RODRIGO MORENO, BROWNSVILLE'S POLITICAL GURU

Rodrigo Moreno

COWEN FAMILY INVADES COBBLEHEADS FOR JOHN COWEN, JR. MEET AND GREET

Uncle Ralph Cowen Introduces Nephew John Cowen, Jr.,
Candidate for City Commissioner At Large "A"

When Ralph Cowen shouted into the microphone "Can you hear me?" several within the Cobbleheads Bar and Grill audience shouted "No!" likely hoping that Ralph would break into one of his famous gritos, but no such luck.

Ralph was all business, loosely following a prepared script while introducing his somewhat quiet nephew, John Cowen, Jr., a candidate for City Commissioner At Large "A."(Ralph later handed me his notes with the admonition to "share this with McHale.")

John himself spoke from a prepared script, likely with some thoughtful observations about the needs of the city, but the club's acoustics muffled his words.  

Anyway, it was a raucous crowd, one of the largest we've seen at the popular venue, including all the Cowens, but also City Commissioner Ben Neece, mayoral candidate Trey Mendez, BISD Trustees Erasmo Castro and Phil Cowen and several other local politicos. 

Blogger Jerry McHale, from his accustomed vantage point at the bar, knocked down a couple Bloody Marys, repeating to me the timeworn line "if you don't do your job, I can't do mine."

  

Matamoros attorney and radio talk show host Jerry Danarche(pictured above) has invited Juan Montoya, Jerry McHale and I for a discussion of local issues at 12:00 PM today on KKPS-FM 99.9, "La Nueva."  Danarche's show commands an audience of 100,000 in Brownsville and northern Mexico.

WHAT HAPPENED TO BROWNSVILLE'S PLANNING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT? ALSO, INTERNET COVERAGE, CHARLIE CABLER

Jesus' Auto Service

For those of us who view Brownsville's Central Boulevard as one of the city's main arteries, once the "Welcome to Brownsville" promenade off Old Highway 77, seeing the construction of a hastily-built lean-to, utilizing not even standard plywood, but particle board, quickly covered with gray paint, seems out of character for a city trying to pull itself up by its own bootstraps.

Nothing recently built in Southmost, Matamoros or even the Philippines seems this substandard.

Yet, once the four walls were up and paint slapped on, cars began to be service and used tires mounted at Jesus' Auto Service, close to where Central Boulevard meets W. Elizabeth Street.

It would be a total shock if this newly-constructed edifice survived a strong gust of wind.  

City of Brownsville:  Did this new construction pass code?  Really?

While Wednesday's meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Organization was routine, something stated by GBIC Director Marion Losoya captured our attention, an internet report stating that Brownsville was the "least connected community in the country."

Speaking with Losoya(pictured above) and Assistant City Manager Dr. Arturo Rodriguez after the meeting, Losoya shared the site on his phone, indicating that over 60% of Brownsville homes do not have internet.(Another study puts the number at 45%.)

Rodriguez, just back from a trip to San Antonio, offered that the San Antonio Housing Authority has installed wifi in all its housing projects.

"I'm looking into what it would take to get wifi into our housing projects.  Since homework can be now done online, I don't want these children at a disadvantage," added Rodriguez.

After a missed connection last week, Mayoral Candidate Charlie Cabler has agreed to appear on Erasmo Castro's Whine and Cheez podcast, livestreamed Sunday for Angelita's Casa de Cafe on Boca Chica Blvd.

TENASKA, CASA DEL NYLON, POLICE ISSUES SURFACE IN DISCUSSIONS WITH CITY COMMISSIONERS

Jerry McHale

Despite being designated recently by Jerry "The Blogfather" McHale as "Mr. Meetings Man," dispensing "bureaucratic bull," even a blind squirrel occasionally stumbles upon a nut.

It was at Wednesday's BMFA exhibition of photographs inspired by religious paintings that Commissioner Cesar De Leon dropped a hard kernel on my head, mentioning that the audit committee, recently disbanded, obliterated and quashed by Brownsville's City Commission, had, not only been looking at the diversion of the city's emergency calls to a private ambulance service, but also at possible irregularities with respect to the Tenaska deal and subsequent utility rate hike and the dubious purchase of La Casa del Nylon at 1304 E. Adams Street.

