Letters to the Editor | Week of Sept. 22-27, 2025

Fight exotic pet smuggling

After reading the article “Woman arrested in Brownsville for attempting to smuggle baby spider monkeys” by Xavier Alvarez (July 14), I hope the U.S and Mexico strengthen their grasp on people smuggling in exotic fauna.

A woman was arrested due to smuggling baby monkeys across the border, to be later paid. With the issues regarding invasive species crossing the border, the idea of stronger border entrance security can protect North American ecosystems and hinder the exotic animal trade.

The ecosystems of North America are both extremely diverse and fragile, so introducing invasive species can do irreversible damage to them. This may not seem like a problem to humans as invasive animals aren’t competing with us but rather native animals; however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In Florida, pet pythons have grown in population so drastically that they have made their way into suburban areas, introducing an unknown deadly danger for those who step outside in these “safe” areas.

If border entrance security were tightened, these dangers would be restricted from growing.

Due to the rare nature of exotic animals, they have become popular pets; however, a black-market ecosystem was created from that demand. This trade profits from the smuggling of animals from their natural habitats into cages that are later transported to countries like the U.S.

These animals are transported in terrible conditions, so many do not make the journey across.

The best way to end this illegal market is to increase security at border entrances, allowing fewer shady individuals to pass through with exotic animals, thus hindering the trade and protecting the lives of exotic animals.

Others may say that raising security at border entrances increases the amount of time and work for a person to pass through and so increases the length of the traffic. This is true, but one must consider that the long-term benefits outweigh the negatives in this case, as protecting North American ecosystems, increasing safety in our neighborhoods and preventing the growth of a black-market trade are far more important issues.

Protecting North American environments and preventing the growth of the illegal exotic animal trade can be achieved through further securing border entrances.

Mariano Nunez Moya

Mission

Warning systems help save lives

I was thoroughly concerned when I read about Kerr County’s long-standing resistance to implementing a flood warning siren system, especially after the catastrophic flood on July 4.

This tragedy in which more than 100 lives were lost in a horrible flash flood could definitely have been prevented. At the very least, the number of casualties could have been far lower if local officials had acted sooner. In my opinion, the warning systems they relied on were not sufficient.

First, it has been shown that physical sirens are a more reliable method of alerting a large group of people in an emergency. Cellphones are OK, but most of the time they will go unnoticed at night or fail during power outages. Sirens, on the other hand, are loud, effective and impossible to ignore. In areas such as Kerr County where homes are spread out and cell service isn’t the best and sometimes spotty, this kind of warning is very crucial.

The article I read pointed out that the county officials had years to implement a siren system. Federal grant options were even considered, but the idea stalled due to political concerns and worries over taxes.

Second, other areas in Texas such as Comfort and Crockett already use sirens effectively. It is both discouraging and frustrating how Kerr County didn’t learn from these examples.

Moreover, the fact that they had the resources but instead chose to allocate the money elsewhere rather than invest in emergency warning tools is also frustrating. Why not invest in something that could save lives?

This appears to be a clear failure of priorities. The fear of politics and upsetting the voters should never prevail over the need to keep them safe.

Some may argue that installing sirens is too costly and outdated. However, saving lives is never outdated. Emergencies are very unpredictable, and relying only on cellphones is too risky.

The article made it clear that cost wasn’t really the biggest issue, but fear of political consequences was.

I urge local political leaders and residents to reconsider how we define “fiscal responsibility.” Protecting people from natural disasters should always be the top priority. Investing in a warning system may seem like a lot of money, but it is far better than losing a life.

Joshua Rodriguez

McAllen

Investing in future

A recent article discusses the city of Starbase’s approval for SpaceX to build a new liquid oxygen facility near Boca Chica Beach. The article explains how this plant will support rocket launches and further the company’s ambitions in the space industry.

While some environmental concerns have been raised, the decision passed with a 4-1 vote in favor of the project. This expansion highlights the region’s growing role in aerospace technology.

Texas residents should support this decision because it’s a chance for long-term economic growth.

The addition of this plant means more jobs for local people in Cameron County and beyond. In the article, Mayor Ruth Garcia expressed confidence that this would bring benefits to the area.

