World Forum update: It all started back in May......

Cindy Liendo Espinoza introduced this item on May 21, 2012. Mr. Hector Vargas spoke at the meeting.    

Liendo indicated that she put the item on the agenda because it was brought (pitched) to her by Logistics Intl who contacted her (item co-sponsored by Salinas and Narvaez) The plan, she said, was to hold the first World Forum, with “CEOS, PHDS and people of great importance in the world of logistics”.  She added that “they expect about 500 participants staying four or 5 nights”.  

 

Following is a highlight of the ensuing conversation, Vargas spoke in Spanish and the following is a combination of paraphrasing and translation.

Hector Vargas of Laredo Intl Logistics was then asked to speak.

 

Liendo : Mr. Vargas,  how much is this going to cost  the city?

HV:  Really, the event will be self-financed. There is no expected cost to the city.   

Mayor: clarify that please 

HV:  the event will be self-financed. But, we will need some “advance” which as far as we are concerned is not a ‘cost”.  He called an event of international exposure for Laredo to keep Laredo’s position in international trade.  He said he thought it was a very important event.  

Liendo:  you say you need a percentage for start up but what is that fixed amount? 

HV:  Well, it’s a years worth of work not just 2 months. We will work hard to put this event on, so it’s a lot of work. 

CV:   We had spoken and you had mentioned 20,000 dollars, or for example 25,000 dollars. But with those 25,000 dollars we will find out if this going to happen correct?  

HV: Correct, well we need to look at the document but yes that sounds about right. 

CV  Also, May would not be a good month because of the hot weather 

HV:   Really, for us there is no problem to hold it later on. It doesn’t have to be May, it will give us more time. This is just a question of when it’s convenient to the city.  

CV (to council) I recommend that you give me $25,000 and maybe later on another $5,000 and then have them come back in lets say 3 months and report back. 

Gullible Council: “So moved, all those in favor….AYE” motion passes!

 

What the seedy council voted to approve: Hector Vargas' $120,000

The lowdown on the down low: from the city's agenda packet

City continues to squander $$ under pretext of Global Marketing

I see our geniuses (or is it geni?) over at the city council are STILL up to their old tricks. Last evening, they awarded $120,000 dollars to some trade consultants called Laredo Logistics International so they can put on a "Logistic Cities World Forum" some time next May.  Where do they keep pulling out the names for these events from anyway?  If it's going to be a  World Forum, then should this group not be required to at least call themselves  "Laredo Global Logistics"? Or is that name already taken by another opportunist team that keeps putting up these forums/conferences and for what?

I'm sure taxpayers don't mind that $120,000 are being practically thrown out the window especially when it happens at the same meeting that saw the same seedy council struggle to allocate any money for Laredo's Ruth B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center. "You know times are hard" lamented both council and staff as they praised the work of the therapy center with the other side of their mouths. But when it comes to squandering big bucks, they're pros!

Wait it gets better. If, and that's a big if, the "World Forum" is a success and proceeds roll in, then a Mr. Hector Vargas of the notorious Laredo logistics International stands to pull in an additional 20 per cent of the contract price. Let's see $120,000 x 20 per cent =  an additional $24,000. Again, compliments of the Laredo taxpayers.

See? Aren't we all being well served by our illustrious council?

jamBOOZIE time again: same old, same old

The WBCA event that put the "booze" in Jamboozie is, once again, offereing no surprises this year. With their featured artist being La Mafia. It might as well still be the 1980s. It is apparent that those in charge of booking the musical talent for the alcohol-fueled festival chose to not expend even an ounce of effort in making a creative selection. 

Perhaps their reasoning goes somehting like this: Why should anyone care anyway, just about everyone will be smashed by then and those with families will make sure they leave well before the real debauchery ensues.

I'll drink to that!

VIDA's back, meeting today at Los Jacales

High Noon is when today's (November 17th) scheduled VIDA meeting is slated to take place. The "new" location for the Voices In Democratic Action gathering will be Los Jacales Restaurant.

It's been a few weeks since the local watchdog group has met and updates on several issues will probably be provided at today's meeting.

What:  VIDA meeting

When: Today, Saturday November 17th at 12:00pm

Where: Los Jacales Restaurant
             620 Guadalupe Street
             Laredo, Texas

Houston gets top billing on Saudi trip

From the Saudi Embassy's (Washington DC) website

Houston Mayor leads trade mission to Saudi Arabia

November 10, 2012

Dammam Mayor Dhaifallah Al-Otaibi received at his office today Houston Mayor Annise Danette Parker and her accompanying delegation. Mayor Parker was briefed on developments in Dammam.
Mayor Parker is leading a 38-member trade mission to the Gulf, which also includes stops in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, and aimes at expanding business cooperation between Houston and the Gulf states. “This trade mission will not only enhance our existing foreign business relationships, but also provide opportunities for new partnerships with public and private organizations in each country,” said Mayor Parker said in a statement issued prior to her trip. “Houston’s strength as an energy capital will help businesses looking for new ventures or strategic links in this part of the world and, inversely, place Houston at the forefront when Middle Eastern businesses contemplate future international business models.”

“The U.A.E., Qatar and Saudi Arabia have defied and reconfigured expectations for petro-economies by investing heavily in major infrastructure projects, scientific and cultural undertakings, and providing an array of business incentives which have brought some of the world’s largest corporations to their business community. One of the goals of this trip will be to facilitate new business partnerships and express the importance of maintaining existing ones. Mayor Parker in particular will strengthen international relations and advance Houston’s business, economic, political and commercial objectives in the Middle East, which include increasing trade between the two regions.”

LMT endorsements: No Surprises, status quo

Yawn!

From Laredo Morning Times, No Suprises.


For District 4, Juan Narvaez. The city stands to benefit from the continued presence of Narvaez in City Council.

His business experience has contributed to the myriad of permanent improvements undertaken by the city.

We urge the voters of District 4 to support Narvaez’s re-election to another term as a member of the City Council.

For District 5, Pat Campos. We believe Campos would be a positive addition to replace the retiring incumbent.

She brings a wealth of experience and commitment to public service and would make an excellent preventative for her district.

We strongly support her election to represent District 5.

For District 7, Jorge A. Vera. Rounding a relatively brief stint as city alderman for a growing District 7, Vera buckled down on short notice to become an effective representative for a part of town that has seen some improvements of recent times.

He has the smarts to appreciate and understand the pressing demands in his district, particularly in infrastructure, in connection with the Mines Road developments.

He’s involved with community and is the best choice among candidates to be returned to the District 7 council seat.

For District 8, Cindy Liendo Espinoza. Liendo Espinoza has represented her constituents well with matters of the city-wide concerns as well as projects of specific importance to her district.

She has been an effective councilwoman and has earned re-election for another four-year term.


Oh well, LMT needs to come up for some fresh air once in a while.  Speaking of: