LareDOS 2012 Voting Guide

LOCALLY OWNED

The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal - that you can gather votes like box tops - is, I think, the ultimate indignity to the democratic process. — Adlai E. Stevenson A JOURNAL OF THE BORDERLANDS VOTING GUIDE

Est. 1994

Vol. XVII No. 22 24 PAGES

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LareDOS Newspaper

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Ballot Certification Report 2012 General Election November 6, 2012 The Secretary of State of Texas Hope Andrade WEBB President/Vice-President Mitt Romney REP Barack Obama DEM Gary Johnson LIB Jill Stein GRN U. S. Senator Ted Cruz REP Paul Sadler DEM John Jay Myers LIB David B. Collins GRN U. S. Representative District 28 William R. Hayward REP Henry Cuellar DEM Patrick Hisel LIB Michael D. Cary GRN Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick REP Dale Henry DEM Vivekananda (Vik) Wall LIB Chris Kennedy GRN Railroad Commissioner Unexpired Term Barry Smitherman REP Jaime O. Perez LIB Josh Wendel GRN Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 Don Willett REP RS Roberto Koelsch LIB Justice, Supreme Court, Place 4 John Devine REP Tom Oxford LIB Charles E. Waterbury GRN Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 Nathan Hecht REP Michele Petty DEM Mark Ash LIB Jim Chisholm GRN Presiding Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Sharon Keller REP Keith Hampton DEM Lance Stott LIB Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 Barbara Parker Hervey REP Mark W. Bennett LIB Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8 Elsa Alcala REP

William Bryan Strange, III LIB Member, State Board of Education, District 1 Carlos “Charlie” Garza REP Martha M. Dominguéz DEM State Senator, District 21 Grant Rostig REP Judith Zaffirini DEM Joseph Morse LIB State Representative District 42 Richard Peña Raymond DEM State Representative District 80 Tracy O. King DEM Justice, 4th Court of Appeals District, Place 2 Marialyn Barnard REP Baldemar Garza DEM Justice, 4th Court of Appeals District, Place 3 Rebecca Simmons REP Patricia Alvarez DEM Justice, 4th Court of Appeals District, Place 4 Steve Hilbig REP Luz Elena Chapa DEM Justice, 4th Court of Appeals District, Place 5 Karen Angelini REP David D. Towler DEM Justice, 4th Court of Appeals District, Place 7 Phylis J. Speedlin REP Rebeca C. Martinez DEM District Judge, 341st Judicial District Beckie Palomo DEM District Judge, 406th Judicial District Oscar “OJ” Hale DEM District Attorney, 49th Judicial District Isidro R. “Chilo” Alaniz DEM

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Dear Voter, I’ve had the privilege to serve over the last few months on the I Am Laredo/I Vote committee, an informal, non-partisan group that has worked to increase voter turnout in the upcoming November 6 election.

Bill Green, publisher of The Laredo Morning Times, has chaired the committee, and it has been a pleasure to serve with him and Xochitl Mora García of the City of Laredo staff and many of our contemporaries in the media – Carlos Salinas of KGNS, Terry Elena Ordaz and staff of KLDO, Richard Noriega of 1490 AM, Mika Akikuni of TAMIU, Webb County Elections Administrator Oscar Villarreal, and school district public information officers Veronica Castillon and Veronica Cantu Yunes.

There are many others who have been part of this drive, which included a push to register new voters at Mall del Norte and in the local high schools. Each of us in our own way through our own news publication or media venue have played a role in trying to change the low turnout numbers in Laredo and Webb County – about 25,000 in a city that has more than 106,000 registered voters.

As a committee, we standardized our message about the importance of voting, and we all used the same logo to get the message across for early voting dates and sites as well as polling sites for November 6. We’ve built a small series of PSAs that are about to air. We’ve done, in effect, what we do best – communicate.

We’ve tried to come up with the reasons Laredoans thought it was important enough to register to vote and yet failed to show up at the polls. Some feel disenfranchised from the system, some believe their vote has no bearing, some are mistrustful of the political system, some are disillusioned with those in office, and some were too other-

wise occupied or lazy to make the effort.

The reasons – all but the last, which is my own conjecture – mirror national trends in the Latino vote, but our numbers locally are far worse. Nationally, of the 24 million registered Latino voters, about half of them will vote. Locally and basing ourselves on last spring’s primaries, not even 25 percent of us will take the time to exercise this precious right written in the blood of our forefathers.

The Webb County Elections office has made it so easy to vote with early voting sites across the City.

Providence at Springfield and Calle del Norte is a snap to get in and out of. It took me less than seven minutes to walk though the line, get my ballot, make my marks, and get out.

In the process of serving on the I Am Laredo/I Vote committee, some of us became voter registrars and some of us have spoken to civic organizations. Some of us are committed to take our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members to vote.

When I vote, I feel like a patriot.

I feel that I am honoring my father’s sacrifices in World War II and those of my grandfather in World War I. I feel that I have used my civic voice to speak up to support someone who will represent me, work for me, and plan well for the future – mine and that of my grandchildren.

Nationally and locally – whatever your political stripe or credo – so much hangs in the balance in this election. I’ve written this letter independent of the committee and in my own voice to ask each and every one of you to read up on the candidates and the issues and to vote and to take someone with you to vote.

I’m also asking you to facilitate time for your employees and staff to vote.

Sincerely, María Eugenia (Meg) Guerra Publisher, LareDOS www.laredosnews.com W W W.L A RED OS N E WS.CO M

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LareDOS offers this Q&A forum so that the voters of Laredo and Webb County can learn about the platforms of candidates in the upcoming November 6 General Election, and so that voters can, by the words of the candidates, distinguish one from the other as to interests, character, and priorities.

These are the responses of challenger Armando Cisneros and incumbent Juan Narvaez.

Elections 2012

District IV incumbent Juan Narvaez faces Armando Cisneros for council seat Juan Narvaez

Armando Cisneros

I was born in Laredo and have resided in District IV for 38 years. I am a man of faith and at the center of my life is my wife of 40 years, Elizabeth Charles, my two children, and my two grandchildren. I am a businessman who is proud of his accomplishments and his ability to provide jobs for my community.

I’m a lifetime Laredoan and a 24year employee of the Union Pacific Railroad. I have a degree in history and sociology from Texas A&M International University and am a retired teacher.

LareDOS: Why are you the best-suited candidate for City Council District IV? What do you offer in terms of leadership?

Cisneros: My commitment to better serve the taxpayers and residents of Laredo without regard to any further political ambitions makes me the best candidate. I offer common sense, accountability, honesty and a zeal for improving things in our community.

Narvaez: I am the best-suited candidate for Councilman of District IV due to the fact that I have applied my vast experience in business, as well as,

accomplished and surpassed my goals in my current term by being a full time dedicated council member. I am always readily available in support for what is right for my district and my city. I am also a team player, build business, and make decisions through partnerships. In terms of leadership, I can point to my success in the private sector. I started my business with only $35,000, and developed a multi-million dollar industry, JMEN INC, DBA Juan Narvaez Manufactured Homes.

LareDOS: Has this City Council real-

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ly capitalized on the rich revenue streams presented by international trade and the Eagle Ford Shale – revenue streams that could make a significant difference in the quality for life of all Laredoans? What will your role be to ensure that the city benefits fully from those two very important sources of revenue?

Cisneros: No, they have not. This year we had an $11 million dollar shortfall and skyrocketing water rates for all Laredoans. We also saw a vast array of increased fees that will have a negative effect on the quality of life

for all Laredoans. My role will be to restructure our priorities entirely in order that the real needs of our community are addressed in order of relative importance.

Narvaez: I strongly believe that the City Council has been proactive in capitalizing on international trade and the Eagle Ford Shale. Aside from the projects listed below, I feel that the City Council is also continuing to search for other economic stimulus to further improve the quality of life for the City of Laredo: a.) International W W W.L A RED OS N E WS.CO M

Trade - Approved and supported the development of the two refrigerated cold storage facilities at the World Trade Bridge and Columbia Bridge.

Prior to this, we lobbied in Central and South America in gaining additional imports that were once going through Miami, Florida and Long Beach, California. This is a service that has provided additional revenue streams, as well as, employment; b.) Eagle Ford Shale- Supported and initiated the job fair that brought the employers and suppliers under one roof at the Laredo Energy Arena. We also supported initiatives by hoteliers in pricing for short term living quarters; c.) As the Shale and trade continues, we are supportive and willing to course-correct in support for maximizing the benefits for our local citizens.

LareDOS: There is a perception that much of city business is decided prior to City Council meetings. Do you agree with that perception, and if so, how would you change it?

Cisneros: Yes, I agree with this perception. I would change this by putting as many items on the agenda up for discussions and invite the public for input in advance.

Narvaez: On some occasions, decisions have to be made prior to any City Council meeting. The City of Laredo depends on their exemplary administrative directors and staff to provide the council members with their recommendations. As a council member and representative of my district, I will review the recommendations brought before me and support any action that best benefits my district and the City of Laredo.

LareDOS: Have you accepted campaign contributions from businessman Eduardo Garza? If so, how much?

Cisneros: No, I have not, nor will I receive/accept any contributions from Eduardo Garza.

Narvaez: In regards to accepting monies from Mr. Eduardo Garza, I have not received any donations for this re-election campaign. In the year 2008, I did receive a campaign contribution from Mr. Garza, as well as, W W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

other supporters for my election bid.

LareDOS: Is it ethical for a sitting City Council member to be affiliated with ownership or operation of a maquinita enterprise?

Cisneros: Given the history of local illegal activity involving maquinitas establishments, including the corruption of our police force, it is not ethical.

Narvaez: It is ethical for a City Council Member, or any elected official, to be affiliated with a coin redemption amusement establishment provided that all statutes of the State of Texas are observed and followed.

LareDOS: For incumbents: have you availed yourself of the gratis use of condominiums that belong to companies and individuals that do business with the city, out of town trips, tickets to sporting events, and other gifts? Do you believe it is ethical to accept gifts from companies who want to do business or currently do business with the City of Laredo? Challengers, please answer the second half of the question.

Cisneros: I do not believe this practice is ethical. After accepting a gift from a particular party, that city council person should not be able to vote in any item involving that party for at least two years.

Narvaez: The city charter has “guidelines” as to what is allowable for accepting gifts. I am a man of morals and strong character, and my decision-making when it comes to issues regarding the City of Laredo would never be influenced.

LareDOS: What kind of behaviors should the ethics ordinance address? Are there any instances of behavior in the past where you would have been required (under the recently passed ordinance) to file a conflict of interest report?

Cisneros: Conflict of interest issues should be more clearly addressed. Yes, I believe that anytime a zoning ordinance is changed to accommodate an 8-liner business, a conflict of interest report should be filed since it could financially benefit sitting council members.

Narvaez: The ethical behaviors are summarized with one word, “Integ-

rity.” No, I have not, and if there is an issue that may result in a conflict of interest, I will abstain.

LareDOS: When you look down the road at the city’s potential, what kind of city do you see? What would be your part in bringing that potential to reality?

Cisneros: By reigning in squandered opportunities such as the ¼ per cent sports venue tax, we could accomplish much in our city; balance our budget, lower our water rates, invest in existing infrastructure so as to maximize returns.

Narvaez: My vision for the City of Laredo is one which is very vibrant and prosperous with a quality of life that rivals any other metropolitan area. I see a city growing with a very low unemployment rate. I also feel that it is imperative that the city continues to improve the quality of life. I see a city with multi-cultural centers, vibrant commerce, entertainment venues (for all ages), and most importantly, community green areas.

LareDOS: What is your criteria for making a sound decision with tax payer money, decisions that directly affect the pocket books, life, and well being of the tax payers?

Cisneros: Policy should: strive to ensure that the most basic of needs are within everyone’s reach, benefit the majority of our citizenry whenever possible and resist the recent practice of undertaking multi-million dollar liabilities due to outside lobbyists such as Arena Ventures and the Venture Group.

Narvaez: The criteria is based on always keeping the tax payer in mind when it comes to investing our monies.

LareDOS: Why do you believe this Council has not been able to come up with a focused, doable plan for creating and sustaining a better business climate downtown?

Cisneros: The current council lacks the vision of appreciating just how important downtown is to Laredo. The success of the Eagle Ford Shale has added to this indifference.

Narvaez: I do not believe in this

statement that this Council has not come up with a focused, doable plan for downtown. Downtown is the gem of our city and the revitalization efforts affect all the citizens of our community. There is currently a masterplan in the works which provide a holistic approach for downtown revitalization. My vision is to return downtown Laredo to its once vibrant status. In order to achieve this, the City of Laredo, as well as, the downtown merchants must collaborate in an effort to sustain a better business climate downtown. It is also important to note that there are many factors affecting downtown business. Shopping habits have changed across the nation, as years ago, we did not have access to global outlets such as Amazon, Ebay, Walmart, Dollar Stores, etc. Their buying power and competitive pricing are a few elements that take away business from our downtown. As a City Council, we need to be creative in competing against the complexities that currently shape the downtown business environment.

LareDOS: Where will our secondary water source come from now that the Eagle Ford Shale has compromised potential aquifer sources?

Cisneros: This question needs to be seriously addressed immediately.

Also, the city has to cease the current practice of selling vast amounts of our potable water to oil and gas companies for “fracking” purposes.

Narvaez: I do not believe that the Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer has been compromised. In regards to the secondary water source, the City of Laredo is planning to utilize the Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer. Furthermore, to facilitate the water consumed by the activity in the Eagle Ford Shale, the City of Laredo plans to sell effluent water to the drilling industry in order to reduce the amount of water pumped from the Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer and/or the Rio Grande River. The sale of effluent is one environmental strategy that will prolong the life of the Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer, as well as, the waters of the Rio Grande River. ◆

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Opinion

Your voice, your vote – use it!

BY MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

W

hile the number of registered Latino voters has continued to steadily increase since the last presidential election, the turnout rate for Latino voters continues to lag.

Apathy along with other factors seem to translate into the disregard some Latinos have for the value of their vote and their voice in the political process.

