THE MAYOR’S RACE: Issues focus on water quality, quantity, and delivery; ethics; and restoring confidence in City government

THE MAYOR’S ROLE

Define the role of the Mayor and her/his working relationship with the City Council and the City Manager. Which of your qualities make you the best candidate to serve as the Mayor of Laredo?

Dr. Victor Treviño: Besides the duties of the Mayor being clearly stated in Section 2.15 of the City of Laredo Charter, the Mayor is the representative and voice of the entire Community at Council Meetings and represents the City as the head of local government. I am a person that believes in leading with transparency and integrity. As a public servant at the Health Department and in private practice for over 35 years I have always believed this to be true, and this belief was reinforced during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Juan Manuel Garza: My best qualities as a candidate are that I am a natural leader and am a good median when it comes to finding solutions. For this reason, it is important that the next mayor, city manager and city councilmen are elected with precision and care because we all must unify and find common ground to advance in the best interest of Laredo’s community.

Kobby Bryand: The role of the Mayor is the Executive Branch head of our local Government limited in power but keeps in an important role being the chairman during council meetings. The Qualities I bring to the table are my youth and my willingness and commitment to serve the people of Laredo. Guided by my conservative views I know progress can be made.

Roque Vela Jr.: I believe a good mayor should only promise what he can control. My management and leadership abilities to move others from point A to point B and understanding leadership is knowing where point B is located. As your Mayor, I can provide direction to city council and the community. I learned a lot as a former council member and took my time to understand how city government works. My knowledge of our city our city budget and understanding of it is a crucial quality that gives me the advantage to start the process of bettering our city right from the get-go. I believe in bringing a sense of stability, accountability, communication, and honesty to city hall and our community.

Alfonso “Poncho” Casso: The role of the mayor as defined by the city charter as follows: Section 2.15 Powers and Duties of the Mayor (1) Shall preside at Council meetings; (2) Shall be recognized as the head of the City Government and as the official representative of the City but shall have no administrative duties; (3) Shall only vote in case of a tie of Council Members; (4) Shall have the veto power and his/her veto shall be executed within the next two regularly scheduled Council Meetings, and may be overridden by a vote of five (5) Council Members made at the same meeting as the veto; (5) Shall make the official state of the city address by January 31 of each year of the Mayor’s term of office at a public place open and free to all of the people of Laredo. The private sponsorship of the official state of the city address is prohibited. 6) Shall have the right to initiate motions at City Council Meetings; (7) Shall have the right to add items to the Council agenda; (8) Shall consult with the City Manager regarding proposed agenda items to be included in the agenda of a regular and or special Council meeting; I’m the most qualified of the candidates running for mayor because I have the most education and experience in the private and public sector relevant to the U.S.- Mexico border and the international trade community. Please see my website for more details regarding my experience at cassoformayor.com.

Cynthia Mares: The Mayor must be able to work diligently alongside the City Manager without interfering with the Manager’s administration to ensure that the priorities and goals the City has set forth for the constituency are attentively accomplished. There must be an open line of communication between the Mayor’s Office and the City Manager’s Office. I have always believed that communication is key to ensuring an effective working relationship, and this is no different. I bring over 40 years of experience in public service which distinguish me from all the other candidates running for Mayor. My experience on the Laredo College Board and working with the college presidents during my tenure also contribute to guaranteeing that under my leadership, there would be a superb working relationship with the City Manager.

Mercurio Martinez III: The mayor must be someone who is honest, with integrity, civility, and the reputation needed to lead and build consensus among officials in City Hall. I have spent my entire life in Laredo, and I have the temperament, character, and experience to take on the responsibilities of this position. My approach is always to focus on tackling difficult challenges by finding and implementing practical solutions.

RESTORING CONFIDENCE

List three steps you would take as a leader to restore confidence in the City Council’s ability to move forward cohesively on the hard issues of water, taxes, sustainable economic development, and traffic.

Dr. Treviño: Restoring public confidence in our local government will be challenging but essential to empower the community to trust the decisions being made. 

1) Having a transparent local government. Activity within local government should not be hidden, even if the activity is not popular or errors were committed.

2) Having a truthful government. Advocating for qualified candidates.  Telling the truth about challenges that the City is facing and the solutions that are being proposed.

3) Having a government that encourages community participation.

Garza: Step 1 – Get together with the City Council, City Manager and everyone that is necessary to approach each topic, respectfully.

