Can Presas-Garcia's Image Be Rehabilitated?

Cata Presas-Garcia

When something is advertised as "new and improved", you wonder about the quality of the original product.  Maybe advertisers simply want you to try something they know you didn't like the first time, so the idea that refinements might have made it better sucker you in for one more purchase.  When an establishment proclaims itself as "under new management", it's a given that the old management was not customer friendly.  

Cata with Mentor Quintanilla in Dallas

Presas-Garcia, slipping over to campaign for BISD Position 5, is currently reinventing herself at meet and greets and with ad copy in the Brownsville Herald.  Not only has she softened and feminized her name from Cata to Caty, but she is using phrases like "working together" and "being a team of eight", concepts that are the antithesis of the old Cata.  As for "new ownership", her old mentor, convicted RICO felon Carlos Quintanilla, is currently flying under the radar, but still quite possibly spending Ted Parker's money on strategic blog articles and advertising in the Herald of Brownsville.  

The old Cata is still remembered by some as a brutally ruthless board president, fomenting middle-of-the-night administrative changes, ripping administrators away from their area of expertise to an uncomfortable new position they would hopefully resign from.   The old Cata described the interim superintendent, Carl "Mr. Milquetoast" Montoya as a "fit" because he did the bidding of the gang of four, then kept the window of opportunity for applicants to the permanent job open for only 24 hours, so the compliant Montoya could be installed without interference.  

The old Cata grew visibly impatient at the presentations of three law firms, competing for the privilege of collecting delinquent taxes for the district.  Thanks to the large contribution to her campaign, her heart only belonged to Linebarger and she was too inept not to show it.  She disrespected the two non-Linebarger law firms by taking potty breaks during their presentations.  Transparently, she referred to Enrique Pena of the Pena law firm with a condescending "Ricky",  as he was, to her, a mere boy in her game.

While Ms. Presas-Garcia was busy not winning any "Miss Congeniality" awards, her personal wardrobe and transportation noticeably upgraded.  Clothing went from dime store to Dillards, while the raggedy old Jeep that recycling yard magnets craved to lift, was swapped for a new Cadillac, said to be registered to her cousin, a BISD janitor.  The mere fact that BISD trustees seem so materially blessed on a job paying nothing is what frequently attracts the wrong kind of candidate.

The biggest boost to the reinvention of Cata or Caty is the endorsement of B.U.C., the Brownsville Unions Coalition.  B.U.C., as physically represented throughout the city by Rigo Bocanegra, Marco Longoria and Brownsville Crossfire.  Those well-respected men are my friends and add enormous credibility to any candidate they thoughtfully endorse.  While the endorsement may be based solely on merit, the opponents of Presas-Garcia for Position 5 factor in.  One is Butch Barbosa, so tightly linked to the obviously corrupt, but as yet unpunished lawbreaker Ernie Hernandez, Jr.  Certainly that association was more than B.U.C. could stomach.  The other candidate is the cranky, old Donald Clupper, who actually comes with the worst possible connection.  He is endorsed by Brownsville Cheezmeh, a kiss of death to be sure.

Donald Clupper

Clupper, though, obvious warts and all, is the best choice for Position 5.  Yes, he is argumentative and grumpy, but honest.  Without rehearsal, he rattled off the name of every high school in Brownsville, their special academic focus and transportation needs.  The boring old fart has actual academic credentials, including a Masters in Business and other degrees.  Based on only one criteria; what's best for the kids, Clupper is the best candidate for BISD Position 5.