According to a national study of U.S. Census data by the Pew Hispanic Center (PHC), 32 percent of eligible Hispanic voters are between the ages of 18 and 29, just below the share of the 33 percent of Latino eligible voters nationwide and 24 percent of all eligible Texas voters.

Though a record 23.7 million Latinos are eligible to vote in the 2012 presidential election, it is estimated that only half of that number – between 10 and 12 million Latinos – will vote this November, breaking the record of 9.7 million Latino votes in the 2008 presidential election.

James Norris, associate professor of political science at Texas A&M International University, affirmed the results of the Pew study. “The average American voter is much older than the average Hispanic or Latino voter. In all ethnicities, the older you are the more likely you are to vote because you feel more connected to the political process or perhaps even more threatened,” said Norris, adding, “For example with paying taxes, when you’re young the tax burden doesn’t seem all that serious, but as you age and begin to pay more, you feel more involved.”

The average eligible Texas voter is much younger and of Hispanic descent. According to the PHC study, there are 4.2 million eligible Hispanic voters in Texas – the second largest

Hispanic voter population in the nation. With over 9.5 million Latinos residing in Texas, the Latino vote has the potential to bear great impact on election outcomes.

According to Mark Hugo López, associate director of the PHC, in 2008, 50 percent of eligible Latino voters cast ballots, compared to 65 percent of African Americans and 66 percent of white voters.

The number of registered Latino voters fell by about 600,000 between 2008 and 2010, despite population growth, according to Census Bureau data. In the past two decades, this has been the only significant decline in the number of registered Latino voters.

Whatever the reason for Latinos failing to vote – apathy, mistrust of politicians, or the idea that their vote does not count – that failure to vote has repercussions when politicians make bad decisions on the issues that most affect Latinos – jobs, social security, education, and immigration.

About 55 percent, of all Hispanics are not eligible to vote because they are under the age of 18 or are adults who are not U.S. citizens, according to the PHC. Education is another important factor that affects the Latino vote.

About 27 percent of Latino eligible voters in Texas have not completed a high school education.

The factors that deter Hispanics from voting are in fact, ironically, those that they have the greatest potential of reforming – education and immigration – by simply informing themselves on the issues and voting.

According to an October 1 article

by Hector Becerra in The Los Angeles Times, turnout numbers in California and Texas could be lagging as a result of not being battleground states. “Hispanics in those states probably are not getting the same amount of advertising and attention… or the same level of

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mobilization efforts,” he said.

In Laredo, mobilization efforts such as the “I am Laredo/ I Vote” campaign originated and pushed by local media have made strides in reaching the youth vote, not only to register them, but to attempt to excite them about the prospect of voting.

Minnie Villarreal, Texas Mentoring Communities (TMC) corporate affairs manager, has worked with Laredo Independent School District and United Independent School District to register voters who are 18 or will be 18 by November 6.

Through this effort, they informed students that the number of voters who turn out is commensurate to funding increases for county and city projects pertaining to healthcare, education, veteran services, and infrastructure –

all affirmations that every vote counts.

The Latino vote is literally the Latino voice in the making of public policy for the economy, job growth, education, and immigration. Locally that vote determines tax rates, environmental stewardship, economic development, quality of life, and who will make decisions on local educational issues.

It cannot be stressed enough that the right to vote is a sacred one, and that to fail to vote is to fail to speak up.

Early voting, which began October 22, continues through November 2.

Election day is November 6.

For more information on early and election day sites, consult the LareDOS online election guide at www.laredosnews.com or call the Webb County Office of Elections Administration at (956) 523-4050. ◆

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Elections 2012

Campos, Vela Jr. square off in District V Pat Campos

I am a graduate of Martin High School and Laredo State University. I hold a Paralegal Certificate from Texas A&M International University. I am the fifth of eight children born to Cirilo and Delia Campos. I worked for over 30 years and recently retired as the director of Probation Services for the Webb County Juvenile Department. I have also dedicated over 30 years of service to my community. I have represented District 3 as a trustee of the United Independent School District since 2003, and am particularly proud that during my presidency of the board, the district achieved a “Recognized” status.

Roque Vela Jr.

I am a 1995 graduate of Nixon High School and continued my education at Hardin Simmons University where I majored in criminal justice and minored in political science. I married my loving wife Kerissa in 2002 and have been blessed with two healthy children – Tristian, 10 and Azalee, 5. I am currently the managing partner of Jett Bowl, Inc. and Jett Bowl Del Rio, LLC. I currently serve as vice chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee, representing District 5. Over the years I have used my business as a platform to give back to my community that I love and has been so supportive of me and my family.

LareDOS: Why are you the best-suited candidate for City Council District V? What do you offer in terms of leadership?

Campos: I am very grateful to LareDOS for giving me an opportunity to speak to the voters of the City of Laredo, and in specific regard, to the voters of District 5. My years as a public servant and employee give me the experience that is needed to serve my proposed constituents, efficiently and effectively.

In addition, I have the passion for public service and am not running for City Council to enhance my resume, but to ensure that the City I grew up in continues to thrive; provide input on services that are needed; and require transparency in all aspects of City government. I know I can make a difference in the lives of Laredoans and the forward advancement of our city. I have held many leadership positions in my lifetime, including but not limited to serving as director of Probation Services for the Webb County Juvenile Department, president of the

Community Action Agency Advisory Board, vice chair of the Webb County Appraisal District Board of Directors, and president of the United Independent School District Board of Trustees.

I believe that in order for one to lead, an individual must have served in a leadership position with many different personalities and be able to acquire consensus and respect amongst individuals.

I have the unmatched experience of being able to lead a group of public officials and will use my knowledge in working with members of the city council for the betterment of our community.

Vela: I am invested in this community. The fact that I own a home and business in District 5 and I am raising a family in the district I think makes me better suited for the position of city council member. Also, I deal with a budget within my business, and like most businesses have dealt with slow times and adverse conditions. Because I have

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dealt with these adverse conditions and despite those times still have a thriving, successful business, it makes me better prepared for the tough times I will have to deal with as a city council member.

Along with dealing with tough times as a businessman, I always have to realize that not only I am I responsible for my family but also the families of my employees as well. And because I understand that I have this responsibility, I embrace it and make it one of the reasons why I work so hard. In other words, it’s not just about making money, but more so making money so that my employees are assured a job. Having two bowling centers in two different cities (Del Rio and Laredo) I have learned how to delegate my responsibilities while still ensuring that the job gets done. I realize that just because I have delegated a responsibility to someone, the end result is still my responsibility.

LareDOS: Has this City Council really capitalized on the rich revenue streams pre-

sented by international trade and the Eagle Ford Shale – revenue streams that could make a significant difference in the quality for life of all Laredoans? What will your role be to ensure that the city benefits fully from those two very important sources of revenue?

Campos: While the City of Laredo has benefitted to a certain extent on the international trade and Eagle Ford Shale recently increased revenues, I believe that there is so much more to be done in these two distinct areas. With regard to international trade, we need to work with the federal government to have better ports of entry so that pedestrian traffic is made easier/faster, which would benefit our downtown merchants. In addition, to the country of Brazil, Mexico is one of the leading countries in terms of economic development, and we need to capitalize on our geographical position to ensure that businesses looking to expand their relationships into the United CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 States know that Laredo has the ability to serve all their needs. Our City officials have done a great job of marketing Laredo to South America, but we need to continue to be more aggressive in this regard.

The Eagle Ford Shale is one of the areas of economic development that interests me. I have been fortunate to attend meetings wherein the past, present, and future of the Eagle Ford Shale is discussed. San Antonio is aggressively pursuing attracting businesses from the Eagle Ford Shale over to their area, and we need to do the same, if not better. Specifically, we need to offer tax incentives to Eagle Ford Shale support businesses that are willing to establish their operations (or part thereof) in Laredo to produce jobs and add to our local economy.

Vela: While we still remain the largest inland port in North America, I don’t believe we are the best inland port in North America. The latter being the most important. I believe that we can provide better services to our customs brokers so as to make their business more cost effective. We need to open up an additional haz-mat unit on the World Trade Bridge.

Because of its proximity to Laredo and the fact that it is actually in the state of Tamaulipas makes it more attractive to the brokers. We also need to work with the community leaders of our sister city so we can attract more factories in an effort to strengthen the economy over there. Laredo is what it is today because of Nuevo Laredo and we must never forget that. Short of finding more oil and gas closer to the city limits I don’t know that we can take better advantage of the Shale boom. The fact of the matter is most of the oil field workers are Laredoans and they are spending their money in Laredo. No one can deny that business is good – just look at the increase in our sales tax revenue. What we need to do is take advantage of that increase of sales tax revenue and create a 4b tax so that we can invest it in our infrastructure. By investing it in this we can address the problem we have in our drainage system (that seems to only be acknowledged when it rains) and build some much needed streets to W W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

ease traffic flow. The extension of Bartlett from Jacaman to Del Mar needs to happen now! This is one way that we can get the money to pay for it.

LareDOS: There is a perception that a lot of city business is decided prior to City Council meetings. Do you agree with that perception, and if so, how would you change it?

Campos: I have known individuals that have a perception that decisions are arrived at prior to a meeting of council; however, I believe strict compliance with the Texas Open Meetings is necessary. I will not participate in any type of “walking quorum” scenario. My decisions will be reserved for a Council meeting in open session, with the exceptions of legally posted closed session discussions.

Vela: I think if a council member has done his job and made himself available to everyone involved in a certain issue, he will have an idea of what to do the day of. That being said, it is important that a council member always goes into a meeting with an open mind. The most important part of democracy is transparency. The Open Meetings Act is a very important part of transparency and to not have an open mind and really listen to the people during that process would be an injustice to the people.

LareDOS: Have you accepted campaign contributions from businessman Eduardo Garza? If so, how much?

Campos: I have not accepted any contributions from Mr. Garza.

Vela: NO! LareDOS: Is it ethical for a sitting City Council member to be affiliated with ownership or operation of a maquinita enterprise?

Campos: I do not see an issue with any member of the Council having a legally-run entity, whatever that business may be, maquinita or otherwise. However, I will not support any illegal operation and respect the job of law enforcement agencies to ensure that those that are running entities that are not in full compliance with the law are shut down.

Vela: To suggest that it is not ethical is to suggest that maquinitas are unethical or illegal. At this point, whether we like it or not, maquinitas are a legal form of business. I do believe, however, that we need to find a way to tap into the revenue

stream that they create. The current price of a permit compared to what one makes is off to say the least. We need to raise the price of the permits and come up with stiffer penalties for those that don’t abide by the law.

LareDOS: For incumbents: have you availed yourself of the gratis use of condominiums that belong to companies and individuals that do business with the city, out of town trips, tickets to sporting events, and other gifts? Do you believe it is ethical to accept gifts from companies who want to do business or currently do business with the City of Laredo? Challengers, please answer the second half of the question.

Campos: I do not believe it is ethical to accept gifts from a vendor or proposed vendor, especially if there is a bidding process in place. While at United ISD, I sponsored and voted for a policy that would restrict vendor/proposed vendor contact with board members during the bidding process because I find such conduct unethical.

Vela: No I don’t think it is ethical! I believe that any kind of “business” between council members and companies should be limited to political action committees. And any kind of contributions should be made available though quarterly finance reports.

LareDOS: What kind of behaviors should the ethics ordinance address? Are there any instances of behavior in the past where you would have been required (under the recently passed ordinance) to file a conflict of interest report?

Campos: At minimum, the ethics ordinance should address the requirements of Chapter 171 of the Texas Government Code, requiring disclosure of any gifts made to an office holder or their immediate family by vendors or proposed vendors. I also do think that it is important for the public to have confidence in the integrity of its public officials and will support any limitations on public officials imposed by an ethics ordinance if that furthers the confidence of the public in its council members. I have not had to disclose any conflict of interest while as a board member of United ISD. Vela: The ethics commission should address behaviors like the question

asked previous to this one. I don’t believe that the City Council chambers has any room for favors. The fact is that these favors are holding back the progress of our city and it needs to stop.

LareDOS: When you look down the road at the city’s potential, what kind of city do you see? What would be your part in bringing that potential to reality?

Campos: I am an eternal optimist and know that our great City of Laredo is destined for great things. However, in order to reach our potential, we must work hard and have a clear and strategic plan of action in mind. Laredo has grown tremendously, both geographically and in its population, over time, but we must take advantage of bringing better resources to our areas. Quality of life is important; thus, we must focus on activities for our youngsters, families, and citizens. While we develop our business/trade relationships within the U.S. and outside of the U.S. we must keep in mind environmental concerns, arts and culture, and recreational areas for our citizens. I sincerely hope that we can attract a tourist attraction to Laredo so that others can also see the beauty of Laredo and what we have to offer to everyone.

I am ready to roll up my sleeves to contribute in any way I can, including creating investments zones to attract business to Laredo, working with local citizen groups to allow them to flourish their activities, such as Laredo Main Street, Laredo Center for the Arts, etc., and work with the City Manager’s office to ensure that all avenues for growth are explored and adequately addressed.

Vela: I see one of the five largest cities in Texas, a thriving economy, safe streets that don’t flood two to three times a year, a great safe night life as well as fun family activities. The beauty of this vision is that we are not that far away from it. The way I am going to make this a reality is by going to Washington and fighting for our piece of the pie. Make them realize the fact that we are one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. We are the largest inland port in North America, and we are the first line of defense of our CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 country. And because of all these facts, we need help. We cannot put all of this on our taxpayers! While I will be creative in trying to find money in our budget to bring our infrastructure up to par, the fact is that I don’t think we should have to flip the entire bill ourselves. Congressman Cuellar is a great ambassador for our city, but he needs help. I think someone like myself, tenacious and passionate, could be of great help to our Congressman.

LareDOS: What is your criteria for making a sound decision with tax payer money, decisions that directly affect the pocket books, life, and well being of the tax payers?

Campos: I would treat the City’s taxpayer funds as my own personal paycheck and would not be in agreement to spend money on projects that do not add to the City’s economic growth or for the wellbeing of its citizens. I am fiscally conservative and was able to retire (at a younger age than most) because of my prudent ways when it comes to spending. I do not personally believe in spending unneces-

sarily and will question any expenditure that would seem excessive or imprudent.

