Another Kind of Smell Emanating from the Attempted Lincoln Park Giveaway

Brownsville Nemesis
Juliet Garcia

The property Juliet Garcia has selected for Tony Martinez and the hapless commissioners to replace the Lincoln Park she wants bulldozed has been the butt of jokes this week.  You see it is located next to a sewage treatment plant in Southmost. When Garcia took UT regents to the property, they gagged and choked until they cried.  "No way in hell!" was their collective response to Juliet's presentation of the plot as potential campus for the new eastern satellite of UT-RGV.

"The Shit Property," "Turd Park," and "Hold Your Nose Sports Complex" are a few of the saltier references to proposed new location for Lincoln Park.

Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr., the logical advocate for preserving Southmost's precious Lincoln Park for future generations, has been noticeably quiet as Tony Martinez and Juliet Garcia have dotted their i's and crossed their t's to steal the park from the taxpayers.

"That park is not in District 1," Longoria has allegedly been implying.  "Call John Villarreal."  Check the district maps, dumbass.  Lincoln Park is not only in District 1, but primarily used by Southmost residents, those you claim to represent.

But, there is a method to Ricardo's madness and it stinks more than the odor of raw, untreated human sewage.  Do you recall newly appointed Public Relations Officer Patty Gonzalez being quoted in the Brownsville Herald that residents might want to "rename" Lincoln Park once moved?  Guess what?  In exchange for his vote to transfer Lincoln Park, Ricardo Longoria has been promised the park will be named after him!  Wow!  How much is that worth? Momma's lil' DJ made good afterall!

But there's more.  Rose Gowen gets at least $1,000,000 out of the $6.5 million in petty cash kicked in by UT for Belden Park to secure her legacy as Brownsville's Bike Trail Dominatrix.  And. . . . . drum roll!!!!!!  The obnoxious Deborah "Little Debbie" Portillo gets money for her pet project.

Jessica Tetreau. . . that police substation and community center you've been wanting for District 2?  Play your cards right and vote with the majority and "it's yours."  Tetreau says she will still vote "no!"

One order of business remains.  Once Lincoln Park is demolished,  the citizens need to be involved.  Why name the new park in honor of a civil war president when it can recognize a modern, local hero?

By popular demand the new park will be named The Ricardo Longoria, Jr. Human Excrement Sports Park.
As you drive down Southmost have your clothes pins ready!

Transfer of Lincoln Park Illegal, Clearly A Violation of Texas Parks & Wildlife Code Sec. 26.001

The City of Brownsville has scheduled a public hearing to consider the transfer of Lincoln Park to the University of Texas for October 30 at the gymnasium of Tony Gonzalez Park.  

Mayor Tony Martinez,
Lousy at Real Estate

Before that is even considered, an accurate appraisal of the property should be done including the replacement value of its many amenities.  This is especially appropriate since the University of Texas has no current need for the property and may never have.  We don't want some future mayor or city manager telling us that Lincoln Park can't be replaced for the price UT paid.  "You know how inept Mayor Martinez was in making real estate deals back in 2011-15!"  Let's protect our assets now!

Obviously, $6.5 million is far too low for the 50 acre park.  Acreage in prime areas of the city is selling for $300,000 per acre, undeveloped.  50 acres X $300,000= $15,000,000.  Add a baseball field, a softball field, two nature trails, an amphitheater, a picnic area, basketball court and ample parking pushes the actual value even higher, likely over $20,000,000.

Why would the ultra-rich University of Texas even consider shortchanging the poorest community in the United States, an Hispanic community, on a real estate deal they have no real need of making?  Isn't the reputation of the University of Texas System worth more than one, albeit precious, city park?

City Attorney Mark Sossi,
Asleep at the Legal Wheel

Actually the transfer or sale of Lincoln Park is in clear violation of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Code:

Sec. 26.001. PROTECTED LAND; NOTICE OF TAKING. (a) A department, agency, political subdivision, county, or municipality of this state may not approve any program or project that requires the use or taking of any public land designated and used prior to the arrangement of the program or project as a park, recreation area, scientific area, wildlife refuge, or historic site, unless the department, agency, political subdivision, county, or municipality, acting through its duly authorized governing body or officer, determines that:(1) there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use or taking of such land;

Obviously, there is an alternative to bulldozing Lincoln Park since there is no current NEED for it by UTB as stated plainly by glib spokesperson Irv Downing.

