Candidate-to-candidate Q&A

Q: Mr. Ahumada, you are a one-issue candidate who has built your entire campaign on impact fees. Why have you ignored other issues facing our city?

A: Apparently, Mr. Hernandez, you are not informed but are sensitive about impact fees. The issues published through ads, flyers and at www.pat4mayor@bebo.com are:

This election is about who you can trust, bringing transparency and accountability to city government. I will abide by City Charter, which means no benefits allowed.

I will work to expand our airport facilities and bring international flights to Brownsville, increase the Convention and Visitors Bureau budget to increase sales tax revenues, promote commerce, industry and create jobs.

I will work closely with local entities and our neighbors to the south and will work with the city manager and commission to unite our city.

I will support the most efficient and productive use of CDBG funds for affordable housing. I will support a drainage plan to alleviate and prevent flooding and will introduce a plan to stop the killing of 7,000 pets at our dog pound annually.

Q: Mr. Ahumada, as mayor you have threatened to sue the city if they hung your portrait in city chambers. As a PUB board member, you sued the other PUB board members because you did not like a certain vote on a particular issue. This cost the PUB $20,000 to defend the other board members. How do you explain your public outburst as a former mayor and as a current PUB board member qualify you to be mayor again.

A: Mr. Hernandez, you believe everything you hear and spread gossip. I never threatened to sue if the city hung my picture at city hall. I refused to pose for a picture as requested, because I did not seek the office to be amongst the most important people featured at city hall. I sought the office of mayor to serve.

Taking action against certain PUB board members was the beginning of putting the old guard on notice that some of us do not go along just to get along. We sought change for the good, which has resulted in lower rates, PUB becoming better managed and a more efficient, fiscally-responsible entity.

Public out bursts on an issue, defending against an injustice and doing what is right happens when people are passionate about public service. I have been tempered by time, and my experience will make me a better mayor.