Step 2- allocate the correct personnel and funding for each particular issue

Step 3- make sure we don’t lose focus of what these issues are and make sure they don’t repeat themselves and/or worsen.

Bryand: To restore confidence it starts with the voter on election day. Democracy is about having a choice and making your voices heard restoring confidence is one of the reasons I decided to run for Mayor I knew the same names would be running and that the same issues would be said and so I took action and made it my mission to run. In hopes of giving the people a choice this election a fresh face who is young and determined to work for the people. If elected I promise a new begging a fresh start for our city as part of restoring confidence.

Vela Jr.: I am prepared and ready to tackle all the issues affecting our community, regardless of how complex or unpopular the issues may be, with honesty, integrity, and as a team.

1. Honesty – Citizens need to feel they have a Mayor that demonstrates honesty and integrity and is fighting for them.
2. Communication – As Mayor I ensure to communicate efficiently and effectively and remain open to the City and citizen’s needs.
3. A vision – Creating policies that address the most pressing issues, such as poor infrastructure, water, taxes, and economic development. Setting a direction with council to improve our municipality while providing the best quality of life to our citizens and encouraging growth.

Casso: The first step is to lead with a moral compass and to set the tone on city council that corrupt behavior will not be tolerated and will be placed on the agenda for public discussion. The second step is to obtain a copy of the Water Master Plan that the city refuses to release to the public. They are fighting my open records request for a copy of the Master Water Plan with the Texas Attorney General. It’s been almost three years since the contract was let out for the Water Master Plan at a cost of $1 million dollars and we still have nothing. Nada! The third step is to adopt my Robin hood Initiative for government reform to stop the bleeding that is making us poorer as a community. Please refer to robinhoodlaredo.org.

Mares: I offer a “Five-Star” platform to Laredo voters and its constituency. Just like every other Laredoan, I am tired and frustrated with the water situation and promise to bring secure, clean, safe and reliable water to the consumers. Our streets are in dire need of repairs and our major thoroughfares are congested. We must plan properly and accordingly for the future development of our community and immediately address the many traffic issues we are facing. I want to improve our streets by investing in replacement projects to ensure Laredo continues to thrive.  Public safety is a top priority, and I plan to invest strategically in our fire and police forces. Applying my finance background and experience, I plan to lower our taxes by stopping wasteful spending and bringing accountability to our city’s finances. Lastly, I give my word to put City Hall to work for us and end corruption by establishing the first-ever Municipal Public Integrity Unit to investigate and prosecute the Mayor, City Council, or any other official for committing any ethical, charter, or ordinance violations or wrongdoings.

Martinez III: My goals for the City of Laredo are to ensure stability in our city government, improve our water issues, develop infrastructure and urban development and improve the way we do business.

 We must reduce employee turnover, develop a strategic water infrastructure plan to replace all lines consistently and efficiently and repair roadways and sidewalks as we scrutinize the budget to ensure taxpayers are not negatively impacted.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

Citizens making public comments to the City Council are all too often treated with disdain, as though their comments are a waste of time that lengthens City Council meetings (when often it is the uninformed rants and platitudes of Council members that waste time). What will you do to accord citizen participants in their own government (that their taxes pay for) a more inclusive presence at the podium?

Dr. Treviño: It is important to encourage citizens to participate in local government. I believe that there is no such thing as too much access.  I would also propose phone and zoom access for those that cannot participate in person.

Garza: I will have a designated position in the city that will entail citizens to have a direct line to email at and this person can delegate these issues to me or to the proper department as they come in. 

Bryand: As a young man interested in knowing what went on in the council I would watch on my phone or computer. There is a president of these things but maybe what will motivate them is a young Mayor in that position who is willing to talk to them and not intimidate or ignore their concerns.

Vela Jr.: Running for an elected position is dealing with citizens and citizen groups. Keeping citizens informed about our local government is an important step in maintaining a cooperative relationship with the public. A crucial component is the need to make information available to our citizens. I would work to build standards for encouraging public comments to go beyond a meeting into a larger priority of improving local services to the citizens and businesses. One idea I would like to initiate is a follow–up step in responding to all citizen comments whether it is the City manager’s office or a department head replying to the concern after the meeting. Following up would ensure the citizen is being heard but also sees the commitment being honored and steps being taken to help resolve the issue or concern.