UT-RGV's current facilities are underutilized as recognized in this blog commenter:  "Ah, you hardly get what's really going on here. I've studied at UTB. Half of those rooms are empty. I walk past empty rooms every day on my way to class. Even before the old UTB/TSC faculty was laid off."

Public Relations Officer Patty Gonzalez: "Citizens Can Rename the Park If They Wish"

City of Brownsville Public Relations
Officer, Patty Gonzalez

Brownsville citizens are now being told that they are powerless to save Lincoln Park from being bulldozed by the ultra-rich University of Texas System for a building they may or may not need later. 

But, still COME to the public hearing October 30 at Tony Gonzalez Park, the city is saying, and LEARN what WE'RE going to do with the park.

In a statement even more contemptuous and condescending, young Patty Gonzalez, the newly installed Public Relations Officer, states that citizens may have a voice in renaming the park if they wish. The Brownsville Herald synopsis of Ms. Gonzalez' statement:  "Brownsville spokeswoman Patty Gonzales is presenting the hearing as an opportunity for residents to be involved in the creation of the new park, which she noted could even warrant a name change if citizens voiced their displeasure at the dedication of a third Lincoln Park."

Benedict Arnold Park has a nice ring, doesn't it Patty? After all, this mayor and city commission have done nothing but betray, backstab and steal from the taxpayers of the poorest community in the United States.

Parks Director Chris Patterson

Going along with the transfer of Lincoln park to the rich UT system is Parks Director Chris Patterson.  Chris is simply doing what he has to do to keep his job.  Last March, when he suggested I call him at his office number to get the story on Lincoln Park, he cowardly refused to take my calls. If you do go to the public hearing, take a look around at Gonzalez Park. Last March, Patterson said the amenities of Lincoln Park would be added to Gonzalez Park.  See if you see enough room in Gonzalez to add two softball fields, two nature trails, an amphitheater, a basketball court, etc.  Yes, it was an obvious lie, Chris.

Election Administrator Chris Davis Initiates Head Start Program for Republican Election Judges, Clerks

Taking a page from his mid-60's Democratic counterparts, Election Administrator Chris Davis, evidently acting as a private citizen after work hours, has initiated a sort of "Head Start Program" for Cameron County Republican election judges and clerks.

De facto Republican County Chair, Frank Morris called for a meeting Thursday night of all Republican election judges and clerks that was held at a Harlingen event facility.

Davis, himself a former Cameron County Republican Parliamentarian, carefully went over the "do's and don'ts" involved in serving during elections.  

This supplementary meeting does not replace the obligatory official instructional to be held at the Cameron County Elections Office.

Pat Ahumada~" Yeah, I got voted in twice and do not discount a third time. You never know. ."

Ancient Biblical Prophet Rebukes, Shames University of Texas System

Jerry McHale's description of me as an atheist is inaccurate.  I'm a backsliding agnostic, who knows nothing for sure about the origin of the universe, but sees enough design elements to NOT rule out a First Cause, Creator or General Contractor even though he, she or it may now be dead, disinterested or limited.

I actually read one of the holy books from cover to cover in 1970, with its 39 "books" of the Old Testament and 27 in the New, something that may still be on the bucket list for Pastor Brad and Bishop Daniel Flores.  It was a tedious experience that acquaints one with the biblical god's sense of justice, killing the men, women and children not his chosen people and having juvenile delinquents stoned outside the city gates.

One biblical story I can't erase from my memory fits the University of Texas System like the proverbial glove.  

It was a story the old prophet Nathan told King David as recorded in 2 Samuel, Chapter 12.  Nathan spoke of a very rich man, with thousands of sheep and cattle, who stole the pet lamb of a poor family to be butchered for a meal served to a house guest.  King David got so angry when hearing the fictitious account that he said:  “As the LORD lives, the man who has done this shall surely die!"


The ultrarich University of Texas System, like the rich man in the prophet Nathan's story, does not need Brownsville's little lamb, Lincoln Park, to butcher in satisfaction of its own carnivorous appetite.  UT has many properties or can simply write a check as needs develop without TAKING from the poorest segment of the poorest community in the United States. 

