Which camp is being negative?

Editor:
Alex Grossman criticizes Rick Ridolfi for being negative.  Presenting FACTS about an opponent’s voting record is not negative campaigning, Alex.  The voters should know the truth about who they are voting for.

But, the amusing thing is then he criticizes Mr. Ridolfi with vague innuendo, no facts, just scare tactics.

So, which camp is being negative, Alex?

Terri Wisecup
South Padre Island

Reader questions letter writer

Editor:
In a simple response to Alex G., who has had a negative campaign since “day one”? Who voted for purchase of land (from his friend) with no public input on price or payment?

Who “reconsidered” under public pressure? Who voted to reduce condo parking requirements (back to the rules of the ‘70’s)?

Who favors artificial reefs (an unproven method)? Who pushed for the CVA to be under aldermanic control (rather than with the trained professionals, as we now have it)? This failed under public pressure.

Who argued against the Birding Center?

The candidate did favor a new fire truck. This represents some of Phillip Money’s record as Alderman.

C’mon folks, this time vote for the man that favors the best interest of the Whole Island.
Now more than ever, we need Rick Ridlofi.

JUST THE FACTS.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Gar Trehane
South Padre Island, TX

Campaign may not be all about issues

Editor:
Here we go again.

I must note with a degree of amusement that Mr. Ridolfi, who maintains that his campaign will be about the issues, is already taking shots at his opponent(s) for being beholden to special interests, etc…As usual, Mr. Ridolfi’s negative campaing tactics reflect the true extent of his statesmanship and ability to work with others.

Plus, he sounds mighty defensive for someone who supposedly has a good relationship with the business community.

So much for a clean and honest campaign. To me, it sounds like Mr. Ridolfi’s campaign from last year. Obviously, that didn’t work well for him.

Hopefully, it won’t work for him this year either. Our Island wants leadership and vision, not more rules, codes and a ‘my way or the highway’ approach.

Sincerely,
Alex Karl Grossman
South Padre Island, TX

More info needed for CCRMA bridge

Editor:
First I’d like to ask; why not post a map of proposed CCRMA bridge sites on your website/paper so your readers may be more informed and to encourage more participation in the public meeting?

Secondly, it seems there has been a lack of foresight in the proposals I have seen. Apparently the result of local politics with a narrow minded focus.

The only logical location when considering the distant future would be to extend FM 106 past Laguna Atascosa and the Cameron County Airport. This would provide easy access for south bound tourists, Harlingen and North Valley residents.

Reader suggests strong voices to keep SPI the way it is

Editor:
With developers poised at the ‘replacement stage’, we need strong voices on the SPI Board of Aldermen to assure there will still be quality of life for residents, a business community and a tourism industry left on the Island.

The “replacement stage” means vacant land in the current Town limits is basically gone, and the developers are now looking to build condos in areas not zoned for that. They want to use existing neighborhoods to buy up homes and replace them with condos.

They want to buy the land small businesses are on in the Business District and build high rise condos. You can see some of this has been done already. But, residents and tourists need businesses, entertainment and recreation areas.

Democracy in action

Editor:
A quote from an SPI alderman—“The recent pressure put on the board in recent weeks actually represents something incredibly magnificent, and that’s democracy.”
South Padre Island is not a town in some third world country. We, as citizens, should not have to use “pressure” on our town government for them to do the right thing.
The dynamics of the negotiations of the price and the method of financing were handicapped by the initial 3 to 2 vote. Now that pressure caused it to be reconsidered we have the public voting to decide the issue.
WOW! What a great idea!

Gar Treharne
South Padre Island

Keep Isla Blanca

Editor:

I am writing in regards to the current plans of building a timeshare hotel on Isla Blanca Park [or Andy Bowie Park]. We have lived in Brownsville for over twenty five years. We always feel very proud to take visitors to this natural park where one can find tranquility in the waves and sand. There are not many places like that left anymore. Everywhere there has to be high rising buildings and concrete to block the view.

Please let it be what it needs to be, a Natural-peaceful place. For how many more years do we need to keep protecting these natural areas from people- who are only after more money? Who are these people who want to change Isla Blanca? Don’t you have fond memories of the beach when you were a child or when you went there with your children?

Let this park be Natural-let’s keep it and protect what belongs to future generations.

Neryana Castro
Brownsville, TX

Voter feels insulted by politcal ad

Editor:

I feel INSULTED and DISRESPECTED that Aldermen Money apparently thinks voters and citizens are shallow and stupid. 

Does Phillip Money think his own record as alderman will be forgotten because he attacks Rick Ridolfi?  Being a good aldermen is not about personality, IT IS ABOUT ISSUES.  It is about experience and good judgment.

We need to remember Phillip Money recently sponsored the $5 million purchase and financing of Clayton Brashear’s wetlands property without voter input or any information provided to the public.  That’s what I call DISRESPECTFUL.  He conveniently omits this from his list of “accomplishments” in his ads.

Reader sad to see negative campaigning

Editor:

I think it very sad that negative campaigning has begun again.  While growing up I often heard my mother say, “Rise above it.  Show some class.” in reference to negative things others might be doing or saying. I was hoping that lessons might have been learned during the last campaign and candidates would “rise above it and show some class” and refrain from negative campaigning this time around.  Is it when a person does not have enough positive things they can say about themselves that they resort to negative statements about their opponent?

On a positive note, the SPI Birthday committee is to be congratulated on a very successful weekend.  It was nice to see the community support and so many people participating in the fun created by Pirate Days events.  Thank you all for the many hours of hard work you gave to make the birthday party so successful!

Ann Adams
South Padre Island, TX

OURVIEW: Town’s Anniversary celebrates history, marks begining of future

South Padre Island is having a birthday party. Thursday was the 35th anniversary of the incorporation of the Island as a municipality, and was marked by a ceremony at the new municipal complex. But there’s more to come.

The anniversary celebration also heralds the return of Pirate Days and kicks off tonight with costume contests, fireworks, music and special “surprise” entertainment. Saturday will be filled with family activities on the beach and around town. Not only is the new Pirate Days festival commemorating the birthday, but is expected to become yet another annual event to draw visitors to the Island.

A lot has happened in the last 35 years on this stretch of barrier island, with the town growing from a small and little known vacation spot to one of the major tourist destinations in Texas. And there will surely be more growth and change in the future.