Casso: I have written numerous commentaries on social media regarding the lack of respect for the truth and for the citizens of Laredo. Please see (https://www.facebook.com/ 100025451134780/posts/ pfbid02k3aJdbL75A1ub3a1DatjPJKDCFwrZjUBsR46tyhWWGw1FT1LHnt12V2VKkL eP9c6l/). If I’m elected mayor I will do away with the 3 minute rule and stop the nauseating fawning sycophancy by the city council.

Mares: Engagement is what is needed to make a much more inclusive presence at the podium during public comments. However, public comment is governed by State Law, which prohibits that engagement due to regulations of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Nonetheless, as Mayor I would set the tone to the entire Council before people that have signed up for public comment to ensure that the constituents are not treated with disdain. Additionally, I would for the record state if a member of the council has walked out, to ensure that the minutes reflect the lack of respect the respective Council Member has displayed.

Martinez III: As an elected official, it is my civic responsibility to be the voice of my constituents and to give the podium to those in attendance that want to express their comments and or concerns. I am a great proponent for Robert’s Rules of Order for decorum of public meetings.

Citizens have a three-minute limit to speak. Should there be a limit on how long Council members can grandstand?

Dr. Treviño: I believe that there needs to be mutual respect for everyone’s time and thoughts regardless of their title. The Mayor plays a big role on this issue by presiding over the meetings.

Garza: No, citizens should not be given a time-limit to speak on their concerns.

Bryand: I believe our elected officials should hear all the concerns no matter their grievances and believes our citizens should be given 5 to 7 minutes instead.

Vela Jr.: As your Mayor I will ensure decorum. At times council members take it upon themselves to make the council meeting about themselves. It’s the Mayors duty to reign in this type of behavior and ensure our city council meetings are run in a professional manner. 

Mares: The Mayor serves as the Chair of the meeting, meaning the Mayor plays the role of ensuring parliamentary procedure is adhered to. Part of parliamentary procedure is adopting time limits, if needed, for each item discussed. It would not be a bad idea to looking into giving each member a set amount of time per item discussed, where members can also yield their time should they not want to engage in discussions. This would also serve the purpose of not lengthening the meeting unnecessarily to keep the public engaged and not drag them on a Monday night through 11:00 p.m.

Martinez III: Citizens that took the time to address the Chair in an open session, should be heard and not ignored. Grandstanding should be limited to the topic at hand and it is the Chairs duty to move the meeting along.

WATER & ENVIRONMENT

Water has emerged as an urgent priority for Laredo for two main reasons: an aging distribution and pipe system and a new drought cycle that is impacting the river. Laredo leaders have failed to connect those two dots. There has been a lack of vision and lack of understanding that explains how investing in restoration of the river, is investing in the long-term protection of Laredo’s drinking water supply. How do you plan to change that?

Dr. Treviño: These water challenges have existed for several decades, and the lack of long-term planning has contributed to the current state of crisis. For example, Laredo’s own 50-year water plan expects that the City’s growth would exceed its water supply by 2040. I believe that we will reach this point sooner.

From a short-term planning perspective, we need to protect our water sources from depletion and contamination. Protection of our critical assets, such as the river, is critical. We need to encourage personal responsibility in the form of “responsible water usage” at homes. By educating and informing the public that we will accelerate our water problems if we do not adapt to this emerging reality. If private households account for 65% of Laredo’s water use and most of that use is for watering lawns and gardens, then people need to decide. The other problem is that over 30% of the City’s pipes are more than 40 years old so we need to make a substantial investment and be honest with the public about the cost.

Garza: We need to conserve our river as much as possible, but we also need to accept that some forces are out of their control. If we have to bring water from Carrizo Springs as a secondary source of water. I’ll do it. I’d like to propose a special river conservation department in hopes to keep our main source viable. But to see how city council responds to that is out of my control.

Bryand:

If elected I would call forth Section 2.11 to create a special and independent committee under the surveillance of the executive branch to investigate and devise a plan in tackling four things:

1. Quality
   2. Infrastructure
   3. Consumption
   4. Preparation

Mares: Infrastructure must be set as a priority. The Utilities Department operates an enterprise fund, a fund where paid fees are deposited, and expenses must be in connection with the purpose of the fund. Like a business, the enterprise fund must be treated as such. The City has already bonded to  fixing our water infrastructure, but that is only the tip of the iceberg. Hundred of millions more are needed to ensure we just don’t put a band aid on this issue. When elected, I will propose establishing a restricted fund, in addition to the enterprise fund, to continue fixing our water infrastructure without raising water rates, something the current council has resorted to do. The only way we will be able to accomplish such a thing is by “trimming the fat” when evaluating the budget to ensure we eliminate wasteful spending and we apply the budget adequately to address the needs of that matter to the everyday lives’ of the constituents.

