Edinburg Depot to be Visited by Train

On January 11, 1927 the City of Edinburg held a "Southern Pacific Day" welcoming the Southern Pacific Railroad to the community. On October 10, 2008 at 10 o'clock a.m. the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce will host a ceremony and ribbon cutting in tribute to the city's centennial.

A train will make a special appearance on the October 10th event to recreate the historic event depicted in the first picture.

At the event participants will hear from professor Richard Hyslin about the day's significance. The oldest and youngest residents of the City of Edinburg will be the honorees for the event. Food and beverages will be provided along with music from Sweet Adelines. I hope to see you there.



The "Golden Spike" that was driven at Edinburg on January 11, 1927, completing the Southern Pacific's line to the Valley. After the ceremony the spike was removed and presented to the Edinburg Boosters Club. In later years a youngster sawed it in half, thinking--or hoping--it was solid gold. It isn't; it's a standard railroad spike, polished smooth and gold-plated, with engraved lettering that reads, "This Spike driven at Edinburg January 11, 1927 in celebration of entrance of Southern Pacific Lines into Edinburg.

Museum to Celebrate Edinburg Centennial

We officially cut the ribbon to the portion of the Museum of South Texas History that houses the Edinburg Centennial exhibit. It is now open to the public and I would invite all to visit. Here are some other upcoming events at the Museum of South Texas History.

Edinburg Centennial, Sunday, October 5, 2008 (1:00pm-5:00pm)
The Museum will hold a fun filled afternoon, kicking off the City’s 100th anniversary celebration. The day will be filled with great food, presentations on the city’s history, trivia games, and live music. So come on down to the square in Edinburg, and learn more about the city! FREE ADMISSION

¡Fandango!, Saturday, October 25, 2008 (6:00pm-11:00pm)
The Museum will hold its annual fundraising spectacular ¡Fandango!, consisting of live and silent auctions, great food, and fun throughout the night! Reserve your space for ¡Fandango! soon—tickets go fast!

Mayor Ronald Case In Memoriam

H.R. No. 106


R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Both as a private citizen and as a mayor of Edinburg,
Ronald A. Case has contributed greatly to his community and to the
State of Texas; and

WHEREAS, A veteran of World War II and the Korean War,
Mr. Case is a man of immense vision and energy who has skillfully
balanced his time between running a successful business and serving
as an outstanding civic leader; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, Mr. Case has shared his talents and
helped to make Edinburg a better place to live, work, and raise a
family; he was Edinburg's mayor from 1973 to 1981 and served on the
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Red Coat Committee, the City of
Edinburg Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Edinburg General Hospital
Board, the Edinburg Model Cities Board, and the Lower Rio Grande
Valley Development Council; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Case has also enjoyed a career as an independent
businessman, serving as sole proprietor of Hidalgo & Starr Counties
Abstract Company and later as a majority shareholder in Hidalgo
County Abstract & Title Company, Incorporated; and

WHEREAS, Truly a pillar of his community, this notable
gentleman has positively influenced the lives of countless
individuals and has continually worked to improve his city for the
benefit of his contemporaries and generations to follow; and

WHEREAS, Representative Aaron Pena has justly recognized
Mr. Case by passing this resolution in his behalf during the 1st
Called Session of the 78th Legislature; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Ronald A. Case for
his extraordinary record of service to Edinburg and extend to him
best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Case as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.



______________________________
Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 106 was adopted by the House on July
18, 2003, by a non-record vote.

______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House

Edinburg Mayor Ronald Case 1917-2008

Edinburg's longest serving mayor, Ronald Case (1973-1981), passed away today at Edinburg Regional Hospital. In recent days, Mayor Case was in critical medical care and many of us hoped for a full recovery. Sadly, he passed at the age of 91.

Mayor Case was the epitome of a gentleman public servant stepping forward to serve the community he loved. His leadership helped our city navigate through difficult times.

I am very proud to have been a friend and admirer of Mayor Case. My earliest memory of him is when as a boy I delivered newspapers to him in his office on the square. He always took the time to have a friendly conversation.

My office asked the Texas Legislature to recognize Mayor Case for his service and dedication to our community. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his many friends and relatives.

As we reflect on the 100 years of our city, let us each take a moment to recognize our dear friend and neighbor, Ronald Case. May God speed.

