VOTER FRAUD? WHAT'S THAT GOT TO DO WITH IT?

The recent programming on NPR concerning voter fraud in South Texas did not tell us anything we did not already know; but, thanks to Mary Helen Flores and CAVA, the word is spreading that, for too long, this type of corruption has been  commonplace in Cameron County.  The results are apparent for all to see:  a one-party dominant county government, an unsophisticated electorate, politicians promising everything from barbecue and beer to pie-in-the-sky by and by, and too many "public servants" filling their pockets with whatever they can pick up from whatever sources.  Having been a city commissioner at one time in another locale, I spent $300 and a lot of shoe-leather to win an election. Accordingly, the thousands of dollars spent even on school board elections are telling:  Too many candidates are looking for kickbacks from the awarding of contracts to make their "public service" worthwhile.  Sad to say for a citizen of these United States, but I cringe each time I must walk through the doors of the local courthouse.

And this brings us to the upcoming election on the proposed healthcare district.  Bill Hudson, in his letter which was published in these pages yesterday, has really crystallized what this election will be all about.  It's money, of course!  42-million greenbacks, based on 25 cents additional property tax on each evaluation of 100-dollars.  And, if the non-elected board should push that figure higher on the tax totem-pole (a cap of 75 cents?), then the stakes become higher.  As Jim Barnes in neighboring Hidalgo County is fond of saying, "If you like Obama Care, you'll love the healthcare district, as it will be a local version of Obama Care on steroids!"

Yes, there have been indictments for election tampering, and some sentences have even been meted out to a few "politiqueras."  Yes, state and federal authorities are looking further into voter fraud in our region.  But don't make the mistake of thinking (even for one little minute!) that the political establishment will not use their time-honored election machinations in an effort to provide more bucks for the favored interests who stand to profit from your tax money with a healthcare district. It's up to us. We must be vigilant, and we must be unwavering in our commitment!  Together, our cause is clearly winnable!  Let's get busy!