A City of One

Some would say that it is a sign of the times, I would call it what it really is – apathy. In a recent public notice seen on the Internet, I read that the City of Eagle Pass held the last of the required public meetings regarding the proposed tax increase.
What could be so sad about a tax increase meeting? What is sad is that only one.. yes one person attended the meeting. In a community of thousands only one stood up and voiced her opinion. While the article did not specify her position, either for or against, what is important or sadly important is that no one else did… no..no other taxpayer voiced their approval or opposition.

I understand that the proposed increase in tax revenue will be used for future pay raises and some community improvements. Yet I recall that in March of this year the City of Eagle Pass approved a pay raise after stating that the city was in a healthy financial position to grant the increase which was seen in their April paychecks. So what's the truth? Is the tax increase really justified or was the city mistaken in March when they describe the City's financial standing as sound.

I must mention that I appreciate pay increases primarily because they augment the local economy. Perhaps it's more about getting conflicting information.

It makes me wonder whether its really true that only one person appeared before the Council for the rate increase hearing. Will I be corrected in the coming minutes and find out that the City Council chamber was so full that citizens spilled out into the hallways?

Good luck Mr. Valenzuela

Daniel Valenzuela

It is truly unfortunate that our community has lost a very knowledgeable city manager in Daniel Valenzuela. Mr. Valenzuela was not known as one that joined the political inner circle of Maverick County. Mr. Valenzuela for the most part did his job quietly and as we know, very efficiently.

But what we must worry about now is who the city council will select in his absence. What we can expect is the immediate appointment of an interim city manager and we know who that person will be. If we could find someone like Mr. Valenzuela the city would be in a much better place.

What concerns me is that we are not currently in a climate of making sound decisions but find ourselves in the midst of a  political storm where everybody is vying for political advantage and maybe self-enrichment. I don't know how to convince the city Council to do the right thing and to distance themselves from the influence of the prevailing movement.

I sincerely hope that the Council places the interest of our city and its citizens as their priority and in so doing fine another person like Daniel Valenzuela.