DEFENZORMAGAZINE

THE ORTIZ ERA ENDS AND CORRUPTION AND DESTRUCTION LOOM

2012-01-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

EDITORIAL BY HOMERO VILLARREAL
As El Defenzor has stated many times before, no one, but no one, can dispute the great man that Solomon Ortiz, sr. was and the charismatic figure he became. Coming from a humble background and growing up in a black neighborhood in Robstown, serving his country as an MP, rising to constable, then Sheriff of Nueces County, then to Congress where he served with distinction until the fateful election that upset a regime that lasted 3 decades. Many argue that his forgetting his constituency in Nueces County and San Pat cost him dearly. Many times behind closed doors he was quoted as saying, "Even if Corpus doesn't vote for me, the valley will take care of me", a sentiment which cost him power and ripple effected many including his son, henchmen Lencho Rendon, and his nephew Joseph who's now predestined failed campaign for Nueces County Chair has begun. Now they dare say I am a "vendido" or controlled by anyone. Fools!

Even worse, According to the Caller Times, the son has sour grapes over redistricting which even the CC Times has said has met criteria to avoid racism. The writing is on the wall that Ortiz fatigue by the voters and community are clear and irreversible. Over the years the regime failed to support local causes, buy local hispanic advertising time from stations like KTMV, treated hispanic activists like garbage, and offered very little, and lined their pockets, and were known for wanting everything for nothing from their supporters. Gone are the days when Solomon Ortiz had housewives holding him up in a starlike quality and baking goods and being block captains for free. The son as many agree is no Solomon Sr and is seen as Texas Monthly calls him as "furniture" in Austin. He was unavailable and aloof as a state representative yet seeks office in an attempt that is doomed, and I mean doomed, to fail. The air of arrogance, entitlement and being the spoiled son of a congressman is irrefutable. Ortiz Sr.' grand mistake as many charismatic leaders, is not to leave an institution in place when he is gone and left to Washington and didn't nurture it. Instead he left in place the likes of Rendon and Ramirez to be the face of his organization and his son Solomon "Solly JR" and expected the machine to remain intact. The air of arrogance also stuck on Gloria Caceres, a fixture in the Ortiz camp, who became arrogant when she tagged along with Solly Jr to Austin, and who remains extremely bitter and a destructive force in the Democratic party after her resounding defeat by Joe A. Gonzalez in the heated County Commissioner race where Gonzalez, was one of few Democrats left standing. She reportedly still, 2 years later, cries foul and that her "family was hurt" by politics when she and the machine hypocritically attacked Gonzalez and his family, attempted and failed to report JAG to judidical committees, have him indicted by local and federal officials, and use the Congressman's waning power to have Jag investigated..to no avail. The Greek tragedy that unfolded shows that you cannot sustain a hispanic machine without nurturing those very hispanic radio stations, newspapers, blogs and others who value it and are part of it, sadly it is the Republicans who buy time and who support and earn the hispanic vote now, not a few around you trying to profit. Now we see law enforcement busts, notice letters of being targets of federal investigations and shady deals coming to light. Those who clung to this regime, licked the boots above them and kicked the commmon people with their own boots has not had political chickens and legal chickens coming to roost. It is clear that those failed candidates and congressional candidates now such as Rose Harrison who clung tightly to the machine, shall be painted with the same brush. I do not appreciate when I speak, that I am accused of being a puppet or bought off by powerbrokers, the usual Ortiz propaganda that holds no water now. None. I am a man exercising his first amendment right to free speech. When I unveil corruption I am told I am a "vendido", when I try to defend the elderly, poor, and those taxpayers, hispanic, liberatarian or white, or whomever, I was called a communist by Ortiz, I was called crazy, I was called any name but the son of God. Now those lies and the stench of those lies is known by all. Woe to those who try to suppress the press and editorials. The Ortiz organization is gone but yet they try and try again. Why would Lencho Rendon and Joseph Ramirez support a man like D.A. Villalobos and attorney Rosenthal now arrested, disgraced and tied to corruption at the highest levels? Why when the Defenzor began to investigate did Joseph Ramirez call our home and beg and cry to have his name removed? I didnt participate in graft, I did not lie to the press, I did not strut around like a peacock as an Ortiz sychophant who must now answer for his misdeeds. The truth must come out, must be revealed and no one, owns, controls, or prints for El Defenzor or Homero Villarreal. I don't have to be a congressman, congressional candidate, powerbroker, lawyer or politician to speak for the people. HOMERO VILLARREAL THE VOICE OF THE OPPRESSED. MUCH MORE TO COME MY FRIENDS. YOU HAVE SOWN THE SEEDS AND REAPED THE WHIRLWIND.

PLOT THICKENS:LENCHCHO RENDON AND JOSEPH RAMIREZ REPORTEDLY UNAVAILABLE/ MISSING

2012-01-27T23:33:00.001-08:00

El Defenzor continues its investigation. What it has learned is that the D.A. in the valley Villalobos running for congress has been picked up by law enforcement and that his campaign signs are coming down. Furthermore, reliable sources say that Lencho Rendon (former Solomon Ortiz,Sr. right hand) and his nephew and Solomonista henchmen, also running for Nueces County Democratic Chair) has been picked up and been upgraded to persons targeted by a federal investigation. Reliable sources say it involves the attorney Rosenthal who Joseph Ramirez indicated only worked on his mothers case. This in fact has turned out to be only scratching the surface. Rosenthal has been accused of fixing cases with former Judge Abel Limas in Cameron County. Linked to both is Villalobos the D.A. Reportedly Lencho Rendon was obtaining fat checks for working for Rosenthal and bringing him cases and many emails went back and forth not just about the mother of Ramirez. As you may recall federal agents subpoenaed emails a week ago. Now the probe has hit hard, law enforcement are working overtime and it is whispered that Rendon and Ramirez have been whisked away to an undisclosed detention for questioning. It is unknown who if any lawyer(s) have been hired by the former Solomonistas. To make matters worse, a business associate of the flailing company LR Global owned by Lencho Rendon, has been busted for drug distribution out of Kingsville. Is all of this coincidental or are the political chickens coming to roost? To make matters even more frightening, as the law enforcement officials are working overtime on politicos and corruption and alleged money laundering, case running and racketeering, the prodigal son of the Valley Filemon B. Vela, Jr. returns and has announced to run for congress. The presumed frontrunner had been Villalobos until the son of a federal judge and multimillionaire trial lawyer in his own right, Filemon Vela, is rising to answer the call of congressional service. Many feel threatened by Vela who has masterminded many campaigns and is now entering the ring with reported several hundred thousand dollars in only one week of announcing about to be raised. A straw poll indicated that if Filemon Vela (backed by Republican and Democrat powerbrokers) were to run today he would landslide the primary. Vela is running under his traditional Democratic ticket. 6 years ago Vela took some transient heat for supporting his wife, Rose Vela's decision to go Republican while Vela remained a stalwart Democrat who only helped his wife's campaign and transiently Scott, a big supporter of his wife. Vela, in his own bid has stayed with his party and reportedly will be launching a mammoth campaign while his opponents and their supporters are reportedly in chains in for questioning and possible indictments for corruption, money laundering and other offenses. Rendon and Ramirez reportedly were strong supporters of Villalobos. Now all of them are being caught in a dragnet of corruption, the likes of which has not been seen in decades. El Defenzor inquired to the whereabouts of Rendon and his nephew and candidate for Nueces County chair, Joseph Ramirez. It was then that reliable sources indicated they are now targets, not just persons of interest in a federal probe on money laundering and corruption. Much more to come.
What is amazing is the mainstream media refuses to acknowledge this political nightmare unfolding. MUCH MUCH MORE TO COME. STAY TUNED DEAR BLOGGERS.

LENCHO RENDON AND CANDIDATE FOR DEMOCRATIC CHAIR IN NUECES COUNTY, JOSEPH RAMIREZ, RUMORED TO BE INVOLVED IN A FEDERAL ROUNDUP ON MONEY LAUNDERING

2012-01-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

In unconfirmed reports this morning, law enforcement are working over time and it is whispered that District Attorney Villalobos in the Valley who is running for congress may be indicted on charges related to the Rosenthal case as well as 31 others on a list including Lencho Rendon and Joseph Ramirez which may involve money laundering. El Defenzor heard from a reliable source that a roundup was happening. More to come.

Filemon Vela, son the later Honorable Filemon B. Vela Sr.(Federal Judge for 20 years) announces His Intent To Run For a Congressional Seat

2012-01-26T17:12:00.000-08:00

Friends: I hope you will join me on THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2012, at BACKSTREET CAFÉ from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for a fundraising reception honoring Filemon Vela. Fil will be running as a Democrat for the United States Congress in a new congressional district anchored in Brownsville. Fil was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. He graduated from Georgetown University and then received his JD from the University of Texas at Austin. Besides his tremendous success as a civil litigator for over 20 years, Fil has been active in public service and politics his entire adult life--at the grassroots level in community causes, organizing and getting out the vote, and beyond. Moreover, his family history is deeply entrenched in public service. His late father, the Honorable Filemon B. Vela, served as a United States District judge for over 20 years in the Brownsville Division of the Southern District of Texas. Fil’s mother was mayor of Brownsville. His wife Rose is a Justice on the 13th Court of Appeals. Other relatives have served and serve as elected and appointed officials at the local, state and national levels. Fil is committed to carrying on that legacy. Filemon Vela not only has the sound reputation, broad support, and outstanding name to win the Congressional seat in that region, but he will also be an important and pragmatic voice for South Texas and for all of us in the Southern District of Texas.

I hope you will join me and others in welcoming and supporting Filemon Vela this week at Backstreet Cafe. And, of course, I hope you will make a financial contribution to his campaign Attached to this email are an invitation to Thursday’s reception and a Contribution Form.

Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

CHESNEY: IS HE FIT TO PRESIDE OVER COURT FIVE AFTER LIES, COVERUPS AND NOW BLOOD POSSIBLY ON HIS HANDS??

2012-01-16T22:03:00.003-08:00

CHESNEY CANNOT SUPPRESS THE FIRST AMENDMENT OR THE OUTRAGE OF THE PUBLIC WITH HIS POOR PERFORMANCE AND DECEIT!!!

IS BRENT CHESNEY FIT TO SERVE AFTER RELEASING TEENS TO MURDER AN 88 YEAR OLD WOMEN? JUDGE ISSUES A GAG ORDER ON ATTORNEYS AND KICKS OUT MEDIA TO COVER HIS TRACKS AND WIPE BLOOD OFF HIS HANDS!!!
Last year El Defenzor questioned the qualifications of Brent Chesney to serve as a judge. Time and time again he has disappointed us by awful rulings and denying justice to the poor. Because of Republican “Game of Throne” where Chesney was offered the judge spot instead of running against a district judge or Connie Scott he has taken a very vital court and many argue he is unqualified and lacks the judicial temperament to serve.
El Defenzor has learned through public records that Chesney lied to the Governor’s office when he tried unsuccessfully to gain the appointment which Missy Medary bested him out of when Nelda Gonzalez Ramos moved up for federal judge. He reported told the governors office he had tried many cases. When the Governors office checked his background they found NO TRIALS by Chesney who’s practice consisted of contested hearings and real estate transactions before taking on this tough court.
To make matters worse he has stubbornly refused to recuse himself when he has been painfully biased and refused to listen to evidence on more than one case and appointed lawyers who were conflicted in represented parties according to at least one court record costing the tax payers tens of thousands of dollars when he finally “smelled the coffee” and stepped aside to allow another judge to preside over a high profile matter.
To even worsen this horrible kangaroo court he randomly issues gag orders to avoid media scrutiny and kicks camera crews out. In this latest debacle where he allowed two 15 year old boys to roam free and murder an 88 year old he has issued a gag order on the attorneys! What is Chesney hiding but his own incompetence and his stubborn pride, lack of integrity and judicial temperament, and worse yet, the utter lack of experience in trying much less presiding over cases. Many lawyers have fled his courtroom and it is whispered because he does not know what he is doing and stubbornly refuses to admit it. Judge Longoria, presiding Judge over the area, reportedly shakes his head at Chesney’s judgment as well as the county commissioners. Many Republicans feel he has become an embarrassment and now what they thought was a safe “island of Elba” that they could leave him marooned on, known as “kitty court” has bled onto the streets and caused the murder of an elderly woman. Public outrage must be heard. A judge cannot suppress the media or the 1st amendment as he sees fit.
Finally, it is reported he is denying poor adults being stripped of their children the right to an attorney at critical times during the child termination phase and is heartlessly doing this and at the last 30 days after months of Child Protective Services proving their case for termination he then appoints an attorney who has an uphill battle.
LETS LOOK AT WHAT CHESNEY CAUSED AND THE BLOOD THIS MAN HAS ON HIS HANDS (this is what Judge Chesney wants the public to forget, that he released at least one of those accused when the parents begged him to detain the boy!!!!!):
THE CALLER TIMES REPORTED ON JANUARY 14, 2012 THAT…
two 15-year-old boys were detained Friday related to the fatal stabbing of an 88-year-old Corpus Christi woman. Residents of a multiunit apartment building in the 200 block of South Tancahua Street reported hearing unusual noises from the woman’s residence about 1 a.m. and called police.
Officers arrived to find the woman in the unit’s living room unconscious and bleeding from apparent stab wounds, according to a police spokesman.
She was taken to Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial in critical condition, where she later died.
Authorities have not released her name because her next of kin hasn’t been located.
Police searched nearby Blucher Park and the surrounding area for hours Friday looking for evidence, and a suspect blocking off several city streets into the morning.
At about 4 a.m., a patrol officer found two teens walking in the 400 block of South Tancahua Street, one who matched a description of a male with a shaved head seen fleeing the woman’s apartment, police said.
The officer discovered one of the 15-year-olds had an outstanding burglary warrant and detained them both on curfew violation. The boys had items on them believed to have been taken from the woman’s home, police said. The teens were taken Friday morning to the Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center and both were detained on suspicion of capital murder. (CAN CHESNEY EVEN CERTIFY THEM WHEN HE HIMSELF SHOULD BE CALLED AS A FACT WITNESS BY MARK SKURKA BECAUSE HE RELEASED THEM TO ALLEGEDLY KILL?)
During a press conference Friday afternoon at the Corpus Christi police station, Nueces County District Attorney Mark Skurka said his office plans to petition for a hearing to have the boys certified as adults.
“We are committed to bringing these two to justice,” he said. (WHAT ABOUT THE JUDGE WHO RELEASED THEM, D.A. SKURKA?)?
In Texas, anyone 17 and younger cannot receive the death penalty, Skurka said. If convicted of capital murder, the teens would face an automatic life in prison sentence. (COULD ALL THIS BEEN PREVENTED BY HAVING A MORE EXPERIENCED JUDGE? COULD A LIFE HAVE BEEN SAVED? IS THIS EMBARRASSMENT FORMERLY KNOWN AS A GOLDEN BOY OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY FINALLY BRINGING THE CHICKENS HOME TO ROOST WITH HIS INEPT JUDICIAL DECISIONS AND UTTER LACK OF EXPERIENCE?)
Police officials said burglary appears to be the motive for the attack. The teens apparently received bogus information that the woman had a substantial amount of money in the apartment, a police spokesman said. Police would not say whether they had recovered a weapon used in the attack.
At Friday’s news conference, Interim Police Chief Richard Badaracco commended the quick work of the department’s patrol officers and said the burglary appeared to be random.
“We want to assure the community, and particularly this neighborhood, that this was an isolated incident that led to this tragic death,” he said. ( A TRAGIC DEATH THAT WAS INITIATED BY THE DOMINO AFFECT OF CHESNEY!)
The death is the second official homicide of the year. On Jan. 3, a 71-year-old woman was found shot to death by her estranged husband, who also killed himself, in a home off Ocean Drive.
EXCERPTS FROM THE CALLER TIMES

PRESS RELEASE FROM LOPEZ BROADCASTING: MAYOR TO HONOR, TV AND RADIO GREAT HUMBERTO LOZANO LOPEZ!

