by Jim Barton on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 7:02pm
Jerry Mchale, Mr. Amigo 2012
In a news conference today in the lobby of the Colonial Hotel, the Mr. Amigo Association announced their selection of Jerry Mchale as Mr. Amigo 2012. Mchale, a local educator, historian, musician and blogger is a departure from previous selections who have all been Mexican Nationals.
"California's acquisition by the United States under the terms of the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo following the defeat of Mexico in the Mexican-American War does not nullify the fact that Mr. Mchale was technically born in Mexico. His birth a couple of years after the treaty was signed is not a disqualification", stated Michael Garza, the former president of the Charro Days festival.
"The selection was a no-brainer" opined Ramiro Gonzalez, ramrod for downtown revitalization. No one has done more for downtown Brownsville than Mr. Mchale. I can't wait for him to lead the gritos."
Channel 5 reporter Will Ripley shoved a microphone at Mayor Tony Martinez, who was grinning from ear to ear as he left the Colonial. "If not Jerry, than who?" was the quick comment from Martinez.
The Mr. Amigo Association issued this brief statement: "Our vision is to celebrate the shared culture, friendship and family of Brownsville and Matamoros, to enjoy and promote the traditions and history of our two cities and countries. Mr. Mchale embodies that spirit, not only as an outspoken advocate of our region, but as a role model for our young."
.jpg)
