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Los Fresnos Educator Addresses Job Growth and Safety in Port Election Race
- Updated: April 13, 2018
Los Fresnos educator Patrick Anderson seeks a position as Port of Brownsville Commissioner. Photo: Courtesy photo
LOS FRESNOS, TX – A clear platform focused on growing the local economy, longer lasting jobs, and protecting citizens, is driving Patrick Anderson as he recently launched his campaign for Port of Brownsville Navigation and Canal Commissioner. Anderson, a Los Fresnos High School educator, believes that the Port of Brownsville needs to consider the risks associated with current and proposed infrastructure when making operating decisions while also looking towards the future.
“My goal is to be an advocate for longer lasting jobs that align to energy transitions taking place at a global scale,” explained Anderson. “This includes diversifying the energy export portfolio with manufacturing and exporting of renewable energy and alternative fuels. Currently, the Port is heavily promoting fossil fuels with liquefied natural gas (LNG) jobs that are considered short term, 25-30 years, and are not considering the safety risks these projects have on our local communities. People have the right to know of potential dangers.”
The topic of safety has been a concern in Los Fresnos as the Valley Crossing Pipeline put two Los Fresnos schools and many residences within its blast zone radius of 4,578 ft. Understanding that more potential pipelines are being considered, Anderson stresses the need for communication and transparency from the Port.
“It can no longer be business as usual,” said Anderson. “Current growth at the Port is increasing risks to the public. For the sake of our economy and minimizing risks, it is time the Port develops a strategic plan for long term growth that takes into account social, environmental, and economic factors.”
Anderson currently serves the community on the Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Board and is chair of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Sierra Club.
Early voting for the Port of Brownsville Navigation District is April 23 – May 1, with election day taking place on May 5. Additional voter information, including voting locations, can be referenced at www.andersonforbnd.com.