2012-01-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

Press Release

At 1145am Tuesday January 17th 2012 Mayor Joe Adame of Corpus Christi will read a proclamation and designate January 22nd 2012 as Humberto Lozano Day . Press is invited to cover this event at city hall chambers. Humberto dedicated over 55 years in broadcasting and started his broadcasting career by being the voice of the American GI Forum and was hand picked by Dr Hector P Garcia. Mr Lopez did voice overs for several movies in Spanish like General Patton and Bruce Lee movies. He had one the first national Spanish language tv show which was seen nation wide on the Spanish International Network which is now Univision. He built several radio and tv stations in Corpus Christi, Victoria and San Antonio. In 1989 he built KMIQ FM Majic Q 104 which was was one of the first spanish fm's in the country along with his wife and son. January 22nd 2012 would had been Humberto 75th birthday! Humberto was recognized with a US congressional proclamation state legislative and senate proclamation and received the key of the city of Corpus Christi twice for his service in providing excellent coverage of city issues to his community.

Carlos Lopez was quoted as saying what a great honor it is not only for the memory of his father but for all Hispanics he served and he helped throughout his many years of broadcasting and to the legacy he leaves behind. "My father was a great man and a voice for the community. As I have said in the past and I will underline tomorrow at the proclamation honoring him with a day here in Corpus Christi, although he was very blessed, he always said his family was his greatest accomplishment, he loved his family and his community and that's why even though he could have lived anywhere, he stayed here."

Carlos Lopez said his father never turned down the opportunity to help those in need. He used his media networks to raise funds and give back to local families, churches and charities. Many a family voiced their gratitude when a sickly child was in need of medicine or doctors or when funds were lacking to bury a loved one. Humberto and his family were always there to get out the word and do so today to help the less fortunate.

General Counsel Joe Flores, remembers Humberto Lozano Lopez in these words,"To this day, it's a great loss to all of us," said Joe Flores, attorney for the KTMV Media Network. "He was a giant of a man, he was a pioneer. He gave a voice to those who could not speak for themselves. I honor him by thanking him at the beginning of each political and legal segment of our show. I salute the city and the mayor for recognizing this man, particularly following a tremendous day honoring another great man, Dr. Martin Luther King. May he rest in peace and God bless his family who give so much to the community."

WHO IS ANTHONY TROIANI? (CLICK ON IMAGE TO MAGNIFY)

2011-12-20T15:07:00.000-08:00

Update Regarding the Texas Primary Election

2011-12-20T14:56:00.001-08:00

Update Regarding the Texas Primary Election

As a result of the actions taken by the Federal District Court in San Antonio and the U.S. Supreme Court in recent days toproperly review the issues associated with the redistricting maps in Texas, the U.S. District Court in San Antonio, the Republican Party of Texas and the Texas Democrat Party reached an agreement last Friday regarding the date of the Texas Primary Election for 2012.

The general primary election for Texas was originally scheduled for March 6, 2012, but because of the judicial review of the redistricting plans, many of the election deadlines will need to be moved. The agreement will be contingent upon the Court entering redistricting plans for the Texas House, Texas Senate, and United States Congress by February 1, 2012. If this takes place the Texas Primary Election schedule for the Republican and Democrat Parties will be:
Feb 1, 2012: New residency deadline for candidates seeking election to the Texas House and Texas Senate.
Feb 2, 2012: The respective state party chair will deliver their list of candidates to the Secretary of State.
Feb 3, 2012: County Executive Committees will conduct their drawing for candidate order on the ballot.
Feb 11, 2012: First day for a voter to submit an application for an early ballot by mail for the primary election.
April 3, 2012: Texas Primary Election for the Republican and Democrat Parties for all positions on the ballot.
April 14 or April 21: County and Senatorial District Conventions. The date will be determined by the respective party chairman.
June 5, 2012: General primary run-off election (if necessary).

KLEBERG COUNTY, TX: p PLEAD ON RAX MURDER

2011-12-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

Kleberg County, TX -- DANIEL GONZALES On (8-21-1983) plead guilty and was the last
Defendant sentenced with involvement in the Rax Murder. As part of a
plea deal with the State, Daniel Gonzalez plead guilty to two counts
of Aggravated Assault under the law of parties and was sentenced to
the maximum of 20 years in each count. In return, the Murder charge
was dismissed. Mr. Gonzalez also plead guilty on a subsequent charge
of Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to deliver and
received 42 years in prison, to run concurrent with all other causes.

The Possession of a Controlled Substance case evolved from an
investigation by the Kingsville Task Force, the Sheriff's Department
and the Texas Attorney General's Office when Mr. Gonzales, who was out
on bond on murder charges, was found to be selling cocaine. The
Kleberg County District Attorney's Office reviewed and the Kingsville
Task Force ran a search warrant on August 24, 2011 based on coded
telephone calls the Defendant was making at the time. Assistant Texas
Attorney General Ralph Guerrero, who was appointed as Attorney Pro Tem
in the murder case also assisted the District Attorney's Office in the
possession case.

District Attorney John Hubert said, "The assistance of the Attorney
General's Office, in combination with the cooperation from local law
enforcement, helped to reach this plea agreement. With tightening
budgets and few resources, assistance from the Attorney General's
Office in these complicated cases helped us to reach a fair plea
agreement with limited impact on other pending cases." Two other
Defendants in the August 8, 2010 Rax Murder case were previously
sentenced at trial to life in prison for their involvement in the
murder. There are still four unrelated murder cases pending in
Kleberg County.

EL VAMPIRE DE ROBESTON (THE ROBSTOWN, TEXAS VAMPIRE)

2011-12-16T17:01:00.001-08:00

FOLKLORE: "EL VAMPIRO DE ROBE" (OF ROBSTOWN, TEXAS)

Robstown had a vampire? In 1958 or so lived in “el campo-santo” (cemetery) and he used to stand and comb his hair in the St. Anthony church area -- especially when a couple got married – even at quinceaneras (15^th year birthday).

Emiliano Carreon shared his enchanting mythological story – but he cited it as if it was yesterday. According to him, there was/is an underground chamber in the “campo-santo viejo” (old cemetery). He lived there, TV and other regular modern appliances.

“Era un hombre vestido de negro como Dracula (he was a man that dressed in black much like Dracula),” stated Emiliano Carreon at the local McDonalds. "I asked the vampire why he always placed himself in front of the bride and groom.." He (the vampire) said: 'Come here…' he showed me an espejito (mirror) and he could see the novia (bride) disrobed…”

No one ever talked to him – but Emiliano had the gumption to approach him and satiate his curiosity at a time when he --… Emiliano was there helping at church with a raffle/fundraiser.

WHY WOULD A VAMPIRE PRAY?

“The vampire would go walking to the church through the railroad tracks… I live in that area.” He would, according to Emiliano, even to inside the church and pray. A priest which I will not name would stand far away in the altar when he came in and burn 'copal": some kind of smelly incense."

“The old testament says, God is the god of both evil and good. It is up for us to decide… Like a circuit, we are, a positive and a negative wire.. our brain has a positive and a negative and it controls the body and other things.. Even the angels in heaven (like those in hell) God allows them to be mischievous. It is man which he gives liberties to while they are alive,” he shared his beliefs.

WAS HE RICH OR POOR?

“Apparently he was not a vampire pobre, because he could not afford to buy bags of blood that are sold at Memorial Hospital by the way.. todo se manija con dinero (all can be managed smoothly most of the time with money).”

“I don’t know what happen to him; if he died or not… he just disappeared. He preyed on women - especially Robstown women, Mexicanas. He loved their thick cheekbones and spunky resistance....There was another after that would dress like Freddy Fender, but when he died they didn’t like him because he was gay,” he concluded.

PHIL VELA FOR CONGRESS???

2011-12-09T17:07:00.001-08:00

PHIL VELA FOR CONGRESS??? Just got wind of news that yes, phil vela, is considering running for the newly redistricted congressional seat 27 – runs from this area to Brownsville. Phil is 13^th court of appeals judge rose vela’s husband. His late, beloved father was a federal judge in the valley: his mom, was mayor of Brownsville… he once played a leadership on this area – first as a democrat, then as a republican. He help placed many in judicial posts – he helped open a flood gate of political opportunities for republicans here in the region. Has the whole expectional agende being messed up???

U.S. REP. FARENTHOLD'S DISTRICT DIRECTOR EXPRESSING ANTI-MEXICAN SENTIMENTS? Racial Jujitsu? Expediency?

2011-09-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, September 15 U.S. Representative Blake Farenthold’s District Director – that is, Steve Ray (who also owns a public relations company) was a guest on Jim Lago’s conservative radio show and consented with Lago that Hispanic Studies should be done away with at the universities though out the country. As Lago hammered away with his anti-Mexican culture sentiments, Ray bubbled back with reinforcement.

What was most upsetting to many an Hispanic listening was that during Hispanic Heritage month – September – the anti-Mexican fervor was high. Radio host Lago questioned ethnic studies so as to posture himself politically and attempted to identify a clear target to lash out at: “Why do we need Mexican American studies?” Lago implicitly and explicitly insisting further that the latter seems to be an anti-Anglo curriculum. Lago reinforcing that Anglos now when from being the majority to the new victims of oppression by minorities’ quotas and special educational programs. And U.S. Representative Blake Farenthold’s District Director (so as to repeat his name) -- Steve Ray – immediately reinforced: “I agree with you we should all just be good Americans?” Racial jujitsu.

“Good Americans” – these two words opened old historical scars in many a minority person listening who had struggled to struggle to eliminate the stereotypes and somehow Hispanics and others are not “American” enough. “In Blake Farenthold’s District Director I saw an image as if he was a wild cat trying to scratch out eyes out – so we won’t see the our own sense of who we are as a people and our way of life,” Joe Molina told this publication.

Farenthold’s District Director so as to aggrandize his anti-Hispanic sentiments and remarks went on to say he had Hispanic children and even allude to something fairly wary about Afro-American culture. Ray reinforced the myth that “whites” (or “Anglos) are racially oppressed in the area.

But Steve Ray’s echo resounds louder than most think. His boss, U.S. Representative Farenthold (who has deviated from his liberal grandma, Sissy Farethold, due to political expediency it seems) has identified not only with the growing signs of this displaced racial anxiety, but with a group of regional and state and national tea party fanatics that identify discrimination against whites as being just as big as bigotry aimed at Hispanics and blacks and other minorities.

“Good Americans” or is it Ray’s and Farenthold’s view are a growing concern in most colleges – some colleges are offering courses in "Whiteness Studies" as white Americans cope with becoming what one commentator calls a "dispossessed majority group." A Texas group recently formed the "Former Majority Association for Equality" to offer college scholarships to needy white men.

U.S. Census Bureau projections that (Anglo) whites will become a minority by 2050 are fueling fears that whiteness no longer represents the norm. This fear has been compounded by the recent recession, which hit whites hard.

Here regionally Conservative talk-show host Lago argues sometimes openly and sometimes amenably in the cited radio show that Republicans are an "oppressed minority" in need of a civil rights movement because its members willingly sit in the back of the bus and are afraid of the growing Mexican-American population.

But Ray’s, Farenthold’s and Lago’s voiced sentiments are reaching new tiers in other related movements. Not too long ago Fox talk-show host Glenn Beck led a march on Washington (attended principally by white people) to "restore honor," and once called President Obama a racist with a "deep-seated hatred for “white people” and “white culture." He later said he regretted making that reference.

The notion that many white Americans feel anxious about their race is not new. Today, however here regionally, Radio commentator Lago is capitalizing on economic anxieties -- feeding those racial fears. At one time it was mostly ethnic minorities (for the most part) that felt the first big pinch on an economic recession, but this time the recession hit blue-collar, white Americans hard, financially and psychologically.

“Many white Americans have lived under the assumption that if they worked hard, they would be rewarded. Now more white Americans are sharing unemployment lines with ‘those people’ -- black and brown,” a local professor said. “ "For the first time since the Great Depression, white Americans have been confronted with a level of economic insecurity that we're not used to… It's not so new for black and brown folks, but for white folks, this is something we haven't seen since the Depression."

La Voz reports: 11 Year Old Latina Raped by 9 Afro-Americans, Black Panter Party Blames Her

2011-08-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

Texas court imposes gag order in the gang rape
of an 11 year old Mexican-American child

Victim was repeatedly raped through coercion
and threats by at least 19 Afro-Americans

by
Ernesto Cienfuegos
La Voz de Aztlan

Los Angeles, Alta California - March 25, 2011 - (ACN) The disturbing incident, which probably has the Reverend Martin Luther King turning in his grave, took place in the 9,000 population town of Cleveland, Texas that is about 50 miles northeast of Houston. The horrific incident is today threatening to seriously divide the Black and Latino communities in Texas and beyond.

