Letter: Mayor proud of residents

EDITOR:
Island Breeze

I submit this letter as mayor of Laguna Vista with a presumption that I speak for the rest of the Laguna Vista board of aldermen.

All our Laguna Madre communities responded to the aftermath of Hurricane Dolly in overwhelming measure and should be commended. But I would like to make special mention of my own town and its citizens.

Other agencies came through as well. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission sent six of their agents to assist at our emergency distribution center, as did members of the Salvation Army, Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard—all coordinated by a team leader from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

AEP (American Electric Power) was able to get power to most of the town in record time. The Laguna Madre Water District ensured water supply and worked quickly to ensure its safety. I sincerely apologize if I left any agency or organization out—I know many more were involved.

One can argue that all these agencies were simply doing their jobs. Perhaps. But they did them well and should be commended.

But what impressed and humbled me more than all these agencies working the relief effort was the number of Laguna Vista residents that stepped up to the plate. Without city-owned trucks, many volunteers convoyed with their personal vehicles to pick up emergency supplies from the staging grounds at old Wal-Mart and Schlitterbahn. Many more showed up at our fire station to hand out ice, water and meals. Community leaders from Christ Harbor Church and the South Padre Island Golf Club insisted on helping out. Together, the community delivered supplies to surrounding areas to those who could not make it to the fire station. The outpour of community involvement was simply overwhelming and impressive. Through it all, despite personal loss, power outages, etc., the spirits of those who assisted in the efforts—staff, agencies, and community members—were positive throughout.

As mayor and a member of the Laguna Vista community, I am proud.

Stan Hulse

Letter: Resident proud of city officials

EDITOR:
Island Breeze

I wish to commend the mayors, aldermen, commissioners and town staffs of South Padre Island, Laguna Vista and Port Isabel.

[Thursday] they came together collectively and as a team to address issues common to each and to the entire Laguna Madre area. They spoke candidly and openly about critical issues such as causeway jurisdiction during emergencies, a second causeway—and our collective lack of representation on the RMA (Regional Mobility Authority), joint marketing for regional special events such as Pirate Days, and the concept of a central emergency operations center in which the three towns could support one another as needed in a regional emergency (Hurricane Dolly). They agreed to make support for the regional parks and ball fields a collective priority, regardless of where the land is.

Most impressive was their commitment and drive to identify concrete and measurable actions as a result of these discussions—actions that will begin to actually solve these common concerns and issues.

It is critical that we see ourselves as a community, the entire Laguna Madre. Together we are far more powerful and our voice significantly more audible. Our collective town leaders and staff recognized that, and I am proud to be part of a community that has the vision and courage to come together as they did [Thursday].

I wish to personally thank them.

Bettina Tolin
South Padre Island

Letter: FOREVER GRATEFUL

Dear Editor:
We rode out Dolly on the island with our son, four dogs and one cat. We probably will never do it again, but if we do, we are confident that we will be safe due solely to the amazing and efficient job our town officials performed before, during and after Dolly. There are so many heroes, but our sincerest gratitude and thanks goes to all the Emergency Management Team Members, BOA, city employees, and mayor. The heroic efforts and sacrifices you made, and continue to make, on behalf of the citizens and businesses of SPI will be forever appreciated.

THANK YOU
Ann and Sam Smith
South Padre Island

From the Mayflower to the

Editor:

As we ponder the debate over whether we should accept the federal government’s choice of erecting a wall or to choose the alternatives, as limited as they are—it is vital that all local entities involved be not defiant, but firm and united in speaking with one voice.

The year 1607 marks the establishment of the first permanent colony in what is now the United States.  At the beginning, America was not the paradise pictured by many.

But as time evolved, these were the same colonist that helped to form the character of this country.  Yes, great American statesmen have been instrumental in making this United States a more desirable place to live in than any other place in the world.

But those in Austin and Washington have always looked at our existence from a distance and sometimes treat us like an undesirable colony.  Let us not forget that when the United States acquired Texas, California and other northern territories—it was this that stimulated the physical expansion of this then young nation. 

Our country should never forget that Brownsville and the border area played a significant role in the Western Movement that helped in the shaping and progress of this country.

Today, the issue in question is on American soil and Washington wants to solve a “world wide” problem with a fence.  It is difficult to accept the fact that we have to engage our own government in the courtroom to reach an agreement on how it’s best to divide land and people.

There is a simple way of coming to terms with this issue if we just only listen to the words written by Charles E. Hughes, “All ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.”
We, in South Texas, have been explicit in our patriotism.  Let it be clear that we are not against a more secure border—but merely against how to secure the border.

After the Mexican war, a division was established between the United States and Mexico. The Rio Grande River has been a source of life to many and a stream of death for those who have dared to cross it. But as long as there is hunger in this world— no obstacle is too great for anyone to conquer.

“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety,” wrote Benjamin Franklin.

