By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
San Benito Mayor Joe H. Hernandez and City Manager Manuel Lara are scheduled to return Saturday from their trip to China.
The two attended a conference as per an invitation extended to the mayor. The event was a two-day economic development conference held from Feb. 23-24 in Shenzhen, described as a major port city north of Hong Kong. One of the goals was to establish a sister city relationship with a Chinese community and San Benito in hopes of spurring business growth locally.
It was previously reported that costs for the conference, travel expenses and hotel accommodations were to be covered by Chinese delegates. Hernandez, however, said officials were going to stay for two weeks, thus increasing costs by an added $2,000, which was paid by the city as a budgeted expense for international travel, this as per the approval of the City Commission.
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Keep it Alive! We will not forget in 2014!
I do not recall who the local writer was whom submitted an editorial to the news some time back, but he submitted an interesting theory on how the city’s voters voted. I believe his assertion was that certain blocks or sectors would vote for a certain affiliation, while an other group section voted in another manner, and so on. I think he was on to something.
Do you remember when the city had a workshop before they raised property taxes where the topic was discussed? One of the commission said, paraphrased, “we better raises taxes now because there’s no election in 2013.” They were counting on us forgetting by election 2014. Between now and then, I cannot let people forget all the ways they have failed or taken advantage of taxpayers. Once we forget we make the same mistakes all over.
As Michael Rodriguez pointed out in his editorial this week, our current leaders can’t motivate more than 10% of the registered voters to vote at elections. Let’s see if we can motivate more to show up 2014 to effect change in our city…if only because they’re tired of listening to me!
So very true, Reforming San Benito.
Excellent point Reforming. Initially I did give this escapade the benefit of doubt, hoping that just maybe something might come out of this. Wishful thinking on my part!!!
i did hear “The King” & the “First Lady” were spotted eating at Great China Restaurant using chopsticks to devour their meal.
Fool me once …………
Happy First Anniversary to mayor, city manager and CDBG Director on your return from China!
Where’s the business? No, not the business you gave the taxpayers, the Chinese business?
Where’s the Sister City designation?
We’re not really going to see a return on that $2,000, are we?
I am sure with the entourage that went to China the price tag was much more than $2,000. The citizens of San Benito will probably never know the truth about why Chinagate happened and how much money was spent on the trip.
Now there is a good story to followup on for our fearless Editor whilst he is giving peace a chance!