UPDATE: The Monitor has published his obituary along with information on his Monday interment:

"EDINBURG - Ronald Alfred Case, 91, died Friday, September 19, 2008, at Edinburg Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Case was born in England and had lived in Edinburg most of his life. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving during World War II. He was a member of American Legion Post 408 of Edinburg and VFW Texas Post 15045 of Austin. Mr. Case served as Mayor of Edinburg from 1973 to 1981 and was the owner of Hidalgo/ Starr County Abstract & Title Co. for 50 years. He served on the Board of Directors of Edinburg Hospital and was on the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Red Coat Committee.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Lydia Ester Case and a son, Robert Vance Case.

Mr. Case is survived by his stepson, Jimmy (Miriam) Case, of Port Isabel; daughter-in-law, Lee Case, of Utah; a sister, Audrey Phillips ; his dear friend, Maria Del Carmen Rojas, of Pharr; and her children, Rigoberto and Zeth Dominguez.

Visitation will take place from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service today, September 21, 2008, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton, in Edinburg. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, September 22, 2008, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg. Military honors will be conducted by Sgt. Benito Alaniz VFW Post #7473, Elsa, and America's Last Patrol Post #3, RGV.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg."

Will Looney Legacy Park Dedication

The Edinburg Centennial continued yesterday afternoon with the dedication of the Will Looney Legacy Park. Central to the park dedication was the unveiling of a bronze sculpture of Will Looney and Margaret Montgomery Looney. The bronze sculpture memorialized 29 year old Will Looney who was killed in a car crash in 2003.

Below the statue is a plaque that reads, "Texas Legacy - Our ancestors have given us a unique legacy; what we do with it is the gift we leave our children."

The park of will be open to the public beginning Oct. 5.

The photo is that of former State Representative Cullen Looney, the father of Will Looney, thanking the large crowd that gathered for the dedication. In the background in white is Carol Lynn Looney, the mother of the late Will Looney. The sculptor of the statue is Deborah Copenhaver Fellows who is standing in the background (far left), dressed in black.

The Museum of South Texas History, on October 5th, will continue it's focus on the Edinburg Centennial with a kick off of centennial events. Spectators can visit the Museum of South Texas History on McIntyre and Closner, and then walk one block west to the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department Museum located on McIntyre and 10th street. Both museums will be open to the public from 10am-3pm, with FREE Admission.

Edinburg: A Centennial Salute

On October 5th-10th, Edinburg will collaborate with other agencies to bring the city a weeklong celebration filled with excitement.

The City of Edinburg was founded in 1908, where it was first named Chapin, Texas; in 1911 the town of Chapin was newly named Edinburg, Texas and today the city of Edinburg is celebrating the Centennial date from which Edinburg was founded, October 10, 1908.

During the month of October Edinburg will go down in history by looking back to reflect the establishment and growth of our great city. A series of historic events will take place during the month of October organized by the community.

The Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library, the Museum of South Texas History, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and other various businesses, and organizations will all take part in celebrating 100 years of history.

The Edinburg Centennial

Here is a recent (2008) photo that I took of the Museum of South Texas History where much of our city's centennial activities will take place.


Old Hidalgo County courthouse in Edinburg stood in the center of the main plaza from 1910 to 1954 when the present courthouse replaced it.


Edinburg Junior College Mural
Presented to Edinburg Jr. College by Emil Fossier, president 1938 sophomore class. Painted by Joseph Brennan and Humberto Cavazos. Donor: Pan American University.


Here is a photo of the political bosses that ran Hidalgo County politics and who overnight created Edinburg. They were members of the (Jim) Wells political machine headquartered in Brownsville. At times they were called the Closner gang or part of the Baker machine. From left to right, A.Y. Baker, Walter M. Dougherty, John Closner and D.B. Chapin (James J. Closner is in the auto).


World War II hero Pedro Cano, who grew up in Edinburg, receives the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest military award for a member of the US Army, from General Jonathan Wainwright on April 26, 1946, in front of a hometown crowd at the Hidalgo County Courthouse.


The Texas Medal of Honor, the state’s highest honor for military service was presented to Dolia González, the mother of Freddy Gonzalez, at Cats Stadium in the mid-afternoon of Monday, February 4. Texas Governor Rick Perry joined Dolia González along with Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg and Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa. The historical event, marked the first time that a Valley resident was bestowed with the state's highest medal for valor.

The stadium was chosen at the wish of his mother, Dolia, because Freddy had played quarterback for the Edinburg Bobcats in the mid-1960s – a site his mother said was important to him. Hundreds of visitors and dignitaries from throughout the Valley gathered at the stadium for the ceremony.


Here is a photo I snapped of old glory and an Edinburg firetruck back in October of 2007. At that time the Edinburg Fire Department was participating in their October Fire Prevention Week activities on the square in Edinburg.