The assaults, according to a police report, began on November 28, 2010 after a 19-year-old with prior crack cocaine convictions persuaded the child to leave her home and go "riding around" with him and two other men. The three men took the 6th grader to a house where one of them lived and ordered the Mexican-American child to disrobe. The police report says that they told the child that if she refused other girls would beat her up and would never get a ride back home.

The abandoned trailer home where most of the sexual assaults took place. It is located in the Black section of town called "The Quarters". The town's demographics is approxmately 58% White, 27% African American and 21% Latino.

The rapists then started to sexually assault the young victim, the police report said. The report added that one of the rapists used a phone to invite four more men, who soon arrived. The seven Afro-American men had to take the victim to a nearby abandoned trailer home when a relative of the rapist who lived at the home arrived.

The sexual assaults continued in the abandoned trailer home. The police report stated that as some of the men sexually assaulted the child, others used their cell phones to take photographs and videos. The photographs and videos were soon posted on the Internet where a classmate of the victim saw them and alerted her teacher. The Cleveland police was notified and the investigation began.

The police investigators were able to confiscate the cell phones of some of the rapists and identified, from the photographs and the videos, many of those that participated in the sexual assaults. The police has been making arrests ever since. The suspects range in ages from 14 to 27 years old. To date 19 suspects have been arrested and charged in the gang rape of the 11-year-old Mexican-American child. Police investigators have focused on 28 suspects, all Afro-American, and said that there may be more arrests forthcoming.

Shown are 9 of the 19 suspects arrested so far. Police investigators say that as many as 28 participated in gang rapes of the Mexican-American child and expect to make more arrests.

Five of the suspects are students at Cleveland High School, including two members of the basketball team. Another is the 21-year-old son of a school board member. Some of the others have serious criminal records ranging from selling illicit drugs to robbery and, in one case, manslaughter.

Soon after the incident the town's Black community started blaming the 11 year old gang raped victim and her parents. Some said, in a town hall meeting, that the 6th grader "asked for it" and that her mother and father should have been supervising the child more closely. The police, however, have reported that the rapists threaten her with violence if she did not cooperate. The child is an "A" student at her middle school. She has one brother and two older sisters who are in their school's Gifted Student Program. The family has recently experienced economic hard times. The father Juan, a Mexican immigrant carpenter, has been unable to find work and the mothe Maria, a house maid, has been repeatedly hospitalized for a bain tumor.

To make things worse, the Black community leader Quannell X of the Houston based New Black Panther Organization recently came to Cleveland to incite more division between Latinos and Blacks by blaming the 11 year old Mexican-American victim for the gang rape. The Mexican-American organization Mujeres Unidas promptly answered Mr. Quannell X by informing him that any sexual assault upon a girl under the age of 14 is a first degree felony in Texas punishable by up to 99 years in prison. Quannell X has been expelled by the Nation of Islam for dealing drugs in the Sunnyside community located in southern Houston. Perhaps it would be wise if the Reverend Jesse Jackson and/or the Reverend Al Sharpton made attempt to heal the deep wounds inflicted on the Mexican-American community by careless Black leaders and some of the Black residents of Cleveland.

Meanwhile, Texas Liberty County District Judge Mark Morefield has imposed a broad gag order on the case. This has made it very difficult to obtain information about the victim and her family. We do know, however, that the victim has been placed in a foster home in another county for her protection and that her family has been harassed and threaten with violence.

Brent Chesney Lies To the Governor? Scandal At County Court At Law #5

2011-08-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

MEDARY STRADDLES THE 347TH DISTRICT COURT THRONE WHILE JOHN MARTINEZ AND BRENT CHESNEY ARE PASSED UP AND NOW THE BLOCKBUSTER: CHESNEY DISCOVERED LYING ABOUT HIS TRIAL AND COURTROOM EXPERIENCE TO THE GOVERNOR AND COSTING HIS APPOINTMENT!!!

Missy Medary has become the new Judge at the 347th District court, replacing Nelva Gonzalez Ramos who has moved onward and upward for a lifelong appointment to the Federal Southern District of Texas-Corpus Christi Division judgeship.

The appointment of Missy Medary was an upset which bypassed lower court Judge John Martinez and Brent Chesney both who reportedly thought they had it in the bag.

But, this is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg as the story is leaking out that it was Brent Chesney's to lose since he was the odds on favorite because of his close ties to Todd "Tio Todd" Hunter, who is on the judiciary committee in Austin and is our own state representative. A scandal has rocked Court 5 in that Brent Chesney reportedly fabricated his record as an attorney by having stated on his campaign platform and speeches that he had tried over 75 cases and won them all. When the powers that be in Austin under Governor Perry scrutinized his record and asked for proof of the assertion of his trials it was reportedly discovered he has never tried a jury case and misled the Governor's office in charge of appointments.

This scandal has rocked the courthouse and the integrity of this Judge is now being called into question. Who is Brent Chesney and how many cases has he really tried? There was no response from his Court office or Manager or the Judge himself. This is not the first time that Chesney has been under fire, as a city councilman he was criticized for living in Dallas and being a city councilman down here. Many parents in the community who's parental rights have been taken away or are under CPS supervision have complained that his draconian methods of denying them an attorney in significant stages of their case has left them without a lawyer. As you will recall, Chesney campaigned on not paying lawyers to represent parents and apparently he has kept the promise.

Now his honesty is being questioned. Did Chesney lie to the Governors office and to the voters of Nueces County when he asserted he was a trial lawyer in order to get the bench but is now revealing he has never tried a jury trial in his nearly 15 years as an attorney?

El Defenzor is launching a full investigation into this man's record and will get to the bottom of the matter. He is reportedly licking his wounds he was past over for Medary, but Medary reportedly has been a long Republican Stalwart who ran several times and now has been recognized for her longstanding service as a municipal court Judge and as a magistrate Judge.

A local female attorney summed up Medary's credentials: With Misty Medary what you see is what you get. She is very much like Sandra Watts in that she is fair and could care less who you are, what background you come from or if you are a powerbroker lawyer; in her court you will be treated fairly and that is all we can hope for. Unlike John Martinez who is beholding to Tony and Barbara Canales and the Doug Allison and Mikal Watts crowd you will get a fair day in court.

Regarding Brent Chesney, other judges whispered to me that they were nervous with Chesney taking a bench where life and death was being decided as well as life sentences because of his questionable dealings with attorneys and complaints made against him by families and now with this question of his lying about his record he has lost a great deal of respect in the legal community and I think his political career and romance with the media is over. I think the voters need to know if a judge lies about their record"

Much more to come.

El Defenzor

Editorial: Corpus Christi Mayor Joe Adama Assisting Private Club's Agenda of Self-Service?

2011-07-29T13:18:00.001-07:00

COLUMN: Economics and Politics and CONFLICT OF INTEREST

IS MAYOR JOE ADAME HELPING TO TRANFER CITY STAFF & RESOURCES TO A PRIVATE INVESTOR’S CLUB KNOWN AS THE “Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation” ???

Corpus Christi, TX – There is a general concern expressed to this publication that the City of Corpus Christi is being used by what has been described as a well-oiled, well-fueled power group that basically wants to take over the “money-making” functions of the city council. Related to this concern is the economic situation – which Mayor Joe Adame – promised to address responsibly is the topic of discussion among many a business and politico and generally involved resident activist.

“There are a few things coming down the pipe that are stamped ‘economic development’ and the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation might be trying to get credit, but the CCREDC (or “EDC” for short) has a record of procuring tax payer dollars for their own private agenda and getting inside info to ensure the success of the interests of their private membership. It is basically a private corporation run for the most part by public dollars. They have not brought in any major development in most of their years of experience yet how do they justify getting public dollars? Recently a new plastic company from Italy was referred to this area by the state – in an attempt for it to settle here, but it is not yet a done deal. It is still involved in sensitive negotiations,” a local insider shared.

The source continued: “The CCREDC (or EDC) has too much control over economic development and is not sharing the wealth… They get too much inside information and share it with their buddies in my estimation and business partners. Now with Mayor Joe Adame (who was a past president of the CCREDC) is starting to show his colors by pushing to have city staff under the CCREDC which is a private organization. Recently they put the Corpus Christi Economic Development Corporation (which was controlled by the city) under a private organization – that is, the CCREDC. The mayor and some of the council also allowed a city staff person that was working for the city to go work for the CCREDC. The mayor and political chums allowed for the “city funding” portion to pay her position to be transferred.”

The CCREDC is a private group. The City’s economic development corporation is now under the control of this private group -- and as cited above even a city staff person is now working the CCREDC (who was reporting to the 4A board). The problem is the CCREDC does not have the same requirements for open meetings as other public entities. This issue raises many an ethical concerns.

To repeat, keep in mind that prior to this arrangement, there were two parts to economic development: the CCREDC (a private group) and the Economic Development of the City – now the city’s has been shifted by the mayor to be absorbed by the private group – that is, the CCREDC.

Is it a new trend by the current administration allowing private investors exerting a major influence over public entities? The theme expands in these discussions to the scenario of more and more public money being put under them. “The mayor should be pushing an agenda that works the other way around,” a former city administrator shared.

“It has become more clear, day by day in every way that these guys are a private investment, and thus are using public money to further private personal agenda. How can the face and voice of the city be so befuddled by this issue. The CCREDC is private, not public. They use excuses such as, ‘We have to assure some high degree of confidentiality for proprietary reasons in reference to our investors.’ But it is all an excuse to manipulate priorities. When the dust settles after each lobby attempt, it all comes down to the fact that the CCREDC is using public money and do not even abide by the rigors of open meetings that other entities have in the region. If there is an issue of privacy or legality involve the CCREDC can always keep the meetings as public as possible and the go into private sessions like the other entities do. They should be accountable and be audit by the public. Did you know the city cannot audit them?”

One businessman, who is a critic of the CCREDC and has been researching their activities, shared: “It is my opinion that the mayor is part of that agenda. He is either being pressured or driven by his orbit of associates in that direction. Lack of performance: this historically describes the CCREDC. It cannot justify getting thousands and thousands of public dollars from the city and port and county. It can never justify so much power. The CCREDC despite funding over the years since Loyd Neal help establish their operation as mayor have never demonstrated a good performance record. “Mayor Joe Adame is one of them. The cat is out of the bag,” a current city councilman told El Defenzor off the record. “The 4A board..who represent the city part of the CCREDC, had a staff person who is now under the CCREDC – the city’s budget slice to pay for her salary was also transferred to the CCREDC. The mayor pushed for that move. He was behind it. The terrible thing is that the 4A board did not find out until the deal was done -- at least most. The mayor did not even express the courtesies to ask the 4A board for their opinion. Moving city staff and departments and resources to a private entity with voracious appetites of self-interest can never be justified. It is Fascism.”

But some claim the influence of the CCREDC transcends just the four walls of its office and official “written” terrain. Come claim it has infiltrated many a public entities with public dollars: from CCISD to Del Mar Board of Regents to the RTA and Port Authority.

On a related note: currently, there are some concerns about the bid process at the Corpus Christi Independent School District. There are some bids related to construction to architects to other companies that are directly or indirectly associated with School Board Trustee Carol Scott (who runs KAILO COMMUNICATIONS). In fact, many of these bidders are her clients (that is, being represented by KAILO COMMUNICATIONS) yet she insists on being a primary mover and shaker of many of these contracts. A lot of politics is being played out.

At the school district level, a TEA representative told this publication that any school board trustee with a conflict of interest should not be involved in the bidding process – especially if the interest of one or more of their clients in on the table. To this day, no one has asked Ms. Scott to recluse herself. “She is playing a prominent role and making rules how the company should bid. What a coincidence,” a former school board trustee informed.

Ms. Scott used to brag on her KAILO internet website that she could “connect you with the movers and shakers.” It is clear now who they are – “the cat is out of the bag” as some have put it. Her own husband sits in the city council. “It is not ‘public service’ but ‘self-service.’”

To return to the CCREDC. “The CCREDC is getting stronger funding, yet is not delivering. It has received over a million from entities and has delivered less than one percent of job growth in the area. Something that should occur naturally but are taking credit for it. But look at The Valley and San Antonio and other cities – they are all doing well; but the CCREDC continues to drag here locally. And this mayor, has to be held accountable, he is pushing that this voracious entity with private investors be given additional funding. STOP THE CCREDC at their tracks.”

El Defenzor revisits TAFT, TEXAS: Evaluating TENURE OF MAYOR

2011-07-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

TAFT, TEXAS: EL DEFENZOR RETURNS TO REVIEW MAYOR BOBBY VEGA’S TENURE IN OFFICE

Taft, TX – “Who keeps Mayor Bobby Vega (who was first elected mayor in 2009) in power?” – this is one question that resounds in the community of Taft and the region. It was not too long ago that Bobby Vega ran for mayor under the campaign slogan of “unity, stability and growth.” In two years he has managed to do exactly the opposite. Political and social factions seem more apart today due to his own poor judgment and ruthless decisions. His leadership – many more sum it up in one word: questionable.

Vega promised stability. He hired a lawyer for the city – than (after using him to execute the path for his agenda) fired him. Mayor Vega hired a city manager – then (after using him to restructure the city for a path of selective hirings and power mongering positioning) was forced to resign. Vega declared an “annexed” area to be “de-annexed” – only to face condemnation by the U.S. Department of Justice. He went on to hire a police chief – Paul Rivera, loyal to Vega’s administration to the last cell of his tolerance. Paul Rivera, not long after his tenure, was given an option, implicitly and explicitly: resign or as Police Chief or be fired. Since then the city has had two others chiefs.

Instability, irrational caprice – these two words many observers describe his prevailing administration. But do not take this editorial on face value, if one is open minded to the issue, try to do your own research and make your own determination which we believe will be in accord with the one we have stated.

Who keeps Mayor Bobby Vega in power? Many of the residents in the disputed “annexed” or “de-annexed” area do not know whether they are part of the city or not; if they should vote or not in city elections; if they should pay or not for either county or city services; if they are under the protection of municipal law enforcement or not. Some residential pockets of the region of Taft, Texas seem more like a third world zone that seems to have been hit by an unsettling political and economic tsunami.

Residents in the disputed “annexed” vs “de-annexed” area last year were taken off tax rolls, and thus and so their garbage collection rates were raised. This past week or so (under the advice of the new attorney) the mayor and his side-kicks decided to rescind the de-annexation push and put the disputed area back on tax rolls. De-annexation is still in the mayor’s agenda – but the mentioned move was done to placate and please the concerns of the Department of Justice that has placed them under close scrutiny. .

