Ramirez gives sneak preview of Brownsville Mayor John Cowen’s first State of the City address

4 months ago 116

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez has given the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service a sneak preview of tonight’s big State of the City Address.

The event takes place at Texas Southmost College’s Performing Arts Center, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. As he was elected to office on May 16 last year, it will be Mayor John Cowen’s first State of the City Address.

“We’re going to be able to see all the wonderful accomplishments we’ve made, and we have some great new announcements,” Ramirez said, looking ahead to the event. “Our population is not always aware of everything we do. That’s why I really like state of the cities. Because they really give the community a great snapshot of what we’re doing and where we’re going.”

The fact that the SOTC is taking place at TSC’s Performing Arts Center makes the event extra special for Ramirez.

“I think it’s wonderful because the capacity is for up to 800 people. Historically, some State of the City addresses are (held) in a smaller capacity, a dinner event. This allows more people to participate, of all different age groups. From business development to nonprofits to students from TSC and UTRGV. So, it really brings everybody together, and I really like that.”

Asked what the people of Brownsville can expect to hear, Ramirez said: “What I will say is that it’s (going to be) very comprehensive. We have a mayor who also represents the RGV MPO – he is the vice chair. He’s also on the South Texas Alliance of Cities with other neighboring cities such as McAllen, Edinburg and, also, San Antonio. It will also capture a little bit of President Biden’s visit to the City of Brownsville and the way we are handling the migrant influx with our Brownsville Model. So, I like the fact that it really touches on not only the city, but its leadership on a regional state and national level.”

Asked if there will be any big announcements, Ramirez said: “I think our airport has been incredibly successful and it will continue to be successful. So, you’ll hear some updates on what’s going on at the Brownsville-South Padre International Airport.”

Asked if Mayor Cowen will talk about the City of Brownsville’s rollout of blazing fast fiber optic broadband, via BTX Fiber, Ramirez said: “Absolutely. That’s a huge project. We believe we’ll have our first customer hopefully in 45 to 60 days. So, I think that’s huge for our city.”

Ramirez added: “If we’re looking at entrepreneurship, you need that conductivity. Many people telework and work from home and need really secure internet. The level that BTX Fiber is providing our community, at a reliable price… it is less than half of what some of us are paying right now. It’s just a great opportunity to really be innovative and become a future 5G Network City.”

Here is a video recording of the interview: