Editor-In-Chief
BROWNSVILLE, TX - There was a time in Cameron County when the phrase "political experience" actually meant something, like accomplishment, progress and social betterment. These days, it doesn't mean squat, is what many here are saying openly and doing it loudly.
The race for Cameron County Judge is one often seen as being the maker-breaker for anyone having any sort of ambition. You win that job and you're the next kingmaker. In the hunt for that office are two men who really offer precious little in the way of differentiation. Incumbent incumbent Carlos Cascos says he's a Republican, but likely laughs deep inside every time he says it or hears it. Democratic opponent John Wood is a party loyalist from the Lyndon Baines Johnson era of glad-handing. How do we know? We believe he lived it.
Lackluster fits both of these guys as the operative adjective.
It would be something if either of these two men had the heart of struggling Cameron County in mind. Politics, it seems, won't allow for serving the good of the whole and not the party in this poverty-stricken outpost. Cascos, one of those rare lost Mexicans in the party of racist Rush Limbaugh and anti-Mexican Tom Tancredo, has not distinguished himself in office. Naming a concrete accomplishment he has delivered is a tough task. He'll talk your ear off about minor advances such as making improvements to Adolph Thomae Park, but there is nothing anywhere near spectacular on this guy's ledger. There isn't, and there isn't.
It would be something if either of these two men had the heart of struggling Cameron County in mind. Politics, it seems, won't allow for serving the good of the whole and not the party in this poverty-stricken outpost. Cascos, one of those rare lost Mexicans in the party of racist Rush Limbaugh and anti-Mexican Tom Tancredo, has not distinguished himself in office. Naming a concrete accomplishment he has delivered is a tough task. He'll talk your ear off about minor advances such as making improvements to Adolph Thomae Park, but there is nothing anywhere near spectacular on this guy's ledger. There isn't, and there isn't.
Yet, Cascos, shown in photo above, appears to be the lesser of the two evils. We mean evil in a political way, as Wood is seen as some goofy, anachronistic dreamer. Wood, shown below, is said to have enlisted the cabal known formerly as the minions of one Gilberto Hinojosa, a former Cameron County Judge hardly the model for good public service. And much is being thrown-about regarding Wood's wheeling & dealing as commissioner, such as okaying time cards for people he should have questioned and issuing ridiculous statements such as one in which he expressed shock upon learning that wine contains alcohol. Such vagaries only serve to paint him as an amateur and not a public servant.
And here's what she said after throwing her support behind then-Wood opponent Eddie Trevino, the former mayor of Brownsville: "Sure, its easy to point the finger, but when we get our feet down on the ground of reality, its the integrity and record of a person who gives us the initiative to decide whether we want to support or not that person and I did not run to be judged as to how I would respond to an invitation for a lunch date with anyone, I ran as a candidate under the Democratic Party and 2,406 voters agreed with me, which is why I am asking voters who supported me, to support my endorsement of Mr. Eddie Trevino, because in the end, experience counts and Eddie Trevino is running on his record of experience and let me be very clear with the critics too ready to point the finger."
Wow! The crippled command of language is stunning. Who'd want her support? We are of the opinion that county voters would be better off looking for a stiff drink before last call on November 2nd. Wood never was the answer, and County Judge Cascos never really was a Republican.
He merely plays one in this B-movie...
[EDITOR'S NOTE: A version of this story was published here last March, during the party primary elections...]
He merely plays one in this B-movie...
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[EDITOR'S NOTE: A version of this story was published here last March, during the party primary elections...]
57 comments:
So mr. editor: Who is your choice for County Judge??? I will concede that there might be better candidate, but thats here nor there. Let me give you some names, a.... a.... on second thought you win the argument.
Our advice: say "no" to anyone who has served in another local capacity, especially one who failed at the job or brought shame to the position. In tennis, players are required to make this sportsmanhip announcement during a match: "New balls..." That would seem to be what's needed in abused Cameron County. Ineptitude cannot be rewarded. A race to the bottom is what most of these perpetual candidates offer...- Editor
Is that Tara Rios on the side bar picture?? She sure looks familiar.
Who in the world are this people you are portraying on your blog???
Your first story is rather interesting, but please, lets stick to DP-M amd the 1-2-3 Lounge. You won't have any problems there.