When Vega won for mayor in 2009, Mayor Filberto Rivera’s career ended as the top representative of the city. Rivera had unseated the infamous Mayor – Jerry King, a local pharmacist.

In 2009 Vega took over as mayor and began firing many closely associated with former Mayor Rivera. Via a clever and edacious impulse Vega hired new staff everywhere he could. He settled a major law suit with a political ally: Molly Topper. She never came back as city manager. It was 3-2 council vote to reimburse her $158,000.

“No wonder the city is broke,” a local resident remarked.

Who keeps Mayor Bobby Vega in power? Vega’s major political base many insiders claim comes from the strings pulled by former Mayor King. The notorious King who was mayor for a hand full of years and was a city council before that (close to 20 years). In fact one resident said some refer to Vega as “King Jr” – but the truth is that some sources claim he has regular interaction on issues with King and is more of a “mayor by proxy”.

Mayor Vega on occasion is compared to King, being described as “snappy” and “arrogant” and “argumentative”: qualities that have much to be desired.. Vega targeted El Defenzor newspaper when it ran an editorial that was not to his liking about a year ago. He pushed for an ordinance to be drafted basically banning the paper from being distributed in the region. This was something that former Mayor King had attempted but failed due to legal admonishments from the then-city attorney.

Mayor Bobby Vega is struggling to keep a majority – even the new city councilman, David Trevino is straddling the fence (Trevino is the one that won against Lucy S. Lopez who lost by 13 votes in what has been described as an “illegal” election). Keep in mind that residents in the “disputed” area were not allowed to vote in this race for office.

El Defenzor spoke to a few community activists to obtain a pulse in regards to Vega’s tenure in office and most voiced one theme: “The community is divided and is thus looking for leadership in the city.” They added that Vega and his clan capitalized on the insecurities and lack of resources of ordinary citizens to obtain justice or to recruit viable candidates to seek office. “The King machine still seems to be eating away at growth in this region via Bobby Vega,” one activist opined.

There are 526 households in the disputed “annexed/de-annexed” area cited above – mostly Hispanics. This disputed area has been subjected to mind-boggling oppression and tyranny by the Vega administration. Former Mayor Filberto Vega who ran under an agenda of growth pushed for the annexation of these households. But the course was a detailed one and accordingly meticulous attention was given to meeting all the tinges and stages of the process. When the process was in place, utility rates were reduced to coincide with the city residents; law enforcement of the area was initiated. But when Vega won for Mayor in 2009 (with assistance from the King machine), he declared the annexation null and void. Then again Vega was neither an attorney nor an authority in this complex area of law and thus received a backlash from the Department of Justice (after residents complained that they were not allowed to participate in free elections).

Under Vega’s tenure, these 526 household were taken off tax rolls and turned over to the county’s. Their utility rates were raised to those prior to Mayor Rivera’s annexation adjustments. Vega insisted that even law enforcement be sponged out from this area.

On May 10, 2010 and August 2010 and March 11, 2011, via written declaratives and memos reinforced to the City of Taft that the De-annexation Ordinance (#839) was unenforceable; however, as of today, Mayor Vega nor the city officialdom have not complied with the requirement of the Department of Justice.

The Department of Justice has been gravely concerned that many a resident might have been disenfranchised – this was expressed in a memo in 2010, and said that many a resident in the disputed area should at least vote provisionally until a decision was rendered. In the last election the Department of Justice send representatives to make sure that the Vega Administration allowed residents in the disputed area to vote.

Thus in the last city council meeting which took place a little over a week ago, Mayor Vega had no choice but to declare and rescind his de-annexation move as not valid. Vega by making such a move is saying, he did not abide by the law and de-annexed a sizeable geographical residential community unlawfully. He is asking some of his friends to begin to begin from zero and start a de-annexation move – one move that is segmenting the community all over again.

A group of people (close to Vega) have filed a new petition to de-annexed and it has been placed in the November election – the vote will decide to keep the city “in” or “out” of the city.

Final notes: As of February of last year at least $13.32 cents for utilities and garbage fees have been charged to households in the disputed are per month. A total of 526 households come to about $126,113. Every month that goes by it increases the calculation. A group of residents in Taft have united in the disputed area and want what they call the “illegal” charges to be stopped immediately. Additionally, they are prepared to take legal action if necessary, but currently are asking (it was done the last city council meeting) that every household in this area be paid all the money they are owned within sixty days.

In the last meeting cited above, the request for reimbursement by a group of residents – a total of $126.113 -- was denied. They (the residents in the disputed area) were however placed back in the tax rolls of the city.

Edward "Eddie" Valadez Announces for Constable in Jim Wells county

2011-07-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Jim Wells, TX – Edward “Eddie” Valadez, 35, has announced for Jim Wells Constable Precinct #6. He feels that he can fill a void – a void of concern expressed by many in the community. It can be phrased in one sentence: “There needs to be more visibility and frequent visits from law enforcement in the precinct.”

Valadez – likeable, approachable, nimble-minded – said: “There are some pockets of neighborhoods in this precinct that feel so isolated. Many are raising families here. Law enforcement needs its presence here and other places to serve as a cloud of security.”

The concerns expressed by Valadez are some that are growing by the day. Valadez, who has a hefty resume in law enforcement and community service, is not a newbie to tackling tough problems. He has worked in law enforcement departments ranging from San Diego to the Jim Wells Sheriff Department (ten years) to the City of Robstown Police Department (going on two years). From the specialty of drug interdiction to solving burglaries to inspiring young students in school to elevate their grades and shape a better world – how many are the things that surface in the minds of those who have known him for a while.

Currently there is only one full-time job in the department – that is, that of the constable. This is why he feels the constable needs to religiously abide by time management and try his best to be ever-present when the occasion arises for the need of law enforcement. Valadez wants “advance safety” measures in place when the kids get out of school – this comes through meticulous planning. He wants parents to know that there will be an added hand of support to serve as a glue that a functional family should have. In youth he sermonizes daily: “schooling is the way to improve once station in life in many ways. But sometimes, there is no easy road, and many a time you have to give it 110 percent. The more you work for it, the more you will appreciate it.”

The constable serves also as an assistant to the Justice of the Peace. Sometimes functioning as a bailiff, serving subpoenas, duties of peace officer, duties of civil processor, a supportive arm for truancy programs – there are other hats a constable has to put on to fully meet his job description.

With an encouraging tenure of 15 years in law enforcement, he has learned tremendously to recognize complex patterns that might be either detrimental or positive to a community. He also wants to try and make some of the positions full-time by bringing in new monies via grants and state and federal funding for rural-like areas. “There are also monies out there for infrastructure and for recreational endeavors to keep kids out of trouble – even to make side-walks for them believe it or not. We live in progressive times. It just takes a person that is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to bring in the essential resources,” he explained. “This is where I live. This is my community. I have two step-children and a new born. In a sense it is us against the world. Either we do for our community and precinct or no one else will. I ask the people to jump in my humble band wagon of a campaign. I plan to get a lot of things done. Give me a chance.”

Where does Valadez get his entrepreneur spirit and larger cause to serve the community? Valadez does run a trucking business while off duty. He is used to solving day in and day out problems; moreover, he is used to dealing with a constantly changing environment and is able to think of his feet to make critical and judicial and wise decisions. He wants to use it to bring out the best in the community. Something optimistically charge radiates from him. As one resident put it: “It shines from him. From his face, words; it has to come from deep inside him. From his heart and soul. A native’s soul does not lie.”

Valadez, who worked in the Jim Wells Sheriff Department for about a decade and was promoted to corporal and then patrol supervisor and then canine officer and even earned quite a name working drug interdiction in the highways and later working as a narcotics investigator -- knows the limited resources he has if elected constable. He plans to use an immediate interagency approach to address the visibility issue and concerns in his precinct. He will work alongside other law enforcement agencies, encouraging regular team works and endeavors to address issues anywhere from narcotics to disruptions to traffic. The residents, the parents, those that orbit his precinct will also be his eyes and ears and conscience to help him determine what issues and concerns carry emotional weight and should be priority – a pulse and soul that every community has but is ignored sometimes due to the apathy of politicos who displace their goals.

“I have a strong background in working with other agencies in my regular duties as a peace officer. I have positive goals and thus I feel I can turn this ‘one-man” job as constable into a powerful department,” he said passionately. “I know I will have some deputies which function as part-time but with diligence and hard work and research we will have a fully functional department.

“Where does Edward ‘Eddie’ Valadez come from – what is his bio?” – some have asked. He is 35 years old and was born in La Bandera Ranch. His mom and dad and sister work for a school district in the area. Valadez – who worked both at the Orange grove High School and Jr. High as a COPS Program Officer and graduated from the Dell Mar Police Academy -- feel his work-ethic comes from his first close-knit and value oriented structure -- that is, his family of upbringing. “I was taught that a strong neighborhood, a strong precinct is a reflection of strong families --- and vice-a-versa. This is one my goals to reinforce this spirit as a constable.”

His last words echoed in the interview: “My life story clearly shows that I can do what I have said. I respectfully and humbly ask the voters and constituents to allow me that chance to serve them.”

He is married to Veronica (Valadez) and has two step-children and recently a two-month old little boy.

ON ATTORNEY HOMER CANALES' STUGGLES (a resident of Alice, Tx) by ATTORNEY JOE FLORES

2011-06-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

I was asked to say a few words about a great man and I will do so. I always believe in telling a person how you feel and what you think of them while they are living not when they are dead.:) The following is about my good friend and mentor Homero Canales, Esq. of Alice, Texas.

Homero Canales and his brother Wallace have always been men I respected and looked up to. Since I was a boy growing up in Alice, Texas, selling the Alice Echo Newspaper at the courthouse in the 70's, I had heard of Homero and Wallace Canales and their representation of clients and their trial skills.

My father, a teacher and political activist, always spoke highly of Homero, and in my dad's retirement he loved to watch trials and hang around the courthouse, even though he was battling a terminal illness, and he always kept me up to speed while I was in law school with the latest on Homero Canales, Attorney at Law. I had always dreamed of being a lawyer and Homero, among other prominent attorneys and Judges in Jim Wells county, were positive role models for me and inspired me to attend law school many years ago. My dad said it was a great gift to him to see me graduate from law school and I made him proud. Those words alone made it all worth it.

As a young man, I myself often went and watched Homero try a case and it was and still is as exciting and action packed as ever, to say the least. He has always been a mentor of mine, and always offers his office when I come from Corpus on legal business or to visit my mother, and to this day he also offers his sound advice, just like when I first got out of law school. Now that I am a seasoned trial lawyer with complex civil and criminal cases to handle, I need that advice more than ever and he is ready to help. I always need and appreciate the advice of a seasoned attorney like Homero with over 40 years of legal experience.

My understanding is that Homero's background was being raised in the tough streets of Laredo. His light skin and light eyes did not apparently hide the pride in being Mexican American and how he defends his clients in and out of the courtroom today. He was also reportedly known in those days to defend he and his culture with words, and fist if necessary, at Texas A&M College Station as an undergrad student. Homero is often seen with his dog walking around the Jim Wells County courthouse and across the street from his office. His no nonsense approach and plain truth has brought him many accolades and hundreds upon hundreds of clients who could not afford expensive fees. Often he waived or reduced the cost of trying a case in order for those whose very lives and freedom were at stake to place their fate in his competent legal hands and that of the justice system.

Homero has faced many battles in and out of the courtroom including his present battle against cancer which he reportedly has the upperhand on. He is a man who is still of great physical strength and a formidable character and who can be defined as a man of quality or true grit. His quick wit and smile provide an avenue for easy conversation and he quickly puts a person at ease, no matter what walk of life they come from. He is a man who has many stories to share regarding South Texas history and courtroom drama.

I want to remind many of my generation born in the 60's and 70's that we should never forget the many sacrifices that men like Homero have made in our Mexican American and collective South Texas community, and who forged a path for our people to attend schools of higher learning and become lawyers and doctors and men and women of industry. Many Americans want to live in denial that racism, sexism and inequality no longer exist, but indeed they do, and we must always be vigilant against injustice, like the lawyers and judges in our community such as Homero, who studied law and championed causes in the 60's and 70's and do so to the present day. I never forget that Homero Canales is truly a man to be reckoned with and a living legend and walking history book of our culture and our times here in our part of Texas.

Therefore, I honor a lion of a man while he is living and thriving, not when he is dead, for then it will be too late and he will not need to hear these words because he has gone on to something much, much greater.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joe Flores, Esq.

Mr. Humerto Lozaon passes on

2011-05-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

Humberto Lozano Lopez 1937-2011

Today Mr. Humberto Lozano Lopez, the founder of Lopez Broadcasting including Magic 104 in Corpus Christi, Magic 95 in Victoria, and KLMO in San Antonio and the TMV network, passed away today after a long illness at Christus Spohn Hospital. Mr. Lopez was a pioneer in Spanish radio and television who started his broadcasting career with a 15 minute program entitled the American GI Forum Show with Dr. Hector P. Garcia.

Mr. Lopez had a national television show broadcast through the predecessor to Univision in the 1960’s that was seen coast to coast- nationwide. His rich career also included the dubbing of epic movies in Spanish for Latin American audiences including Patton and Bruce Lee movies among many others. He was a longstanding member of the Screen Actors Guild and impacted the Hispanic culture profoundly in politics, broadcasting and in shaping culture. He was also a champion of civil rights and educational efforts for Hispanics.

Many artists such as Selena, Mazz, Emilio Navaira and others received a great following in major part due to the Lopez family broadcasting and through the auspices of Humberto Lozano Lopez. He leaves behind his beautiful wife Minerva R. Lopez, married over 50 years, and 12 children, many of whom are actively involved in radio and television broadcasting.

Humberto Lozano Lopez was a lifelong resident of Robstown and a proud cottonpicker, and held a track record that still stands today at RHS.

MR. HUMBERTO LOZANO WAS ALSO INDUCTED TO THE TEJANO HALL OF FAME IN 2005.

Viewing at Robstown High School Auditorium (Wednesday and Thursday, 5:30 -9pm viewing and rosary ) and funeral Friday at St. Anthony’s in Robstown, Texas (TBA).

