Laguna Madre area leery of Brownsville annexation plans

PORT ISABEL - A group of Laguna Madre area officials were invited to Austin this past week to testify before a Senate committee about the city of Brownsville's strip annexations encroaching into the area.

The annexations, described by some as resembling the tentacles of an octopus, have completely surrounded towns like Los Fresnos, Laguna Vista and Port Isabel.

Port Isabel City Attorney Robert Collins said he thought the meeting with state senators went well. The committee, chaired by Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville appeared sympathetic, he said.

Collins said the problem can be resolved either by legislation or by litigation.

"Legislation is cheaper," he said, "so it makes sense to pursue that option first."

But if it comes to litigation, he said he does not believe Brownsville can defend the multiple strip annexations in which it has engaged.

Mayor Joe Vega of Port Isabel presented both written and oral testimony to the senators.

"I thought he made a very good presentation," Collins said.

He said he was pleased that local officials could present a solid front to the committee.

One official said It lends legitimacy to the complaint when we can all appear together as a united front.

Mayor Stan Hulse represented Laguna Vista and City Manager Dewey Cashwell was there for South Padre Island. Other towns with officials testifying were Bayview, Los Fresnos and San Benito.

Mayor Pat Ahumada of Brownsville said he would have to check with his administrative department before he could respond to the complaints of the smaller towns. The annexations in question occurred before he was elected mayor, he said.
"None of us want to be another New York City," he said.