County Seat Forcibly Moved By Nighttime Wagon Train

Holding the American flag is A.E. Chavez, the first clerk of Hidalgo County and one of the armed men who helped move the county seat from Hidalgo to Edinburg by ox-cart. My great-grandfather, Jose Roman Alamia, is the big fella with the mustache holding a white hat. He helped drive the ox-cart making Edinburg the county seat.

The photo was taken from a larger photo from an event recognizing the centennial anniversary on September 27, 1921 recognizing the (1821) declaration of Mexican Independence when Revolutionary forces occupied Mexico City as the Spanish withdrew. The photo was taken in the Valley and is now in the possession of the Museum of South Texas History.



The book Nickle Plated Highway, a book on early Hidalgo County politics, tells the story:

"The moving or the courthouse became a legend in Hidalgo County and, as with most legends, there were several versions of the story. Still to the present time the rumor persists that the action was illegal, and the county officials stole the records in the middle of the night and moved the county seat to Chapin, the present town of Edinburg.

There were some legitimate reasons for moving the courthouse to a new county seat. The eroding waters of the Rio Grande often caused flooding. There was no other transportation to the town, and it was not in the geographic center or the county.

A better reason than all the others was the fact that John Closner, W. F. Sprague, and D. B. Chapin, all three county officials, had organized a townsite company and bought up 50,000 acres or land on which the present county seat of Edinburg is located.

Closner had sold his prosperous San Juan Plantation near Hidalgo, the county seat, for $250,000, and Sprague, the cotton farmer-county commissioner, had put up money from the sale of his land. D. B. Chapin, lawyer and county judge, contributed his legal advice and secured the land for the new company.

Ann Magee continued her description by stating that at dusk on election day four wagons covered with tarpaulins with double teams of mules headed for Hidalgo. The mules were unhitched around the courthouse. The drivers and other workers began loading the records for the move to Chapin. Two other wagons were added to carry food supplies for both the workers and the animals. There were also oxcarts loaded with bricks for a temporary vault to be built in Chapin to hold the records.

Mr. W. L. Lipscomb, foreman of the San Juan Plantation and McGee's father, was in charge of the general preparations and responsible for the care of the mules and oxen. A caravan of special deputies on horseback was headed by the County Treasurer, A. Y. Baker, and assisting him were T. S. Mayfield and County Judge D. B. Chapin. Also in the group were John Closner, Sheriff, Andres Chavez, County Clerk, and Joe Alamia, Tax Assessor and Collector. These men were all armed.

On the site of the future town of Chapin, waiting for those moving the records, were camped about ten engineers who had surveyed the land for Judge Chapin. With them were approximately 400 Hispanic workmen who had been hastily summoned for the job and who had barely finished clearing the brush for the site of the new county square.

They were awakened from their sleep of exhaustion about 3:00 a.m. by the sound of gunfire. A few minutes later a caravan of loaded wagons moved into the clearing led by the celebrating county officials, firing their guns in jubilation.

Engineer E. M. Card, who was supervising the clearing, described the activity in an unpublished monograph.

The wagons carried the new capital in the form of old county records, together with the all-important returns of the election and resolutions which specified that the County seat of Hidalgo County should be moved from its old place on the banks of the Rio Grande to the center of a broad stretch of delta brush eight miles from the nearest railroad, which had hitherto been inhabited only by the howling coyote and his kin of the wilds.

The next day lumber from McAllen arrived which was used for floor and walls about three feet high. Over this was spread a tent where the county records were kept. Within a few days a two-story board house was constructed, and a crude vault was fashioned from the bricks hauled from Hidalgo."

This event was recognized by the Texas Legislature.

A Legislative Talk With Edinburg Retired Teachers

I was invited to address the Edinburg Retired Teachers Association at the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Building. They are already focused on the upcoming legislative session which starts in January. This is the same group that had me giving it my all to get them the thirteenth check. They wanted to know what the upcoming session would be like and where retired teachers fell into the plan for the session. My thanks to this wonderful group for their support and for the plaque, they were so kind in presenting to me.

Hunker Down or Get Out

Ike is here!

Border Fence $400 Million Over Budget

The Bush Administration's planned barrier along the US/Mexico border is falling far behind schedule and running $400 million over budget.

The current administration is pushing to finish 670 miles of physical barriers along the southern border before President Bush leaves office. So far, only half of the fence has been completed. It looks like the next president's problem.

