Wait, Pena is trying to get back into city politics?

This Pena?

https://www.kbtx.com/content/news/Police-report-on-Pena-incident-released-on-order-from-Bryan-city-council-379038051.html

That's the one

https://www.kbtx.com/content/news/Fractured-Bryan-council-asks-for-investigation-into-residency-of-councilmember-378901241.html

That guy is even less qualified to be mayor than the incumbent. I think he's a letter carrier now.

halibut sinclair said:

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That guy is even less qualified to be mayor than the incumbent. I think he's a letter carrier now.

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That should say it all.

Good ole Bobby classic pay for play system https://www.kbtx.com/2023/03/16/pilot-accuses-mayor-holding-plane-ransom-after-emergency-landing-bryan/

For anyone following the Bryan mayor's race, I think Rafael Peña deserves a serious look.

Rather than taking anyone's word for it, I'd encourage people to look at his record on the Bryan City Council and Brazos Central Appraisal District, compare his positions with Mayor Bobby Gutierrez's record, and pay particular attention to issues like the Texas Avenue medians, the Schulman's development, property taxes, spending, and transparency at City Hall.

There are real differences between these candidates, and voters should dig into the public records and decide for themselves. As far as Peña career goes he was a rural carrier when he served on the bryan city council the first term. I dont know why a man working to support his family is being attacked.

I'm outside the city limits so get no say in this one. That being said, neither candidate appears worthy of the office. I can't believe these are the best two that Bryan has to offer?

This seems to be an issue from local to national politics. Our choice of candidates just sucks for a lot of races.

Fair open govt. said:

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For anyone following the Bryan mayor's race, I think Rafael Peña deserves a serious look.

Rather than taking anyone's word for it, I'd encourage people to look at his record on the Bryan City Council and Brazos Central Appraisal District, compare his positions with Mayor Bobby Gutierrez's record, and pay particular attention to issues like the Texas Avenue medians, the Schulman's development, property taxes, spending, and transparency at City Hall.

There are real differences between these candidates, and voters should dig into the public records and decide for themselves. As far as Peña career goes he was a rural carrier when he served on the bryan city council the first term. I dont know why a man working to support his family is being attacked.

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Rafael has a unique and distinctive history on this board. It's definitely causing me to take another look at his candidacy.

Fair open govt. said:

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For anyone following the Bryan mayor's race, I think Rafael Peña deserves a serious look.

Rather than taking anyone's word for it, I'd encourage people to look at his record on the Bryan City Council and Brazos Central Appraisal District, compare his positions with Mayor Bobby Gutierrez's record, and pay particular attention to issues like the Texas Avenue medians, the Schulman's development, property taxes, spending, and transparency at City Hall.

There are real differences between these candidates, and voters should dig into the public records and decide for themselves. As far as Peña career goes he was a rural carrier when he served on the bryan city council the first term. I dont know why a man working to support his family is being attacked.

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Howdy Mike Southerland! I did some research like you asked, here's what a quick google brought me, seems like a loving stable young man

https://www.kbtx.com/content/news/Police-report-on-Pena-incident-released-on-order-from-Bryan-city-council-379038051.html

https://www.kbtx.com/content/news/Bryan-City-Councilman-may-be-violating-city-charter-residency-rules-377890001.html

https://www.kbtx.com/content/news/County-Attorney-says-he-will-not-purse-charges-against-Bryan-city-councilman--378342021.html

Quote:

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Peña's wife also described an incident seven months earlier, according to the police report. In that alleged incident, she says she was in bed with the couple's two-month-old child when Councilman Peña got angry and started dragging her around the house while she held the child. According to the report, she claimed she didn't call police at the time because of her husband's elected position. In the report, she describes her husband as being big on respect and manipulative, and says she doesn't know what he's capable of when he's upset.

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I spent some time looking through penaformayor.com and following Rafael Peña's campaign page, and one thing that keeps coming through is that he wants citizens, first responders, and local businesses to have a seat at the table before major decisions are made.

He points to the Texas Avenue medians as an example of why he believes the public needs to be involved earlier in the process. Peña has said that if voters approve the charter amendment regarding the medians, he would work to have them removed where possible.

Another issue he talks about is how the city handles economic development. His position seems pretty straightforward: City Hall shouldn't operate like a bank. He has repeatedly used the roughly $2 million in financing provided for the Schulman's Movie Bowl Grille project as an example of what he believes the city should avoid.

That doesn't mean he's against economic development or working with businesses. From what I understand, his argument is that when taxpayer money is involved, agreements should include clear benchmarks, performance measures, and strong clawback provisions so taxpayers have protection if a project doesn't deliver what was promised.

The other thing I've noticed is his emphasis on accessibility and communication. He's talked about returning the City Council to two regular meetings a month instead of one and creating more opportunities for citizens to be heard.

Whether you agree with every position or not, there seems to be a consistent theme to his campaign: involve people earlier, ask more questions before spending taxpayer money, and make City Hall more accountable to the people it serves.

I guess the voters of Bryan will give little Bobby three strikes before he's out. First strike was an unethical agreement to lease land from the city for $1 a year for his cattle and then try to extort money from the plane owner who had to emergency land on his property. Second strike was the giving Schulman 2 million for that eyesore at midtown park. The medians are bad, but that is on TX Dot.

Thanks for joining us, Mr Pena

DonHenley said:

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I guess the voters of Bryan will give little Bobby three strikes before he's out. First strike was an unethical agreement to lease land from the city for $1 a year for his cattle and then try to extort money from the plane owner who had to emergency land on his property. Second strike was the giving Schulman 2 million for that eyesore at midtown park. The medians are bad, but that is on TX Dot.

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And the Mayor led the hiring of City Mgr Nelson, with ridiculous contractual agreements--

"Nelson's five year contract includes a first year salary of $355,000 dollars.
In addition to city contributions to the state retirement system as with all other city employees, the council is paying Nelson up to $5,000 a year into another designated retirement plan.
Nelson receives 30 days paid vacation per year and will be paid for any unused time when he leaves.
Other benefits includes a vehicle allowance of $700 dollars a month and the city paying for memberships in local civic clubs and organizations.
When Nelson decides to resign, he has to give at least 30 days notice.
if the council wants to remove Nelson without cause, that takes a vote of six of the seven council members. Being removed without cause results in paying 20 weeks of his base salary, his health insurance for one year, and his unused vacation pay.


https://wtaw.com/contract-details-for-bryans-new-city-manager/

Why it was a unanimous vote by the Council members is bizarre...

GenXAg said:

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I'm outside the city limits so get no say in this one. That being said, neither candidate appears worthy of the office. I can't believe these are the best two that Bryan has to offer?

This seems to be an issue from local to national politics. Our choice of candidates just sucks for a lot of races.

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Seeing what candidates are subjected to, many reasonable people would choose not to run for public office.

michellecan said:

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Pena for Mayor

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Not even if he was the only one running.