Vote set for BND board

On the eve of the Brownsville Navigation District board election, candidates for the races on the ballot for Place 1, 3, and 5 spoke about their top priorities and their views on the moratorium on shipbreaking or on any kind of business.

Candidates for Place 1:

Eliceo "Cheo" Muñoz: A master plan that creates commerce, enterprise and jobs, completion of dock 16, a dock for liquid cargo, purchase of a second backup crane, and widening the channel are on top of Muñoz's priority list. "That is what the port is all about," Muñoz said of increasing jobs. Lack of a second crane deters overflow business from Houston and Mexico due to increased costs from inadequate loading and unloading capabilities. Widening the channel creates more opportunities for tenants and attracts new businesses. "The port is just going to boom if it has the right leadership and we look for business and we understand that we will entertain any kind of offer," he said. Muñoz said moratoriums are unfair, but could be considered to allow a business to recapture its investment, but it should "never, ever be open-ended."

Ralph Cowen: Oversight, monitoring, an increase in container traffic, a master plan and communication are Cowen's top priorities. "We've seen the devastating effects that lack of oversight can cause. I will provide oversight on operations, collections and the overall progress made by the port." He will monitor revenues and fees, and supports increasing container traffic. That will help lower property taxes and make BND self-sustaining. He calls for a land use plan with established goals and expectations. He proposes that BND provide quarterly and annual reports to the public. "You own this port and you have a right to be informed," he said. He would see why there is a moratorium on new ship-breaking businesses and would study the issue. Commercial enterprises have to make good business sense, are to the port's advantage, are ecologically feasible and can be supported by the available workforce.

Candidates for Place 3:

John Reed: Marketing, infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and lessees are on Reed's priority list. "It's all about results. I have to produce or I don't have a job." If new businesses are not settling, marketing should be revamped. Infrastructure needs should be prioritized, planned, and started, Reed said. He believes it is very important to question management about finances. "At the end of the day, if a lot more questions had been asked, we would not have lost the $21 million. That is my job, to ask questions," Reed said. Lessees are BND's tenants and if their needs such as maintenance, roads, or water requirements are not met, they can't grow and prosper. "If you lose them, you lose a source of your income." Reed does not believe in moratoriums, but said one must consider land availability, land quality, the proposal's suitability, and land use plan.

Don DeLeon: He sees the need to position the port at a competitive level and prepare for the future. Infrastructure, attracting businesses that provide fair wages, and assisting shrimpers through these hard economic times are on top of DeLeon's list. "We have to create our market to be prepared for the future. I honestly see us being one of the largest ports. There is no reason why we are struggling to find jobs," DeLeon said. With shrimpers paying $4-plus per gallon of diesel, DeLeon proposes that lease rates for the industry not be increased at this time. He also is calling for a lift on moratoriums and perceived moratoriums through licensing affecting new businesses such as ship-breakers and stevedores. "We have to create jobs and a lot of industry. I really feel that this port is poised to do great things," he said.

Candidate for Place 5:

Sergio Tito Lopez: Lopez was unsuccessful in a 2006 bid, but found no opposition this year. Lopez could not be reached Thursday, but has said he would work hard to bring more business to the port by effectively promoting it and strengthening relationships with Mexican companies wanting to enter the U.S. market. He invited input from anyone interested in developing the city as a "champion for economic growth and where people along with our government develop ideas and (work) for a better future." Like other candidates, he also called for lower taxes, adjustment of lease rates for new tenants, and gradual increases for present leaseholders. Lopez also said that the port should take advantage of the huge market from maquiladora operations and their connection with Mexico. He also said the channel should be dredged to 55 feet in order to accommodate deep sea vessels.