Robert C. Luna Bristles As Tony's "Girls" Question the Procedure

    Tony Martinez did not disparage the female city commissioners tonight by calling them "girls".  The roasting he received a couple weeks ago in the blogs may have helped to bring him up to speed with respect to appropriate gender phrasing in the 21st century work environment.  Of course, my friend Jerry told me that Tony says he doesn't read the blogs.  Yeah, right.   Although the main players at the 6/20/11 city commission meeting were the females, their progress could be measured in baby steps.  Estela Chavez-Vasquez stepped into the forefront for the first time, questioning city purchasing agent Robert C. Luna about his purchasing process.  Ms. Chavez did violate one of the standards of good lawyering by asking a question to which she did not know the answer, allowing Luna to deflect criticism by explaining the difference between a captive and a sole source.

     But Chavez was undaunted, continuing to question, even though the final results were not in doubt.  Commissioner Zamora reminded Luna of the questionable issueing of a contract to American Surveillance without bids, a company owned by one of the crooked Escobedo brothers.   At one point purchaser Luna got so rattled that the city bus manager Norma Zamora came to his aid, followed by Police Chief Garcia.   Mr. Luna finally vented a bit:  "The only reason we bring these contracts to the commission is because they exceed the $35,000 limit beyond which we must get commission approval."  But, that doesn't mean it has to be a rubber stamp, Robert, despite Mayor Martinez's meeting hurryup.
 

      The lady commissioners are on the right track, but perhaps need to take advantage of Brownsville's human resources.  In the field of software, electronics and computers there is Tad Hasse.  While Tony Martinez and Robert C. Luna most likely know little about software, Tad knows everything.  A visit with him once the agenda is published allows a commissioner to come to meeting less than flat-footed.  Remember Luna is simply a purchasing agent, the kind of guy sales people love to see.  The system of checks and balances includes the mayor and commissioners.  They owe it to the city to get up to speed.
     If an environmental issue, one involving native species or habitat, Tom Robinson at the Southmost library is an expert and would graciously educate without condescension.  Commissioners must tap in to these human resources.
     We did see growth tonight.  A fully functioning, uninhibited commission is vital for our city.