WHY ALL THE SECRECY?

The vast majority of Cameron County residents had no idea that there would be an effort on the part of our local politicians for a healthcare taxing district.  It would seem that only those in the know were members of the political establishment, namely our legislative delegation, various commissioners, mayors and party insiders.

By the time word got out to ordinary citizens in late spring, OUR elected wheeler-dealers had already been making the rounds at OUR state capitol, slapping slippery backs and lining up support for house and senate resolutions that would bring forth a November election for their pet project, an unneeded and unwanted healthcare district.

Why, you may ask, was there so much secrecy?  Why didn't our representatives sponsor well-publicized town meetings to inform citizens what was coming down the pike?  The answer is rather obvious, isn't it, Mr. & Mrs. Cameron County?  Who in his or her right mind would want a taxing district with the right of eminent domain and the ability to arbitrarily raise property taxes in the hands of a non-elected board, especially when the services such a district would provide are already being provided by a multiplicity of programs?

Looking further into our political crystal ball, is it possible to divine what could motivate public servants to establish a redundant program with a budget potentially reaching 50 million in its early going?  Could it be -would it be?? - perhaps political patronage??  Oh, no, that simply can't be, especially here in South Texas!  Or, is it meant to be an expression of magnanimity to taxpayers in the form of a white elephant?  And, wouldn't you know it, just in time for Christmas!