By Jim Barton
The Brownsville Observer Blog
In a Steve Clark interview published in Wednesday's Brownsville Herald, Tony Martinez used a word to describe his administration that he evidently does not understand, fathom or comprehend. Tony claimed that under his leadership there had been an increase of "transparency."
"It hasn't always been easy, but along the way we've worked to build professionalism within city government and increase transparency, and we've turned a corner from the old ways of business-as-usual that held us back for far too long,” Martinez said.
That statement is a gazillion light years away from anything resembling truth.
Almost every Martinez move during his two terms had been done surreptitiously, on the sly, behind closed doors, never, EVER explained.
That's not transparency, Tony, as defined in ANY dictionary!
In 2012 Mayor Martinez orchestrated the City Commission's purchase of 14 vacant buildings downtown for $3,500,000.
The buildings were immediately removed from the tax rolls, forcing local taxpayers to pick up the slack. All but two sit idle still, decaying, but, to this day, NO EXPLANATION from "Mr.
Transparency" as to why in the hell they were purchased.
The flagship of that gawdawful deal, La Casa del Nylon, was bought from Tony's friend, Abraham Galonsky, for $2,300,000, triple its value, in a transaction negotiated by Tony's law partner, Horacio Becerra.
Why did the city purchase a building they may never use?
Why was Tony's law partner, not employed by the city, used to "negotiate" the crooked deal?
Why did the city pay three times the building's value?
In 2013 Martinez was caught utilizing the $3,060,000 Texas AEP Settlement fund for projects in the city, bypassing the City Commission. Even after his hands were slapped by the commission, Martinez offered no apology or explanation. Transparency?
That same year, unannounced, the city entered into a lease with the Galonsky family for a building to be used as Mayor Martinez downtown office.
For several months city work crews were seen refurbishing the building with $13,000 spent on materials alone.
When Mayor Tony changed his mind about a downtown office, the city erected a sign, designating the location the "Downtown Revitalization Information Center." City Planner Ramiro Gonzalez held at least one meeting there to make the expenditure seem legit.
Still, no explanation from Mayor Martinez, "Mr. Transparency," about any of this.
In 2011, many were fooled by Martinez' "Believe in Brownsville" campaign.
In 2015, Brownsville was not fooled, but simply foolish to vote again for Tony Martinez.
Will Brownsville make that mistake again in 2019?
16 comments:
Juan another leucistic land mark is going down over at Port Isabel
That only no, but hell no. Enough is enough, he's going to brankrupt the city purchasing more deplorable buildings that no serve purpose other than benefiting his friends. Just look at La Casa Del Nylon, Gutierrez Warehouse, San Fernando building, Cueto Building etc etc etc. Transparency? Really?
Verguenza debe tener ese Tone hambon! First of all, he needs to dress as formal as a mayor should dress to represent his or her city with respect and honor, no con su blue jeans parodos. Then, when he wears a suit the pants and the coat do not match and his ties are atrocious. Pobre vato! Latima del dinero que se envolsa.
Problaby the stupid people that voted for the Mayor are the same people who voted for Trump. You can't fix stupid.
Juan chekate el pedito de las ambulancias lo que este guey corra para mayor faltan 5 meses despues atacas. este pedo ahorita es muy importante que veas lo de las ambulancias, informa el heraldo de una auditoria de un despacho confiable como es BURTON MCCUMER LONGORIA y un cuarteto de comisionados se oponen a estas auditorias , segun no tienen permiso para operar y ahi andan trabajando,dale una chekada y deja al PINCHE viejo en paz pues a lo mejor se raja
To Frank Chavez......So you think everybody that voted for Trump is stupid? Do you think you're smart because you voted for Hillary? There are smart and stupid people on both sides. With your comment I can tell which one you are.
Voting for Charlie Cabler, he is knows firsthand the needs of the city. As Mayor, he will be able to accomplish what is needed the most, streets maintenance an drainage issues. Hope he gets rid of those ill attended Cyclovias that all they do is drain city budgets and much needed resources.
Any mayor of Brownsville will always be a corrupt in some way, so long as you idiot citizens keep putting these wealthy crooks in office! Will we ever see the day when an average citizen who knows what the city needs & doesn't need gets elected? Probably not.. it's a rigged system where only Brownsville's richest (or should is say "thieves") are given the opportunity. And yes I agree with above commenters he dresses like crap & is mindless. Out with the old, in with the new!
FOOLED AGAIN yes again and again, every time there is an election
To Anonymous I go by all the news I see and hear. Please don't tell me you do not own a TV at home. I also was one of the stupid person who voted for the Mayor Martinez, but I did fix stupid the second time he ran and voted against him. By the way why do people do not post their name with their comments instead Anonymous. Are you afraid you not going to be invited to the Mayors Christmas parties. Please !!!
Vote everybody OUT just like BISD, State Rep, its coming people are sick and tired of ALL the corruption IT needs to stop. Voting is the only way Port is next...
To Frank Chavez........First you say you can't fix stupid then on your second response you said you DID fix stupid. So which one is it. Explain it to me.
Dale gas frank
Este si que no tiene verguenza. Pathetic
Voted for Bernie Sanders Anonymous. Being an ex-educator I taught how to fix stupid.
Blue Jean Gang
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