McAllen ISD $297 bond election: Pro vs Con
Tue, 2015-04-28 20:28
News Staff
Editor’s note: To say that McAllen ISD’s $297 bond election has split the community like few others in recent times – not even the hospital district or STC bond election came close – would be an understatement. A lot of the groups, pro vs. con, are calling each other names to make this bond election even more interesting: the yuppies vs. the a-ginners is a common theme. As is “those who have something to gain if this thing passes” vs. “those who just don’t give a damn about our schools and our kids.” So far, thankfully, no fist fights at the polling places have been reported. Although with early voting still in place through May 5, that remains a possibility. Presumably, McAllen PD is standing by. Previous physical altercations in local Valley elections at polling places have indeed occurred. Hey, we’re a passionate bunch.This week, The Advance News Journal takes the opportunity to publish two opinion pieces from two opposing bond-election camps: pro vs. con. The pro side has been penned by well-known commercial real estate broker Mike Blum. The opposing side has been written by well-known local attorney Mark Walker. As a follow-up, we interviewed McAllen ISD Superintendent James J. Ponce to ask the question: why this, why now? God willing, look for that interview next week. It was reported that approximately 1,100 votes were cast this Monday, first day of early voting. Considering that McAllen ISD elections typically draw approximately 5,000 votes, that would seem a high number. Is that a good sign for bond passage or a bad sign? Quien Sabe? I’d say the a-ginners always come out stronger than those in favor of a tax increase, but in this election, all bets are off.