Vela: Very simple. Do we need it? And do we have the money for it? We cannot continue to spend and then figure it out later. Or even worse sell a bond, because eventually we will have no choice but to raise taxes, and that is the worst thing we could do at this point. The raising of our utilities is just the beginning. Mark my words, if we continue on this path, our property taxes will increase and while things are good, they aren’t that good.

Even now the market doesn’t justify our appraisals. Bottom-line!

LareDOS: Why do you believe this Council has not been able to come up with a focused, doable plan for creating and sustaining a better business climate downtown?

Campos: I do not believe that the downtown has been the focus of our City, either at the council level or with regard to the citizens of Laredo. However, I am glad that there is now a proposed project for revitalization of the Plaza Theater. If said project is accomplished it can add to the attractiveness of downtown. I do be-

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lieve private-public partnerships are essential to the revitalization of downtown and would encourage the City to look for grants and /or available funding to bring more commerce to the downtown area.

Vela: We just haven’t made a real decision on what it is we want to do there.

Is it going to be an entertainment district, shopping, or what? I know this much about downtown, we have one crown jewel there – La Posada – and whatever it is that we decide to do down there, we better make sure La Posada is included in the master plan.

LareDOS: Where will our secondary water source come from now that the Eagle Ford Shale has compromised potential aquifer sources?

Campos: I do think that further study of a secondary water source is necessary. The City cannot rely on the Rio Grande as its primary source of water.

In 2011, Pro 8 News reported the following regarding the City’s Engineering Department plans: “Rodriguez did say the city’s capital improvement plan does have money set aside for a second-

ary water source beginning in 2014, but that they may choose the smaller option of ranches along I-35 and Hwy. 83.

He estimates the city’s water usage is close to 35 million gallons a day on average with the summer months topping out 42 million.” I am glad that there are plans for a secondary water source in the near future and, if elected, will begin to examine the City’s plan and compare it with other sources of water from possibly other water supply corporations to see which is the best fit for Laredo, taking into consideration the cost for our citizens.

Vela: I think our only real choice is a reservoir. The 1947 La Paz water treaty called for three reservoirs between Del Rio and Zapata. Well, as we all know two of them have been built and consequently their cities have built their economies around them. A reservoir for our city would not only give us a better water supply, but also create an economic impact. It would attract fishermen and winter birds and well as raise our quality of life. ◆

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Elections 2012

Incumbent District VII CM Jorge Vera in race with challengers Holden, Patiño, Salinas Sid Holden

Sid Holden was born in Ft. Worth, was raised in Midland, and came to Laredo in 1994. Well-known in media sales and for her community service with Crimestoppers and fundraising for numerous local non-profits, Holden is a media and event consultant. She is a founder of the annual Crimestoppers fundraiser, the Menudo Bowl. Holden said she is “not a politician,” and would rather be regarded as a public servant. A resident of Belmont Plaza, she said she is a person who stands her ground and wants to represent the needs of District VII. Of herself she said, “I am a golf enthusiast and an animal lover. I work well with others, and when I don’t have an answer, I look for people who know more than I do to arrive at good solutions.”

She is married to Steven Holden. They have five children – Tanner Lemon, Trevor Lemon, Taylor Lemon, Brad Holden, and Brandi Holden.

Hector Lee Patiño

Hector Lee Patino is a Webb County adult probation officer with the Community Supervision and Corrections Department. He has also worked as a counseling service coordinator for the 406th District Court and as a Webb County juvenile probation officer.

He is a community volunteer with numerous civic organizations and is an associate pastor for Centro Familiar Cristiano and Radio Poder. He is married to America Patiño and has five children – Kelly, Glory, Christian, Melany, and Victoria Patiño. Patiño holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and a Masters of theology.

Yolanda Salinas

Yolanda Salinas was born in Concepción, a small ranching community near Benavides. She said her time in the cotton fields near Benavides and Alice were the classroom for learning the value of hard work. Salinas considers herself an advocate for veterans, the elderly, victims of domestic violence, and animals abandoned by their owners. She said she wants the City’s Civil Service Commission to begin functioning as a means to protect city employees. She envisions more green spaces across the City, and a city that turns to alternative energy sources. She said stimulating economic development through tax abatements and other incentives is one of her priorities.

Jorge A. Vera

Jorge A. Vera is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army for eight years. He is married to Sulema Vera and has four children – Valeria, Marissa, Louie, and Jorge Jr. A native Laredoan, he is the youngest of 14 children. He attended LCC and leadership courses in the military. He is employed by Landtitle USA as its business development officer. Holden.

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LareDOS: Why are you the best-suited candidate for City Council District VIII? What do you offer in terms of leadership?

Holden: I feel it is time for change in our City Council. I may not be the most qualified, but I believe I will bring new positive ideas to this position. I am honest, a hard worker, and you can trust me.

Patiño: I believe that my education and experience have prepared me for the City Council District VII position. I believe that there is a reason why destiny calls on us to make life-changing decisions for the betterment of our community. I have overcome many adversities in my life that have now prepared me for the road ahead for district VII. On January 13, 1992 when I was a teenager I was involved in a railroad train accident, which would forever change my life. My sister unfortunately witnessed my horrific accident that left me with an amputated arm. I, however, did not let it become a challenge for me as I sought the same hopes and dreams as others and went on to finish a college degree in psychology and later a Masters in Theological Studies from Southwestern University. I believe my personal and professional achievements in education and working 10 years in the criminal justice program with distinguished individuals such as the District Court Judge Oscar J. Hale Jr. has prepared me for the road ahead. I currently work as Webb County adult probation officer. I have proven that through perseverance and proven leadership skills I can seek to bring a stronger voice and vision to our community’s public challenges.

Salinas: My burning desire to serve the public and not to serve myself makes me the best suited. But desire can only take you so far. Couple that desire with the experience to which I have dedicated my private life to serve and to help, and factor in my belief that government should serve the people who pay for it, the taxpayers, and you’ve got a good idea of my credo of service, not self-service.

Vera: During my one-year term as a public servant to the constituents of District VII, I have wholeheartedly commitment myself to responding to the needs of the community. With great determiW W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

nation, drive, and limited resources I have been able to address traffic safety issues, resolved public utility concerns (Dellwood Apts.), offered improvements to quality of life issues through park development and environmental clean ups. My experience in collaborating with other civic leaders, heads of industry and governmental agencies, and my successful procurement of relationships with funding agencies has enabled me to succeed in establishing employment for over 400, spearheading the negotiating that is bringing forth $200 million in federal funds for the alleviation of Mines Road traffic by paving El Indio Rd., and in current negotiations with the federal government in establishing a manufacturing district in Laredo that will create thousands of jobs for our workforce. I am a working councilman with a passion to provide for the needs of my district residents who are my neighbors, my friends and my extended family. I can accomplish much more given the opportunity.

All this in one year; imagine what I can do in four.

LareDOS: Has this City Council really capitalized on the rich revenue streams presented by international trade and the Eagle Ford Shale – revenue streams that could make a significant difference in the quality for life of all Laredoans? What will your role be to ensure that the city benefits fully from those two very important sources of revenue?

Holden: Growing up in West Texas and in oilfield booms, I believe that Laredo is behind the times in support of the growth that Eagle Ford Shale has brought to the community. And as to international trade and the trucking business, we are the number one inland port of entry into Mexico. We need to support our truck drivers. We need to offer more truck stops – facilities where they can park, stay over, and restaurants and a variety of activities for them, while they are on a lay-over. Instead, we put up signs in parking lots “No Trucks.” Sometimes, we just need to stop and say “Thank You” to a truck driver. After all, he or she is what puts the food on your table and the clothes on your back. Laredo definitely needs to support what international trade and the oilfield have brought us.

Patiño: I plan to have a pro-business agenda in mind at all times to ensure job growth and financial stability for the Laredo economy. We must work jointly with both the private and public sector in an effort to capitalize in many of the valuable revenue streams associated with local and international markets. Job creation and stimulating small business is at the top of my priority list. I believe City Council can do more to really capitalize on the rich revenue streams presented by international trade and the Eagle Ford Shale that could make a significant difference on the quality for life of all Laredoans by offering tax incentives to business, providing transportation to employees, and becoming pro-business city government.

Salinas: International trade is our lifeblood, but by having good city management strategies, we can increase revenue in other areas. Regarding the Eagle Ford Shale, the City of Laredo has taken initial steps to capitalize on its revenues, but much more needs to be done to attract the Shale play’s businesses to Laredo, including tax abatements and other incentives. We must explore every avenue for revenues. I see my role as personally meeting with enterprising investors and business owners in the Eagle Ford Shale to capitalize on every possibility and to build strong relationships so they can see what Laredo has to offer and we can see increased revenues and more jobs.

The men and women who staff the Eagle Ford Shale want affordable housing and lodging, restaurants, transportation, and laundry services. Let’s do all possible to increase the number of Laredo businesses that can provide those services.

Regarding international trade, I will relentlessly pursue and negotiate with other nations and offer them the services of the Port of Laredo. Let’s not lose them to our competitors – primarily Florida and California. I will also work with City Council and City management to have a plan of action in which we will research our competitor’s strategies so that we know how to lead instead of follow, and so that we continue being the largest inland port.

Vera: When it comes to international

trade Laredo has made a strong impression in Central and South American trade by promoting a cost effective route through Laredo instead of their typical Pacific coast route saving traders both time and money, equaling millions of dollars in savings. This effort will increase our port revenues. With the restructuring of our tax abatement incentives for new businesses, the city is making a strong effort to attract Eagle Ford businesses that will establish Laredo as their home base. In the past year, district VII has led the way in establishing nearly $34 million in capital improvements that has created over 400 jobs with an average pay of $16.00/hr. With my background in business negotiations, I have taken a leadership role in the modification of the tax incentive program in order to attract post drilling operation companies that would ensure longevity employment opportunities for the citizenry of Laredo with the support of all taxing entities LareDOS: There is a perception that much of city business is decided prior to City Council meetings. Do you agree with that perception, and if so, how would you change it?

Holden: I hear much business is decided way before meetings. How to vote, what to say, or what not to say. This is the biggest change of all that I would like to see happen. If I do not agree with an item that is being presented, then I will stand my ground.

Patiño: I believe the City Council needs to make a better effort in creating policy that instills transparency and public participation. I believe City Council perception is at times misinterpreted by negative news. Having more public hearings and moving forward towards working hard for the betterment of our community will highlight the successes of the City Council.

Salinas: I believe there are rules that City Council members have to follow in making decisions. I feel that our council members research and handle official city business in a professional manner.

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 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 be heard on issues that affect them. The City Council needs to take the concerns of the people into consideration and then decide what to do instead of making a decision that makes the public feel like ese arroz ya se coceo. This causes a mistrust and lack of interest on the public to go before City Council.

Vera: No, I do not agree with that perception. As a newly elected official I have made it my mission to remove such perceptions of our local government.

Being a politician is not a bad thing; it’s elected officials that have taken advantage of their position and privilege that have embedded this perception onto the citizens of the city. I will change this perception by my actions as demonstrated by my voting record.

LareDOS: Have you accepted campaign contributions from businessman Eduardo Garza? If so, how much?

Holden: No! Patiño: I have personally never received any contributions from businessman Eduardo Garza. I will promise to make a commitment to report all received financial contributions from any business and demonstrate transparency on all my financial records. I make a commitment to stand with the VIDA organization on their recommendations that all donations of $50 or more and all out of town trips to sports events, gifts, and all other contributions should be submitted on our financial records to demonstrate transparency and integrity.

Salinas: I have not received any contributions from Mr. Eduardo Garza Vera: No, I have not received any contribution from Mr. Garza during this campaign. As an elected official we receive contributions from many businesses, but it is up the elected individual to ensure that his ethics, character, and morals are non-negotiable and mine are non-negotiable.

LareDOS: Is it ethical for a sitting City Council member to be affiliated with ownership or operation of a maquinita enterprise?

Holden: So very unethical! It is a form of gambling. Which to the best of my knowledge is still illegal in the City of Laredo. When given the chance, I love

to go to Las Vegas or Eagle Pass.. But until it is legalized in this City, then association with a maquinita…very frowned upon.

Patiño: I believe as City Council members we are held to highest level of ethical and professional standards.

Dwight D. Elisenhower said, “In order to be a leader, a man must have followers.

And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence, the supreme quality for a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office. If a man’s associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail.

His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need therefore is integrity and high purpose”.

Salinas: I feel that it is unethical.

Vera: In my opinion no ethical concern exists if the elected official was elected by his constituency knowing that he was the owner of maquinitas prior to his election. I would strongly encourage the councilmember to excuse himself from any decision making that may be considered as a conflict of interest (if it directly relates to personal business).

LareDOS: For incumbents: have you availed yourself of the gratis use of condominiums that belong to companies and individuals that do business with the city, out of town trips, tickets to sporting events, and other gifts? Do you believe it is ethical to accept gifts from companies who want to do business or currently do business with the City of Laredo? Challengers, please answer the second half of the question.

Holden: If elected, I will not accept any kind of gifts or event tickets. If I do, I am just like all of the others. This is what I want the City Council to get away from.

Patiño: I do not believe that gratuities of any kind are ethical. As City leaders we must raise to the highest bar in ensuring ethical and professional behavior at all times.

Salinas: If the gifts are not in violation of the Laredo City Charter or protocol procedures, I don’t see anything wrong.

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However, this does not mean that if there is a potential ethics violation we should look the other way. The elected official should have scruples not to accept anything that can be looked at as bribery or as a means to influence a vote.

We as public officials must be held to a higher standard. We have been voted in by the people’s trust.

Vera: No. I have not accepted or received any gifts, gratis use of condominiums, etc. The ethics committee has recently implemented ethical guidelines that govern these types of gratuities. I intend to follow the ethics guidelines to the fullest.

LareDOS: What kind of behaviors should the ethics ordinance address? Are there any instances of behavior in the past where you would have been required (under the recently passed ordinance) to file a conflict of interest report?

Holden: The Ethics Commission needs to keep friends and family out of the bidding process. Review and choose the most qualified.

