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BUDGET
GOVERNMENT
Building buy Commissioners consider purchasing Gateway center By JULIE DAFFERN THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Zapata County Commissioners Court is looking to purchase the building currently housing the Gateway Community Health Center, and court members are scheduled to discuss options at their Monday meeting. The meeting is sched-
uled for 9 a.m. at the Zapata County Courthouse, 200 E. Seventh St. There is currently a lien against the property by the First National Bank of Hebbronville. It’s a complicated situation because the land where the building was constructed is owned by Zapata County, but the building was constructed
by the Community Action Council of South Texas using a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Gateway has used the building since the Community Action Council lost some of its coverage area, which at one time included Zapata. Miguel Treviño, chief executive officer of Gateway Community Health Center,
said the center wanted to purchase the property, but county officials have opted to purchase the property and lease the building to Gateway. He said he wasn’t sure, but estimated the amount owed to the bank at $400,000. Treviño said there was
See COURT PAGE 9A
STRONG BONDS
Courtesy photo
Eddie Martinez, left, was sworn in as Zapata County Commissioner Precinct 3 by County Judge Rosalva Guerra, center, and County Clerk Mary Jayne Villarreal-Bonoan, right, at the Zapata County Commissioners Courtroom on Nov. 5.
Martinez sworn-in to county seat By JULIE DAFFERN LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Photo by Ulysses Romero | The Zapata Times
George Solis, American Legion District 15 commander, shows a photograph of a veteran’s funeral as Zapata County Judge Rosalva Guerra looks on during the American Legion District 15 Convention, held last weekend at the American Legion Post 486 hall on U.S. 83.
Convention reaffirms legion’s mission By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
American Legion members were devoted to each other in battle, and they continue to share that same devotion within the community. Meeting as “one big family” last weekend, members of the American Legion 15th District — which encompasses cities from Brownsville to Zapata — congregated at the American Legion Post 486 hall on U.S. 83 for leadership training and to share each post’s recent activities at their annual convention. In addition to the members and commanders who attended, Dan Corbin, American Legion Depart-
ment of Texas judge advocate, was on hand to share his expertise regarding organizational matters. Among other topics, members addressed the roles of commanders, protocol for meetings, responsibilities of members, as well as various fundraising efforts. It is, in fact, the members’ responsibilities, dedication and programming that compose the cornerstones of the American Legion, said George E. Solis, commander for the 15th District. Programs such as the Boys State and American Legion baseball, among others, are a priority for members in their efforts to continue community outreach.
As such, the convention gives members the opportunity for the districts to share the status of ongoing and past events and activities, said headquarters manager Alonzo Garcia.
Getting involved Ed Magers, American Legion baseball director, said the program — designed for young boys in two age groups, a senior division for players ages 16 to 19, and a junior division for players ages 14 to 17 — awarded 42 players throughout the nation with $50,000 scholarships this year alone, while the national winner received a free trip to a World Series
game. Started in 1925, Magers said the league has had champions every year, except during World War II. The program also allows participants the chance to show their skills to recruiters and advance their sports careers, he added. “It gives high school students the opportunity to play in front of college and pro scouts as well,” Magers said. Members also reported updates about the American Legion Boys State, a program designed for high school students to teach them the benefits of democracy. Magers said the students
See VETERANS PAGE 9A
LAUDING LEADERSHIP The League of United Latin American Citizens Council No. 12 honored 15 community leaders as 2009 Tejano Achievers with a ceremony and dinner held at the Laredo Country Club on Thursday evening. Among the honorees were, left to right, Ignacio Urrabazo, president of Commerce Bank; Pitin Guajardo, founder of Tejano Achievers; Julia Vera, actress; Juan Maldonado, president of Laredo Community College; Gilbert May, president of Phillips/May Corporation, of Dallas; and Renato Ramirez, president and CEO of International Bank of Commerce-Zapata. Also recognized was Helen Yvonne Trapp, of Zapata, who established HYTAC Mortgage in 1985.
The residents of Zapata County Pct. 3 have a new representative in Eddie Martinez, a local certified public accountant who was appointed commissioner after Joseph Rathmell resigned this week. Martinez, who had been recommended by Rathmell as a replacement, was sworn in Thursday by County Judge Rosalva Guerra. “In speaking with Commissioner Rathmell, he expressed concern that the residents of his precincts receive the type of stellar representation that all residents of Zapata County are entitled to,” Guerra stated in an e-mail Thursday afternoon. “Mr. Martinez is someone he felt would do the job admirably.” She added, “His years of experience as a CPA will make him a valuable asset to the court.” Rathmell resigned from his position for a run at the Zapata County judge’s seat, and Guerra, who said she is not planning to run for reelection at this time, said Rathmell has her full support. With a Commissioners Court meeting scheduled for Monday, Guerra said she had to act quickly to swear-in Martinez to avoid “a deadlock that certainly can take place with a four-member court.” Although Rathmell’s term would not have expired until 2012, Martinez must run in the 2010 election, Guerra said.
See COURT PAGE 6A
GOVERNMENT
Rathmell announces run for judge By JULIE DAFFERN THE ZAPATA TIMES
Joseph Rathmell said he’s looking to continue improving the quality of life for Zapata residents by running for the county judge’s seat. Rathmell, a local rancher, said he’s running on the same simple principles he focused on when first sought office as commissioner of Precinct 3: budgetary discipline, investment priorities and low tax rates. He resigned from his position as commissioner just one year into his second term. “I want to keep our tax rate low and invest in infrastructure and try to manRATHMELL age our budget responsibly,” he said. “I’m trying to keep doing the same things I’ve been doing the past five years.” County Judge Rosalva Guerra stated Thursday in an e-mail that she’s not planning to run for reelection at this time and that she supports Rathmell’s move. “I believe that he will continue working and serving our county in the best interest of our residents,” Guerra stated. “Rathmell’s experience in the court has given him valuable insight to the ins and outs of Zapata County that would serve him as County Judge.” In terms of budgeting, Rathmell said the majority of the county’s tax receipts are from the natural gas
Photo by Ulysses Romero | The Zapata Times
See ELECTION PAGE 6A