TAD HASSE, CANDIDATE FOR SBOE AND BROWNSVILLE'S RESIDENT NERD, HOLDS FUNDRAISER AT THE ALONSO BUILDING

Tad Hasse with a Master Class in Blackjack

The Alonso Building, 510 East Saint Charles Street, with its skinny 19th century auditorium and luscious brick-floored courtyard, is Brownsville's homiest meeting place.

This Saturday night it was the venue for Tad Hasse's Casino Night, a theme Tad has used for fundraisers in the past.

Hasse, the City of Brownsville's Information Technology Tech and computer expert, is a candidate for the State Board of Education, District 2.

Tad, Brownsville's resident nerd, uncomfortable in a business suit, is an idea man, with a quick whit and a reputation for helping any friend in need.  

After quashing Eric Garza in the primaries by over 2-1, Hasse faced charges of racism by little known blogger Duardo Paz-Martinez, tapping his laptop from McAllen.

Those who grew up with Tad and those who went to school with him at St. Joseph's Academy know better.  

As the Brownsville Observer reported in March:

Tad has worked for the City of Brownsville for nearly three decades. He is beloved, as a problem solver and as a person by co-workers 90% Hispanic. 

I've personally observed him dealing with locals willing to perform public service in lieu of jail time. He is not condescending and DOES NOT assign them to toilet cleaning. Hasse deals with these public service citizens as equals, respectfully and graciously.

Yes, charges of racism can't be "fought," anymore than charges of being a bad grandpa.  One just has to live their life and those around him will see what he is or is not.

Hasse's opponent for the State Board of Education is Ruben Cortez, the son of JP Linda Salazar.  Ruben is more of a political wheeler and dealer than an actual education man. He is not a high school or college graduate, although he did get a G.E.D.

(Above, County Judge Candidate Carlos Cascos, County Republican Chairman Morgan Graham and Tad Hasse)