Continue reading »]]> To the Editor,
I just got home from the San Benito City Commission meeting that went on tonight (2-1-11), and let me tell you I was very upset as to the way our mayor responded in regards to the logos on the water tower on Williams Road.

Right away his comments and smirking laughter on even thinking of putting a Dragons logo on the tower was a big “no.”

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with putting it along with the San Benito Greyhound on the opposite side. IDEA does pay taxes to the city; if I’m not mistaken they are planning on building a high school in the future.

There needs to be growth in this city and no need for one-sided minds. Congratulations to Mr. Gonzales for speaking up and trying to do what’s right for the city, and it’s unfortunate that some members are trying to keep things from him and only do what they want to do.

Citizens, get involved, attend the meetings and have a voice other than Mr. Gonzales.

P.S. Good job on deciding to try to find a place for the food pantry, they deserve a much better and safer building. Mrs. Garcia and her volunteers do so much for this city, in helping our hungry and needy. Keep fighting Commissioners Gonzales and Sanchez.
Reneé Cavazos
San Benito

Continue reading »]]> To the Editor,
The times I have used the Heaven Trail Park I have enjoyed the walks and jogging, I do. I think it’s a good venue for the people who want to exercise. The community needs it.

But lately the experience has not been good. There is too much dog feces at too many areas. I have had to side step too much dog doo-doo. And I have to hold my breath for long stretches of the trail. Sometimes the dog feces smell gets to the point I don’t want to go there anymore.

I think dog owners use it as an open toilet for their dogs. They don’t want their dogs to do their “business” at their homes so they use the park. Some owners with small dogs lay their dog just long enough to urinate then they pick them back up.

I see children playing at the same areas these dogs do their “business”. I can only imagine them stepping that stuff and tripping on to the ground and getting that stall all over them. This is why I have concluded that dogs should not be allowed at the park. It should be kept clean from dog feces and urination.

I know that any leash policy will not help the conditions I just described above. So just pass a policy that keeps dogs away. It will solve all the problems of people’s safety and dog altercations.

Today, I end with this: The park belongs to the people but lately it’s been going to the dogs.
Santiago Perez
San Benito

Continue reading »]]> To the Editor,
An important agenda item is scheduled for the City Commission’s Jan. 18 meeting – specifically, the consideration and possible action to select a city attorney. My only interest in submitting this letter is to provide some “food for thought” in this endeavor to the citizens of San Benito. Given the fact that, albeit not a true indication of what the city has spent on legal fees during the past two years, no less than $14,000 was spent in November, 2010, on outside legal fees, it is quite apparent that much thought must be given to this issue.

In the past, I have been involved in selecting agency attorneys on at least six occasions, none of which involved less than eight to 10 hours of review and consideration. In each situation, a three-member panel was utilized, with each panel member independently reviewing and scoring the attorneys’ proposals based on weighted technical evaluation factors. In most cases, interviews of the prospective law firms were conducted by said evaluation panels, and in all cases, hourly rates/fees were included in the proposals, thus eliminating the possibility of any “behind the scenes” reverse-auction bidding or the appearance of impropriety.

To the chase: First, I contemplate and hope that the City Commission will be provided with some type of evaluation instruments with which to evaluate the law firm proposals. To leave such an evaluation to simply a discussion, without written documentation justifying the pros and cons of each proposal, would be a travesty and would possibly open the door to what a recent reader referred to as “compadrismo.” Second, some proposals are brief, comprised of two to three pages, while others may be comprised of 15 to 20 pages. Simply reading and notating the pros and cons of each proposal takes no less than 30 minutes. Reviewing seven proposals reportedly submitted to the city will take quite a length period of time. I am eager to see how long the commission will be discussing and evaluating the proposals in executive session. Third, I seriously doubt that the commission (and it would behoove a member of the commission to accomplish this task) will have an opportunity to check the law firms’ references during the evening hours while in executive session. However, this needs to be done in a timely and above-board manner (not to say that it will not be done in this manner). Fourth, the gist of the rationale for advertising for legal services was the financial burden being faced by the city and the on-going cost of the present legal counsel, although other issues were touched on. Yet, it is surprising that this major factor (legal rates/fees) was not requested by the city in its request for qualifications. (It is my understanding that the present city attorney’s fee is $150 per hour, while the attorney hired to represent the city, in the civil service hearings fee is $400 per hour.) Fifth, the city charter states that the city attorney will represent the city in all legal matters. Recently, this has not been the case. A purported “conflict of interest” has been given by city officials as to the reason for hiring outside legal firms rather than our present attorney. Interestingly, none of the newspaper accounts relating to this issue have stated that the city attorney herself has verified these conflicts of interests.