Patiño: I believe the Ethics Committee has put together a good working document. It’s a matter of enforcement at this point. I believe that should a matter of conflict of interest arise, as City Council members we should do everything in our authority to demonstrate transparency and integrity.

Salinas: The ethics commission should address issues that are brought before them, according to the rules that have been set. The ethics commissioners should not be affiliated with any elected official. I say this because if the elected body appoints the ethics commissioners, who is going to oversee the ethics commission? This would be like the inmates are running the prison.

Vera: The ethics ordinance should be an instrument used to establish guidelines of appropriate behavior. If any action that a council member has taken that is perceived to be unethical by constituents, it is the obligation of the ethics commission to address that concern. Since my election, there has never been an occasion that I have needed to abstain from voting on an item or to file a conflict of interest report based on ei-

ther past or current established rules of conduct.

LareDOS: When you look down the road at the city’s potential, what kind of city do you see? What would be your part in bringing that potential to reality?

Holden: I would love to see a city that tourists look forward to visiting again. Bring the shopping back to Laredo. Clean up our City. Bring more outside business – I can’t stress this enough!

Make Laredo Proud Again! Build our water park…it can happen.

Patiño: One of my proposed projects is to work with our current city leaders to establish a technology park. By offering firms the opportunity to cooperatively enhance both economic and environmental performance through increased efficiency, waste minimization, and technology development, we will gain access to new markets. In addition, I hope to increase innovation efforts and launch a new manufacturing market for the City of Laredo.

I also plan to coordinate ventures with the City of Laredo and Webb County officials to institute a Law Enforcement Command Substation for the Mines Road area. I believe this project will increase security, safety, and protection on our streets and implement a safety plan to evacuate our residents in case of a chemical disaster due to high dangers of congested tractor trailers traffic.

I also plan to work with the Texas Department of Transportation to expand the Mines Road with the additional lanes. The expanded lanes will separate passenger vehicles from tractor trailers and will improve the congestion flow significantly.

Salinas: I would like to see Laredo as a trendsetter in renewable energy. Our energy demands are increasing, and our fossil fuel energy resources are decreasing. But the sun and wind can provide supplemental energy. President Obama has allocated over $3 billion in research for green energy. Laredo can have a windfall of revenue if we can only tap into renewable energy resources. With green energy also come green jobs to CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 Laredo. I would like to see a green Laredo that ensures our children will benefit from our forward thinking deeds. I want to see Laredo as a peaceful, vibrant, and economically strong city with rich traditional family values.

Recreational attractions, such as a water or ice park will entice people to come to Laredo and see what a beautiful city we are and what we offer. I want to see our downtown area restored to its fullest majesty as other cities have done to showcase their care for their heritage.

Downtown is where Laredo began. We must keep it alive for future generations.

This is just speculation on my part, but imagine if the leadership in San Antonio had allowed the Alamo and all of its history to deteriorate. I would like to see a state of the art rec center for our elderly. I would like to see a Taj Majal motif shelter for adoptive pets, like the one operated in San Antonio by the Humane Society.

And I want to see Laredo as a city that can offer a great education to aspiring individuals and jobs that interest, employ, and keep our children here. I see a city in which everyone can afford their water bills and in which children do not go to bed hungry, a city that thanks its veterans with the services they need.

Vera: My vision for the future of Laredo is a vibrant and prosperous community leading the way in commerce and no longer solely reliant on the bridge revenues and mineral interest but diversifying into a manufacturing hub in support of other local industries. Taking into account that Laredo is geographically blessed and the lack of inclement weather has made Laredo a prime location for a manufacturing district. I am in current negotiations with a manufacturing company that will create thousands of jobs through federal grants that will help establish a manufacturing district with 1500 acres for development. I foresee this coming to fruition within four years.

LareDOS: What is your criteria for making a sound decision with tax payer money, decisions that directly affect the pocket books, life, and well being of the tax payers?

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Holden: Listen to the people. I believe our current Council just doesn’t listen.

Patiño: It important that we do a cost benefits analysis when making decisions that will directly affect the taxpayers by strategically planning and attracting diverse financial sources. I believe an independent financial analysis adviser to make recommendations on strategically planning and cost benefits analysis to monitor city government efficiency and will directly affect the taxpayer’s savings. I believe a pro-business agenda is important to extend opportunities to our local investment enterprisers and to markets abroad. Laredo can gain additional revenues for the development of capital improvement projects.

Salinas: We can no longer demand that our taxpayers pay more for services such as water, which has almost doubled. A large part of Laredo citizens are on a fixed income and water is a necessity. In the next five years water services will increase from the now $9 to $18.

This is twice as much for the same water.

I don’t see the logic and neither does the taxpayer. Other cities have lower rates; maybe we can learn what works for them. For any expenditure my criteria is to weigh the benefits to the community against the cost and to know where the money will come from.

Vera: I seriously consider the long and short term benefits of the investment; i.e. quality of life, business creation, cost effectiveness to name a few.

Through my 20 years of experience in the private sector I have been involved in companies that have been very profitable. I intend to use the same methods to ensure taxpayer monies are used wisely by scrutinizing spending, time management of employees and supporting staff to increase our bond credit rating in order to maximize our spending.

LareDOS: Why do you believe this Council has not been able to come up with a focused, doable plan for creating and sustaining a better business climate downtown?

Holden: Start over! Just re-build, refurbish. Bring a River Walk atmosphere to downtown. More restaurants, more music. Clean up a little. There are some

beautiful buildings and walkways.

Work with downtown merchants, listen to them.

Patiño:I believe in stimulating the downtown economy and extending opportunity to local business is important means of not only marketing our city but also ensuring financial stability for our growing community. I believe with lighting, public restrooms, having police presence, and investing streets canopies to provide shade, will enhance the experience to shoppers by supporting our local business.

Salinas: I believe it’s a lack of negotiation, communication, commitment, and interest. These actions or in-actions by the city have left the merchants desperate and with feelings of mistrust and abandonment from City Officials. What we need is a short-term and long-term plan that brings customers downtown.

We must focus on a plan to promote the downtown sector to the country that most shops there — Mexico, and we need to look at new markets of shoppers from other Texas cities. I’m a former downtown merchant and I have full understanding of economic downturns and peso devaluations. I know that long waits at the bridge spell disaster for merchants. There is a lot to do, but first we have to listen to the merchants and come up with a plan that addresses their concerns and not an impractical plan that has little to do with what they need.

Vera: My belief is that there are two primary reasons; first is the long waiting period to cross into Laredo. I have asked staff to identify other border towns with similar traffic that have implemented a mechanism to alleviate this problem and consider adopting such mechanism. Second, during my tenure as City Councilman I have noticed a lack of cohesiveness between the City and the downtown sector. I intend to work with the councilmember of said district in order to establish a positive working relationship between both parties. I have made it my mission that on our next trip to Washington I will dedicate my efforts that brought 200 million to the Mines Road expansion and the development of our manufacturing district to the revi-

talization of our downtown area.

LareDOS: Where will our secondary water source come from now that the Eagle Ford Shale has compromised potential aquifer sources?

Holden: I don’t know the answer to this, but many, many residents our worried about this issue, and I for one, plan on assisting a committee that will find the answers to this.

Patiño: I will advocate for the creation of a water plant and a public power plant which will generate a water source with clean energy for our community boundaries. In essence, provide a needed relief for the flooding problems within the riverbank. The water plant and a public power plant project has been studied for years, and I believe it’s time for change. When we start implementing projects that provide safety and relief for the flooding problems, we will generate a secondary water source with clean energy, jobs, and an opportunity for a recreation water lake park for children and families.

I expect once situated as your Councilman I will add the adequate lighting, play-scapes, public restrooms, and baseball and soccer fields. The enhancements will bring families together in a wholesome environment. I know I can significantly help improve our quality of life now and in the years to come with productive endeavors.

Today, I humbly ask for your vote and those of your family, neighbors, and friends. Only through collaborative efforts can we be victorious and remember, “Together we can make a difference”!

Salinas: According to experts, at this time there is no evidence that the Eagle Ford Shale has compromised any regional aquifers. We must conserve and safeguard our own water supply from the Rio Grande and continue researching other secondary source options Vera: We must revisit a 2007 engineer’s study that would create a pipeline from the Brownsville ship channel to Laredo with a desalination plant located within our city limits. Seeking funding through the Texas Water Development Board and other sources, we can explore the feasibility of this pipeline project. ◆

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Feature

Laredoan Alejandra Salinas addresses Democratic National Convention

BY MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

T

he Democratic National Convention pulled out all the stops to showcase diversity, and Laredoan Alejandra Salinas was a natural as she opened with, “Buenas noches, democratas.”

The first-ever Latina president of the College Democrats of America (CDA) is an alumni of Alexander High School and a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business with a BA in Management.

She discovered her passion for politics when she organized a student walk-out her junior year of high school to draw attention to the issue of immigration reform and to motivate others to take notice of the issues that directly affected them.

In Salinas’ opinion, President Barack Obama has taken a tremendous step forward when it comes to immigration. She said he brings hope and possibilities to Dreamers who through no fault of their own are in this country, a country that they have grown to love and in which they wish to remain.

“It is important we elect Democrats up and down the ticket because on the other side we have someone like Mitt Romney who says he’ll veto the Dream Act,” said Salinas. She added, “Just in terms of phrasing, Romney calls these individuals illegal aliens, whereas President Obama refers to them as Dreamers. It is just a different way of looking at the individuals affected by these policies. That’s why we need to reelect the president – because he understands the issues and our community.”

Of her own voice in politics, Salinas said, “It’s been a combination of having a very supportive family and learning at a very young age that through poli-

tics and our democracy young people can make a profound difference. You can have a voice whether you are 18 or 50 or older.”

Throughout her term as president of CDA, Salinas focused on national and state politics. “There were a number of things I felt we were able to accomplish. Internally we’ve seen a growth as an organization,” she said, adding, “We have a presence now in over 40 states and growth in some of our key battleground states like Iowa, Florida, North Carolina, and Colorado. Where we used to have 15 chapters, now we’re up to 20 or 30 chapters on campuses.”

She had also set a goal to raise the profile of College Democrats, which the CDA was able to accomplish through a number of interviews and outreach efforts, but most notably and most recently with Salinas addressing the Democratic National Convention.

“It was my first time attending the convention, and it was incredible. The

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energy in the room and the energy you feel from the delegates is astounding, and it just reminds you why you are in this. You can’t compare the amount of energy people have for this president and this party. There is a real sense of hope for the future,” added Salinas.

Representing Latinos, Laredo, immigrants, and the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, Salinas made the case for why she believes Obama is the right leader for this country.

“I really just wanted to get my message out forwhy I support the president. I wanted people to know my background to show why the president and his policies are important to me and my generation,” she said.

Regarding being an LGBT member, Salinas added, “The Democratic Party has always been very welcoming of my identity. I have never received negative scrutiny from the media. I’ve received very positive reactions from my friends

and family.”

Salinas maintains that the president has always been a supporter of the LGBT community. “Obama repealed Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and has endorsed marriage equality, whereas Romney wants to pass a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. The choice couldn’t be more clear in every aspect what direction the two candidates would steer this country,” said Salinas.

She said political issues should be viewed from a personal stance, for how they will affect you.

“For example if you’re a student and have a student loan, as the vast majority of us do, who the next president is will have an impact on you,” she cautioned, referring to this past summer when Republicans wanted to increase student loan interest rates to 6.8% and Democrats wanted to keep it at 3.3%.

She said a cure for voter apathy is to really understand the issues and how they will affect students, business owners, the poor, and the elderly. “It is different for everyone and it’s important to figure out what that means to each individual person,” Salinas said.

“I hope that Laredoans know that their voice matters just as much as anyone else’s anywhere in the country,” Salinas added, “It is important for them to recognize that they are a part of a growing community of Latinos. We all need to embrace that and take ownership to make sure that the interests and polices that matter most to them are heard.”

There is little doubt we will hear again from this focused, well-spoken young voice that was heard so well above the din of the national political arena.

Salinas, the daughter of Anna María and Octavio Salinas, is currently studying law at Boston College. ◆ W W W.L A RED OS N E WS.CO M

Students anticipate exercise of vote

By Silke Jasso/LareDOS Staff

Alyssa Moreno, 19; Laredo; first-time voter I believe it’s important to vote. You hear a lot of opinions and then find out those with so many opinions didn’t vote. They have the lamest excuses. If you want a change, if you want a better America, if you want to be a better American, then vote for who you think is best and not what others are telling you to do. Don’t complain if you don’t vote, or follow the elections. If you want your voice heard, then do the right thing. Go out to the polls, be a true American, and vote.

Jen Ramos, 20; Eagle Pass; second-time voter The importance of voting is that every single person has a civic duty to take an interest in what is going on here and in the world. You can’t argue that the government is not representing you and is not listening to voters when you’re not voting. To the one person who says ‘my vote doesn’t count, one vote doesn’t make a difference,’ you’re one of thousands of people

Joey Prado, 21; Laredo; first-time voter I feel it is important to vote because we need to trust someone who will make good decisions for the economy and the environment. Before, I didn’t see a reason why I should vote. What harm could it do if I didn’t vote? But now I’m more aware of the issues, and I say ‘okay I do want to entrust somebody with my voice. I have a lot of friends who also think as I do, which is great, since we all believe in the same person and what he says he is capable of doing. I’m proud to say I trust the future president with our vote.

Mark Garner, 22; Laredo; fourth-time voter People my age must vote. It’s unAmerican otherwise. If you use the roads to get to work everyday, if you feel safe going to bed at night because there is law enforcement, if you partake in the Laredo community (which is still a part of the United Stares of America no matter what language you speak to order at McDonald’s), then it is your civic duty to vote. Regardless of whether the party you root for is red, blue, green, pink polka dot, or zebra-striped your vote really does matter. Even if the person you didn’t want to win is elected into office, voting trends are looked at retrospectively for future elections to come. If people care on iota about shaping the policy of our future, then we should stop catering towards apathy and get to the polls this November.

