I am not a Texan, but the Rio Grande Valley is my home and the place I will die. As such I owe and give it allegiance, pride and thanks for how easy it makes my retirement. However, most recently it deserves my anger and embarrassment.
I am here because my employer could not find the combination of management, technical ability and loyalty it needed. Here I found some of the hardest working, most helpful people in my career to work with. Since my lack of a second language prohibited me from pursuing the community service I enjoyed in California (reserve sheriff), I volunteered for and served on several city commissions. Unfortunately, this is where I began to see the dark underbelly of the RGV and its related public/political agencies. Issues that have since extended to our school districts.
I have lived in four states for between seven and 20 years each. I lived in 10 cities from 2,500 people to 10 million and I never experienced an equal to the in-your-face, out-and-out political graft and corruption that exists under every rock in the RGV.
This year alone three ISDs have been sanctioned and the Texas Education Agency, itself no stranger to questionable activities, has now recommended that the entire La Joya school board be replaced. Bond issues are requested for expenses that should have been paid through proper budgeting under existing taxes.
ISDs take pride in stealing students from each other. Stadiums and natatoriums (whatever they are) are under a continual state of repair while classrooms are not properly heated and cooled and teachers not adequately compensated. Political infighting destabilizes the learning experience. Lawsuits fly back and forth between school boards, administrations, teachers and other employees.
Folks, it is not this way at any other place I have ever lived. What’s wrong? Why here?
Fix it, or in another two decades the RGV will still have to look to find people from outside the who can efficiently and honestly lead them into the future they certainly deserve.
Ned Sheats
Mission
Tree laws
are archaic
Our state tree laws are archaic and so behind the times. It’s pathetic, with different courts ruling different ways!
We need to catch up or we will perish as a society. Tree laws or the lack of them need to be updated to this modern era of solar power that the future will require. There are an estimated 60,000 homes in Texas that are restricted from having solar panels installed because of shade from neighbors’ trees.
One of my neighbors has solar panels installed on his roof and he generates enough power each month to power his needs and has an extra amount to boot.
My state senator, Juan Hinojosa, and state Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. should introduce bills correcting the situation because the state laws are so vague and outdated and right now. Those tree laws are in effect shutting down solar power that can help our climate.
I know they both read the paper to keep up with their constituents and maybe my letter will be read by them.
Bill Williams
Palmview
LETTERS — Limit letters to 300 words; all letters are subject to editing. Mail: P.O. Box 3267, McAllen, TX78502-3267; Email: [email protected]
