Opinion
Ending the Misuse of Energy Savings Performance Contracts by Local Governments
Column by State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, January 2022 An ongoing federal investigation has recently revealed that energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) were being used to make kickback and bribe payments to local elected officials in western Hidalgo County. The wide-ranging investigation involves Performance Services Inc. (“PSI”), an Indiana-based company that convinced these local governments…
Read MoreLetter to the Editor
Is it just me or does it seem that the road construction on Conway Avenue has been forgotten about? I thought they were resurfacing the street, but it’s been three weeks since that happened. Poor maintenance on a major road that runs through the heart of Mission is not good for business. The road is…
Read MoreTristan’s hunting story
First opening weekend of rifle season will always be one of our family’s favorite weekends of the year. But bringing in a new member into this deer hunting party will always be a refreshing reminder of the excitement that a fresh pair of eyes can bring to a family group. For 10 year old Pablo…
Read MoreLETTER TO THE EDITOR – RESPONSE TO PREVIOUS LETTER
In response to Dr. Sparks letter about the proposed tax rate hike, I would ask him to consider that for at 17 of the 20 years I have lived here the citizens of Mission have lived under the false assumption that a fast growing city could continually lower its taxes and keep up with increased…
Read MoreFried to perfection
Southern Fried, a restaurant based originally in McAllen, has arrived in Mission. One of the charms of the establishment, which boasts a menu of fried fish filets, shrimp, chicken strips, wings and homestyle sandwiches, is that it is local, and family-owned and operated. Conveniently located just two minutes from the Progress Times office, Southern Fried…
Read More9/11, 19 years later
As I practiced reading and writing in a small, bustling kindergarten classroom, tragedy struck the nation. Most people who were already adults have their own perspective of the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. It is often claimed that young people, particularly those who were children at the time, have no grasp of…
Read MoreLETTER TO THE EDITOR: Say No to Taxes
I am writing this letter in response to the upcoming vote to raise taxes in the city of Mission at the meeting on Monday, September 14, 2020. I have a question for the city. Why would the City Council of Mission want to raise taxes in the middle of a pandemic when so many people…
Read MoreLetters to the editor
To the Editor: Do you know who’s voting by mail this election? Donald Trump. And do you know who’s making it harder for everyone else in the country to vote by mail in the middle of a global pandemic? That’s right — Donald Trump. He and other White House officials have gone on record with…
Read MoreCoronavirus Will Not End Our Commitment to Public Education
Column by Senator Jane Nelson and Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, May 2020 Last session, the Texas Legislature passed HB 3 to invest more state dollars in our classrooms and give a much needed salary increase to our teachers. With the coronavirus pandemic, we have learned to appreciate even more the role of our schools and…
Read MoreUTRGV School of Medicine Graduation — Historic Moment
Column by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa Last Saturday the Rio Grande Valley witnessed a truly historic moment, a moment that for many of us has been a longtime dream. Thirty-nine students graduated in the inaugural graduation ceremony from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine! They will forever be honored as the…
Read More