It is said that UT officials will be present October 30, when a  public hearing is scheduled at Tony Gonzalez Park to discuss the "conveyance of 47.56 acres of Lincoln Park to the UT System."  Commissioner Deborah "Little Debbie" Portillo has been telling those who will listen that the transfer is a "done deal." If young Debbie is correct, the hearing is a farce, once again demonstrating that the City Commission acts with or without consultation with the electorate.  The hearing will simply be a dog and pony show to placate the taxpayers with hollow promises and lies.

What we can assure the University of Texas System, should they accept the transfer of this irreplaceable community asset, is that the shame will stink well beyond Brownsville or even Austin.  It will be a recurring theme on this blog for years to come how the big, bad University of Texas couldn't function without butchering Brownsville's precious little lamb, Lincoln Park.  

City of Brownsville Allows Lease to Lapse on Office Martinez Just Had to Have, But Never Used!

City Trucks in Front of Tony's Office
As City Workers Remodeled the Space

When I asked City Manager Charlie Cabler last fall why the city would need to lease space at 1101-A E. Washington St. for a mayor's office when the city already had a great deal of unused office space.

"That's what I thought," was Cabler's reply.

But Mayor Tony is not one to listen to reason whether it comes from the city manager or lowly taxpayer.  As the lyrics to the 50's pop hit remind us:  "What Lola wants, Lola gets."

The office lease was a modest $500 per month.  $500 X 12=$6,000.  A public information request to the City of Brownsville revealed the cost of materials for remodeling the office in excess of $13,000.  A conservative estimate for the labor costs would be $20,000 for a total one year cost of $39,000 not including utilities.  An $8,000 interactive TV screen, originally purchased for the office, was moved to the planning department when we wrote about it.

Terrace Suite at AT&T Center

For the same $39,000 the City of Brownsville could have leased a luxury box at the AT&T Center for 10 San Antonio Spurs home games with catering, leather seats and flat screen TV monitors. 

The Brownsville Downtown Revitalization
Information Office, Now Vacated

While I'm aware of the office being used once during the lease, I'm told by a city administrator that the office was used 3 times.  In other words, the city spent $13,000 in taxpayer dollars each time this small office was used even though these meetings could have been held in any number of already empty city offices.  No one mismanages taxpayer dollars like Tony Martinez.

Actually, Martinez NEVER used the office he so desperately had to have.  He sent his heyboy, Ramiro Gonzalez, to utilize the space as a Brownsville Downtown Revitalization Information Center to save face.  This week that sign was pulled down and the office emptied as the lease expires October 7, 2014. Tony tired of his new office faster than a child tires of a cheap Christmas toy.

Notice on Window at 615 E. 11th Street

Martinez next turned his attention to the three small offices at 609, 611 and 615 E. 11th.  Two of those were purchased with the City Commission's speculative real estate buying spree in 2012 and a third purchased when Martinez unethically spent some of the Texas AOP Refund check.  A notice was placed by the city on the window of the 615 E. 11th property promising a downtown, central mayor's office and a police substation.  Both of those plans have been scrapped by the city as remodeling continues.  The final use for the three offices remains in flux.

Mayor Martinez Views SpaceX as his Legacy~Wrong, Tony! It's La Casa del Nylon

It's no coincidence that the City of Brownsville's Channel 12 keeps replaying a Tony Martinez speech with a Space Exploration Technologies backdrop. Seemingly, Martinez wants to ride a crest of public appreciation for luring Elon Musk and Spacex into a second term as mayor.

A local political operative disagrees: "Actually, Tony had almost nothing to due with Spacex selecting Boca Chica beach as a location for a commercial launch facility. Primarily, latitude played the major role in the Boca Chica selection as well as the lack of development and remoteness. The monetary incentives from the State of Texas played a major role added to local incentives. Martinez was nothing more than a cheerleader, taking jaunts at taxpayer expense to visit launches, but not a real player in negotiations."

Commissioner Tetreau with
Future Astronaut

The political observer added, with a chuckle: "In all honesty I think Commissioner Tetreau, among local politicians, may have been more influential than Martinez, pictured with her son in astronaut uniform.  Not saying she had a big role, but likely more than Martinez in influence."

No, Tony's legacy will not be Spacex as he is a mere footnote in Musk selecting this area for his government-subsidized venture.  