Commissioner Tetreau-Kalifa

City Commissioner Jessica Tetreau-Kalifa concurred that the "Tenaska" and "Casa Nylon" deals had been mentioned as subjects of audits, remembering that a "deadline was fast approaching" for action on the city's purchase of La Casa del Nylon.  

"It needs to be addressed immediately," she added.

The commissioner also offered:  "I have fought tirelessly for 8 years for the betterment of the people of our community.  I wish for nothing more than these deals be exposed."

Commissioner Neece

City Commissioner Ben Neece, who, along with Tetreau-Kalifa and Commissioner Joel Munguia had formed the Audit Committee, made it clear it was not a "single issue" entity.  

Neece stated that, once the committee was formed, citizens were coming to him with reports of impropriety they felt needed investigation, mentioning reported irregularities with the city's Public Works Department and B.U.S., now known as Brownsville Metro.

Neece mentioned another issue that had been presented to the committee, a formal complaint by BPD Commander David Dale allegedly "interference" with police activity by Commissioner Tetreau-Kalifa.

"The Brownsville Herald is waiting on a reply to their Public Information Request for a taped conversation between Tetreau and Dale," Neece continued.

"Then, based on that tape, citizens can make their own determination as to whether such interference occurred," added the commissioner.

Whatever methodology the City Commission uses to get to the bottom of these various issues, Brownsville's taxpayers need and deserve the transparency these public servants promise every time they run for office.

MAIN STREET ADVISORY BOARD GETS SPECIFICS FOR B.I.G. DOWNTOWN INCENTIVES PROGRAM

Main Street Advisory Board

Cori Pena, the Administrator of Grants and Contracts for the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, the 4B entity entrusted with dispersing about $5 million annually for "quality of life" projects, was on the agenda as a presenter for the Main Street Advisory Board meeting Wednesday. 

I've been curious about the  BCIC's so-called 50/50 improvement program for downtown property owners and business tenants since it was first mentioned.

The program, set to start in April with applications for assistance accepted in March, provides up to $600,000 in incentives, $200,000 annually for three years for property owners and tenants to upgrade facades, bring electrical and plumbing up to code, remove false ceilings and make masonry repairs.

Matching funds up to $15,000 may be offered.  

Rent subsidies of 50% for the first 6 months up to $800 per month, plus 30% subsidies for the second 6 months are also part of this initiative, with the requirements of a two year lease and a business open at least 6 days per week.

Grants for the Business Improvement Grant Program, using the acronym B.I.G., will be issued through a grant committee composed of 2 members of the Main Street Advisory Board, 2 members of the Historic Preservation and Design Review Board, 2 BCIC Board members and 4 City of Brownsville staffers.  

At Wednesday's meeting, Angelina Macias was selected to represent the Main Street Advisory Board on the committee.

Qualifying businesses must be located is a specific downtown area, roughly between E. Jefferson Street and E. Fronton Street, International Blvd. and E. 5th.

MIGUEL ROBERTS' PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION OPENS AT BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM OF FINE ART

Brownsville Herald photojournalist Miguel Roberts, along with his fiancee' Claudia Henry, explained the motivation for the first half of their collection of photographs, Sanctus, Martyrs of Faith.  

Miguel Roberts, Claudia Henry, Deyanira Ramirez

"Both of us take our faith seriously and have been inspired by local priests and Bishop Flores," Roberts told a group of about half a hundred at the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art for the opening reception of Roberts' show that will run until the end of February 2019.

John Cowen, Candidate for City Commission At Large
"A" and Fernando Valdes Vl, Deputy Consul, Consulado
de Brownsville

Deputy Consul Fernando Valdes V. of Brownsville's Mexican Consulate represented his country in showing appreciation for local art.

City Commissioner Cesar De Leon, TSC Board Chairman
Adela Garza

In an extended conversation with City Commissioner Cesar De Leon, a number of subjects were broached, some of which we may discuss in time.
I was surprised to learn that the city commission's audit committee was not only charged with investigating the diversion of calls to a private ambulance firm, but also the Tenaska deal and the purchase of Casa del Nylon, all incidents never explained to the taxpayers, but with obviously corrupt aspects.

