PORT MANSFIELD, Texas - Voters in the small community of Port Mansfield are soon to decide how they will live their lives, either as is or under a new form of governance.
At stake is the possible incorporation of a town of some 300 permanent residents. If they vote for incorporation they will lessen the control of Willacy County Navigation District.
They will make that choice Nov. 4, which is Election Day.
Supporters of the incorporation, led by an organization called Concerned Citizens of Port Mansfield, claim this fishing village has been run for too long by an administration that is not looking after their interests.
They also contend the WCND is now embarked on a mission to turn this tranquil place into some sort of commercial facility for ships hauling goods in large containers.
But their insistence to form a new town could back fire.
Opponents say the incorporation could ultimately mean more taxes, more government and more rules and regulations they have not been accustomed to.
Some fishing enthusiasts and guides said their hobbies and jobs will feel the impact if Port Mansfield becomes incorporated.
Some claim a good number of those voting next Tuesday do not even live here and, therefore, should not be allowed to vote. Others assert they are being misguided by outsiders who are calling the shots.
With that said, voters will decide the future of Port Mansfield this coming Nov. 4.
One thing that has been happening is that this town is going through a division never seen before, as is clearly demonstrated by attending a WCND meeting, by talking to residents or by going to the town hall meetings organized by the two factions.
Gone is the port director, Ron Mills, who had been one of the mains sources of discontent by those on both sides of the political fence.
Mills turned in his resignation at the last WCND board meeting, leaving some people unsurprised while others applauded his decision as a sign of relief.
But there are other hurdles to overcome.
The race to incorporate the town has been causing new friction among the few hundreds permanent residents and second home owners.
For instance, some of the political signs in favor or against the initiative have been thrown around or placed inside some of the roadside trash bins.
No one is taking responsibility for this but, surprisingly enough some people are putting the blame on the town’s largest population.
That is, the hundreds of white –tailed deer roaming around.
Some registered voters, who support the incorporation, attribute this to the deer rut, or a time of the year when the deer mating season is in full force.
One of them even said an aggressive buck ran over one of the signs of a candidate running for city mayor.
The rut, however, usually happens during the month of December in this part of the state and country.
