718 WEST 5th ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 477.6Th5 Governor Clements proved a good listener Texas Governor Bill Clements came to the Valley last week.. .and what he gained by listening to area community leaders tell of their problems and their concerns may bring about some far-reaching changes in state priorities for action. According to Mercedes businessman Liborio Hinojosa, who was one of eight Valley people who 'hosted' the governor's visit, "Clements came here trying to communicate with the Mexican-American community to learn the things we are trying to do." The governor and Valley leaders exchanged views in areas such as education, the problem of illegal aliens, help for small business, customs help on international bridges and specific area needs, said Mr. Hinojosa. "We took him on- a tour of Texas State Technical Institute in Harlingen... and he was impressed. We showed him the enrollment every year) and he recognized the need for enlarged facilities here," said Hinojosa. The Mercedes businessman said that Hidalgo County judges impressed on the governor the need for a new District Court. "And we all talked about the need for a juvenile facility here so as not to have to send youngsters with problems up-state." Manpower on international bridges was another concern expressed, accord- ing to Hinojosa. "More help is needed -- things that should get across are delayed and things that shouldn't, sometimes do cross. We know it's a national concern for the people in Washington, but we wanted to see if Gov. Clements could help us get things straightened out." Hinojosa says that the governor's position on the matter of illegal aliens is misunderstood. "He wants some discipline on the matter of how'many can cross. Gov. Clements wants to have workers certified by both Mexico and the United States governments before they can work here.. .and he wants regulations between both governments. He thinks the workers should be here when needed and then cut back when not needed. And he wants to make sure people who do come across are protected and paid a decent wage." Hinojosa said Valley businessmen expressed concerns with any cutback in NEDA (National Economic Development Association) funding. The Carter administration has reduced funds as part of the current budget-cutting program, says Hinojosa, "And we wanted to see if the state could either help us retain NEDA or provide alternate funding. Minority businesses have been helped by NEDA and need to continue having such help available." Education was a chief concern of both the governor and the Valley people, reported the Mercedes businessman. Evaluation of the 'finished product' (the students) at the end of the year was discussed. "And we talked about having teachers take refresher training and of changing the criteria by which a teacher can get certified." It was on the subject of education that State School Board Member Ruben Hinojosa addressed the governor in McAllen during a meeting designed to air concerns. Hinojosa told the governor there were problem areas facing Valley schools. He cited the availability of staff, the quantity of teachers available in areas such as mathematics, science, industrial arts and bilingual education. Hinojosa said metropolitan schools can offer as much as $2,800 over state base salary while rural areas can't compete. The state board member said that in some cases college education programs that prepare our teachers are "outdated to meet today's needs." Addressing himself to the area of undocumented workers wanting to work in Texas, Hinojosa said first they (the workers) would want to bring their families and we would be faced with educating their children. "What about the schools required to house these children? What monies would you appropriate to build additional class- rooms? Mr. Governor, you need to help us get state and federal impact aid." Hinojosa told the governor he was against any unionization of teachers. "If the legislature tries to pass a bill to allow this, I hope you will veto it." "In conclusion," the state board member said, "we are asking you (Gov. Clements) to help us solve these problems in education so we can offer the best quality education to the children of South Texas." FIRST FOR MERCEDES -- As far bark as anyone knows, there has sever been a Texas governor spend the night in Mercedes...that is until last Wednesday. That's when Texas Governor Bill Clements and Mrs.. Clements were houseguests of Mrs. S. M. H1nojo4a. Above, the first lady and her husband pose with Mrs. Hinojosa before a portrait of the late S. M. Hinojosa.