LARGE CROWD FORCES CITY OF BROWNSVILLE WORKSHOP OUT OF CITY MANAGER CONFERENCE ROOM

City of Brownsville Workshop in City Manager's Office

For the second time in recent weeks, Brownsville's City Commission opted to hold what is considered a "public" meeting in the ridiculously small quarters of the City Manager's Conference Room.  The few chairs constituting "seating" in the room could not accommodate  the several dozen citizens jammed against the walls, extending out into the hallway.

Just two weeks ago, the City of Brownsville held a workshop on the proposed merger of the three Metropolitan Planning Organizations in the Rio Grande Valley in what was a nearly full city commission chambers.  Did they now assume that those folks no longer cared about the issue?

After the presentation by Mark Morris from the Dallas-Fort Worth MPO, Commissioner Jessica Tetreau-Kalifa suggested that next time this meeting should be held in another, larger venue.  

Mayor Martinez then asked that everyone, including the sizable audience, go to the City Commission chambers where Mr. Morris  answered questions from the audience.

Eddie Hernandez, a member of the Brownsville MPO, wanted more information about how the merged MPOs would be structured and how funding would be split.  Morris promised that the DFW MPO would network and mentor the Brownsville group.

Mr. Burke, an elderly cycling activist, asked how large the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth were before joining in an MPO.  Morris answered that cities with at least 50,000 in population qualified and urban and that the DFW MPO encompassed an area larger than the state of Maryland with a total population of 7.5 million.

Speaking to Burke and Larry Holzman before the meeting, I learned that they view MPOs as merely pawns for large huge contractors making enormous profits from highway construction.

Before the meeting, I had a nice chat with Amigos del Valle, a group providing meals on wheels for seniors.  I will visit there operation soon at 2575 Russell Drive in Brownsville.

RUMBLE IN THE SOUTHMOST JUNGLE~ROMAN AND MICHAEL TANGLE!

From the editor: The email exchange below between Michael Rodriguez, candidate for City Commissioner, District 1 and former candidate for the same, Roman Perez, caught my eye.  

The conversation, developed on Jerry McHale's Facebook page initially seemed blog worthy as a reprint as it touches on issues of the credibility of candidates for office in Brownsville's most identified region, District 1, Southmost, but I resisted reprinting it because of the challenges of putting a Facebook format on Google.

Yet, when my fiancee Ana, from the Philippines, talked so excitedly about reading this exchange, I decided to publish:   

SANCTUS, MARTYRS OF FAITH EXHIBITION AT BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM OF ART WEDNESDAY AT 6:00 PM

Claudia Henry, Erasmo Castro, Miguel Roberts at the Erasmo Castro Whine and Cheez Podcast Sunday

From the editor:  Miguel Roberts, photojournalist/artist employed  by the Brownsville Herald and model Claudia Marcela Henry have collaborated on an exhibition of Christian saints to be shown at the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art January 9 through February 28, 2019.

An opening reception for the exhibit will take place Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 6:00 PM at the museum at 660 E. Ringgold Street in Brownsville.

Admission is free.

HEEEEE'SSSSSSSSSSS BACK!!!!! PAT AHUMADA PICKS UP PACKET FOR CITY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 2

The Brownsville Observer has just learned that former Mayor Pat Ahumada picked up a candidate packet today for City Commissioner, District 2, a position currently held by Jessica Tetreau-Kalifa.

While merely picking up such a packet does not equate with actually declaring for the office, it does indicate that serious consideration is being given to running for that office.

OUR MEETING WITH CARLOS GUERRERO, CANDIDATE FOR CITY COMMISSION AT LARGE "A"

Carlos Guerrero, Candidate for City Commission At-Large A

With the decision by Cesar De Leon not to seek reelection, two candidates have emerged for City Commissioner At Large "A," John Cowen and Carlos Guerrero.

We sat down with Mr. Guerrero yesterday at Mi Pueblito Restaurant on Pablo Kisel Blvd. in Brownsville, getting a sense of why he's running for office and specific needs he can identify in Brownsville.

"I've actually been thinking about this for three years," stated Guerrero.

"My purpose in running is to help make it easier for small businesses to get started in Brownsville.  Many are still experiencing long delays and resistance in starting a business, while I hear of others who get totally approved in a week or so," continued the candidate.

"Are you talking about compradrismo?" I asked.