The proposed bi-national river conservation project is a 6.2-mile project that would profoundly transform our community over the coming decades. The Binational Working Group, formed at the urging of Ambassador Ken Salazar, has focused on river restoration, border security, economic development, and quality of life. Unfortunately, a small group of ill-informed naysayers would have leaders shoot down this project without understanding its impact. What are your views on this project, and how can you move it forward?

Dr. Treviño: We need to prioritize issues that are impacting our daily lives, and there needs to be more public information and input on improving our water quality and sourcing from the river. I have always been a big proponent of working in collaboration with our neighbors to improve the public health, security, economic development, and quality of life in the region. We saw the importance of this during the pandemic. What happens on one side of the border impacts the other side.

Garza: I believe we can have a beautiful 6.2-mile project without it becoming a bi- national park. If congress approves funding for it, I’ll construct it immediately. If the state funds it as a state park, the same goes. If it’s going to be Laredo’s citizens tax dollars to construct a multi-million/billion park. It loses my interest and support. 

Bryand: We can not build a Bi-National park until we secure our border, clean our river, and stop the fentanyl from reaching the hands of children.

Casso: The binational river conservation project is a misnomer, because what is being proposed is a binational river park that is 6.2 mile/1,000 acres. The binational working group is misleading the community because the mathematics doesn’t add up. Are they proposing 6.2 linear miles or square miles? Regardless, whether it’s linear or square miles, 1,000 acres is equivalent to 769 footballs and the city doesn’t own enough water rights to irrigate such a large park. And the argument that the proposed project will conserve water by removing the Carrizo Cane and other invasive species along the Rio Grande is a ruse because a separate program already exists when the 84th Texas Legislature, in 2015, directed the Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB), through Senate Bill 1734, to develop and implement a program to eradicate Carrizo cane along the Rio Grande. More importantly the city doesn’t have the funding for a binational river park, when the city is currently facing the issue of an aging distribution and pipe system that will cost at least half a billion to replace. The first priority is to modernize our water system prior to embarking on costly boondoggles Laredo cannot afford to maintain. I suggest we instead develop the Zacate Creek as envisioned by HB Zachary 75 years ago and preserve the oldest barrio left in Laredo, La Azteca Neighborhood. If Laredo wants to pursue a binational river park equivalent in size to Central Park in New York, then it should create an endowment of over $200 million, consisting of contributions from residents, corporations, and foundations. The Central Park Conservancy raises the Park’s nearly $74 million annual operating budget and is responsible for all basic care of the park. Laredo would have to do the same for a viable park.

Mares: The bi-national river conservation project is a key project to ensuring we continue to preserve and protect our border while bringing quality of life and economic development. We are blessed to being a border community and we cannot let the opportunity the federal government has provided us through Ambassador Salazar. We must come together, the county, city and college district to make this project a reality. We must move the project forward by continuing the discussions with the US federal government and Mexican authorities to ensure this project gets funded.

South Texas, and this part of the continent are moving into an era of intensifying drought. Yet, Laredo lacks a comprehensive plan to increase water supply in the river over the short- and long-term. Groups like the Rio Grande International Study Center are working with city officials on drought restriction measures, as well as longer-term solutions that involve removal of water-thirsty invasive species from the riverbanks and other innovative pilot projects that would recycle wastewater. How do you plan to work with these community researchers and leaders to make Laredo more water secure?

Dr. Treviño: There needs to be more collaboration and participation from the business and other sectors of the community. This issue should incorporate all sectors of the community because water quality impacts our public health and quality of life for generations to come.  

Garza: I am actually a volunteer with RGISC, I understand these issues. I am their ally. Same goes with the Clean Air Coalition. I will give them more city funding for their preservation and restoration projects. 100%

Bryand: The river is flowing still and the demand for it is high our city must invest more in our “Water Reserves” for when the day comes our city is in a complete drought elected officials in the future will have time to resolve for a new form of source. Because for now, our main concerns should be the quality and infrastructure.