Many of us have repeatedly spoken up against the border fence as a costly project that would likely see continuous overruns and hidden cost expansions. Well I hate to tell you so ... but I told you so. Border security, yes, we are all for that. Cracking down on the drug cartels and the border drug violence, you won't find a stronger advocate. The conservative in me however tells me there are smarter and more cost effective ways of solving this problem. History I'm afraid will judge this decision poorly. The debate without a doubt will continue to increase, as I'm sure the costs will.

The Brownsville Herald has more on the $400 million dollar cost overrun.

The Observer has a good story on this subject.

Ike To Strike

Houston we have a problem!

The National Weather service has said that the hurricane's northward path makes it unlikely the hurricane will hit the Rio Grande Valley. We may still have some rain and South Padre Island is likely to see storm surge - which may cause coastal flooding. A hurricane watch may still be in effect for Port Mansfield.

Lance Armstrong Coming Out of Retirement

Lance Armstrong wants to win an eighth Tour de France and raise global awareness in his fight against cancer. He recently made an announcement that he is ending his three year retirement. At 36-years-old, turning 37 next week, he still has a lot of fight in him and we wish him the best of luck.

After he retired Armstrong took on cancer as a political issue. He was instrumental in persuading the 2007 Texas Legislature to pass a $3 billion fund for cancer research. That is were I met Mr. Armstrong and I certainly thank him for his support with HJR 90 and the kind words of support he gave me for our work in that effort.

"This is a damn war for me. It's nothing other than that," Armstrong told The Associated Press. With that spirit I have no doubt Lance Armstrong will continue to be a winner in whatever he does.

United on 9/11

Honor and Service to Community this September 11th

Today marks the seventh year since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. We will always remember a profound and painful loss of innocent life and we will never forget the courage of those first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. In communities across this great state and nation we have an opportunity to thank our firefighters, law enforcement and other emergency service personnel who protect and serve us every day.

Time and again, first responders answer the call when tragedy strikes. Our South Texas communities saw firsthand how well these brave men and women performed when Hurricane Dolly made a direct hit on the Rio Grande Valley. As another hurricane threatens to impact South Texas, once again we see the preparation from the Texas State Guard to the Coast Guard, from the sheriff departments to the volunteer fire departments. They are hard at work protecting our community.

Hurricane Ike may strike the Rio Grande Valley. As we honor the memories of those who died on that fateful day we all have a chance to make a difference in our community. Help a neighbor prepare for the storm. Donate money or supplies to the Salvation Army or the Red Cross. Check in on family and friends to make sure they are safe. Join the Texas State Guard. On this September 11th we can all do our part and lend a helping hand.

Ike Cometh Closer

Hurricane briefing over, it's time to head home. Looks like Ike is heading to our home in Deep South Texas as well.

Ike Cometh

I was in Austin today to meet with Brigadier General Raymond Peters of the Texas State Guard. I am impressed with the preparations our state guard is taking in anticipation of Hurricane Ike.

Look for Saturday to be the big day. Three of the National Hurricane Center's six forecasting models now show Hurricane Ike slamming into shore at or near Galveston. All six forecasting models show Ike hitting shore on the Texas coast.

One of those six appears to predict a direct hit at Galveston. Two others both show Ike hitting the same spot, between Galveston and Freeport.

The other three models intersect very near Corpus.

The rest of the story here.

Hurricane Ike

With all the talk of Hurricane Ike, I couldn't help but remember this classic in political advertising.

Now on to the seriousness of Hurricane Ike, this is presently a very dangerous Category 4 Hurricane and computer models once again show it heading for a region between New Orleans and Houston. The New Orleans levees, which recently were severely tested by a weaker hurricane, will surely be overwhelmed by a direct hit by Ike.

Texans and emergency safety personnel are taking note. I don't have a good feeling about this hurricane. I will be traveling to Austin on Monday to speak with the ranking officer of our Texas State Guard. Ike will surely be a subject of discussion.

I am preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. My recommendation is that you do the same.

Key Dates In Presidential Race

We know our candidates. We've heard the convention speeches. Now we move on to the debates. Here are the key dates to watch:

September 26 -- First presidential debate in Oxford, Mississippi

October 2 -- Vice presidential debate in St. Louis, Missouri

October 7 -- Second presidential debate in Nashville, Tennessee

October 15 -- Third presidential debate in Hempstead, New York

November 4 -- Election Day

A Political Rally

American artist John McCrady (1911-1968) captured small town, Southern politics in his painting “Political Rally”. This wonderful piece of Americana is going up for sale this month. The best I can do is post a copy from the auction magazine.

John McCrady was born in Canton,Miss., and lived in Oxford in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He attended the University of Mississippi, studied art in New Orleans and New York, and during the Depression worked for the WPA's Federal Art Project. Later, in 1942, he founded the John McCrady Art School of New Orleans and served as its director and instructor until his death in 1968.