Voting for the first time was exhilarating. It was a right of passage. It was finally being a part of something bigger than myself. While I am just one individual out of the millions in America, I know that submitting at ballot allows me to connect with my community in such a way that perpetuates the ideas of democracy in America – the America that I live in, the country I call home.

Jose Gonzalez, 19; Eagle Pass; first-time voter I’m excited to vote for the first time because I believe this is my voice. To vote means you care for our country and it represents our nationality. In a way, it’s the way the government hears our voices. I’m really excited to vote. I can’t wait!

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Elections 2012

District VIII’s Liendo Espinoza to face Maldonado, Patiño Sr. Hector Patiño Sr.

I am a pastor and a businessman who has 30 years of experience working with people.

I’m a native Laredoan and a 1975 graduate of Martin High School. I’ve been married for 36 years and my wife •••• and I have seven children. I am respectful of those who differ from me, but I always believe we can find common ground to stand on and move for-

LareDOS: Why are you the bestsuited candidate for City Council District VIII? What do you offer in terms of leadership?

Pastor Patiño: I understand that I have a lot to learn as a City Councilman, but what I bring to the table is over 30 years experience of working with people as a pastor and as a businessman. I am owner/manager of KLAR 1300 AM Radio and other businesses in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo. In terms of leadership I offer a proven track record of 30 years experience in business administration and complete dedication to my work, and a willingness to walk the extra mile to achieve our goals.

LareDOS: Has this City Council really capitalized on the rich revenue streams presented by international trade and the Eagle Ford Shale – revenue streams that could make a significant difference on the quality for life of all Laredoans? What will your role be to ensure that the city benefits fully from those two very important sources of revenue?

Pastor Patiño: I believe this City Council is doing the best it can to capitalize on the rich revenues that come from the international trade and the recent revenues of the Eagle

Ford oil industry. But I believe that if we really want to take advantage of the current economic boom, we have to be more aggressive. We cannot let this opportunity pass us by.

There are other cities competing for this market and we cannot let our guard down. We have to offer tax incentives to companies willing to open shop in Laredo, we need to offer free job training programs to our citizens, and if possible bus transportation to job sites. My role as a City Councilman would be to explore all possible means to convert Laredo into the number one city of this market.

LareDOS: There is a perception that a lot of city business is decided prior to City Council meetings. Do you agree with that perception, and if so, how would you change it?

Pastor Patiño: I am aware of this perception, but I could not say that it is true. My role in the city council would be to remove this perception if it exists by inviting the public and citizens of Laredo to have a more active participation in the council decisions. Citizen participation is a must in our city council meetings.

LareDOS: Have you accepted campaign contributions from business-

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Incumbent District VIII City Council member Cindy Liendo Espinoza will face challengers José Luis Maldonado and Pastor Hector Patiño in a reelection bid on November 6. Candidate Maldonado and incumbent Liendo Espinoza did not take LareDOS up on the opportunity to answer these questions.

man Eduardo Garza? If so, how much?

Pastor Patiño: I have never met Mr. Eduardo Garza, and I have never received any contributions from him or his business associates.

I have financed my own campaign with my own money up to this moment.

LareDOS: Is it ethical for a sitting City Council member to be affiliated with ownership or operation of a maquinita enterprise?

Pastor Patiño: I would rather not comment on whether if it is ethical or non ethical for a sitting council member to be affiliated with such businesses. I would rather state that the law permits such businesses to operate only if they abide by the law. If an owner of such business decides not to abide by the law, such business owner should be fined and have his business license revoked completely and not given another opportunity to open again.

LareDOS: For incumbents: have you availed yourself of the gratis use of condominiums that belong to companies and individuals that do business with the city, out of town trips, tickets to sporting events, and other gifts? Do you believe it is ethical to accept gifts

from companies who want to do business or currently do business with the City of Laredo? Challengers, please answer the second half of the question.

Pastor Patiño: Under the Texas Ethics Commission Penal Code § 36.08 & 36.08(a) Clearly states that a public servant in an agency performing regulatory functions or conducting inspections or investigations may not accept a benefit from a person the public servant “knows to be subject to regulation, inspection, or investigation by the public servant or his agency.” Id. § 36.08(a). Similarly, a public servant who “exercises discretion in connection with contracts, purchases, payments, claims, or other pecuniary transactions” of the agency may not accept a benefit from a person the public servant knows is interested in or likely to become interested in such a transaction. But, you may accept a benefit from a person such as a friend, relative, or business associate with whom you have a relationship independent of your official status if the benefit is given on account of that relationship rather than your official status. Penal CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 Code § 36.10(a)(2).

LareDOS: What kind of behaviors should the ethics ordinance address?

Are there any instances of behavior in the past where you would have been required (under the recently passed ordinance) to file a conflict of interest report?

Pastor Patiño: I believe the ethics committee should investigate and address issues such as criminal activity, bribes, drug using, drunk driving, sex solicitation, money laundering, paid trips if trip was done for the sole purpose of entertaining and gain favoritism in an upcoming vote in the city council meeting. At the moment I prefer to abstain myself from accusing anyone of any ethics committee rule breaking. If elected, and after careful study and consideration would file a conflict interest if I suspected any unlawful or un-ethical behavior on behalf of my fellow council members or any city public official.

LareDOS: When you look down the road at the city’s potential, what kind of city do you see? What would be your part in bringing that potential to reality?

Pastor Patiño: I see a bright future for Laredo and its citizens. A study done by a Washington D.C. Economics firm stated that during the next 30 years Laredo will experience a growth of 2.18% annually and would have added 105,000 jobs by the year 2040, mainly in the oil and energy industry and the international trade. My vision and participation to make it happen will be to help the infrastructure of the city and create awareness in the education of our children, prepare our city for the potential population growth by supplying a secondary water source and a safe and secure sewer and waste disposal program.

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tax payers?

Pastor Patiño: Decisions on spending the tax payer money should be done in an open and honest dialog in the City Councils court room with the participation of citizen acknowledgment and consent.

And it should be done with the citizen understanding of the wording of the City Councils agendas, which are written in such a way that only lawyers can understand.

LareDOS: Why do you believe this Council has not been able to come up with a focused, doable plan for creating and sustaining a better business climate downtown?

Pastor Patiño: Laredo had for many years depended on the tourists from the US and from Mexico, but because of the violence in Mexico that is no longer the case. Let’s face it, the only attraction that Laredo has had for many years is the fact that it is a border city with Mexico.

A plan to change to facade of the downtown buildings will not bring back the tourists. And it is very expensive. We need our citizens to want and like going downtown for their shopping. We need something now, not years from today.

LareDOS: Where will our secondary water source come from now that the Eagle Ford Shale has compromised potential aquifer sources?

Pastor Patiño: The Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer has been the subject of our study as a secondary source of water for Laredo for its abundance of water and the closest to us, about 35 miles to the northwest of Laredo, but now with the Eagle Ford Oil industry, that source is in danger of contamination. There are however other alternatives. A study has to be made for underground water sources closest to Laredo other than the Carrizo Aquifer. Falcon Lake would be an alternative which is about 45 miles to the south. We might even consider importing from Mexico from the Presa Venustiano Carranza, a lake larger than the City of Laredo that is about 40 miles away. ◆ LareDOS I VOT I N G G U I D E 2012 I

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Opinion

Green Party the alternative or the imperative—you decide

BY MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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lthough it is Democratic and Republican politics and candidates that are exhaustively covered by mainstream media, alternative parties such as the Green Party (GP) may offer more clear-cut solutions on important issues.

According to www.gp.org, the GP of the United States is a federation of state Green Parties committed to upholding its 10 key values: grassroots democracy; social justice and equal opportunity; ecological wisdom; non-violence; decentralization; community based economics and economic justice; feminism and gender equity; respect for diversity; personal and global responsibility; and future focus and sustainability.

At the recent TAMIU forum, Green Party Senate candidate David Collins discussed the difference between the Green Party and the status quo. “The difference is that we base all of our decisions and policy positions on four primary pillars – nonviolence, grassroots democracy, social justice, and ecological wisdom,” he said.

The GP was formed in 2001, based on the previous Association of State Green Parties (1996-2001). “Our initial goal was to help existing state parties grow and to promote the formation of parties in all 51 states and colonies. Helping state parties is still our primary goal,” reads the GP’s mission statement.

The GP of U.S. is a partner of the European Federation of Green Parties and the Federation of Green Parties of the Americas.

“We’re already suffering from a two party system in which neither

party is giving us much of a choice,” Collins said. “They have some differences on various policies, but when it comes to the polices that make the economic engine run, they have a lot of commonalities,” he continued, adding, “How many times have President Obama and Governor Romney said ‘I agree with him on that point.’ ” Michael Cary, GP candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, said, “I formerly voted as a member of the Democratic Party for Obama in 2008. I will not be voting for him this time.” He added, “This fighting between the Democrats and Republicans the past two years has become ridiculous. Aside from that, I feel that lawyers shouldn’t be dominating the Texas legislature and the U.S. Congress. We should have common people working in government to better understand and meet the needs of the people.”

The GP represents the interests of those who no longer wish to be controlled or influenced by corporatedominated politics. Some of the issues on the GP website are universal health care, corporate globalization, alternative energy, election reform, and living wages for workers.

“One of our biggest issues on the ecological wisdom front is that we are strongly opposed to the completion of the Keystone XL pipeline. James Hanson of NASA has said ‘game over for earth’s climate’ with this pipeline.

It’s going to make the air dirtier and it is already disrupting the lives of farmers in East Texas,” said Collins.

GP presidential candidate Jill Stein is running not solely on the GP platform but on something called the Green New Deal, an emergency four-part program of specific solutions

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for moving America quickly out of crisis into a secure green future, according to gp.org.

“If I am elected, I will put through all the legislative proposals that constitute the Green New Deal. This includes not just the investment in green and clean energy but also tuition-free state university education, a single pay health system, and additional investments in repairing our nation’s infrastructure,” said Collins, adding, “This would be accomplished by raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations from 35 to 70 percent, as during the Eisenhower years when we had our greatest prosperity.”

On October 16, Obama and Rom-

ney faced off in the second presidential debate at Hofstra University.

Stein and running mate Cheri Hokala attempted to enter the debate grounds, however the two women were detained by police officers.

Stein declared, “We are here to bring the courage of those excluded from our politics to this mock debate, this mockery of democracy.”

If in fact this is a nation of democracy, it is important to recognize and participate in a multiparty democracy, so that disenfranchised voters have more choices as to who runs the country and how prosperity and growth are ensured. Perhaps the alternative parties are in fact the imperative ones. ◆

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Jackie Martinez, Communities in School staff member; Chris Sandoval, Student Activity coordinator; and TMC employees Minnie Villarreal and Laura Arriaga were part of the “I am Laredo…I Vote” voter registration drive held recently at United South High School. The group assisted eligible students and employees to register to vote for the upcoming November 6 election. October 9 is the last day to register to vote. UISD will be hosting voter registration drives at the other high school campuses throughout the month of September.

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Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

Courtesy Photo

United South registers voters

First you register, then you vote November 6 Martin High School held a voter registration drive to encourage its eligible students to participate in the November 6 election. Pictured left to right with LISD director of communications Veronica Castillon (second from left) are faculty members María Villarreal, Javier Vazquez, Cristina Segovia, Lizzie Galvan, Jamie Hein, Carl Medina, and Richard Treviño.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Registering voters at Mall del Norte Mimi Valdez and Bobby Trevi単o were among the members of I Am Laredo/I Vote who registered voters at Mall del Norte.

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Elections 2012 Laredo attorney Patricia Alvarez has challenged incumbent Justice Rebecca Simmons for her Place 3 seat on the Fourth Court of Appeals, a position Simmons has held for the last seven years. What follows below is a Q&A presented to both candidates by LareDOS:

Laredo attorney Patricia Alvarez in run for Place 3, Fourth Court of Appeals LareDOS: What is the function of the Fourth Court of Appeals? Define the types of cases that go before this court.

Alvarez: Courts of Appeals constitute a key part of our justice system, assuring “due process” to each individual. Their function is to confirm that lower courts have conducted trials and other proceedings fairly and properly according to our Constitution and to Texas law. If you feel that a trial court has committed an injustice through legal error, you can appeal the case to a Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals determines whether the lower court applied the correct law in the case. If the Court of Appeals believes that the trial court did not apply the law correctly, it returns that case to that trial court with instructions to correct the deficiency. Courts of Appeals are designed to assure justice through the rule of law.

The 4th Court of Appeals, which sits in San Antonio, is comprised of seven Justices who hear cases from 32 counties, including Webb, Zapata, Starr, Duval, Maverick, and LaSalle. This Court hears civil and criminal appeals from decisions of the district and county-court-at-law courts from all 32 counties. The Court’s jurisdiction includes civil cases where the judgment is in excess of $10, and of all criminal cases except post-conviction writs of habeas corpus and death penalty cases.

The 4th Court of Appeals is important to all residents of the 32 counties W W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

because, for a majority of legal appeals, it is the court of last resort, and serves to ensure that decisions made by our lower courts are legally correct, and that your constitutional rights are protected.

Simmons: The Fourth Court of Appeals is an intermediate appellate court that resolves appeals from trial courts in a 32-county district that includes Laredo and surrounding counties. The Fourth Court hears a wide variety of both civil and criminal appeals except for capital murder cases where the death penalty has been assessed. Fifty percent of the Fourth Court’s cases are appeals from criminal cases. The remaining appeals involve civil cases that include a wide variety of topics including family matters, inheritance, contract, oil and gas, property rights, governmental immunity and personal injury.

LareDOS: What will you bring to the position?

Alvarez: I will bring additional professionalism and diversity to the Fourth Court of Appeals from the perspective of a Board Certified Trial Attorney practicing in South Texas.

My education, my trial experience, my dedication to my profession and to professionalism, my hard work, and the ability to understand the law and complicated issues makes me the best candidate for Justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals, Place 3. I am from Laredo and was raised on the border.

I will bring a diverse geographical element to the Court.

Education: I graduated from UTSA in 1982 with a BA in Finance. In 1987, I obtained my law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. I attend at least 30 hours of Continuing Legal Education each year.

Experience: I have 25 years of trial experience. I have tried cases all over South Texas in the areas of property rights, personal injury, products liability, premises liability, and malpractice.