Vela Jr.: Because it has been marketed incorrectly, when you say it is a binational park people assume it’s just a park and the citizens of Laredo cannot and don’t want to foot the bill for just a park. However, it is the Mayor’s job to work with the federal government and the International Water Boundary Commission to get this project on the ground. This project is not a water park it is a restoration project. We all agree we have water issues right now and for us to just abandon our only source of water and start looking for a secondary water source right now is a mistake.  We cannot dismiss a secondary water source it has to be part of our long-term plan but in my opinion we have to do everything we can to restore our Rio Grande river. We need to make it clear that this project is a restoration project we must be able to get rid of some of that vegetation that is water thirsty and be able to dredge it out so it can hold more water. As your Mayor, I will go to Washington so we will not have to foot the bill because whether we can afford it is not up for debate the people of Laredo cannot afford a billion dollars. As a community all of us together both sides of the river are going to go lobbying in Washington making them understand just how important this project is and not because it’s a park but because it’s a water restoration project and that’s the miscommunication people have in our community, we all understand how important water is needed.

Casso: To begin with the Rio Grande International Study Center has turned the language of environmentalism into meaningless babble. RGISC has divided this community because their executive director has worn two hats in different advocacy organizations thereby politicizing the nonprofit by undermining democratic governance by threatening the city’s sovereignty and, sometimes, is seen as a form of the partisan liberal wing of the Democratic Party. If RGISC wants to receive future third party funding from local governments, then they should refrain from such toxic and divisive behavior and rededicate themselves to their original mission of protecting the Rio Grande.

Mares: We must invest in a secondary water source. Like our water infrastructure issue, a secondary water source is needed to ensure we increase the water supply in our region. We must begin to conduct research to identify where we can get more water rights and expedite the acquisition of a secondary water source and not depend solely on the Rio Grande. 

Martinez III: When we turn on the faucet, we expect good, clean water to come out. As your Mayor, I will work with the experts to improve our water issues and ensure Laredo has plenty of reliable, safe and clean water for every citizen. Our River is our life and we should work towards eradicating the Carrizo Cane and Salt Cedars that rob us from our water supply. We must explore and implement a plan for a secondary water source as an alternative to our river.

The Bi National River Restoration project headed by Ambassador Salazar is a bold and aggressive plan which, when executed, could accomplish all of our goals for water restoration of our Rio Grande and can spur economic development as has been seen in other cities.

CLIMATE CHANGE

An unprecedented amount of money is being released to states and municipalities by President Biden’s administration for climate and sustainable infrastructure and green energy. Laredo doesn’t seem prepared to take advantage of these types of funds for innovative climate projects. How will you change that?

Dr. Treviño: The City should take advantage of any funds available that can improve our quality of life.  These projects need to be weighed on their own merit and the community should be asked for their input on large investments.

Garza: I worked in the solar and wind energy sector, including on building the foundation for the turbines in Zapata. I don’t agree with wind turbines in Laredo. There is no high elevation nor high winds for it to be efficient. However, the fact we haven’t used the strong solar rays to benefit us with a solar energy farm or current flow from the river to create clean energy is beyond my guess.

Bryand: If elected I would advocate that the purchased green energy sources such as solar panels be manufactured only in America as head of the city’s government I would make sure the product is American Made only. If that offer is not on the table then we will maintain the same cheap solution of fossil fuels.

Vela Jr.: Seeking innovative solutions to address climate risks and reduce emissions going beyond the direct control of our city. To start we can push towards increasing transit, promoting environmental goals, developing a green workforce starting within our city departments. Looking into the budget and seeing what funds can be utilized to take climate action and equity focused projects.

Community Development Block Grant or (CDBG) is money we get from the Federal Government every year the amount is in the millions. Currently this money is used mostly for council members pet projects. Some more viable than others. This money can be used for brick-and-mortar projects sidewalks, rec centers, pools, etc. currently this is how council has been using this money. Another allowed use of this money is green projects. As your next mayor I will create a program incentivizing citizens to put solar panels in their homes and businesses. 

Casso: The first thing I will do if elected mayor is to create a grant writer czar to oversee and coordinate all the grant writing projects in all city departments. This will solve the problem of the city failing to compete for state and federal funding due to a lack of coordination. For example, the city failed to obtain funding from the Water Development Board and the excuse the city came up with was that Laredo wasn’t poor enough.

Mares: The City should introduce and pass ordinances for incentives for Laredoans who choose green energy. Additionally, developers should too be engaged in providing sustainable infrastructure and green energy in their developments through incentives. The City should also furthermore, require that any new city improvement be green energy, as leading by example is the first way to make the needed change.