Contact person:

Carlos Lopez, Manager of the KTMV Network: 904-1762

FDA Investigating Various Drugs and Medical Devices

2011-03-23T21:03:00.002-07:00

EL DEFENZOR REPORTS ON ALARMING DRUG AND MEDICAL DEVICES! (FOR PUBLICATION ONLINE AND HARDCOPY:

FDA INVESTIGATING VARIOUS DRUGS AND MEDICAL DEVICES!

As reported last month, El Defenzor has been monitoring FDA approval or recall of various drugs and medical devices that may be endangering the public. As a priority of public concern we have discovered the following information:

Accutane

1) Proof of use of Accutane the drug used for acne. Many adolescents and young adults used this drug to treat acne and damaged the intestines and gastrointestinal tract (other names for generic drug: Sotret, Amnesteem, Claravis)

2) Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Crohn’s (not IBS)

3) Latency period (time when symptoms of damage show up) can be as long as 7-10 years.

4) Damages from this drug can lead to surgeries, but many people manage disease with medication (Remicade, Asacol, Prednisone, etc..) or by monitoring diet.

Dupuy Medical Devices may cause pain and suffering because not designed or manufactured correctly. There is a recall on the following:

Recalled:

1) Dupuy ASR XL Acetabular Hip System

2) Depuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System

Some other hip implant devices that are being investigated include:

1) Pinnacle

2) Ultimate

3) Dural

4) Summit

Zimmer: . Knee Devices: These devices are also reportedly causing the medical consumer pain in certain reported cases.

1) NexGen CR-Flex Knee (there are several versions, ie… porous femoral, cemented femoral)

2) NexGen CR Knee (several versions, ie…. porous femoral)

3) NexGen LPS-Flex Knee (primarily femoral component loosening, but may also be a claim for entire system because no difference in range of motion in regular LPS versus LPS – Flex, yet greater rates of loosening in Flex models)

4) MIS Tibial Component Implants (at this point, the ones primarily placed without a stem or low profile stem, but I want to keep them all for now).

5) Revision surgeries are going to be the best cases, meaning client got a Zimmer knee (listed above) and due to loosening or failure had to have a second surgery, or even a third or fourth surgery.

6) Mechanical Loosening cases, these are typically associated with increasing lasting pain in the knee area, stiffness in the knee area, diminished motion in the joint, difficulty putting weight on the knee, limping, etc

Paxil Birth Defects

Many unsuspecting mothers were given Paxil for depression during their first and second and even third trimesters of pregnancy. Some were referred out from Planned Parenthood facilities. They ingested the anti-depressant drug and many unfortunately had children with club feet, cleft palates and other severe birth defects.

Together many of these devices and pharmaceutical drugs are being let out into the market without little or any FDA approval or minimal investigation or being “grandfathered in”. One local attorney, Joe Flores, a family nurse practitioner and trial lawyer, stated: “ It is clear that tort reform law, proposed legislation, and the power of pharmaceutical companies in the lobbying arenas, and that of medical device manufacturers, can cause increased risk to the public on certain devices and drugs and the American people have to be ever vigilant in asking their doctors what the risks are before ingesting a drug or having a surgical procedure. The public relies on FDA and medical and pharmaceutical device research, patents and approval and are at the mercy of the reliable and safety representations made to the patient and to their doctors and nurse practitioners.”

NEXT MONTH:

El Defenzor gets the prospective of doctors and ex-pharmaceutical reps on the state of FDA approval of drugs and devices. Stay tuned…

Homero Villarreal

FDA Investigating Various Drugs and Medical Devices

2011-03-23T21:03:00.001-07:00

EL DEFENZOR REPORTS ON ALARMING DRUG AND MEDICAL DEVICES! (FOR PUBLICATION ONLINE AND HARDCOPY:

FDA INVESTIGATING VARIOUS DRUGS AND MEDICAL DEVICES!

Accutane

2) Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Crohn’s (not IBS)

3) Latency period (time when symptoms of damage show up) can be as long as 7-10 years.

4) Damages from this drug can lead to surgeries, but many people manage disease with medication (Remicade, Asacol, Prednisone, etc..) or by monitoring diet.

Dupuy Medical Devices may cause pain and suffering because not designed or manufactured correctly. There is a recall on the following:

Recalled:

1) Dupuy ASR XL Acetabular Hip System

2) Depuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System

Some other hip implant devices that are being investigated include:

1) Pinnacle

2) Ultimate

3) Dural

4) Summit

Zimmer: . Knee Devices: These devices are also reportedly causing the medical consumer pain in certain reported cases.

1) NexGen CR-Flex Knee (there are several versions, ie… porous femoral, cemented femoral)

2) NexGen CR Knee (several versions, ie…. porous femoral)

4) MIS Tibial Component Implants (at this point, the ones primarily placed without a stem or low profile stem, but I want to keep them all for now).

Paxil Birth Defects

NEXT MONTH:

El Defenzor gets the prospective of doctors and ex-pharmaceutical reps on the state of FDA approval of drugs and devices. Stay tuned…

Homero Villarreal

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEMS (CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE):

2011-01-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

Statement from U.S. Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz on the recount in the 27th Congressional District of Texas Race

2010-11-23T01:23:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, the manual recount of votes cast in the race for U.S. Representative of the 27th District of Texas was concluded. After a careful, tedious and meticulous manual recount in six South Texas counties, each candidate gained a handful of votes. I continue to stress the importance of ensuring every vote was counted and every person’s voice was heard. I decided to request a recount after many of my supporters and constituents contacted me and asked me to do so. I carried on with their request to ensure the integrity of the election was not compromised.

Today that process was completed as we recounted more than 106,000 votes in San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Kenedy, Willacy and Cameron Counties. Although I gained votes during the manual recount, I did not surpass my opponent’s lead. Therefore, with great respect and admiration in the Democratic process, I congratulate my opponent, Mr. R. Blake Farenthold, in his election to the 27th Congressional District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.

I wish him well. I ask Mr. Farenthold, as I have done so for the past 27 years, to represent every one of his constituents in this Congressional District. I respectfully urge him to continue to: spur economic growth in South Texas; reduce the unemployment rate; help working families succeed; provide affordable health care for all Americans; secure our U.S.-Mexico border from violence and drug war; and ensure America can continue to be a land of freedom, opportunity and prosperity for all. Again, I wish him good luck.

To my supporters, those who have been with me since I was first elected to office in 1964 at the age of 27, from the very bottom of my heart, I thank you for standing by me and with me through it all. Words cannot tell how much I appreciate the love and support you have show me and my family over the years. Thank you for the good memories and endless accomplishments; thank you for your vote of confidence and for believing in me; thank you for your love and words of encouragement.

As this process comes to an end, I am at ease and peace with myself, my family, my colleagues in Congress, my constituents, life and most importantly, I am at ease with God. I truly believe that through our work and significant contributions during my years of service in Congress, we leave South Texas better than before.

I leave the national stage, certain of having done the right thing for those I represented. In the thousands of votes I cast in Congress for the 27th Congressional District of Texas, time and time again, I voted as my constituents asked me to do so. But just as important, I voted with my heart and for the best interest of all the people and communities I have had the pleasure of representing. I stand behind each and every one of those votes today and always will.

I end this campaign – and my public service – with a favorite verse from poet Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken’.

“I shall be telling this with a sigh

“Somewhere ages and ages hence:

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

“I took the one less traveled by,

“And that has made all the difference.”

It certainly has made all the difference.

U.S. Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz

27th Congressional District of Texas

JOE A. GONZALEZ YOUR NEW COMMISSIONER FOR NUECES COUNTY, PCT 2

2010-11-20T15:35:00.000-08:00

Nueces County, Texas --JAG: Joe A. Gonzalez : He and District Attorney Mark Skurka; One of the Last Democrats Standing this Cycle (pictured with Chief Advisor Attorney Joe Flores)

In an historical development the Republicans achieved a landslide in Nueces County. Joe A. Gonzalez won handedly as your new County Commissioner in Precinct 2 as did Mark Skurka for District Attorney-both the last candidates in the Democratic party to win in 2010. Skurka and JAG will assume office in January and move forward working with the Republican controlled County Commissioner's Court.

Chief Political Advisor for JAG and local attorney, Joe Flores was reached for comment: "The Democrats took a hard punch this cycle. I was disappointed in the results but I congratulate the Republican party in their concerted efforts and the dollars they spent to achieve victory. In politics you need to grow a thickskin and be a good winner as well as a good loser. Those who didn't learn to shake hands after the Little League game better learn how. It is my belief that the Democratic vote will come out again in 2012 as expected in the presidential cycle. I would pack a lunch for the next battle if I was the Republican party and wouldn't do victory laps just yet on this isolated development. Mark (Skurka) and JAG knew the formula of humbling oneself and reaching out to both sides of the aisle for bipartisan support and that is why they opened up the can of whoopingbehinds. No politician can take a person's vote for granted by virtue of their skin color or religious affiliation any longer in South Texas."

Other races that were political shockers in this hail of voter bullets included Marisela Saldana's loss to Guy Williams for the 148th District Court. Saldana held the bench several years and Williams had run several times before achieving victory. Todd Hunter, District 32 State rep commented, " Guy had name identification and pounded on several thousand doors. That, coupled with this Republicans coming out to vote pushed him over the edge to victory." Another upset was in the State Rep races of Abel Herrero and Solomon Ortiz who were defeated soundly by Connie Scott and Raul Torres respectively. And of course, Manuel Banales, a 23 year veteran on bench for the 105th distict emcompassing Kenedy, Kleberg and Nueces County was roundly defeated by challenger Angelica Hernandez, a former Democrat now the darling of the Republican party.

The young voter phenomenon of not pulling "La Palanca" or straight ticket was shown this cycle. Leader of Young Voters of South Texas, a nonpartisan group, Danielle Oldham was quoted as saying that no longer can the leaders of either party take the young vote for granted. "We under 30 see the switching from party to party that many of the politicians have done as well as the broken promises from both sides. Many young people are voting their conscience and looking at each individual leader. If the politicians want the young people's vote they will have to appeal to us as individuals, not just because they are affiliated with one party or another. The political landscape has changed dramatically in South Texas." Oldham has brought on both Democrats and Repubicans on her show on KTMV Time Warner Channel 6 after the elections and will be bringing back information and live footage from Austin in January to better educate the young and all voters.

What happened in South Texas this cycle underlines the fact that no vote can be taken for granted and that many former staunch Democrats, reportedly disenchanted with Democratic leadership have jettisoned to the bipartisan line and demand not to be taken for granted any longer. They also apparently don't agree with the Pelosi-esque view of being a Democrat and certainly do not want to feel that they are not in the "in crowd" of the Democratic party and have shown their distaste for not being included. If the numbers are going to change the next go around it is advisable that the Democrats eat humblepie and go back to their roots of pounding on doors and going to every pachanga, baptism, funeral and wedding and embracing the roots of the party or they will see the same shellacking that occurred in 2010.

Bill Clinton Joins To Help Ortiz With Recount movement

2010-11-13T00:02:00.000-08:00

Dear South Texas:

The Election is not over--there are still votes being counted in South Texas!

My good friend, Congressman Solomon Ortiz, is currently locked in a race where the vote between him and his opponent is separated by .8% of the vote—that’s POINT EIGHT PERCENT. He can make it through this recount, but he needs our help.

Congressman Ortiz has been standing up for South Texas for over 28 years, now lets stand up and help him fight back!
Help me raise $50,000 by Noon on Monday for the Ortiz Recount Fund.

Please click here and make an immediate contribution of $100, $50, $25 or even $10 directly to the Ortiz Recount Fund. Congressman Ortiz had my back when I was in the White House and now we have to have his back as he battles to ensure every vote is counted! I traveled to Brownsville in October and had a chance to see all that Congressman Ortiz has done for the district. He’s been fighting for the working people of South Texas from his days as Constable all the way to Subcommittee Chairman for Military Readiness. Ortiz has delivered and will continue to deliver once all the votes are counted.

Help me deliver for Solomon Ortiz by making a contribution of $100, $50, $25 or even $10 to the Ortiz Recount Fund.

Let’s not give up before this election is over! Solomon Ortiz needs us to stand with him and send him back to represent us in Washington DC.

Thank you,

Bill Clinton

P.S. Help me help my old friend Solomon Ortiz by contributing $100, $50, $25 or even $10 before Noon on Monday. Your support will ensure all the votes are counted.

Contributions or gifts to Ortiz for Congress are not tax deductible. Contributions from corporations, labor organizations’ treasury funds and foreign nationals are prohibited. Best efforts will be used to collect the name, address, occupation and employer for individuals who contribute $200 and over in an election cycle. Individuals may contribute up to $2,400 per election.

STATEMENT FROM SOLOMON P. ORTIZ IN REFERENCE TO THE RECOUNT IN THE 27TH RACE

2010-11-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Statement from the Ortiz for Congress Committee on recount in the Texas 27 Race

“Today, the Ortiz for Congress Committee submitted a deposit for $12,000 to the Texas Secretary of State and a memo to amend the original petition requesting all precincts in all counties in the 27th District of Texas be recounted manually. The Ortiz for Congress Committee was informed today by the Texas Secretary of State that a recount of the November 2 General Election has been approved and that they will be contacting counties in the 27th District of Texas this afternoon to inform them of the recount. Given the well-documented irregularities that have already come to light, it’s vitally important to have a full and accurate counting of every vote. It is the utmost desire of the Ortiz for Congress Committee and the Ortiz Recount Team to ensure every vote cast in the 27th District of Texas is counted and that every person’s voice is heard.”

Editorial: SOLOMON TRAVELS TO CHINA -- Why? and Anna Jimenez A big Mistake For Blake Farenthold?

2010-11-11T22:46:00.000-08:00

While District Judge Marisela Saldana is “Soul Searching” in Las Vegas, Solomon P,. Ortiz has also ventured to a distant place – a much further place: China, according to sources. Ortiz is trying to get his son, Solomon P. Ortiz Jr. (who just lost the State Representative seat to Raul Torres, Republican) a high executive job with a company doing business with the U.S. Military. The contradiction is that the petition for the recount was not filled properly and his focus is elsewhere.

Ortiz had to shift gears – why? The depths of his dedication! He, according to insiders, needs to take care of those family and close friends to his network stay afloat financially amidst the crisis sparred by the disillusion of the November 2 election. It was a crushing Republican sweep.

