Wednesday, February 17, 2016

MAYOR, COMMISSIONERS COULD POLITIC, BUT NOT OTHERS

By Juan Montoya
It took the City of Brownsville administration but one day before lowering the boom on campaign workers and candidates holding signs on the sidewalk in front of the Veterans Park and the Central Library.
For the first time in recent memory, two police officers were sent to order the campaigners to mover across the street.
In fact, the local daily features a front-page photo of numerous campaigners that are in apparent disregard of the law as it is being applied today.
Well, they all had to go across the street today. Curious how things worked out. Someone was saying that just about every candidate was out there Tuesday morning had his signs and workers out there, except for Cameron County D.A. Luis V. Saenz and county judge candidate Dan Sanchez.. Could it be that they had a pitaso the crackdown was coming down?
The campaign workers prohibition has set off a new round of criticism on the city for enforcing the ordinance in question during this election which it did not in last year's election that had several city commission and the mayor's seat up for grabs.
"Last year Tony Martinez and his campaign team had signs and chairs right there," said a campaign worker for a county candidate. So did everyone else. Nobody bothered them then. What's the difference now?"
(In fact, if you scan the graphic on the right hand side, supporters for Martinez and challenger Pat Ahumada can be clearly seen campaigning and holding signs in the very spot where they are prohibited now.
In fact, local campaign workers said they recall that Martinez's supporters placed lawn signs all along the sidewalk and on the other side of the parking lot behind the veterans park.
The notice sent the various campaigns states that Ordinance No. 2006-1452-A prohibits "signs displayed upon public property or within the right of way of public use easement except for directional or warning signs placed by an authorized government agency.
There is no explanation in the letter sent by the city explaining who decided to enforce the law this election go-round.
However, the two police officers told some workers that if they were caught with political signs in front of the park or library, they would be cited and receive a summons to appear in court.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Interesting. So all those that for many years displayed political signs in front of schools or easements leading to the public schools will not be able to do it now, given that they have been observing the designated distance from the polling place. Let's see if the police follow the city ordinance in such cases.

Marlene A. Dougherty said...

No one held anyone to task previously, it appears that attempts are being made to enforce the law now. Better late, than never.

Anonymous said...

TreviƱo opposes LNG because of pollution yet his old Model Cleaners on Elizabeth is 100% contaminated. It is right on the bike trail where kids can go inside and get hurt or catch some disease. Yet the hike and bike group is endorsing him. Pendejos.

Anonymous said...

pinche voting turnout sucks. 98% of voters are ojetes

rita