PLAYGROUND REPORT: THE KIDS RUNNING FOR CITY COMMISSIONER IN BROWNSVILLE

Like a teacher assigned playground duty, I've watched the kids running for city commissioner positions in Brownsville for a couple months now.  Yes, there have been a couple of skinned knees, some tears, but, no foul language or punches thrown just yet.

This collection of souls actually has some camaraderie, with the District 1 and At Large "A" contenders almost like family, cross-"liking" each other's Facebook posts and chatting together even when not in a forum.

The District 2 contingent is the exception, with Pat Ahumada and Caty Presas almost a tag team, high-fiving each other after every salvo thrown at Tetreau.  While Tetreau complained after a podcast, we couldn't see any offenses worthy of the penalty box.

Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr., oozing sixteen years of confidence, but also with former opponent and gadfly Roman Perez's votes in his backpack, seems to be on cruise control for two decades of Southmost 'service."

CITY COMMISSIONER CANDIDATE PLAYGROUND REPORT

At Large "A"

Ismael Hinojosa:  Young attorney, consummate family man, has excelled in forums he's attended with some actual ideas.  Made an obvious error with how Tenaska rate increase money could be used, but mostly on point.  Seems to possess the basic skill set to be effective.

John Cowen:  Great résumé, coupled with service on city boards, investment in community.  Polite, almost to a fault.  Would have some difficulty commanding a room in a city commission meeting, but more than capable of working behind the scenes.

Carlos Guerrero:  Strong work ethic, working his way up from the bottom to the top.  While very personable one on one, not exactly a public speaker, but gets things done.  The "los juniors" designation was/is totally bogus.

Jessica Puente Bradshaw:  Describes herself as a "school teacher," using charts, graphs, adding substance. Sometimes hyperactive, fast-talking.  If her articulate husband stays at her side, the city could get a 2-for-1.

City Commissioner, District 1

Ricardo Longoria, Jr.:   Has now apologized twice at campaign forums for the "inefficiency" of city departments and the mordidas, what did he do to correct matters in the last sixteen years?  Just missed out on a cush BISD job last year, but will likely complete twenty years as commissioner.

Nurith Galonsky:  Spending the money "I would have spent on my wedding," Galonsky has blanketed Southmost, District 1 with signs and worked the barrio hard for votes.  A runoff against Big Rick will put even more Galonsky money back into the local economy.  Even with a loss in this race, Nurith still sits on the PUB Board where she could press for information about how our 35% rate increase is being spent.

Michael Rodriguez:  Hardworking, community-involved family man.  Has focused on the city's permitting problems.  Should get a lot of votes in Southmost, but he's not been in office sixteen years.

William Garza:  District 3 resident running for office in District 1 because "he can."  Very congenial, loves to campaign, as he's done since '91 in a series of losing efforts.

City Commissioner, District 2

Jessica Tetreau:  Effectively used social media the last eight years to maintain a high profile.  Has actually done well in the nuts and bolts of district stewardship, but needs to avoid ties with special interests.

Caty Presas:  A successful realtor with passion for the city.  Actually got emotional at a couple forums.  

Pat Ahumada:  Is not lying when he describes himself as "transparent and accessible."  He is that.  It's doubtful that he will no longer be his argumentative self.  "A leopard does not change its spots."  The main disqualifier is his handling of a $26,139 check intended for a vendor in 2008.