Isn't it funny how a pedestrian issue like the decision on whether to build a hike and bike trail or a road on the abandoned Union-Pacific railway easement in west Brownsville has suddenly become a political football?
It has become even more so in the runoff race for Cameron County Judge between former Pct. 4 commissioner Dan Sanchez and his opponent, the former mayor of Brownsville and current PUB counsel Eddie Treviño.
Not so, counters Sanchez. In a political flier being passed oiut by the Sanchez camp. he argues that Treviño and his supporters are misleading the public with a whispering campaign alleging he is against it.
"Unfortunately, a few members of the bike and hike trail advisory group with political interest tied to my opponent have tried to propagate the idea that creating a bike trial in West Brownsville is not one of my priorities," the flier reads. "They even say that I am opposed to creating the trial. There is nothing further from the truth. That is why I am sending you this message to give you my position firsthand."
Sanchez then goes on to say that the option to have a hike and bike trial originated with the county commissioners court. In fact, the flier says, while mayor of Brownsville Treviño supported former county judge Gilberto Hinojosa's plan to build a road.
The portly commish has actually done his research by quoting from the minutes of a Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting where Treviño introduces Hinojosa who is to support the construction of a toll road that would "allow for better economic development and less congestion, better environmental issues..."
As Pct. 2 commissioner Alex Dominguez told the local daily, nothing has been set in stone on the matter yet. In fact, Dominguez says that there are several issues to be settled between the county and the city before any decision is reached.
Ultimately, the MPO, on which the city, county and state have say will decide what happens to the abandoned nine-mile, 100-foot wide railroad easement.
For now, however, Treviño has found it an easier task to make political hay against his opponent.
6 comments:
From the real estate developers debate before the primary: "Sanchez said he would support the combination of a road and walking/biking trail, but he probably would not be in favor of just a walking trail...“I understand 5,000 residents want a trail, but what about everyone else that needs access in and out of Brownsville? As county judge, you have to think globally about the entire region,” Sanchez said. “If we focus on one little area, then we’ve lost our job and focus as county leader.”
One litte area? 5,000 organized people who have a good idea? This is someone who wants to lead?
There is no need for a road on that railroad right of way. the congestion runs the other direction.
Sanchez's other silliness: "If we build a road now, it will save us money later, because it will be more expensive." As in, I like roads and the people who contribute to my campaign like building them.
Yup, Sanchez flipping as fast as he can count the votes he lost. Herald article: http://tinyurl.com/hvhdo3k
The famous flier printed up on expensive paper does not have him against a road--but at last week's town hall meeting he rejected a road as an option. Wondering what the developers who sunk all that cash into his campaign are thinking...
Too bad he missed the first town hall--350 of his constituents wondering where their county commissioner was. Sanchez claimed a "conflict" with another event--but the other two candidates managed to make it to both.
Somebody stole my bike while I was changing a flat tire. Oh well I guess they just needed it more.
few weeks ago i saw a bike with a flat next to the trail around the tennis courts..odd someone would jist leave it..passed twice and there it was..hmm
Shut the fuck up Diego ! You're a bumbling pendejo that certainly can't afford a bike, you stupid illiterate !
I'm glad the city has been creating bike and running trails. The sad reality is that a miniscule population of people will use it for the simple fact that we live in an area with a bunch of fat lazy slobs who would rather drive their non registerd cars with no insurance then doing any physical activity. The trails are great for the homeless and for young thugs however.
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