The Martinez Legacy~La Casa del Nylon

What locals will associate with Tony Martinez are his foolish real estate purchases with taxpayer money, the crown jewel of which is La Casa del Nylon at 1305 Adams Street, purchased for triple its value at $2,300,000 from his friend Abraham Galonsky, with an assist from his law partner Horacio Barrera.  The building, of no actual use to the city, sits idle two years after its purchase, decaying.

While many Brownsville taxpayers shake their heads at Tony's foolhardy moves, many do not realize his motivation since he never felt the need to engage the public on any of his moves.  The truth, it seems, was that Mayor Tony was in full panic mode to keep whatever form of an eastern satellite campus the University of Texas selected, it would remain in Brownsville.  

Mayor Martinez acted in ignorance as the  University of Texas had absolutely no interest in any of the dozen third tier buildings the mayor purchased downtown with taxpayer dollars.  It was as if Tony had gone to Las Vegas and dumped $3.5 million in Brownsville's money on the craps tables.

A frequently expressed fear among Brownsville residents is that no suitable alternative to Tony Martinez will run for mayor in 2015.  Some guesstimate that Martinez spent nearly $100,000 in 2011 to flood Brownsville with a sea of blue "Believe in Brownsville" signs.  

Reader Reports BISD Trustee Throws Fit at Brownsville Airport Over Baggage Fees

BISD Trustee Cata Presas-Garcia

We received a report this morning claiming they had observed an incident at the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport involving BISD Trustee Cata Presas-Garcia.  

"Jim,

FYI Cata Presas-Garcia was ahead of us in line for a flight from Brownsville to Miami yesterday.   When she was told she would have to pay extra for her bags, she threw a fit.  She even shouted out to Jessica Tetreau who was behind us with her kids saying "Better get your money ready commissioner.  They're charging us for bags." Just thought her behavior was odd and classless for a woman in her position."

Deborah "Little Debbie" Portillo: "Lincoln Park Is A Done Deal!"

Joe Rivera: "I Don't Get It. Why Is Everyone Calling Me 'No Show Joe?' "

Public Hearing Announced on Proposed Lincoln Park Transfer~Will the City Commission Listen to the People?

The public hearing scheduled October 30 at Tony Gonzalez Park to consider the future of the city's beloved, needed and much-utilized Lincoln Park may merely be an exercise in futility.  This Tony Martinez led City Commission has shown an inclination to NOT listen to the people on any issue.  

At the last town hall meeting, 1/22/14, 18 of 20 citizens spoke against the raising of parking meter rates downtown.  At a subsequent City Commission meeting,  the doubling of meter rates was approved by the commission~UNANIMOUSLY!

Martinez and his lackey on the commission, Rose Gowen, have no concept of participatory democracy. Gowen has expressed that viewpoint in arrogant, condescending emails to local citizens:  "If you don't like what I'm doing, elect someone else next time."
The rest of the City Commission simply succumbs to the two bullies, despite an occasional "no" vote or abstention.  Not a single commissioner can stand up and articulate a position protecting taxpayer interests. Not a single one!

We will repeat the basic arguments as to why "conveying" Lincoln Park to the University of Texas System is not simply a bad idea, but a dreadful one:

Huge Tract of Land on University Blvd.
Already Owned by UT

UTS does not need the property for a building.  The system has shown absolutely no interest in a 10 acre property across the street and owns a huge tract of land on University Blvd. across the interstate.  The current campus has available land currently for a building or two without bulldozing Lincoln Park.

The amenities Lincoln Park provides for the poorest segment of the poorest community in the United States are irreplaceable;  a garden center with an education corridor, two nature walking trails, a picnic site with metal grills and tables, two softball fields, an amphitheater, two basketball courts and ample parking.

Ahumada Claims Cascos Is Misusing Bridge and Road Funds

Pat Ahumada

Jim,

This is the walkway for citizens coming from Mexico to the U.S. at the Gateway Bridge. This walkway has been like this for years, which makes me wonder why a permanent walkway has not been built to replace what was supposed to be a temporary walkway. This looks like 4th world infrastructure. According to Cascos the Bridge and Road fund was bursting at the seams, but apparently the county cannot afford to build a nice walkway for citizens coming into the U.S.

Pat Ahumada

Below are pics of the "temporary" wooden walkway Ahumada is talking about: