Just watched the commission meeting. Great job commissioner Troiani.
wow | 08.01.07 - 3:30 pm | #

Totally spot on.

Troiani exhibited fairness, clarity of thought, knowledge of the budgetary process, an awareness of proper legislative procedure, and respect to those who disagreed with him. All while refusing to yield to the reckless Ahumada-driven steamroller.

This is how to lead, folks.


Chris Davis | Homepage | 08.01.07 - 3:40 pm | #

Thank goodness for Commissioner Troiani for having the “common sense” to do what was right. Also thanks to the other 3 commissioners that went along with it.

I am very afraid for the city of Brownsville. Our mayor wanted to give these three entities a blank check. He basically said lets collect as much money as we can and then let them determine their budget. I promise you mayor that if you give them the money they will buy the Cadillac Escalade when all they really need is the Ford Tempo.

Here’s an idea for you. You were not afraid to ask a citizen of Brownsville for the $4.50 fee + the $3.00 fee which is a total of $7.50 each month ($90 per year). For someone making minimum wage $90 a year is almost 1% of their income. The city budget is over 1 hundred million dollars. If you cut the city budget by just 1% you would have enough money to fund your projects. So, instead of asking someone to give up 1% of their income why not ask the city to give up 1% of its budget.

The budget meeting is next week so this is the time to look into this.
Common Sense | 08.01.07 - 4:14 pm | #

Well said, Common Sense. Wish you could spare a visit to our Mayor. Hell, even Atkinson could use the boost.

It's been said here and elsewhere and it still holds true. This, if it had passed for realz, would be a TAX, plain and simple. And it would have been assessed inordinately to only some of the citizens of Brownsville.

Commissioner Garza realized this (again) I think, and has embraced the courage of his convictions: to wit, either make hard cuts from the city budget or raise city property tax rates ACROSS THE BOARD to fund these "desperate" needs. Re-election chances be damned.


Chris Davis | Homepage | 08.01.07 - 4:34 pm | #

Commissioners Troiani, Longoria, Cisneros, and Camarillo should be commended for voting in favor of this compromise.

As long as Troiani leads the charge as eloquently and as fairly as he has, the anti-Ahumada faction will remain strong. On another note, thankfully flashes of Commissioner Longoria's independent spirit reappeared. Hopefully, we'll see more of it.

Good meeting.
NextGeneration | 08.01.07 - 5:22 pm | #

With all the back and forth maneuvering from both sides, I think I might've become overly suspicious last night watching the meeting. I got why they took action on Item 4 first, but then when Ahumada said they were going to work their way back, the lab rat in my brain starting spinning the wheel. I started worrying that there might be an understanding between Ahumada and Garza that his vote on one of $2 items would depend on the result of the other. If they had gone with Item 2 first, I think Garza would've voted no in the hopes that his alternative would be considered and approved. If it had passed, Item 3 would be irrelevant. If Item 2 had failed with his vote and no guarantee of Item 3 passing, and then Item 3 also failed, I think he would've felt genuinely conflicted, especially with the mention of recent tragedies. Instead, Item 3 was voted on first and I kept wondering if Garza was more likely to vote in favor of Item 2 if Item 3 failed. While he had also indicated he hated to have people pay more, he had an opportunity to vote for voluntary contribution and he voted against the amendment. Then he voted against the amended ordinancee that will provide at least some money for ambulances without imposing it on those who cannot afford it. I think is fair to say that if Longoria had gone the other way on both the amendment and the ordinance, the $2 fee would have passed with Garza's help.

Anyways, if someone can explain to me what it means that this was "the first of two readings", as it was described in a previous Herald article, I'd appreciate it very much. Will there be another vote?
Patricia A | 08.01.07 - 7:22 pm | #

Just incase no one noticed, I'd like to commend the independence of Commissioner Ricardo Longoria. His insight into the budget process shows his maturity. Kuddos to Longoria. I also want to recognize Troiani's ability to take charge of this issue. The preparation he put into this issue was easly recognizable to everyone watching. I also liked how Cisneros spoke up. I do wish however that Ahumada would have let Commissioner Camarillo speak.
pub ratepayer | 08.01.07 - 8:16 pm | #

"Then he voted against the amended ordinancee that will provide at least some money for ambulances without imposing it on those who cannot afford it."

Actually, Patricia, Garza voted FOR the amended motion (Item #2). The Herald got it right this time, that vote was unanimous.


