Special to El Rrun-Rrun
Word has reached the social media of the passing of Alex Guerrero, a longtime border businessman who grew up during the halcyon days of international trade and carousing in Brownsville-Matamoros.Guerrero was well known to local movers and shakers and collaborated with businessmen on either side of the Rio Grande at a time when business was booming and restrictions on both sides of the border could be overcome with the right incentives.
Later, he became active in Brownsville politics and figured prominently in the campaigns of many local politicians.
His only regret was that his efforts to add to the downtown night scene by opening up a social club was stymied by what he – and many others thought – was a deliberate reading of ordinances to keep his business from opening and doing business. His bar was just slightly under the 1,000-square feet requirements and allowed the city to shut it down. The place remains empty to today.
At the time, Guerrero explained to his saloon fans why he closed:
"But we believed in downtown Brownsville and went ahead and invested a considerable amount of money with the hope the city would promote the Entertainment District they created 2 or 3 years ago but it never happened. In order to offer high quality entertainment it is necessary the revenue from mixed drinks to afford it. We want to thank all our friends and customer for their support while we were open."Just recently he went to get himself checked out for possible COVID-19 infection at a local hospital but was found negative. After that he went home, only to succumb to it there.
We often ran into Guerrero (everyone called him Alex) downtown and at other night spots and he always had a warm greeting for those he met. We'll miss him as we will miss others who have been taken down by this virus killer. Condolences to his family. RIP.