ETHICS

A council member broke the law for political gain when he violated the sealed juvenile records of his opponent in his last reelection bid; a Council member, an anesthesiologist who reimbursed Medicaid $340,437.68 to resolve allegations he falsely billed Medicare for the use of electro-acupuncture devices (DOJ, U.S. Attorney, So. District of Texas news release, June 11, 2021) — these are but two front-page examples of the questionable ethics of some who have served on the Council. How would you have acted in the capacity of Mayor to raise these ethical issues as a Council discussion with possible action?

Dr. Treviño: Issues that involve ethical violations should be sent to the Ethics committee or alternatively a hearing before City Council. 

Garza: No response.

Bryand: When it comes to ethics in city government no matter the situation my duty will be to allow discussion of the concerns of the citizens and the elected representatives of each district. In any case, where there is a concern or lack of trust by this city’s citizens if elected will continue to allow debate and hold an environment of respect.

Vela Jr.: As your Mayor I will concentrate on the things I can control. One of the reasons the city has such a lack of direction right now is due to the fact that our current administration was more worried about trying to control things and situations that do not pertain to the duties of the Mayor than actually running the day to day business of the city. What the Mayor can control is what happens within the city and what council members do while working as council members. I will set the example as to how a council member should conduct themselves and handle the duties of a council member while meeting with staff and during council meetings. It is my belief that one of the reasons our council members break our charter as often as they do is because they have not had a Mayor that has lead by example shown them how a stable city should be ran.  This administration will ensure that council members understand Robert’s rules of order and our city charter and will be held accountable.

Casso: I would invoke section Section 2.06 Investigation of the Laredo city charter which is as follows: “The City Council shall have the power to inquire into the official conduct of any department, agency, office, or employee of the City. For this purpose the City Council shall have the power to administer oaths, subpoena, witnesses, and to compel the production of books, papers, and other evidence material to the inquiry. The City Council shall provide by ordinance penalties for contempt in failing or refusing to obey any such subpoena or to produce any such books, papers or other evidence, and shall have the power to punish any such contempt in the manner provided by the ordinance.” The manner in which the Ethics Commission operates and commissioners are appointed is corrupt and unethical. The Ethics Commission acted as a fascist organization in order to muzzle and punish a citizen’s first amendment rights. If I get elected I will try and wash away the unconstitutional fines and attorney fees imposed on a Laredo citizen. More importantly, I plan on revamping the structure of this Kangaroo court of ethics. As an example, you have a former council member sitting on three separate council member-appointed committees, including the Ethics Commission, and whose business has contracts with the city. He is also a candidate in this election cycle.

Mares: The City’s Ethics Commission should have initiated such conversation and sent a recommendation to the City Council. In the case that the City’s Ethics Commission fails to do such a thing, it is the Mayor’s duty as the Chair of the Council to bring such discussion forward.  

Martinez III: No one is above the law; as Mayor, I would investigate all allegations of violations of the Ethics Code and bring it to council as well as present violations to the Ethics Commission for recommendation.

BUDGET & TAXES

The majority of the City’s operating budget is Fire and Police, with healthy union and pension contracts. Would you move these negotiations to off-election years in order to m inimize campaign contribution influence?

Dr. Treviño: I do believe that the influence of same-year elections could detrimentally impact negotiations.

Garza: Great question, I would be open to that. Take the money out of politics and you’re left with a world full of good people advocating for the greater good. 

Casso: The current percentage of expenditures for public safety is 65.2% of the General Fund and the ratio for consolidated expenditures is 18.87%. I plan on solving this issue mathematically and by also eradicating the illegal city council pension plans that put a strain on the budget. For example State’s unfunded pension liabilities persist as a long-term challenge. According to the Pew, “For most states, unfunded pension liabilities are the largest of three major long-term obligations weighing on their future finances, ahead of unfunded retiree health care benefits for public employees and outstanding debt.” The same could be said for cities throughout the U.S.

Mares: Yes.

How would you ensure that these negotiations and contracts are financially sustainable for the City long-term?

Dr. Treviño: The negotiations should be conducted by the City Manager and professionals that are trained in these areas to advise the City Council. I do not believe in defunding any service that is essential to the health and safety of our community.

Garza: Change regulations of these negotiations and contracts to benefit the community and city of Laredo. Not in the best interest of the contractors.

