Los Fresnos Resident Takes Stand Against County

by Tony Vindell/LFN

A Los Fresnos resident fought an uphill battle against a proposed salary increase elected officials with Cameron County were to vote for themselves but rescinded the idea, citing a shortfall in revenues.

Manuel Abrego, a former city mayor and city councilman, went before the commissioners court not once but twice to oppose a proposal that would have given thousands of dollars or more to about two dozen county officials had they approved the item.

He was the first concerned citizen to take the stand at a Tuesday, Aug. 20 of the commissioners’ court, but didn’t do so after it was announced that the proposed salary was rejected because of money matters.

“I was the first one of twenty people allowed to speak up,” Abrego said, “but after the announcement was made before the meeting was to start I changed course.”

The outspoken man then suggested to the commissioner’s court to get rid of the treasurer’s job if they were serious about saving money.

“I don’t believe that position is needed in Cameron County,” Abrego said. “Very few counties in Texas has a treasurer.”

Two weeks earlier before the Aug. 20 meeting, he took to the podium as the only person who spoke against the salary hikes that would have given tens of thousands of dollars to the county judge, the commissioners’ and many other elected officials.

Abrego said he was adamantly opposed to that.

“I believe in giving a salary increase to county employees,” he said, “not to those who were elected to represent us.”

Abrego served as Los Fresnos mayor in 1992-95 and in 2000-2002 and as city councilman in 1980-86.

He is currently chairman of Los Fresnos Housing Authority.

2 Comments