"No, Thank you!" The Taxpayers of the "Poorest City in the United States" Can't Afford Any More Awards

City Manager Charlie Cabler with
Community Showcase CEO David McCarthy

Do you remember "bannergate?"  Two years ago, a Warsaw, NY "businessman," attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Orlando, FL, sought out Tony Martinez(likely with a pic of Martinez in his pocket) to let the mayor know that Brownsville was one of 15 cities to be honored nationally with a Community Showcase Award.  

The award, according to Community Showcase CEO David McCarthy, would "show the city of Brownsville's economic vitality and the support of the business community."

With a contract letter in hand from the City of Brownsville, clearly indicating the award would be at "no cost to the city," McCarthy and a buxom  companion, identified as Itza Pena, began visiting Brownsville businessmen to sell banner packages ranging from $600 to $4,000.  It was emphasized that the meager $600 package was only for "churches and non-profits.  Upstanding businessmen, who "supported Tony" were expected to cough up four grand.

Variations of this scam are legendary, including upfront money to make your five year old a Hollywood star or get your invention patented and in production.  "Flattery", whether directed at individuals or cities,  according to the late actress Mae West, "will get you everywhere."

The City of Brownsville, increasingly recognized as the "poorest city in the United States," is in contention for another award, that of "All-American City."  All-American cities aren't picked the same way as All-American football players.(Marshall is the other Texas city, along with Brownsville, still in the running, both city's "90 lb weaklings" as cities go.) It takes self-promotion and MONEY to get the nod.  Fayetteville, NC estimates expenditures in excess of $170,000 to garner the honor in 2011.

 Note this comment to the Fayetteville Observer:  

"It would be interesting to know how many folks who have moved to Fayetteville recently did so because of the previous designation as an All-American city. Seems to me that the city could use that money for something more worthwhile."

Health Director Arturo Rodriguez(in background)

Arturo Rodriguez, who must have an extraordinarily light work load as City Health Director, gave the half hour power point to United Brownsville in February about the city's quest for the All-American designation.(Arturo shows up again and again on travel requests, just spending a week at the bike seminar in Fort Worth along with a large delegation at taxpayer expense.)

The All-American City designation is like being in the "Who's Who in College" book.  The benefit is psychological, appealing to municipalities with low self-esteem.  What if for $39.95, a city can be listed in the book, "Great American Cities," and you get a copy of the book?

Here's the scary part for Brownsville's hardworking, overburdened taxpayers.  According to Brownsville Herald reporter Ty Johnson:

"City officials will head to Colorado this June to make their case for Brownsville to be named a member of the 2014 All-America City class now that the National Civic League has identified 25 finalists for the award."

Packing their bags and ski wear for Denver?

Please don't tell us Ty that Brownsville taxpayers are sending a large delegation to Colorado to plead their case for this award, while attempting to scrimp by on a $56 or $71 per diem meal allowance at a plush Denver hotel and spa.    

We will be keeping an eye on travel requests made to the City of Brownsville.  Oh, by the way, is there an award for conserving and protecting taxpayer assets?  I didn't think so.