PHIL COWEN

Phil Cowen, lawyer, teacher and entrepreneur as well as philosopher, historian and intellectual, was at Garcia's in Matamoros with his wife and daughter when Estanislao Contreras, the controversial poet of Chicano Fuck Songs, walked into the restaurant and joined the trio. He ordered a margarita. 

Cowen and Contreras talked about the BISD election. Cowen is seeking reelection against the illiterate Jessica Gonzalez, ex-military officer Argelia Miller and frequently arrested Viro Cardenas. The latest South Texas Independent Journalists Association (STIJA) poll has the incumbent with a comfortable lead. Contreras' commenced the Q&A:

How is the BISD doing?

"We are an 'A' rated school district."

What about the reality of COVID-19?

"The pandemic facing us sometimes makes it hard to focus on what is essential. It's hard, at times, to remember what normality is."

How does this grim reality affect the day-to-day operations?

"With the stresses we face daily, it's easy to lose sight of the great things we are doing and have done. It's easy to exercise. There's a lot of noise out there. But the truth dispels doubts naysayers to try to create."

Have the likes of jailbirds Erasmo Castro, Carlos Elizondo and Cardenas been successful at sowing these doubts?

"What eliminates any doubt how good we are is the 'A' rating the Texas Education Agency gave the BISD for the excellence in education that the BISD has achieved. I am proud to have been a part of this. I am proud that this has happened on my watch."

How significant is this rating?

"There are many good school systems in Texas, but there are only a few 'A' districts statewide. The local charters did not achieve this distinction. We are one of only three 'A' districts in South Texas."

Who is responsible for this achievement?

"I salute the great work done by our teachers, staff, administrators, superintendents, parents and especially the children who have passed those test."

What is your message to the voters when they go to the polls?

"We're doing great things in this district. Leadership matters when it comes to achieving these kinds of results. I have provide you that leadership."

Estanislao ordered another margarita. Phil, always the gentleman, told the waiter to put the drinks on his bill. 

   

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