Is Commissioner Rose Gowen Hearing the Footsteps of Challenger Robert Uresti?

Rose Gowen

Typically, it is the challenger, not the incumbent who calls for a debate in a political campaign.  Incumbent Rose Gowen, City Commissioner, At-Large B, may be hearing the footsteps of populist challenger Robert Uresti, quickly closing the gap with the heavily-favored office holder, forcing her to issue the debate challenge.  According to some reports, Gowen wants to pick the venue and limit the forum to simply her and Uresti.

Letty Perez-Garzoria, herself a candidate for City Commissioner, District 4, made this observation on her Facebook page:

"What's this about? A curious moment no less.. Rose Gowen wants to debate Robert Uresti (exclusively) on her turf. Politics is about choosing your battles or deciding not to instigate one! A real Roman Colosseum moment for Robert? Where was Rose when she was invited to the Republican Forum? Choosing which battles in which she wants to be an active participant is something that re- elect Rose , re-elect John, and wannabee Debbie do quite well. A strategic, GRANDSTAND moment for Rose? They learn from the seasoned best! You decide! DATE? MAY 2 @ THE U.T.B. Campus, Cassio Salon High Noon , no less! (All other candidates excluded from forum except to mill around the area ( called meet and greet?) and witness the Colliseum event?) Bad politics? or just no taste @ all Rose? No hay mal que dure cien anos, ni persona que lo aguante! Early voting April 29th- May 7th/ election day May 11th!"

Robert Uresti

Uresti, a tireless advocate for the citizens of Brownsville, especially the impoverished and needy, feels his candidacy is gaining momentum.  "Everywhere I go in the city, people are coming up to tell me they are supporting me.  I just hope they vote," stated Uresti during a conversation at Letty Perez-Garzoria's event at Cobbleheads.

In my visit with Uresti, I mentioned the conversation I had with the manager of Hinogas on Highway 281 who had told me about Robert's efforts to get the city to compensate the victims of flooding due to city negligence in not opening the dams built in that area for flood control.  

Robert added more detail:  "Not only were homes flooded in that area, but residents were forced to walk on a narrow pipe across an area with water 15-20 feet deep.  Teenagers, grandmothers, everyone was crossing on this narrow pipe.  To avoid the dangerous crossing, you had to walk over a mile around the neighborhood.  Blanca Vela was the mayor then.  I went to talk to her about it and she didn't care.  So, I took photos to the Brownsville Herald.  The next week, the city found $20,000 to build a bridge for the residents."

Robert added:  "Jim, if I'm elected as a City Commissioner At-Large, my concern will be with the entire city.  All I care about is the people.  I will go into the city commission poor and leave poor."