The spiritual ills of the modern Democratic Party even at the national level are observable. President Barack Obama did not want to meet with Ortiz in China even after a special invitation. Many at that level point out that Obama senses the vibes directed at incumbent Democrats – especially Ortiz who is lobbying for his help in trying to overturn the eleciton. Furthermor,e Ortiz’ political network, keep in mind supported Hillary Clinton on her bout for president, not Obama. The socio-political distance is growing more profound and expected to be more weighty in the next few months.

Ortiz’ former chief of staff Lencho Rendon, and behinds the scenes powerbroker who started his own corporations and a major business network under the unbrella of LR GlOBAL (Lencho Rendon Global), cannot afford to have Solomon P. Ortiz Jr. on his payroll. This is one of the reasons cited explaining why Ortiz Sr. is “burning the candles at both ends” before his term expires at the flicker of the first of January of next year.

Despite the fact that Rendon is making about three million dollars off Ortiz’ connections, he cannot afford to be lifted to a plane of and maze of mirrors spooked with bad public relations. Rendon has too much to lose at this juncture. He’s creative power has always been effectively executed mostly in “backstairs” deals and furtive rooms, according to some that have caught a glimpse of negotiations.

Some claim a man by the name of G. Ybarra is Rendon’s “bagman”. At least this is the tittle-tattle within the orbit of those in the bon ton and “In The Know” of this jumble: taking business to China and lobbying to get business for key persons within the Ortiz’ tight network. Some as far as Washington D.C. are claiming they have been asked to invest anywhere from $100,000 to move than that in order to try and get China’s business connections.

Some claim records show that Rendon was on the payroll of Austin Texas’s Attorney Rosenthal. He (Rosenthal) is a high profile attorney that word circulates in tight circles and core elite gossip that Rendon and his network ran cases for him. This has not been verified. But if there is other pertinent information many a media entity would welcome it.

However the influence of this man has propelled the intial phase of a “hand count” of election ballots in the Valley. Many are asking: “What would drive Solomon P. Ortiz Sr. to believe there are 3000 quesitonable votes?” … Other veteran political observers and analysts that are familiar with the landscape and voting rigmarole point out that the Valley of South Texas still uses hand ballots. “There can be a high degree of relative variablity as to the manner and quaility of those ballots are deem to be striked out or added to the final tally. There might be a variable of regional interpretation… who knows?” one source said.

As for incumbent Congressman-elect Blake Farenthold, he has appointed Anna Maria Jimenez (who was appointed to serve as Nueces County District Attorney by the governor) to his administrative transition team and she is expected to play a major role in his new alliance. Some observers are calling it: “A major mistake. As an administrator of the DA’s office, she was been described by some top Republicans as ‘incompetent.’ Her inordinate reorganization of the DA’s office resulted in a major public relation nightmare for the office. This was the final staw for many republicans who had previously had some confidence in her. ”

A local businessman said: “I am a staunch Republican, but Anna Maria Jimenez in my opinion carries this dark cloud of controvery everywhere she goes. I feel Steve Ray (the political consultant for Farenthold) has brought Anna Jimenez in too far into the Republican Party. Ms. Jimenez was an appointee by the Governor. If anyone should have won in the November 2^nd eleciton, it was her.”

“Even successful candidate for District Judge Angelica Hernandez said in a previous converation: ‘She (Anna) brought this upon herself.’ If anyone with such a close-knit relationship says that about Ms. Jimenez, it seems to be chiseled into one’s memory” another confidencial source detailed.

“Ms. Jimenez does not belong in our party – her ideals are not quite ours. Her brother, who is an attorney, I am lead to believe benefitted from her being in the DA’s office. A case in point: The arrest of a man caught selling drugs (associated with Dorann’s Home Health in Robstown) is an issue that I’m concerned about. The man who was caught selling drugs there openly at a main street medical supply office in Robstown was quickly represented by Jimenez’ brother – who even provided him with special consideration during his detainment. This cause is still before District Judge Nelva Gonzalez-Ramos. these are not the values of the party. In my humble estimation. Ms. Jimenezis a thorn and a cancer to the party. As for Ms. Jimenez I feel she has come across as being very unethnical,” an Hispanic Republican opined. “She seems to need Anger Management Classes. On September 27 she was caught on video at the parking lot at TARGET’S around 11 a.m. She was having an altercation which was associated with domestic problems. She has this inexplicable impulse to leave things off wack. It would be a huge mistake to have her run for anything again as a Republican. She is a huge liability – she has conflict ofinterest in the DA’s office and is ineffectual.”

Ortiz for Congress Committee on recount in the Texas 27 Race

2010-11-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

Statement from the Ortiz for Congress Committee on recount in the Texas 27 Race

The Ortiz for Congress Committee released this statement following today’s announcement that paperwork had been filed requesting a recount with the Texas Secretary of State pertaining to the Texas 27 Race:

“This afternoon, the Ortiz for Congress Committee filed the appropriate paperwork with the Secretary of State’s Office in Austin as we seek a recount in a race that is too close to call. Upon clarifying the process with the counties and the Secretary of State, we followed all appropriate measures and have requested a manual recount in Willacy, Kenedy, Kleberg, and Nueces Counties and portions of San Patricio and Cameron Counties.

"Congressman Ortiz wants to ensure that the votes of the people of South Texas be counted accurately and that no vote be left out.”

Background

Provisional and military ballots are being counted today across the district

No counties have certified their votes

NUECES COUNTY ELECTION NIGHT ANALYSIS IN VIDEO

2010-11-06T21:42:00.000-07:00

NUECES COUNTY ELECTION NIGHT ANALYSIS IN VIDEO: click on links below to view....

PART 1: HOMER VILLARREAL ANALYSIS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FokX-Q8cr6A

PART 2: HOMER VILLARREAL CONTINUED: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MyK3kAag74

Part 3: CONGRESSMAN ELECT BLAKE FARENTHOLD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SIOB_vQXFo

Part 4: CONGRESSMAN ELECT BLAKE FARENTHOLD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VbOo3PzHT4

Part 5: CONGRESSMAN ELECT BLAKE FARENTHOLD & video footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01bf0IjwA6w

Part 6: FOOTAGE & DEBATES AT COURTHOUSE ELECTION NIGHT on issue of "crossing over" and interpreting the Republicans coming in droves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c5lqcu8-4Y

Part 7: FOOTAGE OF COURTHOUSE DEBATE CONTINUED: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hooijxlSIh4

Part 9: COURTHOUSE FOOTAGE DEBATE cont. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5iEq6ntbwM

Part 10: YOUNG VOTERS OF SOUTH TEXAS footage at courthouse - Coordinator Daniel Oldham: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9NBhcelRFk

Statement of Ortiz for Congress Campaign on Recount in TX27 Race

2010-11-06T15:31:00.001-07:00

Statement of Ortiz for Congress Campaign on Recount in TX27 Race

“As I have said since Tuesday, we still need to ensure every vote is counted before determining the outcome of this race. However, since numerous voting irregularities have been reported in the 27th Congressional District of Texas race, I have also decided to ask for a manual recount. Just in the first days of counting, we’ve seen uncounted votes appear. It is my utmost desire to ensure that the votes of the people of South Texas be cast and counted and that no vote be left out. Therefore, we’ve begun putting together the documents necessary to request a recount. I thank all who participated in the election process.”

U.S. Representative Solomon P. Ortiz

AFTER THE ELECTIONS PRAYER FOR SOUTH TEXAS (by Homer Villarreal -founder of El Defenzor)

2010-11-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

Gracious God, we pray for the people of this nation, especially our region of South Texas:
For those recently elected to office, award wisdom to rule and administrate wisely, end authoritarian policies, and pass changes that profit all the people;
For candidates who lost in the elections, grant wisdom to carry on their work for the well-being of the area;
For the people who participated in the election, we give thanks and pray that their courage and hope to accept the fruit in a transformed area;
For those who feel removed and disenfranchised and alienated in the election, we lament and pray that systems may be humanized and spiritualized and renewed in ways that include all;
For our sisters and brothers in Christ, we offer gratitude for their true to life service and urge that they will carry out good judgment and valor, optimism and love, and all they require for the living of these days;
Inspire the leaders, people, and friends of the NUECES, KLEBERG, and so forth to order their living so that justice and fairness and integrity flows like water and peace prevails.
Amen.

EDITORIAL: “SINCE WHEN HAS THE FIL VELA-RENE RODRIGUEZ FACTION been interested in Robstown and its surrounding area?”

2010-10-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

“SINCE WHEN HAS THE FIL VELA-RENE RODRIGUEZ FACTION been interested in Robstown and its surrounding area?” – This Is The Question Being Asked.

Nueces County, TX -- Since when are they (the FIL VELA/RENE RODRIGUEZ FACTION which is now a new power within the Republican Party) interested in the larger Nueces County region such as Robstown, Texas and other satellite towns?

The answer: “Only on Election Season.” Robstown has had lots of battles – historically; this faction has never been around to use its resources to address many of the problems.

Since when have they been involved in the socio-political and economic development battles and concerns of Robstown? Only when this “faction” is running judicial candidates for office. In fact it was during the 90s when Fil Vela and René Rodriguez first ran some young Hispanic female attorneys for judicial office?

Now it all makes sense. The women candidates sponsored by Vela/Rodriguez ran were not affiliated with the Hispanic Civil Rights Movement nor the Raza Unida Party (or what was left of it). It was not really the Democratic Party, and surely not the Republican Party (at that time, they considered it as the party of ultimate vendidos – sellouts). These women were associated with the radical wing of the Feminist Movement (NOW). In fact, Nanette Hassette and others donated funds to that unique cause. Other women were used to run and enervated and then thrown in the disposal shelf such as Diana Martinez.

Back then: Vela/Rodriguez fought with other factions within the Democratic Party. They went as far as to label the original KUNO radio “Comentarios” (not the present station) and the Coffee Club (founded by Ray Madrigal) as: “the place where Republicans and sellouts hangout.” A particular radio Spanish Talk Radio Show (airing via KUNO Station) was recruited as a media mouthpiece to validate and reinforce their carefully crafted propaganda messages.

Rodriguez, back then as he is now doing, was just a front piece instrument for a much more significant player – Phil Vela Jr. (eccentric son of the late Phil Vela Sr.). Vela was the clandestine money man: the outlandish “behind the scenes” architect of this power grab.

What they leave the Democratic Party (“Republican need to know this tidbit of information” – a few insiders claim)? This faction would demonize most of other candidates that were not within their network of control. They would hire so-called high-paid "consultants" that were really hecklers to target other Democrats. This very tactic has mysteriously resurfaced (but now being commissioned by the Republican Party).

When they faced financial competition from Attorney and politico Mikal Watts, who began to bankroll hand-picked Democratic Party candidates, this faction blasted him with “both barrels” as many specialists remember. “They wanted him out of the picture to be able to control the Democratic Party in the region.”

The faction did accomplish the above but severely segmented the party to the point it was not effective anymore. The only sizeable and real identifiable faction now left is the Solomon P. Ortiz Sr./Lencho Rendon faction. As for Phil Vela Sr. and his wife (Rose Vela)? They turned Republican for expedient reasons. They needed to begin anew; to use a readymade organization to continue their mutual endeavors.

Vela, recruited Mike Bertuzzi to run for Republican chair (and unseat the real conservative) so he would be able to posture himself in a superior manner. Vela engaged in pretentious benevolent gestures: he paid for the rent and other expenses related to the operation of the Nueces County Republican Headquarters. Additionally, the Velas opened their Ocean Drive home to the upwardly mobile and, of course, the bon ton members of the Republican Party. It goes without saying that their social class status did not differ much from the latter. Fil Vela used to comment: "It's funny how social class can transcend even political parties at certain gatherings."

The germ had been embedded. Vela, who had been raised in a politically astute family, (his father was the late Federal Judge of the Valley: Filemon “Fil” Vela Sr), had Trojan-horsed his new political virus. His wife, Rose, ran for the 13^th Court Of Appeals as a Republican and won. Local Republicans as well as Valley ones felt empowered. Beforehand, she had been elected District Judge while running as a Democrat.

This election season Rene Rodriguez (Vela’s side-kick and business partner) decided to recruit – again, using the same previous political recipe -- Hispanic women lawyers to run for office: Angelica Hernandez, Amanda Torres and Anna Maria Jimenez. Instead of using the former KUNO Talk Show host (who is semi-retired now) as their main media spearhead this election cycle, they turned to a self-labeled CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER to put out their message and attempt to reach the sizeable Hispanic Population, especially Robstown, Bishop, Agua Dulce, Petronilla (areas which have function traditionally as a voter bloc): a significant voter bloc that can abruptly swing an election.

Remember that the so-called senior Republican, County Judge Loyd Neal, mid 70s, does not want any major economic development for Robstown area nor the Fairgrounds. He has his own network of interests and sites made up already. Neal was a major decision-maker in recruiting Vela and Rodriguez to attempt to capture via this brokering deal a large portion of the Hispanic Population vote. The Loyd Neal Republican candidates want to “tail-coat” themselves in behind this faction as one Republican Strategist told El Defenzor anonymously. "What upsets me is listening to hired hand and former Democrat Susie Luna-Saldana using the racial card to target Anglo Democrats. She uses words such as 'El Gringo Mike Skurka' and 'El Gringo Ray M.' and 'La Gringa Jenny Dorsey.' This incoming faction is cheaping the image of our party. Racial animosity is being used to instigate hate against Anglos associated with school board races and running for District Attorney and other offices. This sounds too Rene Rodriguez style. What will the future hold for our party? Will we, the Nueces County Republicans, be associated as the new bigots?"

If the Vela/Rodriguez’ faction (or “girls” as they are tagged jestingly) all win for office, they will control a larger portion of the core group of the regional Republican Party. In essence, a Republican victory for this faction will equate to more power and influence for Vela and Rodriguez and respective network members of the Republicans.

“Will the Vela/Rodriguez faction end up dividing the local Republican Party as they did with the Democratic Party?” – this is the question that lingers in many a political activist. “Is a vote for the Vela/Rodriguez Faction for positive change?”

JUDGE AMANDA TORRES AND THE HEAD OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY FILE FALSE CHARGES AGAINST JOE BENAVIDES

2010-10-21T13:33:00.001-07:00

JUDGE AMANDA TORRES AND THE HEAD OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY FILE FALSE CHARGES AGAINST JOE BENAVIDES

In a startling development, Joe Benavides received an expected full dismissal of any complaints to the Judicial Ethics Committee. Both the inexperienced leader of the Republican party and a two year lawyer (aka baby lawyer) in Amanda Torres didn't check the rules and filed on Joe Benavides for JP to attempt to discredit him.