Bryand: The contracts and projects are handled by the city Manager if there were to be a whistleblower or form of information that a city council member financially benefited then I would bring to motion Section 2.06 to find clarity and restore the trust in the local government’s ability.

Mares: We must invest in our fire and police forces effectively. However, it is prudent that the city’s financial state be sustainable for the long-term. I would ensure that these negotiations and contracts are financially sustainable by following the recommendation of the consultants that are hired by the city to represent our best interest.

Martinez III: Laredo has recently been named one of the safest cities in the nation and we are well recognized in fire prevention and was the first in the State to have an accredited College within the Fire Department. Their contracts run concurrent and are negotiated months in advance of their expiration.

One Council member is working to stop sponsoring outside community events to minimize the extra strain on Parks staff and other departments for these events by all 8 Council members. Do you support this move?

Dr. Treviño: This is too broad for a general exclusion, so I will reserve comment based on a case-by-case basis.  

Garza: I don’t understand the question 100%, but the city council needs a stronger presence in the community. We can’t let these departments do all the work. Whatever demonstrates a move towards progressing Laredo, I am for it. 

Casso: I fully support the elimination of city council pachangas or political rallies funded by the taxpayer. This is an issue I have exposed in many of my social media commentaries. If the city wants to do something for the citizens of Laredo, then it should organize only one event without the illegal self-pandering and political advertising. And just these week Council member Albert Torres is desecrating the Laredo City Cemetery by sponsoring a drive-in theater at the cemetery. Please see my Commentary #609, (https://www.facebook.com/100025451134780/posts/ pfbid02s2XYNnoizCHeG9kvN9uDwshtoiUoLNLxLvCnMKtNZ24ZH6mBTnqGowd2PejZ D6ocl/).

Mares: Community events are important to ensure we bring our constituents together. Families throughout the City look forward to such events. I agree in reducing the amount of events currently allocated per district, but not eliminating them in its entirety.

Martinez III: Market Square, Jalapeño Festival and Jamboozie are just a few of the outside community events that were started in our parks that have gone on and provided entertainment for our citizens. As a proponent for quality of life venues, I will continue to support events where Laredoans gather for entertainment.

As a citizen, you understand that property tax is one of the key revenue sources for City government.  As Mayor:

What sources of data would you want to review/study in order to prepare and lead the questioning discussion prior to adopting the annual property tax rate?

If you answered budget, you do realize the complete proposed budget packet is approximately 600+ pages in length.  

Dr. Treviño: Our City should be run by the City Manager, so City Manager input will be vital resource. Everyone on the Council should read the budget, even if it means some lengthy reading.

Garza: I would focus on data of what the annual property tax rate is in the fastest growing cities across the US. Create a program that gives me the most viable solution based on demographics, income and quality of life. Move in that direction.

I’ll get the best possible solution done.

Bryand: Laredos Aprraisles raise based on the value, location, and federal reserve and what they do with the dollar.

We have to make the wage of living in Laredo reasonable which starts with Lowering your property taxes. And this challenge is not just local if elected Mayor I will work night and day with local, state, and federal governments to get it done. I know the stress of this worried about perhaps the rent that’s due but your wages are just too low the solution is fewer government taxes and having a stable Dollar conservative principles will create a functioning city.

Casso: The most important documents in the calculation of the tax rate other than the budget are the Certified Totals and the Tax Rate Calculation Worksheet. Please visit my Commentary #386, THE 2021 TAX RATE CALCULATION WORKSHEET. https:// www.facebook.com/100025451134780/posts/ pfbid02a1DdR3TUAkzz6TMCE1X57eabiSQLEqu2g6JRaCnNpSJmkATennG8ncss9dmP suvl/.

Mares: The tax rolls and valuations must be reviewed. Budget is a lengthy document, but it must be read and reviewed thoroughly to ensure that line items that are not needed be eliminated to reduce wasteful spending.

 In your leadership role as the Mayor – Do you think a list of expenditures for the current budget line items should be prepared to compare to the expenditures for the proposed budget, with a narrative description for each expenditure line item that is increased? Would that be a beneficial tool?  

Dr. Treviño: Yes, the most successful businesses are run in the same manner.

Garza: Yes absolutely.

Casso: If I get elected I will have a year to date amount versus the budgeted amount listed on every line item expenditure on the agenda item the council votes on. This will establish the framework for lowering property taxes by creating realistic metrics and meaningful goals that will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills for establishing an optimum level of taxation to operate the city without burdening the taxpayer and hindering economic growth in our community.  