You're dead-on, Don Francisco. It most certainly is the one-time state legislator Tara Rios gracing a spot on our Sidebar Offerings. The Motel Eavesdropper story gets crazier by the day. We'll soon have a follow-up tale on that. As for DP-M and the 1-2-3 Lounge, well, we have nothing new to report on both counts...- Editor
May I make one suggestion, lets keep Tara out of the conversations, otherwise, I can assure you "the butterfly herself." The Lovely "Moon goddess" will soon began using your blog. And she, like DP-M are people you don't want to mess around with.
Good to hear from you guys, you all were to quiet yesterday. Come on, live it up, life is to short. Go buy a sport car, go to the Island, take one of the cuties of the lonely hearts club, or someone from the slice of life for ride. And ride the wave. Life is good.
Ah, the Moon Goddess. Yes, we have heard much about this lass. Tell me, is there a photo of this unique woman somewhere? And what more should we know about her? Is she, well, sane?...- Editor
Mr. Editor, please, from her opines on another blog, and the writings of people that know the lovely woman. She spends her week-ends at the Medussa bar in Harlingen.
I am sure she is zane, and I am sure her friends have pictures of her. As I understand at a party, she wore a paper mache bikini, that dissolved after some of her friends pushed into a swimming pool. I understand, it was a site to see.
However, please note, that at this time, that is all I am at liberty to say.
The Medussa Bar, eh? Sounds like a joint right up our alley. Tell us more about it. The original Medussa was one dangerous woman, is what we hear. So perhaps this sassy Moon Goddess is right in her element. We ran her name by our writer Ron Mexico and what he said was this: "There isn't a woman I can't tame..." - Editor
I am not a wagering man, but my gut feeling is that Trevino is going to win the County Judges race.
John Wood looks old and kind of worn out, Northern Cameron County voted for Trevino.
And Cascos, I think that guy is in love with his voice, I couldn't stand Edna Tamayo. She pissed off most of Northern Cameron County, called subdivisions, colonias. And started a project, that should have been a School project. (Learning Centers was what she called them.)
And Cascos, allowed it, I think he is fake and a phony. In addition, he raised our taxes. What a bummer.
Cascos, and David Garza have been there way too long. Both of those clowns need to go. Cameron County needs new blood, new ideas, better development, more jobs. This jokers are there lining their pockets.
The entire Rio Grande Valley needs to re-assess its manner of electing its leaders. Too many vision-less fools gain access to the area's treasure, and that only keeps progress from really taking root...- Editor
I concur, with your assessments, look at Sylvia Handy,morbidly obese, two layers of make up, and a drug addict husband, and the voters kept electing her. God save the Rio Grande Valley.
Sylvia Handy played on the ethnic angle to win votes, as do many, many of the candidates in the RGV. But Hispanics are now sophisticated enough in their own right to be as corrupt as all others..- Editor
The so called learning centers that Tamayo started, began under the Hinojosa administration, not Cascos. So get your facts straight. As far as who wins the CJ race, who knows, but Trevino created the problems we see in the City of Brownsville right now. The City had to take money from PUB to balance their budget. What do they do next year...ask for $5 million? Trevino reduced the tax rate by 3 cents against the advice of the finance director and city manager. Bad decision. Now the city is hard up. No money for anything. Trevino encouraged the raising of garbage collection fees, ignored impact fees and failed to do any long range planning. He promised a comprehensive plan within 100 days. Took over 1,000 days. No budget for plan. Total disarray at City. Trevino is not the answer.
We're at a loss to comprehend your Tamayo comment. Have we even mentioned her? And the learning centers? Nope. But we agree that candidate Eddie Trevino is not the answer, nor are John Wood or Carlos Cascos. It's the Year 2010 and we believe the "cartel model" of local politics has run its course. Time to draft new players for the next political season...- Editor
Well then there is no one left. And is there the perfect candidate that is free of criticism? Draft new players? haha. de donde?? You gotta play with the cards your dealt. Between Trevino & Cascos...I'll stay with Cascos.