Rene Torres
Brownsville, Texas

Corrupt officials anger reader

Editor,

Well here we go again! Another alleged corrupt peace officer has been arrested in Cameron County and this time it is Port Isabel Constable Saul Ochoa, the brother of Justice of the Peace Benny Ochoa and the cousin of the Port Isabel Police Department, Joel Ochoa. According to news reports he was arrested Wednesday morning on four counts of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute!

There are a few things that get me in a fit over the Rio Grande Valley such as the “good ol’ boy” political system, the aggressive solicitation by Cameron County Park to sell public land and drivers refusing to use their turn signals. However, nothing aggravates me more and gets me so wound up as corrupt peace officers. To me it is always alarming to find out that an officer who has sworn to uphold the laws of Texas and the United states is found to have been breaking those same laws.

Perhaps it is because I was raised in a family that animately supports law enforcement in Texas. My father was the first FBI Special Agent to be stationed in Brownsville in 1979. I grew up around other FBI Agents and Texas Rangers here in the valley. Most of those Agents and Rangers would go on to high places and one would eventually become Captain of Rangers in Austin. Growing up, these guys were my heroes! To this day, I am still in awe when I am around them.

That is what law enforcement officers are supposed to be; children’s heroes and fine, honorable, productive members of our communities. They are not supposed to be hired protection or enforcers for drug dealers or henchmen for politicians. To pervert that public trust is despicable and I believe that a peace officer who is found guilty of breaking the laws they are supposed to be enforcing should be treated twice as harshly as a private citizen doing the same! If in the case of Ochoa, he is looking at a maximum of five years for every count as a private citizen, then he should be looking at 10 years as a peace officer!

I know that Saul Ochoa is innocent until proven guilty in our judiciary system although in today’s society, that could definitely be debated. If he is convicted of all these charges and whatever other charges that result later, I hope the Judge throws the book at him and he is never allowed to be in law enforcement again. Of course, this is the Rio Grande Valley and Hidalgo County is always looking to elect officials with pending indictments!
--
Rob Nixon
Laguna Vista, Texas
956-943-1778

Build a second causeway now

EDITOR:

We had a huge snowstorm of paper. An avalanche of forms for our comments and a blizzard of beautiful maps depicting the study area. If the study area is enlarged more, it could be a “Port Mansfield or Corpus Christi Causeway.” Why not?

More studies, more paperwork, more employees to process the paperwork. More meetings to discuss the process. What a snow job.

The Island accounts for 16 percent of the Cameron County taxes, but has no representation in the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority. Who represents the taxpayers on the Island? Is this taxation without representation?

A majority of public comments and petitions have supported a causeway located to the north. What is taking so long? Citizens of our Island need to keep pressure on these snowmen from CCRMA.

Gar Trehbarne
South Padre Island

Which camp is being negative?

Editor:
Alex Grossman criticizes Rick Ridolfi for being negative.  Presenting FACTS about an opponent’s voting record is not negative campaigning, Alex.  The voters should know the truth about who they are voting for.

But, the amusing thing is then he criticizes Mr. Ridolfi with vague innuendo, no facts, just scare tactics.

So, which camp is being negative, Alex?

Terri Wisecup
South Padre Island

Reader questions letter writer

Editor:
In a simple response to Alex G., who has had a negative campaign since “day one”? Who voted for purchase of land (from his friend) with no public input on price or payment?

Who “reconsidered” under public pressure? Who voted to reduce condo parking requirements (back to the rules of the ‘70’s)?

Who favors artificial reefs (an unproven method)? Who pushed for the CVA to be under aldermanic control (rather than with the trained professionals, as we now have it)? This failed under public pressure.

Who argued against the Birding Center?

The candidate did favor a new fire truck. This represents some of Phillip Money’s record as Alderman.

C’mon folks, this time vote for the man that favors the best interest of the Whole Island.
Now more than ever, we need Rick Ridlofi.

JUST THE FACTS.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Gar Trehane
South Padre Island, TX

Campaign may not be all about issues

Editor:
Here we go again.

I must note with a degree of amusement that Mr. Ridolfi, who maintains that his campaign will be about the issues, is already taking shots at his opponent(s) for being beholden to special interests, etc…As usual, Mr. Ridolfi’s negative campaing tactics reflect the true extent of his statesmanship and ability to work with others.

Plus, he sounds mighty defensive for someone who supposedly has a good relationship with the business community.

So much for a clean and honest campaign. To me, it sounds like Mr. Ridolfi’s campaign from last year. Obviously, that didn’t work well for him.

Hopefully, it won’t work for him this year either. Our Island wants leadership and vision, not more rules, codes and a ‘my way or the highway’ approach.

Sincerely,
Alex Karl Grossman
South Padre Island, TX

More info needed for CCRMA bridge

Editor:
First I’d like to ask; why not post a map of proposed CCRMA bridge sites on your website/paper so your readers may be more informed and to encourage more participation in the public meeting?

Secondly, it seems there has been a lack of foresight in the proposals I have seen. Apparently the result of local politics with a narrow minded focus.

The only logical location when considering the distant future would be to extend FM 106 past Laguna Atascosa and the Cameron County Airport. This would provide easy access for south bound tourists, Harlingen and North Valley residents.