Pat Ahumada States "I'm Not A Politician!" At Cobbleheads Meet and Greet February 5

Pat Ahumada Speaking at Cobbleheads

"You know me.  I'm not a politician, just someone who wants the best for our city," explained Pat Ahumada, at his Cobbleheads meet and greet last night.

Actually, Ahumada is a more effective politician than most, greeting supporters at each table, not once, but twice, taking the microphone to explain the event's delay as people were still streaming into the restaurant and generally taking charge.

Noticeably absent from the event were other politicos, public officials, perhaps indicative of bridges burned or, better yet, no unholy alliances. Instead, Ahumada introduced helpers "Ray, Rachel and Maggie," and his family, including his pretty blonde wife of 1-1/2 years.  

Pat's almost 18 minute speech was more specific than most with promises to not engage in speculative real estate purchases, to lower utility rates and taxes, along with the obligatory "transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility."

A handout placed on each table, inviting attendees to "Stand with Pat," promised "aggressive street paving," revitalization of downtown with "tax abatements, FREE PARKING, and, again, "no real estate speculation with taxpayer money."  Many of the promises were directly aimed at perceived failings of Tony Martinez' tenure as mayor.

A promise to "work to lower your utility rates" is made despite knowledge that a quarter interest in the soon-to-be-built Tenaska power plant will be financed totally on the backs of rate payers at a cost of $350,000,000.  

The promise to "empower our city employees" and not "micromanage" is aimed directly at Tony Martinez and, likely, Rose Gowen.

Add in "expanding the animal shelter," supporting the zoo, culture and the arts, completing the weir project and adding police officers will make Ahumada's promise to "reduce tax rates" a challenge.