Dump developer tries to restrict access to public hearing. We CALL on Webb County to keep the hearing in Laredo.

Carlos “CY” Benavides III, the developer behind the failed Camino Colombia toll road whose Rancho Viejo Waste Management is trying to obtain a permit for a toxic waste dump in Webb County, has asked that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) conducts its one and only public hearing on his proposed Pescadito dump at the county-owned community center in Mirando, and not in Laredo.

Mirando and NOT Laredo.

The public hearing, requested by Senator Judith Zaffirini, is our only opportunity to present our concerns and testimony directly to members of the TCEQ. It’s our only chance to show the TCEQ how vehemently we oppose the Pescadito dump.

Now, Benavides has applied to the county to move the hearing to a remote place of the county, in yet another attempt to suppress the voice of the community.

We find this to be unacceptable and discriminatory against working and economically disadvantaged citizens of our community.

By conducting this meeting in Mirando, not Laredo, Mr. Benavides will be making it difficult for most of the people in Laredo to attend and make their concerns known before TCEQ.

And, many working and poor citizens will be completely prevented from attending the meeting, which is their right.

CALL has also learned that Benavides was denied a venue for this public meeting by the United Independent School District.

The permit to hold the meeting at the county-owned Mirando community center is subject to the approval by Webb County, which has already formally passed a unanimous resolution to oppose the dump.

We urge County Judge Tano Tijerina, Pct. 1 County Commissioner Frank Sciaraffa and all other parties concerned in this process to deny Benavides the permit.

Please join us in asking our officials to make this crucial meeting accessible to all of Webb County and deny the facility permit for Mirando.

We deserve the opportunity to be heard before TCEQ. It is our right.