In summary, if the City of San Benito is to prosper and survive, there must be transparency in its government, and issues such as the aforementioned should be placed on the table and discussed prior to a decision and vote by our city commissioners. Please join with me in wishing the city commission success in this endeavor, and I encourage you to become involved in your city government. The reason bad city governments exist is because they are allowed by their citizens!

Esiquio “Zeke” Luna, Jr.
San Benito

Continue reading »]]> To the Editor,
The superintendent finally admitted one of his priorities is “preserving jobs.” He intends to keep adults and education professionals employed in this district. The hard truth is that’s not his job. His job is to educate our children. If he has to fire lazy employees and lousy teachers and counselors … so be it.

The education of our children and job preservation do not mix. These two goals go in opposite directions. Education should be treated like a business. Welfare through jobs belongs to the uneducated and incompetent, and they too can be helped by a good education or firm.

I remember a good friend of mine complaining about other people taking his/her job for cheaper pay. I told that person the solution was to get an education instead of going on welfare. In the end, I noticed that person did want to make an effort to better himself/herself.

The philosophy I believe this superintendent practices is welfare – welfare through jobs for the adults and welfare for our children through a bad education.

To all readers: Don’t remind me this district received a “Recognized” rating, because if you do I will inform you and show you the state lowered the bar and this district benefitted from it.

Also, the state came out with a recent report showing the district had a high expenditure rate. It was dismissed for being two years old. Well, I have news for you, this year appears to be higher with less students. But since shame is absent in these leaders, nothing will be done unless the state sends less welfare money. Then they will want credit for reducing expenditures.

Today, I end with this: I noticed no one has written about these problems with the school district or the police department. Have you forgotten this is your school district and your police department? Has this community embraced a Mexican style government with a Mexican style education? We are already teaching our children in Spanish. What is next? The Mexican Constitution?

Santiago Perez
San Benito

Continue reading »]]> To the Editor,
San Benito’s unique dining venues include some shopping and dining restaurants such as Heartfelt Gifts located on Sam Houston Boulevard. Right next to the city library, this cafe is filled with antiques and knick knacks for those wanting unique and one-of-a-kind gifts. The menu is light dining and during the winter you may be able to sample some of their famous homemade Texas chili, which is excellent. Lola’s Boutique & Tea-Room is also found right off of Sam Houston and their items are more modern, trendy and chic. Expect light dining with their homemade sandwiches and cookies.

For those in the mood to travel to Mexico try Super Antojitos. This place is decorated in typical Mexican flare and tradition. This place serves a great buffet daily and Fridays is a super seafood buffet. Lily of the Valley English Tea-Room is located on the frontage road off Expressway 83 and McCullough. This place opened up not too long ago and serves up a more formal menu as well as storing many antiques.

New to our city is Jackson Street Antiques, which does not have a cafe but which is bringing in many thousands of antiques from their stores in Harlingen, McAllen and Weslaco. They are located on Sam Houston Boulevard a block from city hall. Another place which stores unique gifts is the Jewelry Workshop found on the frontage road and Sam Houston. This is also an excellent place for jewelry repair. Also new to our city is Wing Ranch Restaurant & Bar on South Sam Houston and CC Wings on 77 Sunshine Strip; as the name implies they serve Chicken Wings and hamburgers.

These businesses can be added to the other two wings restaurants which are SB Wings on 77 Sunshine Strip and Jaycees Wings & Things on Sam Houston. Each of these places serves great wings and burgers.

On a different note one new addition to our line-up of restaurants is an old time player from 1927. The Stonewall Jackson has seen its glory days in the 30’s all the way to the 70’s, but unfortunately it had been in much disrepair since then. Now with new owners and a new vision, the restaurant is on its way to better days. The restaurant and lobby have been restored and the outdoor patio that hosted so many of the town’s special events in the past is going to be restored little by little. The hotel’s dozens of rooms also will be revamped so that once again folks from all over will be able to stay over-night in this majestic structure. The Stonewall Jackson Restaurant reminds me of the Italian restaurants I visited while in New York City several years ago. The setting is intimate and takes you back to a simpler time. The owners are planning many cultural and musical events to provide opportunities for the public to see this historical treasure. This marvelous building is located on the corner of Reagan and Stenger Street in downtown San Benito. Another landmark which has opened its doors this year is Oakhills Event Center located on the Frontage Road off Expressway 83. This outdoor patio bar is situated on the top of a naturally occurring hill, something not often found in the Valley. The feeling of this place is like that of the many outdoor bars found in the state’s capital, Austin. Here you will find a full bar and many musical events during the week.

