. 

"Yes, but it was during his tenure that the abuses of former UTB President Juliet Garcia were implemented," observed someone seated at our table.

Zavaleta lost his last run for office in 2010 when Brownsville Cheezmeh-promoted candidate John Villarreal narrowly won City Commissioner District 4.  In retrospect, the chemistry of the City Commission might have been considerably altered with Zavaleta, not a pipsqueak, afraid to express himself.  You may recall that Zavaleta, in his campaign for City Commission, advocated free downtown parking, among other novel concepts.

TSC Trustee Trey Mendez

Tonight, the popular TSC Trustee, Trey Mendez, kicks off his campaign for TSC Trustee, Place 4. The event, which starts at 5:30 PM, has been moved to the Alonso Building because of the possibility of rain.  

Self-Serving County Judge Candidate Eddie Trevino Declared "Bad for Brownsville and Cameron County" by Former Mayor Pat Ahumada

Former Brownsville Mayor Pat Ahumada

Eddie Treviño’s ads read: “It’s Our Money — No Tax Breaks for LNG!” and “What Matters Most? A Safe & Healthy Family,” which sounds like the voice of reason and the candidate to lead us toward progress.

Let’s look at Eddie Treviño’s record, which shows him taking taxpayers’ money to pay for his health insurance, car allowance and other expenses in violation of City Charter. When exposed, taxpayers had to write it off.

I got elected mayor on June 16, 2007, but just before leaving office Eddie Treviño introduced the for-profit Imagine Brownsville/Carlos Marin plan, which cost taxpayers more than $1 million and he signed the terms of employment contract with City Manager Charlie Cabler with an effective date of June 12, 2007, that provided a raise to $153,000, which is now $220,000. The contract further provides a $600 monthly car allowance, health benefits and 230 days (6.6 months or $183,333) severance pay for an “at will” employee who is entitled to 30 days severance pay, as per Section 20 of the City Charter.

I guarantee you that would never happen under my watch.

I recall when Eddie Treviño was willing to sell PUB and supported subsidies at PUB that ended up costing rate payers $91 million through higher utility rates. Now, there is talk to undo the impact fees, which would be a huge mistake.

Both Mayor Tony Martinez and Eddie Treviño pushed the BPUB-Tenaska project that is not feasible, but has cost us millions. This project is like the “bridge to nowhere” at the Port of Brownsville costing taxpayers $21 million and no bridge.

With the help of Manny Vasquez, who enjoyed PUB travel and perks, Eddie Treviño sued to remove PUB board members for control and is now the PUB attorney.

The compadre system is alive and well, which prompted an open records request to see his billing records, which Eddie Treviño has to date refused to release.

The entitlement mindset of people like Eddie Treviño who are given preferential treatment are like vacuums eager to give away our assets, submit excessive bills, buy real estate at exorbitant prices, and enter into deals that benefit their compadres.

But, when it comes to people like me who try to do what is right, they go all out to ruin us, as the notorious case involving a vindictive police chief and the city manager’s office who pushed for my conviction after conveniently destroying evidence

that would have easily showed who took the $21,139 check, because we do not play ball with taxpayers’ money.

Although I was found not guilty and none of the allegations have resulted in a conviction, not even the most recent preposterous animal abuse complaint filed anonymously, they push hard to discredit the good by using the headlines to justify their hate, support and justify the almost worthless Casa de Nylon purchase for $2.3 million; the Tenaska project that produced higher utility rates and empty promises; the secret milking of PUB with what I suspect exorbitant attorney fees and expensive consultants like for-profit Imagine Brownsville that produce nothing, other than serve as a political base for the same who prey on taxpayers.

These same righteous citizens who hold their noses up in the air are the embodiment of bad government. They have no morals, prey on weak individuals who are not independent thinkers and sell themselves for a taco. They are easily manipulated to obtain sweetheart employment contracts or the outcome desired at taxpayer’s expense.

These people suck the life out of our city and county, which is why Brownsville lags behind other Valley cities.

None of us is perfect, but I assure you, had I done what Eddie Treviño or Tony Martinez have done, these righteous people would be clamoring fiduciary abuse, abuse of office and organized crime. I would be in prison.

Now you know why Brownsville lags behind McAllen and will continue to do so, because of individuals who support the downfall of our city and county.

From the editor:  The letter above was written by former Brownsville Mayor Pat Ahumada and published in the Brownsville Herald.

"For the Last 50 Years, No One Wins Unless I Say So!" Herminia Becerra, Notorious Politiquera

Louis V. Saenz Supporter Herminia Becerra

Trey Mendez Kick Off Meet & Greet for TSC Trustee Campaign

Some Biographical Info, Plus An Update on Nena

Nena's Last Public Appearance Before Stroke

Just over 47 years ago Nena and I were married in Brownsville. Our only potential expense, the wedding license, was actually a wedding gift from our brother-in-law, Charles Roth.  We spent nothing on the reception, held at my mother's house on Hackberry Lane and we didn't go on a honeymoon. 

Our close friend, Tom Robinson, now children's librarian at the Southmost Library and, just like 50 years ago, Brownsville's most knowledgeable resident, gave us our most memorable wedding gift, the just released Beatles' White Album.  Since Nena's old stereo from her army days was ruined by water damage from Hurricane Beulah, I laid a stereo away at the Gibson Store on Central Boulevard for $49.99 to play our wedding gift and my collection of the Beatles, the Mamas and the Papas, the Loving Spoonful, the Association and Bob Dylan.   Nena added Stan Getz, the Temptations and Herb Albert to our collection.

Nearly a half century later, Nena suffered her first stroke in October 2014, while touring the new tourist building at 7th and Ringgold.  Printed words became like hieroglyphics to her, unrecognizable, a huge loss to someone who purchased over 50 books per year on Kindle Fire.

Her caricature efforts became more difficult, with the latest, an attempt to capture City Commissioner Cesar de Leon, pictured at left. That effort, once a beautiful pencil drawing, was ruined when she colored the hair purple with green highlights.  I was able to somewhat recover the sense of the original with a tinting app.

This past Wednesday, at 10:30 AM, I called 911. During our morning conversation, Nena, all of a sudden, could not finish her sentence. Two Brownsville paramedics arrived at our door with a stretcher.  The seemingly long delay inside the ambulance, I later learned, was spent performing a series of tests that were forwarded to the Valley Baptist Medical Center Emergency Room.  Nena suffered a grand mal seizure at the emergency room, but, based on the tests sent ahead, went straight into an angioplasty procedure.  

Two doctors approached me hours later.  
"The blood thinner he prescribed did the trick," one doctor stated, pointing to the other.  

"The angioplasty, he performed, prevented more damage," the other doctor explained.

I thanked them both.  Nena had experienced two strokes in 18 months as well as a seizure.  While there seemed to be substantially more damage, the brain has a wonderful, unexplainable capacity for overcoming such trauma, so who knows?

When I shared this with our son, he said:  "You both are a little crazy."