Qualifications: I am Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law. Only 10% of Texas attorneys have earned the right to be publicly recognized as Board Certified. Board Certification is a mark of excellence and a distinguishing accomplishment, and it means that an attorney has substantial, relevant experience in a select field of law as well as demonstrated, and tested, special competence in that are of law.

I have a rating from Martindale – Hubbell as an “AV Preeminent” attorney. This rating is a “significant rating accomplishment and a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence.”

I have been named “Texas Super Lawyer” by Texas Monthly Magazine each year since 2003. I am a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Litigation Counsel of

America, both of which are honorary societies of trial attorneys by invitation only.

Finally, I am a frequent lecturer at international, national, and statewide levels on various areas of my practice.

I have written multiple articles, and I am considered an expert in procedural law, transportation law, and damages.

Geographical Diversity: The Fourth Court of Appeals is presently composed of seven justices from San Antonio. This Court, which is comprised of 32 counties, should have geographical diversity. The people of South Texas are under-represented in the Fourth Court of Appeals. I can best represent their interests in this position, and provide the latitude to expand the interests of the Fourth Court of Appeals. If you elect me, I will bring to the Court our perspective and culture.

Simmons: I bring over 7 years of experience as a Justice on the Fourth Court of Appeals. Prior to the Court of Appeals I served as a district court judge. I even served on the Texas Supreme Court when I was specially commissioned to serve in the place of a justice that had to recuse himself. In addition to my judicial experience, I have 22 years of experience as a practicing attorney. I have been an adjunct professor at St. Mary’s Law School for 18 years. As the author of over CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 900 Court opinions and the author of three articles published in the St. Mary’s Law Journal, I have the writing and analytical experience necessary for the position.

LareDOS: How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for political campaigns?

Alvarez: If you elect me as a Justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals, there is no contribution amount – from any contributor, attorney or non-attorney – that would affect the “judicial temperament” I will strive to have. My commitment to justice, by deciding a case fairly and objectively, based on the evidence presented and on the applicable law, will not be based on which side contributed to my campaign.

Simmons: My duty as a judge is to resolve cases with honesty and integrity based on the application of the law to the facts. I focus on that duty when I review cases and strive always to remain impartial. I campaign on my experience and record, and avoid the appearance

of prejudging issues. Finally, I do not accept contributions from parties that I know have cases pending before me.

LareDOS: Do you feel that all citizens have equal, fair, and adequate access to justice in this district? How would you improve that access?

Alavarez: The 4th Court of Appeals is in San Antonio. All seven justices are from San Antonio. If you have a case appealed to that Court, you have to travel to San Antonio. If the 4th Court of Appeals is truly a “people’s court,” then the 4th Court of Appeals should go to the people. I propose that a panel of justices be permanently placed in a southern county of the 4th District (Webb or La Salle) so that the people in that area or vicinity have access to the court.

This step was taken by the 13th Court of Appeals, which has a panel in Corpus Christi and another one in Edinburg, Texas. By doing this, the 13th Court of Appeals became accessible to people, and it minimized the parties’ financial burden associated with appealing their case.

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Simmons: Although all citizens in the district are entitled to equal application of the law and justice, the lack of resources can impair the ability of all citizens to access our court system.

I support the initiatives of the Access to Justice Commission to expand and enhance the quality of justice in civil legal matters. As president-elect of the San Antonio Bar Association I have worked closely with the Community Justice Project to provide free legal services to veterans, the elderly and the general public. We continue to expand the program.

LareDOS: Is there any one of the 14 courts that you feel works at near optimum in terms of its makeup, its docket, the timeliness of its decisions, its adherence to existing law, and its service to justice?

OR Describe an ideal court as to the above.

Alvarez: Justice Delayed is Justice Denied. The ideal Court of Appeals should therefore show respect to Justice by expediently determining if any mistakes of law were made during the trial that warrant a new trial or warrant the

confirmation of the lower court’s ruling based only on the law or on the Constitution. Respect to Justice also means that the politics of a case should not be considered, nor whether a party is rich, poor, or influential, nor the political views of the parties. The ideal Court of Appeals should show respect for Justice by simply applying the law and/or determining if the law or the rights of the party appealing the case were violated by the lower court. If you elect me, I commit to foster the “Ideal Court of Appeals.”

Simmons: The Fourth Court of Appeals is an excellent court. The Court is extremely hard working and resolves its cases efficiently and timely. We have no backlog. More importantly, the Court has an excellent reputation in the State for its clear and thoughtful opinions. We are seldom reversed. The court has seven justices that bring a different type of expertise to the court. Because of my teaching experience, I am an expert on court procedure and pre-trial practice. ◆

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Ethel Gonzalez of El Lider, Bill Green of The Laredo Morning Times, and Danielle Martinez of KLDO were among the members of the I Am Laredo/I Vote committee that finalized plans for measures to get out the vote during the Early Voting period (Oct. 22 through Nov. 2) and the Nov. 6 Election Day. Among the measures discussed were news stories, PSAs, bus advertising, billboards, and electronic signage. The group met at City Hall on October 2.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS Staff

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

Getting out the vote

Music, food, and fulfilled civic duties Efren Chavez, Jonathon Gutierrez, and Jennifer Flores, members of the TAMIU student government association and TAMIU Democrats, were present to register voters at the 2012 Autmus Fest.

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Elections 2012

David Towler seeks seat for Place 5, Fourth Court of Appeals

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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an Diego attorney and rancher David Towler is a candidate for Justice, Place 5 on the Fourth Court of Appeals. He will face incumbent Justice Karen Angelini.

LareDOS sat down with Towler for a Q&A about his run, his professional career, and how he would like to make a difference in how justice is served.

LareDOS: What is the function of the Fourth Court of Appeals? Define the types of cases that go before this court.

Towler: The function of the Fourth Court of Appeals is to review the decisions of the trial courts in the Fourth Court’s 32-county district. This includes both civil and criminal cases.

LareDOS: What will you bring to the position?

Towler: I have 28 years of legal experience, both in litigation and transactional work. I have extensive litigation experience in cases that were resolved without a trial, but I have tried approximately 45 cases to a jury verdict, including criminal cases, up to murder; real estate cases; contract cases; family law cases; and personal injury cases, both plaintiff and defendant.

I also have significant appellate experience, having handled 26 appeals, 21 of which I was lead counsel for my client.

In addition to my legal education and experience, I also received a BBA in Accounting, with High Honors, from U.T.S.A. in 1980, and practiced as an accountant for three years. Because of my training and

David Towler practice, I have the experience and ability to understand all of the legal and factual issues that come before the 4th Court of Appeals.

Finally, and not least importantly, I have lived in South Texas my entire life, and have worked in agriculture and the oilfield. This gives me the ability to not only understand the legal issues in a case, but also to understand the facts and circumstances that give rise to the legal disputes.

LareDOS: Do the seven judges now sitting render an effective court that serves justice?

Towler: I can only comment on my opponent, but I believe that her record reflects a strong tendency to find reasons to ignore the jury findings in a case, and to substitute her own judgment. The analysis of all of the Courts of Appeal in Texas done by the University of Houston Law Review published in 2012 reflects that, for the time period covered, the Fourth Court of Appeals had the highest reversal rate (50%) of jury verdicts in the State of Texas.

It is hard to imagine that the juries

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of this state get it wrong 50% of the time.

LareDOS: Is it the work of the Fourth Court of Appeals to retry cases, i.e., to second guess (or void) the verdicts of jury trials? Is that an accurate representation of this court?

Towler: The Fourth Court of Appeals (and all Texas Courts of Appeals) review the legal issues from the trial courts. The exclusive role of fact finding rests in the juries (although the Courts of Appeal can review the legal issues surrounding the submission of the fact questions to the juries) and the answers given by the juries.

As stated above, however, the University of Houston Law Review’s article indicates that the Fourth Court of Appeals has the highest reversal rate of jury verdicts in the State of Texas. Although each case turns on its own facts, this reversal rate seems high.

LareDOS: Do you think the demographic makeup of its officers offers fair representation to those who come before it?

Towler: Although the Fourth Court of Appeals is not a “representative body,” the ability to understand the issues that come before the Court depends heavily on a person’s background. When issues such as water rights, oil and gas production, agriculture, rural/small town development, etc., are being litigated, it is important that the Justices reviewing those cases have a personal understanding of the issues. I therefore believe that it is very important that the Court have diverse background.

LareDOS: Is there any one of the 14 courts that you feel works at near optimum in terms of its makeup, its

docket, the timeliness of its decisions, its adherence to existing law, and its service to justice? Describe an ideal court as to the above.

Towler: The ideal Fourth Court of Appeals should have competent, qualified justices with a mixture of personal backgrounds as well as professional backgrounds. I feel that the justices currently on the Court lack that. I offer the personal background of having lived approximately 34 years in rural South Texas, and also having lived over 20 years in San Antonio. I offer the professional background of having actively practiced in almost every area of the law within the Fourth Court’s jurisdiction, having practiced in both rural South Texas Courts and in San Antonio, and having been licensed as a CPA from 1981 to 1991. This gives me the background to understand and appreciate the issues that will come before the Fourth Court of Appeals better than my opponent.

LareDOS: Why are you a better choice for this office than your opponent?

Towler: I am the better choice because of both my personal and professional backgrounds. The Fourth Court of Appeals handles appeals from all 32 counties in its District, and it handles all areas of the law, both civil and criminal. I have both litigation and transaction experience in all of these areas of the law.

In addition, the majority of the Eagle Ford Shale oil production is located within this Court’s District, and this will result in a significant amount of commercial litigation over the next 20-30 years. With my accounting background, I am better prepared to understand the issues in that type of case than my opponent. ◆ W W W.L A RED OS N E WS.CO M

Elections 2012 LareDOS posed this set of questions to Justice Phylis Speedlin of the Fourth Court of Appeals, Place 7, and challenger Rebeca C. Martinez. Only Martinez responded. Her answers follow:

Rebeca C. Martinez challenges Justice Speedlin for Place 7, Fourth Court of Appeals Ltaredos: What is the function of the Fourth Court of Appeals? Define the types of cases that go before this court.

Martinez: The 4th Court of Appeals reviews the decisions made at the district and county court level, in every type of criminal or civil case, including family and probate matters. Most importantly, the Court interprets and applies state law, the constitution, and addresses important legal principles that affect all Texans.

What will you bring to the position?

Martinez: I am a graduate of Boston University School of Law and former law clerk to a federal and a state appellate judge. With almost 20 years of diverse litigation experience in criminal and civil trial law, I believe my education, experience, and temperament will offer a more balanced and fair perspective to the review of cases on appeal.

Laredos: How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for political campaigns?

Martinez: Texas is one of a handful of states that elects its judges.

While this allows voters to select public servants they feel best represent their communities, it also requires that judicial candidates raise campaign money to compete in expensive, partisan elections. The threat to judicial independence rises as more money pours into judicial races.

In their report, Lowering the Bar: Lawyers Keep Texas Appeals Judges on Retainer, the nonpartisan Texans for Public Justice observed that “(r)egardless W W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

of whether Democrats or Republicans wield a judicial majority, the popular perception that justice is for sale in Texas will persist until Texas judges stop taking campaign money from donors with cases in their courts.” A judge who takes money from interested parties in a pending case threatens the public’s trust in the judiciary and fails to maintain impartiality.

As Associate Justice, I will work to restore public confidence in the judiciary, and I will NOT accept campaign contributions from parties or lawyers with matters pending before me.

Laredos: Do you feel that all citizens have equal, fair, and adequate access to justice in this district? How would you improve that access?

Martinez: Equal, fair, and adequate access to justice lies at the foundation of our democracy. As an attorney actively practicing in both civil and criminal courts, I know there are always opportunities to improve equal access to justice, unfortunately, these opportunities are not always taken. At the heart of this access is procedural fairness. The judiciary must act in pursuit of greater trust from the public and to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

Laredos: Describe an ideal court as to the above.

Martinez: Twenty years ago, I served as Briefing Attorney to Justice Federico Hinojosa on the 13th Court of Appeals. I got the benefit of an inside view of the court of appeals system, beginning from when an appeal

was filed through the publication of an opinion. It was a privilege to be a part of the process, and I was impressed

by Justice Hinojosa’s work ethic and independence. He was staunchly dedicated to precedent and to the law, while admirably guided by a compass to do the right thing. Granted, I was still an idealistic young law clerk back thten, but I felt lucky to have been a part of something that, at least from my per-

spective, was a meaningful part of the judicial system. The Court included a diverse selection of jurists, each adding a unique perspective to the decision-making process. At the end of my clerkship, I aspired to obtain litigation experience in a diversity of cases in both civil and criminal law so that, if fortunate to serve on the appellate court, I could offer an ideally unique perspective to the appellate process. ◆

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Election 2012

Campos vies for City Council Dist V

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ine-year UISD trustee Patricia Campos has announced her run for City Council District V, a position currently held by two-termer Johnny Rendon. Campos will face Roque Vela Jr. in the November 2012 election.

Campos said that besides wanting to be part of city government’s fulfillment of its responsibility to provide Laredoans police and fire protection, health services, water and sewer services, and roadway infrastructure, she envisions herself a part of a City Council that develops a comprehensive plan for future development – a plan for how to have enough water for growth, for how to provide more north-tosouth infrastructure to relieve traffic congestion, and for how to encourage an economic climate that invites new businesses to Laredo and stimulates employment.

“I don’t know how Laredo has survived without a plan for the future. We weren’t prepared for NAFTA, and I’m not sure we seized all the opportunities that were there. We should be better prepared for what will come our way from the Eagle Ford Shale,” Campos said.

“There has been much discussion of coming up with a plan, but plans don’t move forward by themselves. Responsible elected officials, administrators, and citizens with good ideas move them forward,” she continued, citing “Imagine Austin,” Austin’s progressive 30-year plan for sustainable development.

She said Laredo’s success as an international inland port and as a venue for businesses to thrive depends on several variables. “One is how well we plan and execute infrastructure for

the movement of traffic and goods. We need to work to extend Bartlett to Del Mar Boulevard, Springfield all way to International Boulevard, and University Boulevard from McPherson all the way to Loop 20.”

