De Leon "Apologetic," Citizens Angry and Hurt Over Racist Remarks, Cabler Balks at Resignation

If Brownsville had a "golden boy," it was City Commissioner Cesar de Leon. There was talk he would run for mayor, a so-called "non-paying" position, but, more likely a future judgeship was in reach.

In our own interactions with Cesar, he seemed mannerly, almost deferential, with the gentility of someone born in Mexico to good parents, educated in Spain, proficient in English and Spanish, holding the door open for women, respecting his elders.

When Cesar approached us after a GBIC meeting, he didn't address us as "Jim" or even "Mr. Barton," but as "Sir, I would like to show you something, Sir!"  

But, all hell broke loose with Cesar's image Tuesday, when someone with a Facebook account in the name of "Juan Marquez," sent two abbreviated audio recordings to 10 or so Brownsville residents with Cesar's voice berating black lawyers from Dallas, acting as Assistant District Attorneys in Cameron County, as "fucking niggers," and also disparaging Mayor Martinez and City Commissioners Gowen, Longoria and Tetreau, as well as former commissioner, Debbie Portillo.

Cesar de Leon, in one of Nena's few post-stroke drawings

In a statement posted in today's Brownsville Herald, Cesar explained:  "I want to apologize to the citizens of Brownsville or whoever had to listen to those tapes because there is a lot of profane language and that was a private conversation.  It was never meant to be public, but it's very important that people understand that I'm very apologetic."

Yes, Cesar, but it's not the language that's bothersome so much as the revealed attitude and worldview.  As shocked as many of us were to see Nazis and white supremacists carrying torches in Charlottesville, we never dreamed our young commissioner held any similar views.  We understand that you're "very apologetic," but it may not be enough.

Several phone calls came in today from substantial, thoughtful citizens.  Here are some excerpts from those conversations:  

"The young man was at my door for 30 minutes during the campaign.  We had a great conversation about a number of issues in the city.  Still, I think he should resign.  Brownsville doesn't need to be identified with racist views," stated one well-known businessman.

"I read where he was at UT-RGV last night with Neece trying to explain the recordings.  I would not be surprised if he loses that teaching job. Liberal institutions like the University of Texas are not tolerant of racism," said another caller.

Another caller questioned the reported, continued support De Leon has received from Commissioners Neece and Tetreau:  "They should resign too!" opined that citizen.

District Attorney Luis Saenz

District Attorney Luis Saenz gave this quote to the Herald, referencing those he's hired as ADA's and De Leon's audio comments:  "The people of Cameron County expect me to hire the most competent prosecutors that I can find, without regard to their race, and that is what I strive to do. Mr. De Leon's remarks are shameful and hurtful, It is extremely disappointing that they are made by a lawyer and a representative of the City of Brownsville."

City Manager Charlie Cabler

Ironically, the release of De Leon's remarks may have another substantial effect on city administration. By some reports, City Manager Charlie Cabler was primed to resign his post at Tuesday's City Commission meeting, but, observing the lack of a quorum, with Commissioners Neece, De Leon and Tetreau absent, changed his mind.