Sounding Off: Was the Latin American trip worth it? Tell us what you think!
By
Ray Gomez
Story Created:
Dec 7, 2009
Story Updated:
Dec 7, 2009
Council may be on board with this idea, but we want to know if the people of Laredo are as excited about city representatives taking a 10 day trip in an effort to bring Latin American commerce here through our city's port of entry.
In an inter-media initiative, we want to know what you think.
Head to our poll to take a side and make your voice heard in our blog section.
Laredo, tell us what you think!
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EACastillo said on Monday, Dec 7 at 11:49 PM
While I agree that our elected officials must do what they can to attract more business to Laredo; I do not agree with the timing. In order to market Laredo to countries that are currently dealing with cities like LA and Miami, we must first commit ourselves to addressing/improving infrastructure and quality of life issues here at home. What good will attracting these businesses to our city do, if we will not be able to keep them in our community for the long run?
33278202at least they're trying said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 1:26 AM
according to Forbes...the Mcallen and and Valley area are way worse off economically than the Laredo area. Many people claim that the valley is the place to go. well if your not a BP Agent then i dare u to go and find a job over there. At least the Laredo city council and management are looking for business to come to our city. The local media should at least try to be helpful in promoting our city instead of looking for a negative response. look it up Laredo is not a poor city.
33281844Ray Gomez would support said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 2:05 AM
I think Mr. Ray Gomez would be disapointed in KGNS's anti stance in the City Government's trip to South America. At least their is an attempt by the the city to bring business to to our citizens. I know Mr. Gomez was a good person, and he passed away 2 weeks ago but I'm sure he would not want KGNS to use him as an "In Loving Memory Poster Board" he was way better than that. Let him rest in pease.
33282784Cg said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 7:24 AM
The entire country is in a resession. Who in their right mind would consider wasting tax payers money on these trips, which let's be honest, will do absolutly nothing for the city. Shouldn't the business leaders if Laredo be the ones to bring more business to our community? Why is the city getting involved? There are more important issues to address here at home. Well Lets just wait and see what happens, but I say if it was a waste, they should reimberse our money from their own pockets.
33288964Julian V said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 9:49 AM
Depends who the "city representatives" will be. Are they going to be smart business men or women, or our self serving politicians?
33296089Spend said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 11:00 AM
Let's just wait and see how much they spend of our OUR tax money? Carlos Villarreal un borrachi de primera, Flores OMG ni se diga, El mayor otro.
33300767rbrb75 said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 12:00 PM
could wee see the expense report?
33304964Longshot said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 12:59 PM
What i really wonder is: how do these 3 city reps know exactly where to go and who to talk to in a foreign country. How can they be sure they're talking to the parties MOST willing and able to deal with Laredo. It seems like they're just taking a loooooong shot. What's make them willing to do it is that it's at Taxpayer's expense-of course. Oh by the way, how about a follow up on what the council dines on during the meetings. Is it still Filet Mignon???
33309304Taxpayer said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 1:22 PM
Laredo and Webb County are poor when it comes to honest, ethical elected officials.
33311052Lee said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 2:25 PM
Another of less than PRO 8 news manipulated stories & poll.
33315279Gary said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 3:26 PM
The above question should be asked to the freeloaders that took the trip.Pro8news should be in the faces of these people. Ask them the questions. Ask for receipts.Get answers.What were the results?
33319862Outsider said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 4:49 PM
Ya know, what people don't realize is that in general there are NO manufacturing companies in Laredo, only import export companies. What the city needs to do is focus on manufacturing jobs that will last. When you have a manufacturing base then you have stability for service companies for those manufacturing companies. This trip was just another way of wasting tax payer money on something that will not cover the cost of the trip. Get real, Laredo NEEDS a manufacturing base to stay competitive.
33325692Outsider said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 4:55 PM
A carry over from my previous statement. I work for a company that services manufacturing, we are relocating to the valley due to the fact there ARE manufactuing facilites there. If Laredo had anything similar then there would be not only more jobs from those manufacturing jobs but the service companies that support those manufacturers. Import export is fine but don't base your economy on that. As well don't base it on tourism. both depend on manufacturing and others economic status.
33326052Taxpayer Too! said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 5:50 PM
If you are not happy with our elected officials - now is your chance to run for office in the following districts: District I, District II, District III, District VI, Mayor and Municipal Court Judge...it is harder than what you think!.
33329729Cg said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 7:45 PM
I beg to differ. It is very easy to make logical decisions. For example wasting money on issues that only benefit the wealthy rather than issues that effect the majority regular people in laredo. No job in a high position is easy, but it is easy to know what matters really are important and not waste other peoples hard earned money on ridiculous things.
33335624No shame said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 9:08 PM
We can't even fix NAFTA, now we want CAFTA? people please. The city of Laredo just got taken again by these no good career politicians! But it does not matter, they invites us to a "baile" or carne asada and we will vote them back in again!
33339887Anonymous said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 9:29 PM
These are all very intersting comments, however, the only ones that will EVER see them are us in the blog.
33341149disagree said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 9:52 AM
i disagree with some of the comments here but we are the only ones reading and pro8 news has no back bone when it comes to issues like wasting tax dollars, and bringing more 8 liners that owned by drug cartels
33364309THE TROUBLE WITH NEW CANDIATES said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 1:28 PM
THE TROUBLE WITH ELECTING NEW OFFICIALS IS THAT THE SAME TYPE OF PEOPLE ARE THE ONES THAT RUN FOR THESE OFFICES(THE NAMES CHANGE BUT THE CHARACTERS ARE THE SAME) ONCE IN OFFICE, THEY BECOME THE SAME. CROOKS
33380242El Billy said on Thursday, Dec 10 at 1:25 AM
What good is it to bring more commerce to Laredo if only the few will benefit from it, and yes Laredo can become a city with bustling business...but, again,regular Joe here will be in the same situation that we've been in a long time. I fail to see how the regular citizen will benefit from this new business that may come our way. The mayor should explain how our quality of life in Laredo will be improved.
33416367cg said on Thursday, Dec 10 at 9:56 AM
I just wonder how much commision these city council memebrs will get if it goes through. I also wonder how this will affect the average Laredo citizen.
33431212MORE MINIUMUM WAGE JOBS? said on Thursday, Dec 10 at 4:08 PM
MORE JOBS FOR LAREDO? MORE MINIUMUM WAGE JOBS FOR LAREDO? ONLY THE TOP PROFITS THE PEOPLE THAT DO THE WORK STAY THE SAME.
33456136Prometheus said on Friday, Dec 11 at 1:29 PM
Yes, the trip was worth it if countries can be convinced to use Laredo as a port of entry. Why do you think Laredo is any more prosperous than Eagle Pass or the Valley? If I-35 ended at one of these other destinations Laredo would be nothing more than a non profitable dust bowl. Kudos to City Officials for trying to profit more from what made Laredo profitable to begin with: International Trade! The LARGEST INLAND PORT IN THE U.S. Good Job Mr. Mayor and City Manager.
33506487WHO REALLY BENIFITS said on Friday, Dec 11 at 1:51 PM
YOU CAN KISS OFF AS MUCH AS YOU WANT TO. BUT JOHN Q PUBLIC STILLS ENDS WITH THE MININMUM WAGE JOBS
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