President Trump: The NEW one and only politics thread

He has been a leader among mayors in implementing housing and economic development programs that have tremendously benefitted the people of San Antonio.

President Obama said, without citing ant evidence.

 

At least Inky is consistent in giving terrorists the benefit of the doubt.

 

Sure. Go with that.

 

Yes, being a city councilman from 2001-2009 and then mayor from 09-14 of a city of 1.4 million prepared Castro for the job.

 

Just citing evidence of your double standard.

 

Castro is really accomplished. An expert on both housing and transportation.

President Obama is preparing to nominate Mayor Julián Castro of San Antonio as his new secretary of housing and urban development, elevating one of his party’s Hispanic rising stars as part of a cabinet shuffle that has possible implications for the 2016 presidential race, Democrats informed about the plans said on Saturday.

Mr. Castro, who has often been mentioned as a potential vice-presidential candidate for the Democrats...

Mr. Obama had tried to lure Mr. Castro to the cabinet before. After the 2012 election, the president approached the mayor about serving as transportation secretary, but Mr. Castro, whose third term ends next year, indicated that he preferred to stay in San Antonio. He also passed on the chance to run for governor of Texas this year.

“Just like I decided not to run in 2014, I told the voters of San Antonio I would remain mayor until my tenure was over,” Mr. Castro said in an interview last month.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/18/us/politics/san-antonio-mayor-to-lead-hud.html

What were his housing and/or transportation qualifications again?

 

On the day Castro was confirmed as HUD Secretary, did president Obama reiterate his housing credentials?

Nope. More personal narrative.

”I know that together with the dedicated professionals at HUD, Julián will help build on the progress we’ve made battling back from the Great Recession — rebuilding our housing market, reducing homelessness among veterans, and connecting neighborhoods with good schools and good jobs that help our citizens succeed,” Obama said in a statement following the vote. “Julián has lived the American dream in his own life, and I’m confident he will help Americans across our country seize their own piece of that dream for themselves and their children.”

Castro confirmed to lead HUD

 

OK. OK. But what did Nancy Pelosi say about Castro's nomination as HUD Secretary?

Surely she pointed out his lack of experience?

Nope. His personal narrative qualified him.

“President Obama has made a wise choice in his nominations today – bringing fresh energy to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and shifting a steady and experienced hand to head the Office of Management and Budget.

“Julián Castro is one of our finest urban leaders; a man with bold vision and first-hand experience with the challenges facing our communities. His life is the embodiment of what is possible in America, and as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, he will work tirelessly to ensure that all Americans are able to achieve the American Dream.

Pelosi Statement on Nominations of Julián Castro, Shaun Donovan - Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi

 

But, hey, Castro was a "fast learner" in the job:

For a Democratic Party struggling to present a young, fresh face, Julian Castro seems the answer to political prayers. But his rapid rise from San Antonio to the national spotlight — and a rocky performance in recent Congressional testimony — spurred a whisper campaign among those who worried whether too much is being asked of the 40-year-old wunderkind.

Castro’s performance at a House Financial Services Committee hearing in February, eight months after taking over HUD, raised eyebrows as he struggled to recall facts and details about programs his agency oversees.

At times during that hearing, Castro appeared visibly shaken as Republicans peppered him with questions about the Federal Housing Administration’s Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund and the percentage of mortgages insured by the FHA. He admitted at one point to being “a little bit confused” by questions from Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.).

But appearing before the committee again on Thursday, Castro proved he’s a fast learner, parrying new Republican attacks and even throwing some of his sparring partners off their game.

“He seemed much more prepared this time than he did last time, which needed to happen,” said Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), a member of the committee.

Julian Castro Shows He's a Quick Study at HUD - Morning Consult

 

You want to tell the rest of us about the Mayor's job in San Antonio?

I know you know the deal. Go ahead. Share it with us.

 

One good thing about this whole election result. We'll no longer have to hear about the "take my country back," bullshit. You have the country back, cons, after fucking it up once already. No more excuses.

 

Oh, ok. I'll fill everyone in.

The San Antonio mayor's job is a part-time, figurehead position, that pays about $4,000 per year.

The City manager runs the city, and is paid $355,000 per year to do so.

Castro had no housing or transportation experience. He cut ribbons.


San Antonio, the second-largest city in Texas and seventh-largest in the nation, has a council-manager-weak mayor form of government. The manager runs the city. "The office of the city manager serves as the focal point for the executive leadership and direction of the city organization," says the website of San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley. The site says Sculley, in office seven years, has "appointed executive leadership, reorganized city departments, streamlined city business systems, improved customer service and elevated the professionalism of city management." Sculley makes $355,000 a year, one of the highest salaries for a local office in Texas.

The office of mayor carries with it no executive authority. Castro's website says he has "focused on attracting well-paying jobs in 21st century industries, positioning San Antonio to be a leader in the New Energy Economy." Castro's site says he has also "brought a sense of urgency" to urban revitalization, and has created something called SA2020, "a community-wide visioning effort turned nonprofit that has galvanized thousands of San Antonians around a simple, but powerful vision for San Antonio -- to create a brainpower community that is the liveliest city in the nation."

Creating visioning efforts, senses of urgency, and brainpower communities brings the mayor far, far less money than the city manager. "The mayor's job pays $20 a meeting plus a one-time $2,000 fee, so I basically make $4,000 a year," Castro told San Antonio television station KENS last year.

If chosen for HUD, Julian Castro's work, big payday could face scrutiny