The other variable, she said, is “what we do as a city to draw business to Laredo and to support it.” Campos said there is a need to facilitate the permitting process for new businesses by offering a one-stop point for businesses to secure all their permits. “We should be offering incentives and tax rebates to draw new businesses to Laredo.

From mom and pop operations to the largest international corporations, we need to foster a business climate that grows job opportunities,” Campos continued.

Maximizing the employment and development opportunities of the Eagle Ford Shale are priorities for Campos. “The big players have told us that they are all looking for skilled oilfield workers. One of the largest drilling companies has told us that 80 percent of the company’s work force comes from Laredo. We would do well to be part of an oilfield workforce training effort that begins in high school, such as Corpus Christi’s Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend, which prepares its students to become welders, crane operators, pipe fitters, electricians, and plumbers. That trained workforce will spend its money here, raise families, buy homes and cars, and educate their children,” she said. “We would be remiss as community leaders to not capitalize on the economic benefits of the Eagle Ford Shale.”

Regarding the lamentable state of the downtown business climate, Campos said, “It needs a lot of help. We don’t need more half-million dollar studies on downtown revitalization.

We need action.” Campos added, “Reviving downtown as a business venue

3 2 I LareDOS I VOT I N G G U I D E 2012

and as a heritage, theater, arts, dining, and tourist destination would do a lot to counter the image that ours is a violent city,” she said.

Campos said that though the increased number of city recreation centers and parks has been of much benefit to the youth of the city and to senior citizens who walk, swim, and exercise to keep active, that council members also need to address the bigger issues that face the city. “It’s time to stop thinking of Laredo as eight separate districts. We are one Laredo. We need to make decisions and choices that help Laredo become a prosperous city, a city that offers job opportunities,” she said.

The District V candidate said that 30 years in Webb County employment, nine years as a UISD trustee, and service on countless boards, have taught her the value of teamwork and consensus. “No one person can do anything

alone, nor can one entity. I commit myself to work with the mayor, the council, city administration, the business community, and educational institutions to create an environment for sustainable growth,” she said.

Campos retired in 2011 as director of probation services for the Webb County Juvenile Department.

“Let’s drop the negatives and make more positives,” she said.

Campos said the one thing she would want the voters of District V to know about her is “that once I give my word, I am totally and fully commited.”

David Cardwell, Sandra Cavazos, and Belinda Guerra spearhead Campos’ election bid. The executive committee for the Campos campaign is comprised of Blas Castañeda, Erasmo Villarreal, Rudy Chapa, and Robert Chapa. ◆

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

Pat Campos, longtime UISD trustee, has announced her candidacy for City Council District V. She is pictured at a recent Kiwanis Club meeting with Erasmo Villarreal, David Cardwell, and Luis de la Garza.

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Election 2012

Roque Vela Jr. seeking election to City Council District V seat

BY MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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usinessman Roque Vela Jr., a native Laredoan, wants to bring what he knows about budgets, cash flow, and prioritized expenditures to City Council decision-making.

“The city is a business,” Vela said.

“We could do a much better job budgeting our money, maximizing the potential and productivity of city employees, and developing untapped revenue streams,” he said.

The graduate of Nixon High School and Hardin Simmons University said he grew up in the family business – Jett Bowl – and went straight into

them remain “the tough part of the equation.” He said that of necessity and for lack of funds, “We are taking shortcuts on staffing and how they are being maintained. It’s a lack of vision to build them and not be able to run them or care for them properly.

It is with a lack of vision that we are spending our money, taxpayer money.”

Vela said the city continues to spend money on non-priorities.

“We’ve sold a ridiculous amount of bonds this year. We’ve hamstrung ourselves.” He said he is looking forward to “being able to work with reasonable members of the City Council.”

He said that quality of life proj-

Roque, Azalee, Tristan, and Kerissa Vela it after college. “I’ve learned how to squeeze everything out of a penny – how to budget, how to maintain a good work environment, and how to treat your customers. There is much truth to the adage ‘a penny saved is a penny earned.’ We would do well as a city to treat taxpayer money as we do our home and business finances – with great care,” he said.

Vela said that while the city is building beautiful recreation centers, the overhead and maintenance of W W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

ects, such as the rec centers, “are always important,” but the city needs to improve infrastructure and catch up with the demands of growth. “We will be in a very precarious situation for lack of infrastructure,” he said, adding that north to south roads like Bartlett need to connect to Del Mar to alleviate traffic congestion.

One of the untapped revenue streams Vela sees is “thousands of acres of undeveloped land in north Laredo. One 900-acre tract, which

pays agricultural use taxes, could be turned into residential and commercial development. The five or six million it might cost the city in platting and infrastructure would come back quickly in property taxes.” Vela said such an undertaking would also create job stimulation in construction and real estate, and increase sales tax revenues.

He said the best scenario for development of raw land in his district would have been to earmark some of the sports venue tax as an impact tax.

As it turned out, Vela said, neither the arena nor the Unitrade stadium “were good investments.”

He continued, “We don’t look at the bigger picture. We are reactionary instead of visionary. I can see the uptick in development as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. There are more property sales.

There are more developers coming before us. We need to be proactive about development. The more they develop, the more tax dollars will flow. We need to be more aggressive.

We need to give them a helping hand.

We can’t build roads to help developers, but we can plat lands when appropriate.”

Vela said he would like to see a forward thinking City Council that will capitalize on the continuing economic opportunities of international trade and the Eagle Ford Shale play.

“Opportunities that benefit the entire community and not individuals,” he stressed.

He said that while it is important to be part of educating and preparing a workforce for the Eagle Ford Shale, “We cannot lose sight of making sure that those who want a college education get one. For those whose best option is going to work right away in the oilfield, yes, let’s prepare them.”

Regarding the Eagle Ford Shale, Vela said the city needs to zone for

RV parks to take advantage of the housing component of the play. “We need to be more diverse as we understand more fully that we are competing with other cities for services and products.”

Vela said the city “is not aggressive enough about tax abatements and other amenities that draw new business to Laredo. Those businesses given abatements will become regular taxpayers once the abatement period is up.”

As to downtown, Vela said, “It doesn’t so much need to be revived as it needs to be reinvented. We need to work as a team to make a real effort to make a real plan that helps the merchants who are there, but also helps to draw other businesses. I don’t think that effort has really been made.”

Vela said the city needs not to forget its sister city and trade partner, Nuevo Laredo. “In many aspects, that relationship is vital,” he said, adding, “We need not to just say we are the largest inland port. We need to be the best inland port, a city that welcomes business and does all possible to expedite the movement of goods.”

Vela continued, “I have nothing but the best interests of this community at heart. It is the well being of the community that is important to me, and it should be that way for every council member. I owe no political favors. If we are complicit as a whole council, that limits our ability to move forward. It’s easy to spend when you think you are spending other people’s money, but this is our money, taxpayer money. Think of what could have been done with the millions of dollars that went into the international bridge that was never built.”

Vela said he has not taken cam CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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Mariela Rodriguez/ LareDOS

right and doing the right thing – I’m going to do what I think is right,” Vela said, adding, “My work will be to set the table for my children and for the children of this community, so that they inherit a city that bears the results of sound planning and sound spending.”

Vela is married to Kerissa Gonzalez Vela, and they have two children, Tristan, 10, and Azalee, 5.

A 2012 inductee into the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame, Vela said he represents “the hardworking people of Laredo.” He said, “It comes down to respect – for others and self respect, how you carry yourself, how you present yourself.”

He attributes his work ethic to the lessons learned from his parents, Cookie and Roque Vela Sr. He characterized his campaign as a grassroots effort staffed by family and close friends. Vela’s campaign headquarters are at 618 Del Mar. “If you can’t find me there, I’m at the Jett Bowl.

I am very approachable,” he said. ◆

MHS voter registration underway Claudia Rodriguez assisted Martin High School seniors Karina Alvarado and Hector Cuevos with filling out voter registration cards. The registration drive was planned in cooperation with Teaching Mentoring Communities the “I am Laredo. I Vote” project to get out the vote for the November 6 elections.

Courtesy Photos

 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 paign money from businessman Eduardo Garza, who has extensive ties to the City of Laredo and who has contributed to the campaign races of Mayor Raul Salinas and several City Council members.

He contrasted the differences between himself and his opponent, UISD trustee Pat Campos, as “huge.”

He said, “I am accountable to my wife and children. I answer to them. I am completely invested in this community, through my business and my home. The stronger and more progressive our community is, the better future my children will have. This our home. I was born here, and I will die here. The well being of my children and future grandchildren is important to me. We are not building just for the day – we are building for the future.”

“Everyone brings something different to the table, “Vela said. “I’m bringing business sense and common sense. Those go a long way, and so does basic arithmetic. Treating people

UISD voter registration drive UISD students who are eligible to vote signed up at voter registration drives held on all high school campuses. Staff members of Teaching and Mentoring Communities assisted with the registration.

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Election 2012

Yolanda Salinas files for run for City Council District VII

BY MARÍA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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olanda Salinas – no stranger to Laredo politics and the soon-to-be former wife of Mayor Raul Salinas – credits re-districting and divine intervention with moving her from contemplating a run for City Council to actually filing for the race.

“The day I got the letter from District VII Councilman Jorge Vera informing me I now lived in his district, that was the day I decided to run,” she said.

She will face incumbent Vera and Sid Holden and Hector Lee Patiño.

Salinas fared far better in a oneon-one interview with LareDOS than she did before the TV cameras on the day she announced for the position. She was organized and articulate, and honest about having to gain speed on the issues she believes need to be addressed in District VII. “I am a fast learner,” she said, “and a quick thinker.”

There’s little doubt that should she take the Council seat from Vera, that her presence at the dais – one seat away from her ex-husband – would ratchet up the drama at City Council meetings. She dispelled the notion that her run might be a grudge match to counter the Mayor’s official acts and pronouncements.

“My time on City Council will be all business. I have a burning desire to help people and to make government work for the people who pay for it,” she said.

Salinas said her time in the cotton fields near Benavides and Alice were the classroom for learning about hard work. She was born in Concepción, “La Chona,” a small W W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

Yolanda Salinas ranching community near Benavides. “I know that you lose in order to gain, and that God will fill your empty hand.”

Salinas wants the City’s Civil Service Commission to function. “I worked hard to help get the commission before the voters for a referendum. Now it needs to function to protect City employees,” she said.

Salinas said the welfare of veterans is another of her priorities. “We owe them so much. I want to do all possible so that they do not have to go out of town to get medical help.

I am committing myself as a voice here and in Austin and in Washington to help move legislation through that benefits veterans. In 2009 I worked very hard to bring home

the 109 reservists of the National Guard’s Bravo Unit so that they could spend Thanksgiving with their families before deploying overseas for a year,” she said.

Salinas considers herself an advocate for the elderly. “They are used in elections and then forgotten by the politicians and sometimes by the City and their families. They are an ever-increasing population and they need representation in the form of an organization that advocates for them.

They need a place for social events and a place where they can learn about services and legislative changes that affect their welfare.”

The aspirant for District VII envisions more green spaces across the City, natural settings that are xeriscaped so as to use a minimum of water and pesticides. “Environmenally,” she said, “the City should lead by example by making native plantings and reducing the consumption of water at City offices.

Our children will learn from our good practices.”

Salinas, an animal lover – as evidenced by her care for her pet Chihuahua Princess – said her dream for Laredo is a no-kill shelter. “Animals have no voice. We are their voice. We need to educate people about animal care, and if we catch them abusing them or abandoning them, we need to enforce the laws

that are on the books,” she said.

If elected, addressing flooding in the Mines Road area would be one of Salinas’ priorities. “There are serious drainage issues we need to deal with. Unfortunately we were not prepared for the floods of 2010. I visited many flooded homes in that area. It was a tragedy. We need an advance warning system,” she said.

She said a branch library in the Mines Road area would go a long way to promote literacy, to give children computer access, and to teach parents English and computer skills that would help them study with their children. “Libraries change lives,” Salinas said.

Traffic, she said, is one of the most important Mines Road issues she will prioritize. “We need lanes dedicated to truck traffic, and we need another police sub-station in the Bristol Road area. We need more of a police presence in the area,” she said.

Another priority, Salinas said, is stimulating economic development in the Mines Road area. “Small businesses are the heart of every community. They create jobs. We are glad for the dollar stores and the fast food restaurants, but we need incentives to invite other businesses to the area,” she said.

Her plans for the part of West Laredo that falls in District VII include the revitalization of the Farias Recreation Center with new exercise equipment. The baseball parks adjacent to the center also need to be updated, she said.

Salinas said she knows of a private sector investor who has expressed an interest in building a water park in West Laredo.

“No, I have not accepted campaign contributions from Eduardo Garza,” Salinas said, concluding the interview. ◆

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Elections 2012

Sid Holden will face incumbent Jorge Vera, challengers Salinas and Patiño for District VII Council seat

BY MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

S

id Holden, a Laredoan wellknown in media sales and for her community service with Crimestoppers and fundraising for numerous local non-profits, has announced her candidacy for City Council District VII. Holden is a founder of the annual Crimestoppers fundraiser, the Menudo Bowl.

She will face incumbent Jorge Vera and challengers Yolanda Salinas and Hector Lee Patiño in the November 6 elections.

“I am not a politician,” Holden said, adding that she would like to be thought of as a public servant. “I want to be a voice for District VII. I am unencumbered. I don’t have a price, and I can’t be bought off. I speak up, and I want to speak up for the citizens of District VII and their needs,” said the candidate whose upbeat campaign slogan reads, “Tomorrow is looking good!”

Holden, a resident of Belmont Plaza neighborhood, said, “After redistricting, I thought about changes I would like to see in my own neighborhood and in the district. I want to be the voice of the people, someone who stands her ground. It is not what I want, it is what you, the residents of District VII want.”

The candidate, who is known for her energy and positive ideas, said that she would like to see more of a law enforcement presence on the Mines Road and a designated commercial lane to separate the fast-moving 18-wheelers from the traffic of residents, area business owners, and school buses.

