City of McAllen Responds to Texas Governor Rick Perry’s Veto of Senate Bill 978
Friday, June 17, 2011 at 6:28PM “The Mayor, City Commissioners and Public Utility Board members of the City of McAllen are shocked and extremely disappointed that Governor Perry has announced his intention to veto Senate Bill 978. This Bill, which would eliminate an unnecessary and expensive “layer” of government, was passed by the State Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support. A similar bill, which abolished an almost identical Water District in Ft. Bend County, received the Governor’s approval. That fact, along with the tremendous burden that the veto will place upon the taxpayers of the City of McAllen, makes this action by the Governor even more disappointing. Governor Perry prides himself on “reducing” government and cutting taxes—he certainly has not done so in this case.
At the same time, the City should be extremely proud of the work done by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Representative Veronica Gonzalez in getting SB 978 passed. They worked tirelessly on this issue. The overwhelming vote totals in favor of the Bill (31 to 0 in the Senate and 136 to 5 in the House), clearly reflect the strong case they made. Their efforts would have saved the citizens and taxpayers of McAllen hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars.
Unfortunately, Governor Perry’s veto will likely cost our citizens a similar amount.
Looking forward, as a result of the veto, the difficulties and expenses the City has had with District #3 are likely to continue. The City felt the Bill represented a fair, orderly transition and dissolution of the District. As a result of the veto, that is now not possible—however, The City will take appropriate action in its relationship with District #3 to ensure our citizens continue to have an efficient, reliable, and safe source of water into the future.”
--Mayor Richard Cortez, McAllen City Commissioners, and McAllen PUB