"Exactly.  It's the buddy system.  And, I'm not saying that the business getting approved so quickly is a good thing.  Who knows if they have safety issues, fire hazards or electrical or plumbing problems when they get passed that easily?" explained Carlos.

"Are you familiar with the proposed merger of the three valley Metropolitan Planning Organizations?" I asked Guerrero.

"I've been looking at that.  I don't think Brownsville should agree to merge unless they've locked down and exact percentage of funding," offered Carlos.

Guerrero feels the current city commission has difficulty with consensus building and wastes time "looking for dirt on each other."

"I'm willing to talk.  Let's find out what's important to the other commissioners and I will tell you what I think is important," he added.



   

MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ, CANDIDATE FOR CITY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 1, NAMES TREASURER!

Michael Rodriguez with Campaign Treasurer,
 Erasmo Castro

MOTHER AND CHILD REUNION, 2019

No I would not give no false hope

On this strange and mournful day

But the mother and child reunion

Is only a motion away

Oh, little darling of mine, I care for the life of me

Remember a sadder day, that now they say let be

Just don't recount on me in the course of a lifetime run

Over and over again

No I would not give no false hope

On this strange and mournful day

But the mother and child reunion

Is only a motion away

Oh, little darling of mine, I just can't believe it's so

Though it seems strange to say, I never been laid so low

Such a mysterious way and the course of a lifetime runs

Over and over again

No I would not give no false hope

On this strange and mournful day

But the mother and child reunion

Is only a motion away

But the mother and child reunion

Is only a motion away

But the mother and child reunion

Is only a motion away

But the mother and child reunion

Is only a motion away

But the mother and child reunion

Is only a motion away

"Mother and Child Reunion"

Paul Simon, c. 1971

My mom will be 95 in March.  We're 24 years apart, a fact I'm reminded of as I copy documents to submit for fiancee' Ana's immigration.

There is no recognition in her face for any of my words, even reciting the names of her children draws no response.  But, something I said makes her laugh and I'm reminded that I could always make her laugh.

Lori, 58, Deena, 52

I doubt anyone on Earth knows my mom's early history as well as I do, not my mom, not even my two baby sisters, now 58 and 52, who seem almost from a different generation, the last to leave home.

Like me, my mom was advanced to a higher grade during elementary school, but, with nothing else to do in 1940 at age 16 and a slightly younger sister still in school, she stayed an additional post-graduate year at Black Diamond High School.  So much for finishing early!

Futilely, I try to show mom a picture of Ana, but I can't get her to even look at my cell phone, let alone focus.

I know better, but I still mention my son, her grandson and his son, her great-grandson, Jack.  

I kiss her goodbye and make my way to the door.  My attempt to push the door open activates a buzzer and a nurse's aide quickly puts in a code to let me out.

As I'm nearing West Brownsville to check on the next generation, my son and grandson pass by me in their red pickup, waving and smiling.  Wow!  Four generations in just a few minutes!

And when I die 

and when I'm dead, dead and gone, 

There'll be one child born and 

a world to carry on, to carry on

I'm not scared of dying 

and I don't really care

If it's peace you find in dying, 

well, then let the time be near

If it's peace you find in dying, 

when dying time is here, 

Just bundle up my coffin cause 

it's cold way down there,

I hear that's it's cold way down there,

yeah, crazy cold way down there

And when I die and when I'm gone, 

There'll be one child born and 

a world to carry on, to carry on

My troubles are many, they're as deep as a well

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell

Swear there ain't no heaven and pray there ain't no hell, 

But I'll never know by living, only my dying will tell, 

Only my dying will tell, yeah, only my dying will tell

And when I die and when I'm gone, 

There'll be one child born and a world to carry on, to carry on

Give me my freedom for as long as I be

All I ask of living is to have no chains on me 

All I ask of living is to have no chains on me, 

And all I ask of dying is to go naturally, only want to go naturally

Don't want to go by the devil, don't want to go by the demon, 

Don't want to go by Satan, don't want to die uneasy,

Just let me go naturally

And when I die and when I'm gone, 

There'll be one child born, there'll be one child born

When I die, there'll be one child born

When I die, there'll be one child born

When I die, there'll be one child born

When I die, there'll be one child born

"And When I Die"

Laura Nyro, performed by 

Blood, Sweat and Tears

c. 1969