Holden said the City needs to re-

Sid Holden think its effort to deal with stray pets on the streets and with pet owners who are not responsible. She cited the costs associated with retrieving a pet that has been picked up. “Most people would not be able to afford the $300 or so dollars associated with getting your dog back. Yes, we need a leash law, the electronic chip, and court fees, but we need to re-visit the whole process. A person unable to come up with $300 should not have to lose a family pet,” she said, adding that the City needs to operate a veterinary facility for spaying and neutering.

“I am a strong proponent of education. Let’s utilize the public facilities we already have to provide many of the things we need educationally for our children, such as tutoring and after-school activities that enrich their minds,” Holden said, adding, “Those same facilities need to be used for activities for seniors.”

Holden said that even as Laredo is poised for continued growth, “We are not always welcoming to busi-

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nesses that want to locate here. That needs to change.”

She said the city needs to be more aggressively green in its policies and actions. “We need an ordinance to reduce the use of plastic bags that are an eyesore all over the city.” Enforcement of such an ordinance, she said, would make the city noticeably cleaner.

“Veterans need our help with jobs and housing,” she said. “And we need to prioritize our projects to answer their need. We should never turn our backs on them.”

Holden said she would like the city have a “can-do” attitude with which problems are addressed rather than

ignored. “We need to take charge and change the things that need changing to make us a progressive city that serves all Laredoans,” she said.

“How do you do that?” she asked.

“You have transparency and abide by a set of ethics that makes you accountable and trustworthy to those you serve.”

Holden said she has not taken campaign contributions from Eduardo Garza.

Holden is married to Stephen Holden. They have five children – Tanner, Trevor, and Taylor Lemon, and Brad and Brandi Holden.

You can reach Sid Holden at holden4dist7@att.net ◆

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Elections 2012

Attorney Patricia Alvarez in race for Fourth Court of Appeals Place 3

BY MARÍA EUGENIA GUERRA “I came to this country in 1979 with only my six-year-old son and our dog.

I could speak Spanish and French very well, but my English was halting,” said attorney Patricia Alvarez, candidate for Justice Place 3 on the Fourth Court of Appeals.

Alvarez sees herself as a personification of the Dream Act, a Mexican immigrant who had to earn a living while trying to navigate and master the language and culture of a new country to earn an undergraduate degree.

Despite her lack of English fluency and being told she was not college material, Alvarez caught a break to start university studies on a probationary basis.

In short order she completed an undergraduate degree in finance in 1982 at the University of Texas – San Antonio, all the while raising a son and working several jobs at a time. She graduated from UT-Law in Austin with a doctor of jurisprudence in 1987, and in the same year passed the bar exam.

She credits a speech instructor at UTSA, Skip Enno, and colloquialisms she picked up from TV with becoming more fluent in English.

The American education she worked for prepared her for a career in the law, but family history practically charted the course for Alvarez’s life in the law and public service.

She is the great granddaughter of Rafael Nieto Compean, the governor of San Luis Potosi state, the minister of finance in the cabinet of Mexican President Venustiano Carranza, a diplomat, and the man who gave women the vote in Mexico.

Her mother, Patricia Loreen O’Connell, met Alvarez’s father, a young law student named Salvador Alvarez, while she was a summer college student W W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

Patricia Alvarez at the University of the Americas in Mexico City.

With her five siblings Patricia Alvarez grew up in Mexico City and then Monclova, about 150 miles from Eagle Pass, her point of entry into the U.S. Over the course of her career Alvarez has practiced in the area of oil and gas contracts, insurance defense, trucking litigation, product liability, and fiduciary and tort disputes. Just out of law school she worked for Thorton & Summers, a San Antonio defense firm. After working for others, she initially opened her own private practice in McAllen in 1993 and came to Laredo in 1997. Over 25 years she has built a practice that has established her reputation as a preeminent and well-respected trial lawyer.

So why at the height of an enviable law career, a choice to enter the political fray?

“I am very respectful of the Seventh Amendment which guarantees the right to a jury trial,” Alvarez said. “When you go before a jury to present all the pieces of a case, you are doing so as an advocate.

To witness a jury work through controverted issues, issues of credibility, and issues of fact as they come to a resolution

— that is a magical process. Juries always come to the right decision. I might not agree with a verdict, but I respect it, and it is that respect that prompts me to run for a seat on the Fourth Court of Appeals,” Alvarez said.

“When the justices of the Court of Appeals find insufficient evidence in a case, a decision perhaps based on politics and emotion — and not based on the rule of law, the American Constitution, and the laws of the State of Texas — they are voiding the jury verdict and the Constitutional right to have a case decided by a jury,” she continued.

“How can I change that? As a justice on the court, I will look at the facts that were presented to the court and the jury, analyze the law to the facts, and make a determination on whether the law applies to the facts of the case — not politics and not emotion,” she continued, adding, “An appeal should go before a panel of justices who know the law, who will apply the law and not make law. The Court of Appeals is often the court of last resort. It can’t be said enough that its justices should be following the law, not making law. ” Alvarez said that the cases that go before the Court of Appeals “affect everyone. We all have a vested interest in them.” She said that the Court of Appeals is a vital part of the due process system, serving as a check-and-balance for decisions made by a lower court. “The question should always be ‘Was the correct law applied to the facts of the case; was it applied accurately?’” she stressed.

Alvarez said the makeup of the Court of Appeals justices is in need of demographic change. “How can five or six of the justices, all Republican and all living in San Antonio, know well enough what is going on beyond Bexar County so that they serve everyone who comes before them? This court’s reach goes to

32 counties including Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Starr, and LaSalle. The people of South Texas deserve representation on the court,” she said, adding, “It’s a political court, a court that has a history of setting aside law to create new law.

That’s not how it should work. Justice should be blind and the individual beliefs of the justices should not factor into their decisions.”

Alvarez, who is board certified in personal injury trial law, is unopposed in the upcoming Democratic Primary, but will face incumbent Republican Rebecca Simmons of San Antonio in the November General Election.

Patricia Alvarez resides in Laredo.

She is a member of San Agustín Parish and is active in numerous community organizations. She is a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, a member of the Board of Directors of the College of the State Bar of Texas, and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Her son, Eduardo, became an attorney five years ago and is her pride, and so are her three beloved grandchildren. ◆

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Election 2012

Sherwood announces Position 4 re-election bid for LCC trustee

BY LINE GOES HERE LareDOS Staff

E

He also worked with fellow Board Member, Rene De la Vina, to establish at L.C.C. the first ever continuing education opportunities for physically and mentally challenged students.

Sherwood pointed to the extensive business and management experience that he has brought to the board to help shape many important board decisions for student tuition and fees, employee salaries, property taxes, and resolving personnel conflicts.

He has served as vice president of the board since January 2012.

Sherwood said he has been part of L.C.C. for over 30 years as a student, an adjunct faculty member, and as the first President of the LCC Education Foundation.

A past president of the Laredo Development Foundation, Sherwood was the co-founder and past president of the Laredo Logistics and

Courtesy Photo

d Sherwood, vice president of the Laredo Community College Board of Trustees, has filed for re-election in the upcoming November 6 general election. Sherwood, who has served on the board since July 2007, is running for Position 4.

Sherwood made his re-election bid announcement at a kickoff party August 17 at the Guerra Communications Center ballroom surrounded by supporters, family, and friends.

Citing his contributions to the success of the board during the last five years, Sherwood asked for support in the upcoming elections. He told supporters that he had sponsored board action to reduce and cap L.C.C. taxes in 2008 for those ages 65 and older,

and for the disabled. He also pointed to his leadership in helping to plan and implement the current Fort McIntosh campus restoration projects, and for the building of the new Student Academic Building instead of renting portable buildings to house classes during the project. The new building, now renamed the Lewis Energy Academic Building (after a $1million donation), is now a land-mark three story state of the art facility for students and faculty.

Sherwood recalled his participation with other trustees in twice making presentations in New York City to three bond rating agencies, which resulted in L.C.C. bonds being financed at the lowest interest rates in 50 years.

This financing is saving Laredo taxpayers millions, while providing a modern, technologically sophisticated, campus for generation to come.

Candidate Ed Sherwood, second from right, is pictured with his wife Carol, former Webb County Judge Mercurio Martinez Jr., and Senate Candidate Paul Sadler.

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Manufacturing Association, and past president of two Rotary Clubs. He also served for five years on the Laredo Police and Firefighters Civil Service Commission – two years as chairman. Sherwood and his wife Carol were named as Laredoans of the Year by the Laredo Morning Times in 1991. He currently serves on the board of the South Texas Food Bank, the Laredo Development Foundation, and is the training director for Laredo-Webb County Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

Sherwood received a degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University, an MBA in international trade from Texas A&M International University, and has completed graduate studies in advanced mathematics and economics at Michigan State University and Rider University.

He is currently employed at Falcon International Bank as a senior vice president and director of human resources. Previously he held senior management positions in the U.S., Europe, and Mexico with General Motors Corporation, ITT Automotive, and Carbone Lorraine.

Sherwood spoke of the pride he has in his family’s commitment to service – his two daughters and daughter-inlaw are teachers; his son is a Laredo Fire Fighter Captain, a son-in-law is a Corporal with the Webb County Sheriff’s Department, and the other works in public service in Bexar County. His wife Carolwas a full time volunteer for Habitat for Humanity for 13 years, and for the past 10 years has served as the affiliate’s executive director.

The couple has nine grandchildren who are also active in school and community, and one great grandchild. ◆ W W W.L A RED OS N E WS.CO M

Folio Title Goes Here

Gilpin in reelection bid for UISD District 7 trustee

BY MARÍA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

U

nited Independent School District president Judd Gilpin will run for reelection to keep his trustee seat on the UISD board for District 7.

A native Laredoan and a product of UISD schools from elementary school through high school, Gilpin is a1986 graduate of United High School. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering. He distinguished himself in academics throughout his educational endeavors and was recognized as the “Outstanding Civil Engineering Senior” at Texas A&M during his senior year.

After completing his education, Gil-

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pin joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Civil Engineer Corps. He received commendations for achievement before completing his years of service with an honorable discharge at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Upon returning to Laredo he began working at Foster Engineering Company and then formed his own firm, Gilpin Engineering Company.

In his first term as a UISD trustee, the district experienced unprecedented funding cuts by the State while continuing to deal with constant growth. His experience as a project manager of large scale projects has been an asset to the district in overcoming these and other challenges. During this period, the board was able to secure construction funding that allowed for the expansion of science laboratory classrooms as well as additional athletic facilities at district

high schools, even as the State was dramatically cutting expenditures in education. Through sound fiscal management, the board has been able to again begin investing in the infrastructure and staff that UISD students depend upon.

“We have overcome the most significant cuts to educational funding that our state has ever seen and we have kept our stride. We were able to avoid pay cuts and lay-offs and find ways to make improvements to our facilities during the worst of it and are now getting back to the steady, continuous improvement that is critical to educating our kids and keeping pace with other communities in these competitive times” said Gilpin.

He said that he relies upon personal experiences as one who tried to get the most out of educational opportunities as well as his exposure to friends and

family who were teachers and coaches to help guide him as a school board trustee. His mother, Vita Gilpin, taught with U.I.S.D. until she retired with over forty years of service in the public school system. His wife and both of her parents pursued careers in education as well. His father-in-law Alonzo Ramirez and mother-in-law Amelda Ramirez also retired with over 40 years of service to public school.

“They and many teachers and coaches that I was exposed to throughout my life have made big impacts in my life and career. I owe a great deal to United Independent School District for the education I received there and enjoy the opportunity to give back to the school that contributed so much to my life,” he said.

Gilpin is married to Lulu Ramirez Gilpin, and they have two children, Brit, 11, and Morgan, 15. ◆

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W W W.L A RED OS N E WS.CO M

News

Media, communications committee initiate ‘I VOTE’ push to counter voter apathy

n o w committed to the broad get out the vote campaign.

Those participating represent The Laredo Morning Times; LareDOS; KGNS/ W W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

“I am Laredo. . . I vote.” tagline unveiled for short-term promotion for run-off election, long-term campaign to be developed for general election

CW/Telemundo; KLDO/KXOF/Telefutura; KVTV; Guerra Communications; El Mañana; R Communications; Lamar Advertising; Laredo I.S.D.; United ISD; Texas A&M International University; the Webb County Elections office; the City of Laredo; and Time Warner Cable.

“The ‘I Vote’ committee reinforces importance of our democracy.

A higher voter turnout means we Laredoans believe in the electoral process and that votes do ‘make a difference,’” said Green.

The “I Vote” committee has set lofty goals for the upcoming July 31 primary runoff and for the November 6 General Election – the same percentage (24 percent) for the runoff as in the May primary and 56 percent or 60,000 for the November

election. The November ballot is heavy with races for the boards of school districts and Laredo Community College; the City of Laredo; Webb County; State offices and propositions; and the presi-

dential election.

According to Oscar Villarreal, Webb County Elections Administrator, the average percentage of voter turnout nationally during presidential elections is approximately 50 percent.

The “I am Laredo. . . I vote” tagline will be visibly displayed by all participating media, including front page mastheads; websites with links to the early voting/ voting day location sites; radio PSAs and by news anchors and DJs throughout the week leading up to the July 31 run-off election day.

The more intense creative advertising campaign aimed at the November elections will have high visibility in all media.

Other media interested in participating in the campaign can contact Xochitl Mora García at 791-7461 or via e-mail at lmora@ci.laredo.tx.us. ◆

María Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

T

he dismal number of voters who participated in the May primaries – 24 percent of more than 106,000 registered voters – has prompted members of the Laredo media to join forces in a non-partisan effort to get more Laredoans to the polls for the November General Election.

Spearheaded by The Laredo Morning Times publisher Bill Green, the informal organization has launched a campaign called “I am Laredo…I vote,” which will be mirrored bilingually in print, broadcast, electronic, and social media.

Most of the campaign will be aimed at the November 6 General Election.

An initial meeting in early July began discussions with representatives of local media who h ave

LMT Publisher Bill Green and KGNS general manager Carlos Salinas discuss their participation in the “I am Laredo…I Vote” media campaign.

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