Chris | Homepage | 08.01.07 - 10:35 pm | #

Thank you for the clarification Chris. I watched the meeting live and part of the video before I wrote my post but I don't see very well so I had to rely on trying to recognize the voices that said "aye", but I guess I missed Garza's.
Patricia A | 08.01.07 - 10:59 pm | #

Finally, the Longoria that debated Presas-Garcia so well is re-emerging. It's about time. Now go back and implement the application process for appointees!
challengertx | 08.02.07 - 9:13 am | #

Commissioners Troiani, Cisneros, and Camarillo did a great job (as expected) and should be congratulated, but the man that carried the day was Commissioner Longoria. He finally showed some real leadership. I just hope that he can continue to distance himself from the "puppet squad" (we know who they work for) and start putting the interests of the community ahead of those of particular interest groups.

Congratulations Brownsville there is hope after all
El Sapo | 08.02.07 - 10:06 am | #

I been watching this unfold over the past month and it's about time someone stood up and wants to get things done! It's a start and hopefully it continues. Great Job Troiani!
ATX | 08.02.07 - 4:13 pm | #

Those of you who want to grace Longoria with a Nobel Peace Prize, give us all a break! He was the most immature commissioner on the panel even more so than the ever pleasant Atkinson.

Longoria huffed, puffed, put his head down in disgust, demonstrated a evergrowing disgust with the new members on the commission. He attempted to attack one of the anti-PUB faction by saying the commission knew what the new tax rolls would look like, but had he been present at the July 25th meeting he would have known that Pete Gonzalez is still looking that appraisal information. Either Longoria knows more than Pete or he was just full of horse manure. Good for "El Chiquito" for sticking to his guns and slightly rebuff Longoria by pointing out that Pete was going to take two weeks to present the effective tax proposal based on the appraisal districts tax rolls.

Those of you who are watching the meetings at home are missing the true Longoria. The one who ridicules his colleagues for being rookies, laughs behind the backs of speakers who are leaving the podium, and the one who text messages someone five or ten minutes before the meeting is over. If this is the old Longoria, then I would rather have be the Ahumada lapdog his been for the last two months at least then he might be recalled!
John Laffer | 08.03.07 - 7:58 pm | #

I'm impressed with Troiani's performance, but I remain skeptical.
thespotlight | Homepage | 08.03.07 - 9:06 pm | #

These meetings are getting embarassing.
Joker | 08.04.07 - 12:58 am | #

I dont think that anyone is ready to grace Longoria with a Nobel Peace Prize any time soon but it must be noted that Longoria's reluctance to side with the (usual suspects) is quite remarcable. Under normal circumstances, even the average political pundit knows how the spice girls will vote on certain agenda items. Longoria's refusal to play along the other girls was quite surprising and I hope that he continues to side with those that truly care for the city and its problems.
El Sapo | 08.04.07 - 3:41 pm | #

Joker, sadly, I have to agree with you.
Anonymous | 08.04.07 - 7:50 pm | #

who was Mr Ruiz so upset with??? He almost opened up a can of whoop ass!!!
thezipper | 08.05.07 - 10:58 pm | #

I have a question and I hope someone that reads this can answer it. I didn't pay the $2 that was on my PUB bill because it was added on July 5 to my bill and it didn't pass. So this month's bill comes in and guess what? I have a penalty charge added to it. Is this a penalty charge because I didn't pay the $2? I paid the bill on time with the exception of not paying the $2. Did someone else get this penalty fee on their bill too?

Also, along with my bill I received a note from the Mayor on adopting pets which was printed on PUB stationary. On the note it states that a "portion of your two-dollars used to meet state mandated animal welfare requirements as well as to continue and improve local Animal Rescue and Control (ARC) services. (As a no-kill shelter, Brownsville can meet grant funding and subsidy requirements by government agencies and private resources. Obtaining such monies will help alleviate in the future, the burden to our residents and city budget.)"

Then the flier goes on to talk about how we can secure our pets. I guess I'm wondering what this is doing in my PUB bill.

Also, What $2? I thought they were going to refund it for those who paid? I'm very confused, can someone please clarify if they also have been assessed penalties?
pub ratepayer | 08.07.07 - 6:30 pm | #

You got assessed a penalty of .20 correct? That's what I have been hearing from people that didn't pay the $2.00. All their electric bills have .20 added in penalties. Who knows if we are going to get the .20 back. People were getting mad the other day saying it was only .20, but it's not the amount, it's the moral of it all. .20 now, $20 later, $200 after that. Who knew Pat was really Ernie in disguise? Joker
Joker | 08.10.07 - 8:27 am | #