Finally, San Benito also has those local favorites that have been around for many years. These restaurants have daily breakfast and lunch specials. Cazuelas on Rowson (railroad tracks) and Sam Houston, The New Noe’s, Maria’s Restaurant, Lali’s Cafe and Black Jack Bar & Grill are all found on Robertson Street. Kikis on Sam Houston and Sabor De Mi Tierra on Paso Real serve up super breakfast, lunch and dinner specials. Williams Road is home to three great restaurants Vicky’s, Blanquita’s, and J&R Barbeque Pit Stop. Then 77 Sunshine Strip is home to many national chains of restaurants and a few family-owned hometown originals such as Blue Marlin I and II, Lucky China Buffet, Pilo’s Mexican Cafe, El Gallito, El Pescador, and Tacos El Pastor. On Stenger you can find Taco Jardin which also offers breakfast and lunch specials.

So next time you’re wondering where to eat think about stopping here in San Benito, hometown of Freddy Fender and home to restaurants that don’t charge much, don’t have long lines to get in, do have delicious foods and friendly small town service. You won’t be sorry you did!

Carlos Cañas
San Benito

Continue reading »]]> To the Editor,
I recently chaired a food drive for the San Benito Food Pantry on behalf of the CRABS Motorcycle Club at Fun N’ Sun RV Resort. We collected a very large number of food items to add to the supply at the food pantry. This gave me the opportunity to meet with Lidia Garcia and her dedicated group of volunteers. The work they do is phenomenal on behalf of San Benito citizens who are in desperate need of life’s essentials.

This year the number of families they assist has grown to more than 300 a week. This is double the number they served last year. They are doing this out of a building that is in deplorable condition. It is dark, over-crowded and in need of significant repairs. The leaking roof makes it impossible for them to use the entire space of the building. The space looks like something you would find in a third world country.

Surely, with all of the vacant building spaces in the city the city council should be able to assist them to find a more suitable space. I realize that there are many demands for taxpayer-funded activities but the needs of this organization are extreme and deserve attention. I have sent a similar letter to the officials in San Benito and would like to ask for the community’s help in support of this request.

Maila Hedin
San Benito

Continue reading »]]> To the Editor,
The swearing in of Judge Carlos Cascos was quite an auspicious occasion. U.S. Senator John Cornyn took time from his busy schedule to do the officiating. There were many people there to honor our re-elected county judge, including new republican Aaron Peña from Edinburg.

Judge Cascos in his acceptance speech mentioned Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell and how in his own re-election bid he did not have the same problem, as to who the winner was. As you all may recall Mayor Boswell easily defeated his opponent in the mayoral bid last election in Harlingen. He further spoke of the Cameron County Workforce and how it has been recognized as having improved immensely since he has rearranged board members.

On a more humorous note he stated that up until the actual swearing in ceremony he was still being asked who the winner of the county judgeship was. As we may recall his opponent has yet to concede even though it no longer makes any difference. In my humble opinion Cameron County will have a great year. We have a new Congressman Blake Farenthold who will bring new enthusiasm with new ideas on how to bring Cameron County into a more prosperous South Texas area.

There was standing room only in the room designated for the swearing in. Things only get better as we rid ourselves of the old pachanga beer and a fajita for a vote. The voters want honesty and integrity plus transparency in county and city government.

Fred Rendon
Harlingen

Continue reading »]]> To the Editor,

San Benito lost one of its most colorful characters recently. “Slim” was 92 years young. Until about four years ago when he fell and hurt his head, you would not have believed that “Slim” was older than about 70. Many folks called him “Tex” but that was a misnomer as he was born in Oklahoma. He was proud of saying “I’m not a native Texan, but I got here as soon as I could.”

Slim was retired from the Texas highway department, but what many people remember him for was being a volunteer fireman. He had reached the rank of captain in the Pharr Volunteer Fire Department before his job brought him to San Benito in 1958. He joined the San Benito Volunteer Fire Department as a fireman and quickly rose to the rank of assistant chief. He was very active in the training of new fireman and served as an instructor at the Texas Fireman’s Training School at Texas A&M University at College Station. He was also elected to be the Chief of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Fireman and Fire Marshal Association. Lewis “Slim” Henry Maston has responded to his last fire alarm and attended his last “coffee shop” meeting.

I’ll sure miss my dad.

Lewis Elward Maston

League City, TX