This is a response to Frank Garcia’s letter to the editor referring to poverty and unemployed in South Texas, especially Cameron County.
It is disheartening to read letters so filled with racial bias and hate toward the less fortunate.
This lengthy report may be of interest if Mr. Garcia is interested in understanding why South Texas has a high poverty level: https:// texaspolitics.utexas.edu/blog/poverty– texas Numerous times local governments and Chambers of Commerce have attempted to attract business investments from outside the Valley. In the last
10 years, Harlingen attracted Sam’s Club (2014) and Bass Pro Shops (2011) by providing incentives to provide much-needed jobs.
There are major plans in process to build a Convention Center along with office buildings, hotel, and a family resort. Also, to provide jobs for the local populace.
Attracting outside businesses and supporting local entrepreneurial ventures are the Chambers’ priorities. Their efforts are evident as one notices the building of a strip mall with chain restaurant this year on Stuart Place Road and Hwy 2.
As the population increases their wages, they can purchase housing and new subdivisions are being built. Their new-found jobs have allowed them to move out of the “colonias” from where they may have previously resided.
It is difficult to attract major businesses to South Texas, especially Harlingen.
Brownsville, as large as their population is, it is also suffering from areas where poverty prevails; yet, their city is booming. The reasoning behind this is that the young adults are moving out while the older generation stays behind and to some degree, supported by their children.
There is a cause: unemployment. The cure – attract more businesses and educate our children to fill jobs created. Get involved in getting them out of the vicious poverty cycle in any manner that you deem able to do so.
It is apparent that you may not have family nor friends from these barrios or who live in poverty whose plight you do not understand. I have met some of the most humble and well-mannered people who live there which is more than I can say for some welleducated and wealthy residents who live in the “city” who feel entitled.
Dora Sanchez, Harlingen