Joe Benavides was quoted as saying, "In all my years in politics and in my service to our congressman Solomon Ortiz in Washington I have never seen such poor judgment or tactics out of desperation. It is clear they are threatened by the support from both parties in this community for the right judge. My opponent harped on her being a lawyer and her knowledge of the law, but in a JP court you don't need to be a lawyer and 95% of the JP's in Texas aren't. This proves her inexperience as a lawyer and emotional reactions got the best of her. Her campaign consultant also filed false reports to the Center for the Deaf on McCardle that I had broken some rule. The voting judge indicated that the man was harassing the judge and other voters by complaining repeatedly in order to try to get me in some hot water when we did nothing wrong. This is not the kind of judge or people she surrounds herself with you want in office."

As for the new fledgling Republican Chair, she has in bad faith, according to reliable sources, filed on many Democratic candidates. What was thought to be a banner year for local Repubilicans has turned into a nightmare. The superstars of the party, Neal and Hunter are not campaigning hard and the only one campaigning for selfish reasons is unopposed Mike "Sugar Daddy" Pusley (as Referred to by some Republicans disenchanted with him) who is wanting to take over Neal's throne in 2011 and prays nightly that Neal retires soon. Therefore, there is no enthusiasm and the Republicans are getting worried with the gaining momentum of the Democratic Party.

Editorial: CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS ASKING ROLAND GARZA TO RELINQUISH HIS CIVIL RIGHTS HAT:

2010-10-21T10:06:00.001-07:00

CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS ASKING ROLAND GARZA TO RELINQUISH HIS CIVIL RIGHTS HAT:

CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT BEING SOLD TO SOME REPUBLICANS FOR PROFIT?

NUECES COUNTY, TX – ROLAND GARZA, who served as a CIVIL RIGHTS coordinator, has TURNED REPUBLICAN and has become a “Hired Gun” for some candidates associated with KNOWN HATE GROUPS. Records reveal GARZA is being paid thousands of dollars for being a “consultant”. But are his “intellectual skills” and “social organizing” skills being utilized to help them? No, he is functioning mainly a hired heckler, a hired to intimidate and humiliate Hispanic Democrat Candidates at forums and debates and/or launch attacks on his media program. He is also trying to cloak extremists as being "Hispanic Friendly."

The problem is that ROLAND GARZA is using his “civil rights hat” and associated Hispanic and minority base “popularity” to help organizations and individuals that have “hitched horses” (so to speak) with “anti-collective bargaining” groups and troublingly with known hate groups (as classified by Government entities) such as the JOHN BIRCH SOCIETY (the equivalent of the Ku Klux Klan but without the hood – an organization that has a history of supporting segregation), with known members of the Minuteman Organization (anti-Latino, anti-Immigrant group). On a regular basis you see the local leader of Corpus Christi chapter of the John Birch Society (Chuck Bernett) putting up signs and attending functions along with Roland for Republican candidate Angelica Hernandez . It goes without saying that what is wrong with this picture is perceptible on a daily basis; it can be summed up in one sentence: ROLAND GARZA needs to immediately relinquish his “Civil Rights hat” and engage in the politics of his choice. It is his right to join with tagged HATE GROUPS – but he has not right to drag the emblem of civil rights that history represents diligent and sincere struggles into the sludge, into the grime of own selfish expediency and financial profit.

What Roland Garza is doing is reprehensible – the CIVIL RIGHTS CAUSE cannot be compromised one minute longer. Garza associating with known hate groups and movements in addition to attempting to deceive the public that he is still a civil rights leader is disconcerting. It breaches all sense of propriety and decorum -- what he is doing is sleazy, revolting and is a Judas Kiss: an insult to many a person that put his or her life on the line in the human rights stuggle to create a more egalitarian and representative society.

What ROLAND GARZA IS DOING not only drains the young new generations of HISPANICS AND MINORITIES and the OPPRESSED of their true being: it also tries to fill them with desire to be somebody else – strangers like GARZA, who have packaged and “sold-out” the cause of many generations of Civil-Rights for a profit. Garza is trying to establish a bad precedent. Just because he is caught in a trap, rejecting the scared principle of “Never Sell-Out The Cause” in the community, does not permit him to drag others into his own abyss of becoming a divided person inside.

Joe Ortiz, civil rights Coordinator for the American GI Forum said: "I am so disappointed that Roland Garza is doing this. I trained him with the intention of helping the community. He knew this movement for Human and Civil Rights carried a lot of responsibly and good judgment. This position should never be used for personal gain and should never be associated with Hate Groups -- who have harmed or continue to harm out community. He should immediately dissociate himself with any civil rights movement. My question is -- "What civil rights group has appointed him? He is a rogue activist who get paid to advocate for them. It is discrediting out movement."

How did ROLAND GARZA end up on the other side of the “fence of principles” he used to espouse? He followed Attorney Rene Rodriguez that turned Republican because he was offered a lucratic deal. Garza by following demonstrated that he loyalty was more to Rodriguez than the “cause” he scripted and harped on a daily basis. Garza now is encouraging an agenda that goes against what the Late Hector P. Garcia, the Late Cesar Chavez, and Later Martin Luther King valued. Garza is encourage EL PUEBLO HISPANO and other oppressed communities who carry the burden of poverty and social barriers to fight against each other. Garza might not realize that both (everyone) is being taken, all are being used against each other. This fight is what the leaders of the HATE GROUPS wanted. The joke is on us.

Garza has also begun to demonstrate a sense of cruelty against his own. He has begun to attack JOE BENAVIDES (who is running for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 1). Joe Benavides’ father – Benny Benavides, a civil rights leader and strong voice for the Hispanic and Oppressed Communities, just passed on a few weeks ago. Garza has ventured to a realm that is taboo. He has to answer to the elder members of this movement.

Garza has launched false allegations against Joe Benavides claiming that he treats women badly – all part of a “Female Model” political attack plan put together not by females but Rene Rodriguez. Benavides, those who know him well will vouch, has been anything but what Garza erroneously accuses him: he has been a loving father; and much more, he has served his community in voluntary and altruistic efforts that go beyond the call of duty. He has been a pillar of the community and excellent role model – but Garza, who is not a paid agent for the oppressor, knows Joe Benavides is in a grieving episode in his life (his father’s passing), and seems to want to not just hurt him but break his very soul.

ROLAND GARZA, when all is said and done, is trying to tag JOE BENAVIDES as an enemy of the people (Garza is being paid by Benavides' political rival). Garza himself (it is so graphically apparent) has become a harming agent to El Movimiento De Derechos Civiles: the cause of causes -- civil and human rights.

El Defenzor on Radio today & Tomorrow at 5 p.m. 104.9 FM

2010-10-21T08:48:00.001-07:00

HOMER VILLARREAL, FOUNDER - EL DEFENZOR (NEWSPAPER) will be on radio for a few minutes today and tomorrow at 5 p.m. – tune in to 104.9 FM. Next Week (all week) Villarreal will begin “El Defenzor Life” where he will be doing 15 minutes radio commentaries… Pass the word (stay tune for for details)… Get excited.

DANIELLE OLDHAM -- Nimble-Minded & Approachable -- Is The FOUNDER OF YOUNG SOUTH TEXAS VOTERS

2010-10-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

El Defenzor met with the new and captivating founder of Young Voters of South Texas, Ms. Danielle Oldham. Young Voters of South Texas is a movement started Over the last several months many have seen her attending events and recruiting young people to work on the various democratic campaigns and appearing on radio, television and on Facebook.

Danielle exemplifies what is needed in the Democratic party: A new generation of leadership. Born and raised in the Mid-west, Ms. Oldham comes from a conservative Democratic background. Working on her second degree at Texas A&M University she has found time to launch Young Voters of South Texas and has taken a page from other young politicos who are using the internet, television and radio to bring out their voice.

Ms. Oldham is one of the few young people in the community who are exhibiting leadership skills in politics while using up to date technology to get out her message and unify the party for people under 30. " I have a great deal of respect for the strong efforts that the Democratic party has made. However, I have noticed deeply entrenched factions within the party that often make it difficult to have unity. Through my analysis of South Texas political trends over the last 10 years it is clear that formerly a dominating faction could control the rest of the party, but now that the Democrats are catching more and more Republican opponents, we need to set aside factional disputes and be much more inclusive. This is where the media comes in: If we can bring on candidates who are able to educate the public on their qualifications and show the face of the Democratic party in the most positive light. This strategy cuts through the factions and creates a sense of unity that is much needed."

When asked if she thought that the Democratic party and liberalism are one and the same she responded, "I am originally from the mid-west. I see a lot of commonalities with the predominately hispanic population here. My fiance Anthony Gomez from Robstown, and his family, exhibit the typical Democratic conservative example I am acquainted with from the mid-west, which is hardworking blue collar people who are patriotic and have a strong sense of family and service to our country with deep convictions regarding their belief in God. He is currently in San Antonio receiving therapy, under the Wounded Warrior program, after returning from a tour of duty in the military in Afghanistan. What Republicans are saying is simply not true, when they accuse all Democrats of being in favor of abortion or that all Democrats are socialist that is not only an inaccurate comment but also self-serving and irresponsible."

Her past experience in politics has been on local and national races. Over the last 3 years while in South Texas she was a grassroots organizer for the Obama campaign and is now an advisor for the Joe A. Gonzalez and Joe Benavides campaigns. "Mr. Flores, the chief advisor for both Gonzalez and Benavides has taught me a lot about bringing out a strong message and a seemingly overnight presence in the media. The Lopez family and Joe Flores have been gracious enough to create a show for me on the station which has been quite successful and well-received."

Ms. Oldham recognized the contributions of the Lopez family in South Texas political broadcasting and was appreciative and humble: " Few appreciate the efforts that these two gentleman (Carlos Lopez and Joe Flores) have made in creating a sense of community and enthusiasm within the Democratic party and helping turn out the vote. Joe created my show's concept and we recently have had 8 candidates on the show which will be shown throughout the early voting time period as well as election day. Judge Marisela Saldana, Mark Skurka running for District Attorney, Jenny Dorsey running for school board, Judge Joe A. Gonzalez for County Commissioner, Joe Benavides for Justice of the Peace and upcoming guests Terry Shamsie for Family court along with Manuel Banales seeking re-election for the 105th District court are among the guests who will appear on KTMV.'

When asked about her political aspirations Ms. Oldham was quick to add, "I am not ruling out a future seeking office, but at my age, 25, I am looking towards completing my second college degree and entering graduate school while collaborating with Mr. Flores to create more political and community programming. I am grateful for the support and welcome that I have received from the Democratic party and am confident that candidates that have worked so hard will be victorious November 2nd. I also want to thank El Defenzor and the Villarreal family for the conscious awareness created through its publication and internet presence and for this interview."

When asked about trying to keep our youth in South Texas, Ms. Oldham concluded the interview with the following soundbyte, "I believe in Corpus Christi and this community. We have excellent education, colleges, and people. We just need more true economic development that is open to bringing outside help. We as a community collectively have turned away excellent opportunities and I hope with my media message I can help encourage young people not only to vote but to stay here to build a life and become civic-minded citizens who will help our community and contribute to job growth and economic prosperity."

It is clear that this is only the beginning of the movement for young people that Ms. Oldham is creating and we at El Defenzor will be watching her progress very carefully and with enthusiasm.

Nueces County, TX: The Mascaras Come Off As Confrontations Occur -- Gil's and Anna's ire has reached inordiante levels

2010-10-18T21:02:00.001-07:00

Word circulates quickly in Nueces County, Gil Hernandez (candidate for co commissioner) and Anna M. Jimenez (candidate for Dististrict Attorney) are going crazy feeling the heat. Gil verbally accosted Ray McMurrey the union leaders for teachers CCAFT and tried to justify his comment that he said on South Texas Politics that all Democrats are in favor of abortion. McMurrey reportedly told Gil that he was inexperienced and unsophisticated in politics and must choose his words more carefully. Gil then continued his rampage and accused JAG of being a liar. Gil is reportedly throwing tantrums near the polls and is in coohots to the tune of $8.000.00 with Susie Luna, former Democratic consultant now helping Republicans. To make matters worse Gloria Caceres was in deep hot water for helping Susie and Gil in order to exact vengeance on JAG for defeating her badly in the primary. Shame, shame no your name. The consensus is for Gloria to Get OVER IT. Anna Jiminez reportedly is very bitter and caused a scene at City Hall and indicated that no one knew her voting record and knew nothing about her beliefs when accosted by a local attorney and media personality about being a RINO. El Defenzor has released her shocking voting record where she voted Democrat until she fanagled the Republicans to get her the D.A. job. Mysteriously she then voted Republican and is closely associated with Rene Rodriguez so many republicans are put off for her and are voting for Mark Skurka (see poll taken from October 11-15th, 2010).

STRAW POLL RESULTS... CONDUCTED BY EL DEFENZOR

2010-10-18T17:11:00.001-07:00

El Defenzor took a sample on FB (over 2,456 FB members, 162 bloggers with standard deviation of 0.5)

1. Bill White 48.2; Rick Perry 51.8%: GOVERNOR

2. Loyd Neal 54.5; Clarissa Gonzalez 45.5%: COUNTY JUDGE

3. Manuel Banales 52.2; Angelica Hernandez 47.8% 105th DISTRICT COURT

4. Mariseal Saldana 52.5%; Guy Williams 47.5% 148TH DISTRICT COURT

5. Joe A. Gonzalez 61.4%; Gil Hernandez 38.6% : COUNTY COMMISSIONER PCT 2

6. Joe Benavides 55.6%; Amanda Torres 44.4%: JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PCT 1, PL1

7. Mark Skurka 68.7%; Anna Jiminez 31.3%: DISTRICT ATTORNEY

8. Terry Shamsie 51.8%; Brent Chesney 48.2%: FAMILY COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO.

9. John Longoria 38%; Jenny Dorsey 34% Tottsy Armadillo 28%: SCHOOL BOARD RACE DIST 1

Political Analysis

In the majority of races there is no clear indication of which party may have the upper hand. The last 10 years have demonstrated that Republicans do have an opportunity to gain more seats but as of late the Democrats have rallied through grassroots efforts and the press for media coverage on political media outlets owned by the Lopez Family such as radio 104.9 and Televisions channel 6 KTMV with South Texas Politics (Marez, Saenz and Grenado hosts) educating the voter and the creation of multiple political shows by attorney and activist Joe Flores.

