Press Release

Brownsville Mayor, Commissioners Issue Statement on Released Audio Recordings

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (September 26, 2017) - Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez and members of the Brownsville City Commission have issued the following statements in response to audio recordings that have recently been made public:

“The City of Brownsville is an inclusive community that welcomes and values diversity in its citizens and visitors,” said Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez. “During my tenure as Mayor, I have sought to spotlight and support the best of Brownsville, from our residents to the beauty of our landscape.”

“Recently, audio recordings have been made public and have violated the character of our city,” Mayor Martinez added. “The opinions expressed on the audio recordings do not in any way represent the beliefs or policies of the City of Brownsville or its residents. As Mayor of the great City of Brownsville, I denounce the use of racist language or behaviors. We must not allow these comments to detract from the progress that our residents, city staff and City Commission have made to establish Brownsville as an inclusive, welcoming community that values diversity. I urge the community that unity be a password to our future and that we do it, not only in solidarity, but with full respect and love for one another. We must move forward in unity. May God bless the community of Brownsville.”

“The city of Brownsville respects all individuals, regardless of gender, race, color, national origin, religion or sexual preference,” said Brownsville City Commissioner At-Large “B” Rose M. Z. Gowen. “We believe that all people are created equal, and any characterization of people with negative, demeaning or destructive words should never be expressed. Use of such expressions have no place in the vocabulary of any individual. These words, phrases and expressions should be censured, as they are not representative of our community; Brownsville welcomes and respects all individuals, and will continue to do so with deep community flavor and pride.”

“It is unfortunate that our community is gaining national attention for an occurrence that does not represent our vibrant and multicultural community,” said Brownsville City Commissioner District 3 Joel Munguia. “The statements made are regrettable and should not be construed as representative of the views of our citizens. Brownsville is a community that is friendly, family-oriented and welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds.”