Impressions of Cesar de Leon's Brief, Self-Sabotaged Political Career

Cesar de Leon Being Sworn In
As City Commissioner

As a father I know kids mess up.  Hell, fathers mess up.  

I feel for Cesar's folks.  Certainly, no parents could have orchestrated a better educational foundation for their child; dual, simultaneous schooling in Brownsville and Matamoros, a degree in economics at St. Mary's University, post graduate studies in Spain, then, a law degree at St. Mary's, studies at the London School of Economics, clerking for Judge Berry, working in the Texas House of Representatives, etc.

That great resume' was severely tarnished by glimpses and tidbits so far released from Carlos Elizondo's covert ranch audio tape.(We look forward to a full transcript of the audio tape that can be subjected to the proverbial fine tooth comb.)

The overwhelming sense of the tape is not racism, but Cesar's cocksure, ingratiating sense of entitlement.  

"Why haven't you sent me any cases?" Cesar is quoted as having said to Carlos Elizondo, then the city's Fire Chief, working under Cesar and the City Commission.

Incredibly, young Cesar, barely learning the ropes as a commissioner, was presumptuously trying to manipulate, influence the Brownsville Independent School District, based on what's been gleaned from the tape. 

My mind went back to a personal conversation with Cesar a couple years ago: 

"Jim, I'm working at least 40 hours a week for the city for free, plus at least another 40 hours as an attorney to support myself."

What seemed like an odd comment at the time, the so-far released parts of the audio tape, seem to put into perspective.