When new industries are introduced, they create direct and indirect job opportunities from engineers and technicians to construction workers and support staff. For a region that has often struggled with limited job options, this is a meaningful step forward.

It can also build up local pride by showing that South Texas can support advanced scientific projects.

Beyond job creation, the SpaceX project also encourages educational growth and innovation.

Students in the area can be inspired to pursue STEM careers, knowing that companies like SpaceX are now part of their community.

The presence of this facility can lead to partnerships with local schools and colleges, providing internships, hands on experiences or mentoring opportunities.

As technology becomes more important in everyday life, having access to this kind of industry locally prepares young people for the future. Even if not every student works directly for SpaceX, being near such an innovative company can help shift the mindset of what is possible in South Texas.

Some may argue that the SpaceX expansion poses environmental risks to the Boca Chica Beach area. Opponents worry about wildlife, pollution and the long-term impact of industrial growth near natural spaces. These are valid concerns that should be considered through environmental review and strict regulation. However, rejecting the project altogether ignores the possibility of responsible development.

With proper oversight, it is possible to balance environmental care with economic progress.

SpaceX has already worked under pressure before, and continued public involvement can help ensure they are held accountable.

Allowing SpaceX to build a liquid oxygen plant is a positive step for South Texas. The project not only supports the local economy but also helps inspire educational and technological advancement.

As this region continues to grow, residents should welcome opportunities that prepare the community for a stronger, more innovative future.

Francisco Tostado

Weslaco

Mitigating flood risk

An article after the catastrophic flooding Central Texas recently endured on Independence Day with an aftermath of 130 casualties reported as of July 15 offers experts’ perspectives on how to mitigate the risk of dangerous flooding in the future.

However, there is no evidence of the specific safety challenges in the article. What are specific hurdles officials face and ask why can’t they enforce regulations for structures near vital floodplains?

Information should be provided on what efforts local government are taking or considering. The article’s top tip, to not build a home in a flood prone area, is not feasible to all, especially as the population grows. According to the article, the Texas Water Development Board estimates that more than 5 million residents live in flood hazard locations. UT geography professor Kimberly Meitzen and executive director of the Texas Floodplain Management Association Chris Steubing share their advice.

The public should want to gain knowledge on how local government serves them by lessening danger in susceptible regions.

We should support structural and safety guidelines in place for buildings along rivers and floodplains to ensure secure foundations with careful inspection of distances and heights from potential danger.

There are a substantial number of camps located by this major river and surrounding lakes that welcome visitors year-round. Some of the areas are considered rural, which may present a challenge, Mr. Steubing implied. I hope this concern can be looked at closely by county and state officials due to the magnitude of the natural disaster.

Keep in mind, not all floodplains are by rivers; this is also why awareness of emergency plans is crucial.

Some people are protective of their land rights and go against further code enforcement or control being imposed on their property. That is understandable since Texas is known to hardly set firm restrictions. However, enforcing certain regulations in these flood-risk areas is worth saving lives.

People can also see this advice as useful. Everyone should become aware of the surrounding environmental factors that could impact them, whether that is in rain, ice or fire.

The severe flash flooding that affected us as a state was not foreseen; preparation is key. Local authorities should inform the public of current challenges along with action being taken to protect Texans near floodplains.

Blanca Ramirez

McAllen

Redistricting not wanted

Our Republican elected officials in the Texas State house are telling us that it is perfectly legal to redistrict before the next census. Politics is a rough game, they say. If its legal and gives Republicans more seats, then full steam ahead.

But is redistricting before the 2026 midterm elections healthy for our battered democracy? Aren’t our districts already a gerrymandered mess? Don’t we have vital issues that voters from across the spectrum need to weigh in on?

Elected officials and citizens of good will on both sides of the aisle know that Donald Trump’s request for Texas to redraw its districts is a race to the bottom that might (or might not) win Republicans more seats, but at the cost of intensifying cynicism and polarization.

Please write your state senator and representative. Tell them to oppose the current redistricting effort. Tell them to put country over party. Tell them to defend the integrity of our democratic system.

Lyon Rathbun

Rancho Viejo

Professor evaluations

As a result of poor teaching performance, many students’ education is substandard. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley follows UT System policies, and these policies are not explicit on how teaching performance is measured.

