COWEN AND GUERRERO GET A SECOND OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION

John Cowen, Jr.

Two otherwise likable candidates for City Commissioner At Large "A" were disappointing in their public speaking performances at their respective meet and greets.

John Cowen, Jr., a Notre Dame University graduate, magna cum laude(good grades), following a long-winded introduction from his Uncle Ralph Cowen, essentially pulled out a sheet of notebook paper from his back pocket, read one side, flipped it over and read us the other side.

Young Cowen's words were rendered inaudible by Cobblehead's acoustics and background noise.  There was no audience contact, passion or oratory skills, but something more resembling a grade school book report, reluctantly and sheepishly presented.

Carlos Guerrero, also running for City Commissioner At Large "A," fared no better.  At Mi Pueblito Restaurant, a week after Cowen's meet and greet, Guerrero stood up in front of friends and supporters, uttered an opening sentence, then got stage fright, forgetting his words.  The forgiving crowd, recognizing Carlos' predicament, applauded, as if to say:  "It's OK.  It happens to the best of us."

Both men have an opportunity for redemption as they are scheduled to make a joint appearance on the Whine and Cheez podcast at Angelita's Casa de Cafe on February 17.  Ismael Hernandez, an attorney sharing an office with State Representative Alex Dominguez, has also been invited.

Why does it matter if a city commissioner candidate has public speaking skills?  

Well, is it likely one could publicly argue points on an agenda at a city commission meeting or be persuasive enough to create consensus or deal with constituents when they have great difficulty giving a 5 minute speech in front of relatives, friends and supporters?

We look forward to seeing John and Carlos February 17, hopefully along with Ismael Hernandez.  

Brownsville will be watching.