Tony Martinez: “I Don’t Really Compete with Other Candidates.” “I Compete with Myself.”

Mayor Tony Martinez

Tony Martinez does not take any of the five candidates running against him seriously. Not unlike Coach Greg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs, Martinez feels he could bench all his starters and still whip the asses of William Garza, Bob Sanchez, Pat Ahumada, Erasmo Castro and Brenda Joyas.

As Martinez told the Brownsville Herald Saturday: "I don't really compete against other candidates.  I compete with myself."  The implied message is that Martinez will cruise to victory without a runoff against 5 candidates in 2015, much as he did against 4 in 2011.

Martinez has a point, of course.  Pat Ahumada, considered his strongest opponent, garnered a mere 9% of the vote in 2011, despite being an incumbent. Erasmo Castro, despite having legions of "followers" on Facebook, could muster only 20 show-ups for his Lincoln Park meet and greet, 5 of them candidates. Restaurateur Bob Sanchez has said less about his candidacy than his mentor, blogger Jerry Mchale, and seems destined to fizzle like a wet July 4 sparkler. Almost no one, not even P.K. Patel, seems to believe William Garza's explanation for being found naked just outside the city limits in 1998.  Brenda Joyas, a bright young woman, has been working as an intern in planning and the Bike Barn and may be a player some day. 

James Aldrete, Director of M.A.P.,
Message, Audience, Presentation, Inc.

Tony's opponents seem almost handpicked by his longstanding campaign team, "Message, Audience, Presentation, Inc." from Austin.  As their web page explained in 2013:

"The biggest challenge in communicating with Hispanics is not one of language only, but one of tone and approach. We have to recognize that those we most need to turnout are more apolitical and at an economic level that can often make politics and voting seem like a luxury."

The M.A.P. website makes this comment on communicating with a group they refer to as the "New Latinos":

"Spanish in Texas is for the most part an oral tradition, among a community that has low-educational(sic) achievement levels. While Spanish print has made a comeback, it is important to keep it at a grade level that ensures the widest comprehension."

Next, M.A.P. refers to an "empowerment and educational component: No one likes to be embarrassed, and considering the low level of information most Hispanics have on political processes, basic information on how to participate is critical in overcoming issues of insecurity, fear and doubt."

The mayor's 2015 campaign is based on arrogance, disdain and condescension toward the voters.  Voters, don't feel badly, though.  He has the same feelings toward those running against him.