You miss the point: Even having these three guys as the only choice is the problem. Cascos is perhaps the best of the three, but he has shown little. Remember, a big part of the public's perception is formed by way of charisma (a belief that the candidate has leadership skills, etc., etc.), and Cascos has the charisma of a week-old croissant. He seems better suited for a bureacratic job, like head of the housing authority, or somesuch. County Judge? You need a populist who will openly and vigorously champion the people, not merely dress up in Charro-wear and ride in the annual parade. The fact that we can't even throw a name at you as our choice tells you the right people have yet to surface. But they will...- Editor
Get serious, Anony, if indeed the dumb ass learning centers were the doings of Hinojosa and Tamayo, why in the hell did Casco put a stop to the waste. Those learning centers are costing tax payers 1/2 million dollars and where in the goverment code does it say that the county is reponsible for parks. I don't know what you call it, I would say they are buying votes, what do you say??? .
Anony, Cascos is going to loose, and Trevino, might not be the answer according to you and the editor but thats here nor there, and let us not forget, that in city goverment, the mayors role is to break ties, and call meetings to order. Maybe you should be looking at the city commission. (Goverment 101)
Interesting, knowledgeable, civil commentary. Beats ranting and raving and name-calling, doesn't it?...- Editor
Sorry, Mr. Editor, I didn't mean to be overbearing, because I am not, how about some more music with Mana, that traisionera song was pretty darn good.
Keep the blog, clean, I promise I will not use profane language. I certainly wouldn't want DP-M to ban me from the forum. Than I would have to go to the 1-2-3 lounge and drink and drink and drink some more.
Shoot us the name of a song and we'll look for it. And no one is going to ban you for stating your opinion, so long as you don't attack someone else or do it in a childish way... - Editor
Mariposa Tracionera, brings back memories. I can now deal with. Shoot that song. And keep up the good work.
That "memories" mention sounds like a story ready for a Fabio book cover. Here's (raising a glass of red wine) a toast to the winners...- Editor
I think you need to study Govt 101. The actions of the mayor are dictated by city charter. In Brownsville, the mayor can vote and make motions. In Harlingen, on the other hand, the mayor does only vote in case of a tie.
Western Democracy, like the English language, has been bastardized, yes. Sometimes, you can mold both to your liking...- Editor
Thanks you are correct, each charter is written differently, still the commission bares responsibilty for aproving or not approving an agenda item.
Anonymous, although, I have conceded your comments as to the charter of each city. Based on your commentaries, your dislike for Trevino is obvious. I have absolutely nothing to gain from the election.
However, Cascos, did increase the tax base, and didn't the useless county commission and him, added an increase to the license plates fee???
That my good men, is not a record to run on. You can sugar coated anyway you want, but you,and I, "know I am right."
Nice discourse. It's good to air -out differences. And to do it in a civilized manner is indeed refreshing...- Editor
Increased the tax base? Well I would hope so. However, I believe you meant increased the tax rate. And yes he along with a majority of commission has raised the tax rate by 1 and 1/2 cents over the last 3 years. The license plate fees have also been increased in accordance with State law to help offset the rising costs of infrastructure. I have no problem with Mr. Trevino, I just recall the disharmony, insurgents, impact fees, and the financial condition the city is in now due to some of the decisions the commission made under his watch and support. If you're willing to blame Cascos for what is occurring today, then we must stand ready and blame Trevino for what the City is facing today. Its that simple. If one goes back and reviews the actions of the City back then, the City Manager, City Finance Director, Financial Advisor etc. advised against reducing the City's tax rate. Against that advice, the City Fathers reduced the rate anyway. Now the City is having to be bailed out by PUB, cannot provide monies for worthwhile endeavors and the streets are going to pot. At the County, the County administration and county auditor recommended the budget with these increases.
Anon makes some good points. Perhaps there is something to be said for Mssr. Cascos, although merely noting an opponent's failings does not make your candidate a better candidate. Show us a New Vision - a New Dream - and we'll consider re-considering....- Editor
Well, well, I see you're continue to smear Mr. Trevino for his time as a Mayor.
But let us not forget, it takes two to Tango. The commission as a whole is responsible for many of the wrong doings you have asserted. Professional courtesy mandates a Mayor to concur with his fellow elected officials, even if an agenda item is unpopular, let us not forget that point.
As for Mr. Cascos transgressions of increasing property taxes, and increasing a license fee for "Infrasture as you call it". Tell me, why is that necessary?? most of the cities are annexing so much land, that at the rate we are going, county goverment will become irrelevant.
For a run-off election that is going to take place next month, all the candidates are too quiet.
