‘This is going to happen’: Brownsville official tries to appease Starbase election complaints

Brownsville City Commissioner At-Large “A” Tino Villarreal Jr.

Brownsville City Commissioner At-Large “A” Tino Villarreal Jr., in a statement following Cameron County’s announcement of an election to decide whether Starbase will be incorporated as a Type C municipality, seeks to clear up some misconceptions about the process while underlining the importance of continued public access to Boca Chica Beach.

County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. announced Wednesday that the incorporation election will coincide with the general election on May 3, with early voting taking place April 22-29.

Villarreal’s statement, in response to a high volume of constituent complaints he’s received on the issue, points out that most if not all the eligible voters in the election will be SpaceX employees who already live at Starbase, which by the way virtually guarantees a “yes” vote.

“This is not an election where we get to vote,” he told The Brownsville Herald. “This is an election where, by state law, it’s pretty clear, that the people who get to vote are only the people who live in the new proposed incorporated city limits. This is going to happen. The vote’s going to go through.”

Villarreal likewise emphasized that it was not Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr.’s decision to call the election. Rather, the judge was required to call an election by Section 8.009 of the Texas Local Government Code, as the county noted in its announcement, because the petitioners met all the legal requirements.

“Any area in the state can ask for a vote,” Villarreal said. “If they file correctly and they follow all the legal necessary paperwork and documentation, the county has to put it on a ballot. … That’s the process that takes place. It’s not up to Judge Trevino’s discretion.”

Villarreal said that, while SpaceX currently has to go through the county to schedule closures of S.H. 4 and Boca Chica Beach, he’s been informed that the company is in Austin lobbying legislators for the state rather than the county to regulate the closures. If the voters approve incorporation as a Type C municipality (between 201 and 4,999 residents), Starbase will be able to elect a mayor and two city commission members, he said.

Villarreal said he intends to advocate for continued public access to Boca Chica Beach and wants Starbase’s elected officials, whoever they are, to be fully aware of the concerns of residents of Brownsville and other parts of the county.

“While (SpaceX employees’) contributions to our community are significant, this unique voting demographic may not fully represent the diverse interests of all Cameron County residents, particularly concerning public access to Boca Chica Beach,” the statement reads.

A view of SpaceX’s Starship booster return to the launch pad at Boca Chica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)

Villarreal said he’s committed to working diligently to make sure Starbase’s incorporation does not further impede beach access even if state matters and affairs of separate municipalities are outside his jurisdiction.

“This national treasure has long been a cherished space for all residents of Cameron County, and its accessibility must be preserved,” according to the statement.

Villarreal also said he’ll advocate for a Starbase government that “operates with full transparency and remains accountable to both its residents and the broader Cameron County community,” while also promotes policies to protect Boca Chica’s unique ecosystems, “ensuring that development is balanced with environmental conservation.”

“I encourage all residents, both within the proposed Starbase boundaries and throughout Cameron County, to stay informed and engaged as this process unfolds,” according to the statement. “Together we can work toward a future that embraces innovation while preserving the natural and public resources that define our community.”

Villarreal, who said his job is to inform constituents but also voice their concerns, said SpaceX has been a “phenomenal partner” and a source of much of the city’s recent growth, noted that the mayor and city commission voted unanimously in support of a proclamation supporting SpaceX and Starbase.

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