DEMOCRATS UNITE! YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT THIS ELECTION

 Special to El Rrun-Rrun

At a critical time when the unity of the Democrat is of crucial importance to deny convicted felon Donald Trump a return to his narcissistic, white nationalistic regime which has divided our nation, practices by factions inside Cameron County Democratic Party are doing the job for him and other down-ballot divisive Republican candidates like Mayra Flores an Adam Hinojosa.

At a recent gathering of the democrats of the Democrats of Southern Cameron County held at Cobbleheads, the leadership under David Betancourt Jr. and Rosemary Martinez dictated that no candidates orher than the ones they were supporting in the 2025 City of Brownsville commission and November's  Brownsville Independent School District elections would be pass their pushcards around, even if they were fellow Democrats.

It's interesting to note that the invitation to attend the Tuesday gathering of the Southern Democrats at Cobbleheads was extended tp the general public. 

Of course, the other candidates to those elections – the COB's is more than seven months in the future – showed up and unknowingly started handing out their pushcards to people and placing them on tables, and were told in no uncertain terms that they should pick them up.

This struck many of those present as non-inclusive since the other candidates for the  nonpartisan election  are also Democrats. To prevent them from passing out their campaign literature seemed infantile and humiliating to their supporters.

No one was told that the meeting of the Democrats was limited to their chosen candidate in the 2025 city commission race – Denise Chavez – and one, her opponent and District 3 candidate Yvonne Barraza and her husband, attended not knowing that the Democrats had already rejected her candidacy favoring Chavez. When the candidate left her cards on the tables, she was told in no uncertain terms by Martinez that she pick them up and not distribute them anymore.

Humiliated, Barraza was forced to go back to the tables and retrieve her cards, much to the ire of her hubby. Later, when Betancourt made his remarks, he introduced Chavez as "our next District 3 commissioner" and – to add insult to injury – mistook Bazarra's first name.

When Betancourt Jr. – son of Cameron County Treasurer David Betancourt – was asked about the exclusion of a fellow Democrat, he said that the Democrats of Southern Cameron County – as was those of Northern Cameron County, were "private clubs" and not under the umbrella of county party officials. It just so happened that Cameron County Democratic Party Jared Hockema was at the gathering and he confirmed  Betancourt Jr.'s assertions.

It is interesting to know that Denise Chavez is the current treasurer of the Cameron County Democratic Party, an astonishing fact that cries of conflict of interest. Her husband Oziel is paid for running the  phone banks and block walking for the party.    

"But how can you exclude your fellow democrats?," asked a participant. "The northern county Democrats have never done that. "And you're doing it on the eve of national and local elections when we need to be more united than ever to defeat the Republicans from Trump on down the ballot. You owe this young lady an apology."

Of course, Betancourt Jr. and Martinez will never do that. But El Rrun-Rrun, in its humble manner, will, and asks all Democrats to ignore this elitist bunch and unite to defeat the Republicans this November 5. As a gesture of Democratic apology, we run her campaign platform as a small token of our solidarity.  

By Yvonne Barraza

Candidate to COB District 3

My decision to run for city commissioner is driven by a deep commitment to serving our community and affecting positive change. As someone actively involved in our city's affairs and who is volunteering to improve our beautiful city, I've developed a keen understanding of our challenges and potential solutions that could make a real difference.

My decision to run is rooted in the belief that hard work dedicated to a worthy cause is one of life's most significant rewards. Unity makes us stronger. Together, we can – and will – win.

I offer my extensive experience in business and management which has honed my skills in addressing complex issues, implementing solutions, and exercising fiscal responsibility. My active participation in diverse community organizations and committees has given me the insight and a comprehensive understanding to address our city's needs.

I have several key goals that will significantly improve our community once I'm elected.

Economic Growth and Local Business Support

Advocating for economic growth and supporting local businesses are crucial aspects of a thriving community. We must support our local economy, hire local people, and to keep our money here. As your city commissioner, I will work tirelessly to create job opportunities to encourage our youth to stay local and contribute to our city's prosperity. By fostering a business-friendly environment and removing institutional obstacles that hamper growth, we can attract new enterprises, help existing ones to flourish, and create a robust local economy that benefits all our fellow residents.

Youth Opportunities

Finding and creating opportunities for our youth is a crucial commitment to our city's future. I will collaborate with local schools, businesses, and community organizations to develop programs that provide valuable skills, internships, and mentorship opportunities. Investing in our young people ensures they have the tools and support needed to succeed right here in our community. They must be made to feel that they have a direct stake in our city's future and feel that their voice matters. We need to institute an attitude in our new generations that civic participation is a duty and that contributing to our city's betterment is an obligation we all share.

Enhanced Public Safety

The safety and security of our neighborhoods are paramount. As your commissioner, I will work closely with law enforcement and community leaders to implement effective strategies to protect our streets and residents. This includes supporting community policing initiatives, improving emergency response times, and addressing the root causes of crime through prevention programs.

Infrastructure Improvement

A city's infrastructure is its backbone, and I am committed to keeping our roads smooth, our parks green, and our flooding issues managed effectively. By prioritizing infrastructure projects, we enhance the quality of life for our residents and create a more attractive environment for businesses and visitors. I will advocate for smart, sustainable solutions that address our current needs while preparing for future growth.

Tell the People the Truth

As your city commissioner, I pledge to champion government transparency. I believe leaders should see themselves as public servants first, not just civically elected community members. This means being accessible to constituents, providing clear and timely information about city decisions, and actively seeking public input on important issues. By fostering an open and accountable government, we can build trust and ensure that our city's policies genuinely reflect the needs and desires of our community.

We Must Lead by Example.

In conclusion, my decision to run for city commissioner is driven by a genuine desire to serve our community. I bring a combination of business acumen, community involvement, and a strong work ethic to this role. If elected, I will work hard to address our city's challenges, improve transparency in governance, and enhance the quality of life for all our residents. I ask for your support in this endeavor, and together, we will build a brighter future for our city.

Your support is crucial, and I am committed to representing your best interests. United, we can win. United we'll make Brownsville strong.