Typical Valley politics. Alcatraz, in South Texas, if there is no-mud slinging, something is wrong with the politicians.
Come on, Eddie dig some dirt, and Cascos, man-up and start hitting back, your supporters demand it.
An election is suppose to be like a boxing match.
On this side of the ring, Big Daddy, "Mr. Taxes" himself. Carlitos "the tax Man" Cascos. And the other side of the ring.
Former Mayor of Brownsville, who left many projects unfinished, every's "Main Man" at el Seiete Mares Bar" Eddie the Man Trevi.
That ought to be a good start.
Alcatraz, don't forget the cuties. I meant the good looking girls displayed on your blog. Bloggers, sit back, get some pop-corn and lets enjoy the mud throwing. You got it,!!!!!!
LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE !!!!
OOpppssssss!!!before I forget we will let DP-M referee the fight, how is that??? Mr. Editor!!!!
Don Pancho, you are so right, in a boxing match, the party that throws more punches is the winner.
I say, ring the bell, boxers step to the middle of the ring.
"don't forget my instructions, protect yourselfs at all times."
RING THE BELL !!!!!
In a perfect world, one without the sort of politicians Brownsville postures, your advice would be appreciated...- Editor
Read an article on the V.M.STar, this morning, good E. Trevino took someone's advice start throwing punches, sooner, not later.
Didn't see the article. What did it say? What's Trevino doing now?...- Editor
He is advertising on the Valley Morning Star, same old stuff, eddie is just being eddie. The tax-man Cascos is sleeping on the job.
Our info is that the County Judge race is up for grabs. We'll see which one wants it more. Trevino, despite his less-than-stellar public service record, is a formidable candidate. Cascos needs P.R. help. If he doesn't spark-up, it's Trevino's game to lose...- Editor
Cascos is a formidable opponent and should not be underestimated. Trevino still needs to win the primary and get past John Wood, and his past record. I shouldn't expect to see too much PR from the Cascos campaign because there is still a demo primary that needs to occur. Why waste money on huge ads or launch your PR campaign when voters have a short-term memory? Its better to wait when it will be more effective. He has a sizable campaign war-chest and is well liked by the voters and has plenty of time to remind them of his record, and remind them of Trevino or Wood's records. Standing by the sidelines doing research and measuring the best your opponents can come up with is sometimes a wiser decision at this point. I would hardly think that slick ads by the Trevino camp will be enough to erase the stench he left in the city of Brownsville, and he couldn't even muster 8,000 in a county-wide demo primary where the majority of the population is democrat. Doesn't say much for him. This race is clearly Cascos' race to lose.
In a place like Brownsville or Cameron County sometimes no press in the paper is a good thing. When the past was all about corruption and compadrismo sometimes all the good stuff that happened and the fact that the county was significantly cleaned up under Cascos doesn't make the front page. This is unfortunate, but the other stories sell and the Herald and other papers need all the help they can get. Is Cascos exciting? Not sure it matters. I just don't want him running the place like its his personal kingdom and if that means he's not in the paper in some article higlighting all the bad stuff he's doing, that means he's doing a good job. Believe me, if he had been screwing up, we would have already heard about it because in a town like Brownsville, they eat their own, and no one gets a free pass!
Do I want the county to return to the way business was done in the past? Not at all! Things have changed there, and I know about it firsthand. There is a world of difference. I can't help but think that when Eddie says the "change we want..." that he means to change things back to the way we were under Himojosa, his former partner, and few people, except his cronies want that.
Just my opinion. Mr. anonymous will probably start getting huffy about his "Main Man" Trevino, but his record is his record. The fact that he even got as many votes in the primary shows you how voters either don't remember his leadership style or just don't care. But as I noted earlier, there will be plenty of time, and there is PLENTY of material that the Cascos campaign can comb through.
Eddie Tevino is going to win this race. Cascos is finished, history, he should do the right thing,drop out of the race.
The antics, he pulled on the last election won't work this time. Hinojosa, had pissed everyone of. My prediction, Cascos will be a one term county judge.
He should leave on his own terms, and not wait for the voters to send him packing. That my good friends is final. 36 more votes for Eddie and Cascos the tax-increase man would be going back to accounting 113.
its way too early to be sparking up anything. Both candidates will have their opportunity to convey messages to voters. These races normally kick into gear after Labor day.