Oxford and its surrounding countryside provided a major source of artistic inspiration for McCrady throughout his life. Political Rally, set on the town's square, depicts a campaign gathering for demagogic politician Theodore Bilbo. A hateful man, his nickname was "the man" because he repeatedly refered to himself in the third person. Standing to the right, at the edge of the crowd, is William Faulkner; beside him are the painter and his wife, Mary.

Our Valley Veterans Need Our Help

I met with the leadership of our Valley veteran community to discuss plans on how this community could break what they perceive as an impasse at the federal level to finalize their dream of a veterans' hospital. They started by saying that another veterans' march might be in order unless the impasse is broken. Time is running out in this congressional session and veterans are looking for help. I reaffirmed my support and would ask that you do the same.

Texas Delegates Return Home

With the close of the Republican National Convention last night we wrapped up that great historic and cultural experience used by our two dominant political parties to elect our American president. Sure, they are in many ways only a relic of days long passed and yes today's conventions are little more than four day scripted infomercials, but what a loss it would be if they all came to an end. Conventions are more than fanfare, fun and frivolity. They have purpose.

From my perspective there are great similarities but also great differences in the atmosphere, culture and ideals of the two parties. In many ways they represent the condensed political duality found in the American character. They are a reflection of the fears, ambitions, hopes and ideals found within ourselves. These gatherings are at times, expressions of great cultural and historical movements and they find expression in these very public statements that occur every four years.

With only two months before our great American experiment makes another peaceful transition of power let us all reflect on the wonder, beauty and elegance of our democracy.

At the same time let us welcome and congratulate our returning Texas delegates. Not only were they active participants in our political system, they also are carriers of what is still beautiful in the American system - they still rightfully believe they can change the world. In this country, I want to believe they still can.

Welcome home delegates and may the best perspective for our time find success.

Bush Speechwriter Gives Tough Assessment Of McCain Speech

Last night was the Republican nominee's acceptance speech. Michael Gerson, a former Bush speechwriter gave his brutally honest assessment of the speech.

With both conventions now behind us and with both candidates arguing they will be instruments of change, we begin an eight week battle for the white house. Hold on to your seats it looks like it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Here is a more positive assessment from some of the Texas delegates.

Sarah Palin Hits One Out Of The Park

Sarah Palin, the candidate on the Republican ticket running for vice-president, introduced herself to the nation last night. The speech is here if you missed it. She certainly delivered the red meat to her base and appears to be a cultural response to the Obama movement. As a working class every-mom she presented a compelling figure to the swing, cultural conservative voters in places like Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Mexico and Colorado. As a Texan, a place that is loaded with cultural conservative voters, including the Democratic stronghold of South Texas, I do think that she is a compelling figure and will reinvigorate the McCain campaign. Only time, in particular the upcoming candidate debates, will tell if Palin's candidacy has endurance beyond the immediacy of the Republican convention.

The Villa Estella Trevino Project

I gave testimony today before the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in our continued effort to bring a 168 elderly housing project, appropriately called the Villa Estella Trevino project, to Edinburg. The project will have a substantial economic development impact on our local economy. Recent developments in the stock market and the economy necessitated another visit to the committee so we can see this project through. The committee was receptive but debate and testimony will continue in Austin tomorrow.

Duty, Honor, Country

Republicans gathered today in St. Paul, Minnesota to begin their abbreviated national convention in support of their presumptive nominee, Sen. John McCain. Über-partisans aside, most Americans recognize and respect the military service John McCain and the servicemen from his family have given to our country. This citizen certainly does.

The New York Times has a short video that exhibits how McCain's character was formed in the crucible of his war service.

Labor Day Observed

In recognition of Labor Day I present this photo of a very important labor leader that I ran into at the Democratic National Convention. Dolores Huerta is the co-founder (along with Cesar Chávez) of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO.

In 1965 Huerta directed the UFW’s national grape boycott, taking the plight of the farm workers to the consumers. The boycott resulted in the entire California table grape industry signing a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the United Farm Workers in 1970.

At this convention, Huerta made the speech nominating Clinton for President.

From left to right in this photo is Andres Gonzalez (San Antonio), DNC committeeman Jaime Gonzalez (McAllen), Dolores Huerta, Rep. Aaron Pena (Edinburg), Rep. Ryan Guillen (Rio Grande City).

Each of us gathered to pay our respects at a luncheon honoring Brownsville native and former Denver Mayor Frederico Peña.