Special to El Rrun-Rrun
Where did these mass-mailed pieces of half-truths and hateful allegations against me come from?
They came from the Brownsville Taxpayers Political Action Committee, an invisible group whose treasurer lists his address as 925 N. Iowa, a vacant lot that is up for sale. That vacant lot is owned by a corporation with its "offices" at 7411 Southmost Road, and is also for sale. Both properties are listed by Liz Realty. Liz Realty is owned by Liz Vera, the sister of the Brownsville Independent School District's general counsel Baltazar Salazar who's paid a $264,000 salary. I voted not to hire him because I did not feel we'd get our money's worth. I still don't.
"They" accuse me of costing the BISD millions in lawsuits and of filing for bankruptcy. Unfortunately, lawsuits have become a part of public service. There is no avoiding the lawyers, no matter how trivial the causes. Take what of "they" say with a grain of salt. In my 8 years as BISD trustee, I have not received one thin dime from any lawsuit.
Bankruptcies – like divorces – are painful but give us chance for a fresh start. It hurts when a marriage or business fails. I've been through both, but – like most of us – I have kept going forward and providing for my family.
Why are so many people (19) running for 4 positions and special interests paying so much money for a job that doesn't pay?
Some are vendors with the district. Others are trying to be. The only thing I promise my supporters is to fight to keep the district focused on its priorities to teach our students and protect our taxpayer.
I make people angry when I ask questions. But we, the people, should know how the barbacoa is made at the BISD. We also have the right to ask why a former board president and a department head committed suicide. How was a Food and Nutrition Service accountant able to steal more than $300,000 for over six years without anyone catching on and stopping her? So far, we've been kept in the dark.
I won't hide like a coward behind a PAC. I will ask questions to get at the truth. If the priorities of our district are misguided, I will fight to set them straight. Someone has to defend you and our children. Don't let them win. With your support, I will continue to be your voice.
“La verdad no peca pero incomoda…”