Cascos, is behaving like a beaten man, "well he did loose," got into a run-off by the skin of his teeth. On April,it is not even going to be close, it is going to be a disaster.
The county needs to get rid of the rest of the cartel.
Sofia Benavides She is lost have of the time. Can that women even read?? Whatever, Wood or David Garza say, she agrees.
David Garza, loves to hear his voice, just like Cascos, and John Woods. He appears to be on cloud number 9.
God save this county.
Yes, we agree that the contest's end is still a bit away. Yet, we are also aware of the fact that a decision has to be made. And, with voters, a candidate never really knows how things are shaking out. It is a roller-coaster ride on some weeks and a calm train ride the next. Still, we agree that County Judge Cascos is still in the outs of the arena's parking lot...- Editor
Don Pancho, you are hilarioius. Forget about Accounting 113, you should try English 101. What runoff was Cascos in and what race did he loose(sic) in the primary? And what race will be close and a disaster in April? I would agree with you that Benavides is lost have (sic) of the time.
Okay Patrick, time to get that Cascos picture out of the blog, he is getting all that free publicity, he might just think people concur with his agenda, what agenda??? Same old, same old stuff.
How about some articles on John Wood and Eddie trevino, even if they are not to positive. I am sure someone from your office can articulate a good, mind proving story. (The week end is over, lets get to work)
We give no one any sort of publicity they do not bring onto themselves. As for this posting, the commentary is interesting, so it rolls... - Editor
Anony, I concede I had the elections somewhat out of sequence. Mr. Cascos after all is a Rebublican, and he ran unopposed.
And everybody's "Main Eddie Trevino" is a good hard working Democrat. A man who cares about the poeples best interest, let us not forget. I know, there are some poeple that kind of speak bad about him , but when there is nothing to say, they simply bad mouth him. Well has my English improved.???
Your English, like an exploding grenade, is all over the place. But you're trying and it's all anyone can ever expect in communication...- Editor
Carlos Cascos, if you had any intestinal fortitude, you would be asking the d.a to see how to block this election for county commissioner.
You have two scoundrels trying to get into the county pay roll with questionable background.
Maybe one of your supporters,could help. Three attorneys in the court will be disaster.
Oh, I forgot you have an election up coming in November. You need all the help you can get
It would be nice if all candidates passed through a vetting process of sorts - something that would eliminate the scoundrels ahead of filing for election. The Press used to own that task. Alas, in Brownsville even the Blogs have sold out. And cheaply, we might add. $300-a-month for an Ad? Oh, boy.... - Editor
The Brownsville Herald, like the Valley Star, like Channel 4, and Channel 5 and Channel 48, need to commit themselves to real journalism.
They are so intimidated, and do no one justice. They won't even publish letters in their editorial depts. When local politicians are called out. Thank you to all the blogs who continue to exposed these thugs.
The Brownsville Herald is not intimidated; it merely protects its advertising base, which is to be expected. People forget that it - like Sears or Mervyn's or Applebee's or Holdiday Inn - is a business, not some government freebie. The newspaper has a bottom line. It has to make a profit to stay in business... - Editor
Point well taken, but most of the politicos don't own business, some are just working people and businesses don't like to associate with politicos, because people can boy-cott the enterprise, so where is the correolation.
I understand the business aspect,after all I am a small businessman. But you can't compromise principles for dollar signs.
Patrick, for Christ sake, isn't that what seperates your blog and that of Juan Montoyas.
When I endorse a candidate, I expect retributions but it goes with the your beliefs and up bringing. You have to stand for what you believe in. That is just the way it is.
Well said, Don pancho. It is true. Businesses, including newspapers, are watchful of negativity associated with their product. We did not intend to blame the lack of advertising as the sole reason newspapers are, well, down. As in airliner crashes, it's a combination of things that lead to a crash. We do not solicit advertisng because we do not have a tax ID number and, hence, could not provide it to our advertisers as required by state abnd federal tax laws...- Editor
Cascos is in the fight of his life, I have a feeling John Wood might pull an upset. I hear through the grapevine, he is promising some of the cronies something if they vote for him. If you can believe this two guys in Harlingen who were friends, have lost their friendship, because each on is supporting someone else. How damn stupid.
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