Mares: Yes, and it would be a beneficial tool. Each line item should have a narrative to justify increases or decreases, for both expenditures and revenues.

If so, how would you use this data when deciding to increase a property tax rate over the No-New-Revenue property tax rate?  

Dr. Treviño: In order to make an informed decision, one needs to have proper reference and context to see if the impacting expenditures are transitory or long-term.

Garza: The people of Laredo are very low-income. Until I resolve this issue with higher wages by incentivising large companies to come to Laredo to operate. I am against increasing the property tax rate.

Bryand: The goal will be to make Laredo “financially able” for our citizens or newcomers looking for a place to live or start a business. This creates attraction and investment.

Vela Jr.: Property taxes are only 10% of our total consolidated budget. Now don’t get me wrong $85 million dollars in property tax is still an enormous amount of money. And Yes, Public safety does take 65% of our $230 million general fund but our consolidated budget is closer to $900 million. 

The Question was would I move the negotiatons to an off year? Yes, this is something we could entertain but we would have to wait until the next negotiations and give a 5-year contract instead of the usual 4-year contract which is not really a problem. The bigger concern is this changing back to the current status quo once I am no longer in office. To me the biggest issue is the black hole that our general fund has become. We need to shrink the pie. By that I mean we need to stop dumping money into the general fund. If we do this, then the amount of money available to contribute to public safety lessens. Now I want to make it perfectly clear that our administration needs to and will invest in public safety, but we will also be fiscally responsible. By lowering our property tax by 2 cents every year until we get to .55 cents and stopping the massive transfers from our enterprise funds solid waste, bridge, UTILITES, etc. We not only force ourselves to become fiscally responsible but also encourage growth in the private sector and keep more money in our enterprise funds so we can invest it into those funds instead of constantly raising fees in order to continue to provide these services. I would also like to amend our charter to disallow council to sell bonds for the purposes of “discretionary money” the reason for the change in charter is this is the only way for us to ensure council doesn’t go back to status quo once I am no longer in office. As for understanding a 900-page budget.  Yes, this can be overwhelming as can many of the other duties being mayor. In my time as a council member, I learned that with time your mind begins to slow and absorb this information. The budget process is months long. Most council members only participate during the 3- or 4-day budget workshops. In order to fully understand our budget and ensure that it is as lean as possible you must be active throughout the entire process. This is one reasons I was able to be very effective as a council member bringing forward important projects for district 5 in a fiscally responsible manner extension of Bartlett. Bartlett soccer complex and pool, ambulance and hiring firefighters to man it, Zacate Creek improvements, paving streets, water line replacement, and countless others. I will be involved and engaged in the budget process and day to day business of the city of Laredo. By doing this I will be accountable for everything that happens during my tenure.

Casso: I would adhere to the Truth-in-taxation concept that is embodied in the Texas Constitution that requires local taxing units make taxpayers aware of tax rate proposals and to afford taxpayers the opportunity to limit tax increases. The central piece of my platform is to eliminate property taxes for individuals 65 and over for residence homestead through local option exemption in accordance with Property Tax Code Sec. 11.13 (d) in the amount of $500,000. For the rest of the citizens my goal would be to adopt the No-New-Revenue property tax rate formerly the effective tax rate, thereby freezing property taxes to offset the increase in property valuations. The incompetent politicos don’t understand the inverse relationship between property valuations and the No-New-Revenue property tax rate. They are completely clueless or disingenuous when boasting that they lowered our property taxes. They are liars and should be voted out of office. Another related problem that is on my campaign platform is as follows: Lead the effort for a statewide coalition to introduce legislation or a constitutional amendment to cap appraisals for commercial property including oil and gas property to 5 percent for local governments and special districts with the exception of school districts. I’m the only candidate who has been talking about the corruption, because my opponents are part of the problem, and I’m the only one talking about the issues because I’m the only one who has solutions over politics. I encourage everyone to visit my websites at: cassoformayor.com and robinhoodlaredo.org.

Mares: By addressing unneeded expenditures and reducing the allocations of line items that may be addressed with a tighter budget allowance.

Martinez III: Serving the city as a City Councilman since January of 2019, we have been able to reduce the city tax rate from .64 to .57 per $100 evaluation.  That is an 11% reduction in 3 years!  As your Mayor I will continue to advocate for rate reductions and scrutinize the budget to ensure taxpayers are not negatively impacted.