The UT System does not include teaching performance as a reason for dismissal or need of correction for tenured faculty, and UTRGV’s Tenured Faculty Evaluation policy includes “work performance in teaching” as part of their annual review without specifying what those parameters entail and what it would take for them to continue teaching. Reaching tenure in education becomes a protection for faculty maintaining their profession, but who thinks about the students receiving substandard teaching?

Students complete course evaluations at the end of each semester providing feedback on course effectiveness and teaching quality. Unfortunately, these evaluations often fail to improve faculty performance due to students’ bias and factors that influence their ratings. A cohort of students may be highly dissatisfied with a professor’s manner of teaching, considering it inadequate, unprofessional or morally questionable, but negative course evaluations across multiple semesters rarely result in change.

Some students withdraw from courses to avoid such professors, impacting their degree plan, and potentially, finances.

In contrast, some universities successfully improve faculty’s performance, and some students remain complacent to avoid negatively affecting their grades. This social issue stems from academic politics, poor organizational regulations, peer and societal pressures and behavioral frameworks that incentivize mediocrity while offering little support to faculty and student satisfaction.

To address this, it’s recommended to closely analyze evaluation outcomes across race and gender as minority faculty may be rated lower. Students’ experience and feedback is crucial, but an expert committee should evaluate courses too. I would include a panel of student representatives to review faculty performance.

Additionally, providing students with follow-up on how their evaluations are used would promote transparency and trust in the system.

University evaluations need improvement to prevent poor student education and attrition. Improving educator performance can increase student success and the graduation rate for the university. A student’s voice needs to be heard, and not just have a semblance of it through surveys that don’t amount to true change.

Wendy Macias

Brownsville

Placing blame

I just love the way Texas Gov. Greg Abbott responded to a reporter. When a reporter asked him if local officials deserved blame for not responding adequately to the devastating flash floods that occurred in Kerr County, killing more than 130 people and many still missing, Abbott responded, “Who’s to blame? Know this. The way winners talk is not to point fingers. They talk about solutions!”

I’m hoping President Donald Trump was listening. I’m hoping he’ll take Abbott’s words to heart and stop pointing fingers and blaming others for his foolish mistakes. It’s not presidential.

Italo J. Zarate

Brownsville

Local effect

How are Donald Trump and current Republican legislators affecting our communities? As of this writing:

1) Hidalgo County: Cancellation of Operation Border Health 2025 Clinics, which would have provided free medical, dental, vision, immunizations and other services to thousands in Hidalgo County, leaving many without their primary annual access to care. In addition, the county has lost, or will lose, about $15 million in federal funding and about 50 grant‐funded positions. The county health department reported “double‐digit” staffing reductions in vaccination compliance and other public‐health programs due to diminished federal support.

2) UTRGV: Grants cancelled by the National Institutes of Health, which terminated a $1.2 million, five-year grant supporting diabetes-complications research resulting in its lab closures, delaying critical biomarker validation and three postdocs lost research support. The National Science Foundation rescinded a grant of $600,000 for a next‐generation geospatial LiDAR and cannot complete high-resolution flood‐map projects and two engineering Ph.D. candidates lost stipend support.

3) South Texas College: NIH grants abruptly paused in March 2024 to STC’s Community Health Research Initiative of $450,000, the program focused on rural immunization uptake, resulting in mobile-clinic vaccination drives being cancelled and the project coordinator furloughed. A planned $300,000 NSF STEM scholarship program for South Texas College’s STEM-minority students was cut before year 1 disbursement, resulting in the incoming cohort of 25 scholarship recipients losing tuition support. In addition, STC saw a cut of $350,000 under Title V Hispanic-Serving Institutions grants in 2025 and has appealed.

The above are just a few examples of how the Trump administration, buoyed by current Republicans in Congress, are making our communities sicker, poorer and less educated.

Diane Teter

Edinburg

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Editor’s note: We welcome your letters and commentary. Submissions must include the writer’s full name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters of 200 words or fewer will be given preference. Submissions may be edited for length, grammar and clarity. Letters may be mailed to P.O Box 3267, McAllen, Texas 78502-3267, or emailed to letters@myRGV.com.

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