The phemonenon that has also occurred that political analysts such as Dr. Bob Bezdek simply cannot predict is the voice of the internet. Blogs and Facebook and comments on the Caller Times are shaping and bending the perception of candidates and the issues that are involved. More individuals simply cannot turn off politics if their friends are politicos and many enjoy the drama unfolding. One poltical activist replied:

" I don't read the articles in the Caller Times on printed format anymore. I just go to caller.com and read about the article but then I race down to see what comments were made in order to break down the spin the media wishes to put on it. I don't think media gives the complete story and I think that through comments and dialogue on the internet we see what people are really thinking. I learn more about the perception of a candidate by how he is being hit and I can sift through the haters and the people with an agenda and make up my own mind and I can participate in it myself and jump in at any time if I wish to. No longer am I being passively spoonfed information to digest. I also love reading Facebook, seeing political commercials on youtube.com and reading about what people are doing on their campaigns through pictures and words being uploaded. We don't have to rely on the paper the next day or the news at 10. We are creating our own news and filtering it how we want to at that very minute at that very second."

At this point we cannot count on Island Republicans or West Side Democrats pulling straight ticket either R or D. Every vote counts and each and every vote can cost an election. This election more than ever is about people's pocketbook. It is interesting to note that during the summer the Republicans were smug but now candidates such as Chesney and Anna Jiminez are running for cover as the media hits them hard. On Chesney it was for texting and being a City Councilman living away and Anna Jiminez for her perceived poor choices in running the D.A."s office and firing key people.

Another poll shall be taken in a few days after analyzing the voter turnout. It is anyone's race in any of these elections. Stay tuned.

More to come.

Inner Core DEMOCRAT Player GLORIA CACERES Betrays Party? NOT HEALED OVER LOSSING HER ELECTION Meets With Republican Hired Hand To Target JAG

2010-10-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

In a disappoining development, it is confirmed that Gloria Caceres, closely associated with the Solomon Ortiz Jr. campaign, fed a false and misleading question to now Republican advisor, formerly Democratic stalworth, Susie Luna-Saldana who has received thousands of dollars, confirmed by campaign finance reports, from Gil Hernandez. According to public records Hernandez has not filed two campaign finance reports as mandated by law, but those filed reveal thousands of dollars paid to Saldana for her "consulting".

The question was pointed at Judge Joe A. Gonzalez at the League of Women Voters Forum on October 14, 2010 at City Hall. The forum is being broadcast the 20th through the 23rd of October on Channel 20, Time Warner. The question was, "Are you aware that you and your organization is being investigated by the Texas Rangers?" to which Judge JAG replied that the question was cowardly, false and only served to help Gil Hernandez his opponent.

Gloria Caceres reportedly fed the question to Susie Luna and Luna was allowed by the League of Women voters, who usually have a screening process in place, to ask the question. JAG issued a statement that the notion that senior citizens who run Education is Our Freedom are being investigated is absolutely false. Local criminal attorney Gerald Rogen reportedly investigated the false claim thoroughly and there was not a shred of proof that ANYONE was investigating this organization which has helped hundreds of primarily hispanic children attend college.

JAG was reached earlier today: "It is disappointing to me that my former defeated opponent Gloria Caceres would stoop to such tactics to exact revenge on me and my campaign and my family. Many saw her openly speaking with Luna that night and it was clear and painfully obvious that the question was allowed to discredit me and for her to get her vengeance on me. Gloria does not realize that when she does not get past things like this she hurts the whole Democratic party, the Ortiz faction, and puts a very negative light on politics and it cheapens the League of Women Voters forum."

Chief campaign advisor and attorney Joe Flores for Joe A. Gonzalez reportedly contacted the League of Women Voters to inquire as to who allowed the question and if so, to have the question and its inflammatory effects to be removed from the program by redaction, which will air several times on Time Warner. "My client Joe A. Gonzalez was attacked for months by Ms. Caceres and her camp. When JAG brought out her child support issues and caught her in an inconsistency on how much was owed to the government on South Texas Politics during the runoff she became obviously bitter. An ad on television ran claiming the same thing that was substantiated by public record. Such a question which was allowed to be asked was so inflammatory that even the most thickskinned politician would wince. I am a stauch supporter of the League of Women Voters and it is disappointing that such a prestigious forum was used as a tool by Caceres to exact revenge upon Joe A. Gonzalez for his victory in March and directly and indirectly it aided Gil Hernandez, JAG's Republican opponent, and the whole Republican Party."

JAG also stated, "Gloria complains her family was hurt by negative campaigning which is hypocritical. My family has suffered because of efforts by her and We the People, led by John Kelly to attack a fine organization. Ms. Caceres could obviously dish it out but she couldn't take it. She harbors this bitterness and need for revenge so much that she will go to the other side, help Susie Luna and Gil while simultaneously wanting to help Solomon Ortiz, Jr. You can't have it both ways. Either you are a solid Democrat or not."

El Defenzor tried to reach Ms. Caceres for comment and was unsuccessful.

WHAT ARE THE RIPPLE AFFECTS OF VANQUISHED CANDIDATES THAT CANNOT GET OVER A LOSS TO THE TRIUMPHANT WINNER OF A PRIMARY?....

ACT OF CRUELTY: JP AMANDA TORRES TAKES DOWN GROUP PHOTO OF FORMER JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

2010-10-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

Nueces County, TX – Justice of the Peace Amanda Torres, who was appointed to fill in the vacant judicial post and who is running for the seat as a Republican, late this week decided to take down a group photo of former persons who had occupied the seat of Justice of the Peace. It is a photo that taken to memorialize the last request made by former Justice of the Peace Armando Flores – a charasmatic and respected pillar of the community. It is a photo that was intended to hang there forever.

Late this week Judge Joe A. Gonzalez (JAG) was called by the staff of Justice of the Peace Torres’s office and told something to the effect: “Come and pick up the group photo or it is going to the trash.”

Then Justice of the Peace Jose. A. Gonzalez appears along with Former Justice Armando Flores, Former Justice of the Peace Enselmo “Blackie” Longoria, Former Justice of the Peace Mike Westergren – and at one end appears former Nueces County Clerk Ernest Briones. Gonzalez and Westergren are the only two surviving former JPs that appear on the photo.

Former Justice of the Peace (JAG) Gonzalez said: “I feel Justice of the Peace Amanda Torres should appologize to the families for action. I feel her whim reflects her immaturity. She fails to realize the historic value and consequences of that moment captured in history. It was a photo that took a lot of coordination.”

(JAG) Gonzalez concluded: “Again, it was former Justice of the Peace Armando Flores’ last wish – for all parties to put aside their diffences and gather in one place in time to send a loud message to the new generations that the struggle to humanize the judicial institutions was not an easy one. For the new generations to be reminded that there is still so much work to be done to better this area.”

AN ACT OF CRUELTY: JP CANDIDATE JOE BENAVIDES’ SPIRITS ARE LOW (WITH HIS DAD’S PASSING) & HIS RIVAL, AMANDA TORRES, MERCILESSLY ATTACKS

2010-10-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

AN ACT OF CRUELTY:

JP CANDIDATE JOE BENAVIDES’ SPIRITS ARE LOW (WITH HIS DAD’S PASSING) AND HIS RIVAL, AMANDA TORRES, ALONG WITH HER CAMPAIGN MANAGER ATTEMPT TO DEMORALIZE HIM FURTHER.

Nueces County, Tx – AMANDA TORRES, candidate for Justice of the Peace, resorts one of the dirtiest and most cruel tactics used in politics. She tries to rattle the spirit of her grieving rival Joe Benavides – whose father (the beloved Benny Benavides passed away Sunday. Torres’ consultant, Jeff Butler, has a history of insensitive and gutter-level tactics.

Torres, as her campaign beings to spiral down in the polls, she resorts to grubby tactics so as to try and optimize her chances in this campaign. She has linked up together with her campaign consultant and the new leader of the Republican Party in Nueces County, Kimberly Curtis (who has become known as the “Walk-In” Chair of the regional GOP in that she was not elected by the popular vote) and they have devised an attack plan. They have threaten Joe Benavides and they are considering filing some impractical ethics violations against him – this publication is aware of them and seem more like thrumped up accusations. They are claiming Benavides finance campaign reports have a “lot to be desired.” Word circulates amidst the talk of insiders: Chair Ms. Curtis is also compulsively being steered openly by such individuals such as County Commissioner Mike Pusley to use her seat to impair Benavides’s spirits during this election cycle.

This publication dug deeper and met with Benavides’ consultant and lawyer and he summed it up in one sentence: “Amanda is revealing her cruel nature: she hitting my client at a low point in his life… for God’s sakes, when he is burying his best friend, his dad. How low can some people stoop?”

This publication has thus in turn examined Ms. Torres’ campaign reports and discovered that she has chanelled thousands of dollars for opague services of her campaign manager (Jeff) Butler; yet Benavides has not darted at her with the vernacularity and insenstiveness that Ms. Torres has.

Many individuals have been placed on payroll to harp on the “trumped” up charges: many former Democrats and even a so-called Civil Rights Activist.

Jeff Butler, who not too long ago a political consultant of Joe A. Gonzalez (JAG) who is running for county commissioner, Benavides' attorney is suspect of using information that was confidential and has turned it over to his new client -- Amanda Torres. The latter if authenticated if a very serious violation of fiduciary duty.

Benny Benavides, a long time community and political activist, passes on

2010-10-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

Corpus Christi, TX -- Benny Benavides, a long time community and political activist, passed in the early morning hours. The man was known as an outspoken civic leader and Democrat who helped champion civil rights for Mexican Americans in South Texas. He served our country proudly as a sargeant in the Air Force and was an invaluable member of the Congressman Solomon Ortiz' organization for years. He leaves behind sons and daughters and many grandchildren. One of the greatest moments of pride he related to many was seeing his son Joe Benavides win the democratic primary for Justice of the Peace. Those who knew him best can relate that he was a man of principle and conviction and a defender of those in need on the west side of Corpus Christi. Not only will has family grieve for him but an entire community. Benny's long time attorney Joe Flores related to El Defenzor that Benny suffered a stroke and had been ill for several months. 'Benny Benavides defended the elderly and
the downtrodden of his community on the west side of Corpus Christi. He was a pivotal figure in South Texas politics for decades and impacted the lives of thousands of Mexican Americans. He was a distinguished veteran and a man of great intellect and humor. He will be greatly missed by us all.' Services shall be announced shortly for this great man that has gone to his reward.

NEAL REPUBLICANS TURN TO SHADY POLITIQUERA SYSTEM; while DEMOCRATS frown upon it

2010-10-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Nueces County, Tx – County Judge Loyd Neal is so concerned about keeping his seat and control over the majority on the commissioners commission that he has not only allowed the “race baiter” Rene Rodriguez to become one of the top advisors in the Republican Party, but has disgustingly adopted his value system and accepted the shady POLITIQUERA SYSTEM (pronounced: POE-LEE’TEA-CARE- AWE) – a system where politiqueras (or ladies – and some men – solicit votes for a candidate – who usually is the highest bidder, and then via their shady tactics conduct personal home visits or reach them over the phone. They usually follow the cited recipe to inveigle by inviting the intended target to vote for the candidate that has commissioned their services -- e.g., mailing ballots and so forth. The selective pool of voters targeted usually do not even know the candidates running for office yet via professed crafty methods are coaxed to go throught the motions as a personal favor for the politiquera. The most disturbing and unethical part is the exploitation of senior citizens and the sick by many an unscrupulous politiquera. Some aggressive politiqueras are also infamous for heckling down political rivals following a pre-planned script. What regional person could possibly fit this bill of personality?

Elite members inside the Republican Party have decided to hire Susie Luna Saldana – who has been a union activist and a super aggressive politiquera – who has in the last few years guised her operation under the new placard of doing business as “Grassroots Consultants”. This trend signals both a very important development and paradox in the regional GOP. While the Democratic Party frowns on and tries to remove itself from having any overt connections with the dappled, sullen reputation of the POLITIQUERA SYSTEM, the Republican Party (both under the furtive control and steerage of Loyd Neal) has adopted it. Neal (with the guidance of Rene Rodriguez) has personally gone as far as to hand pick his politiquera line-up, a “Tokyo Rosa” and “Tokyo Benedicto” list (as some analysts in the region have tagged it). This list will be shared with our readers later, a list that will shock many that are not “IN THE KNOW.”

To Return: a dagger has cut deep into the Democratic Party as Susie Luna Saldana endorsed County Judge Loyd Neal (i.e., his re-election campaign) on LA VOZ (translated: “The voice”), a radio program that transmits via radio 104.9 FM. In an unprecedented move, “old guard” and “politiquera” (former?) Democrat Saldana said she favored Judge Loyd Neal (Republican) over Clarissa Gonzalez (Democrat). She even went as far as to say she was supporting John Longoria for the Corpus Christi ISD school board of trustees. Longoria is a loyalist of the NEAL Republican faction and even had a lot to do with suppressing Saldana’s union voice at CCISD. “What could possibly be the reason Ms. Saldana has decided to put aside her charged disagreements with Longoria?” – this is a question that is being asked.

LA VOZ is activist Abel Alonzo’s radio program. Saldana was quoted as saying, “I urge the public to vote for the most qualified candidates and vote their conscience.” She was consumed in her miff and went as far as to state that for too long “La Palanca” (voting straight ticket) has dominated the Democratic Party in the region. She felt it was time to vote for Republicans. Saldana equated being educated with Hispanics voting Republican as Loyd Neal (and others) listened. She endorsed Neal – but the contradiction is she was offered a package deal.

What triggered Susie Luna Saldana to switch party loyalties? “It was money, pure and simple and that is why she stepped down as precinct chair of the Democratic Party,” a member of the Democratic Part Women's group opined. “Saldana has pretty much made it clear in her own way that she will blast on radio and by other means those who do not hire her. Ironically, Saldana has joined sides with those that would favor Minutemen (remember she was a staunch critic of the Minutemen organization) and further link up with other politiqueras oppressing the poor and the elderly. She gladly has joined sides to help in the cover-up and exploitation of millions of taxpayer dollars by the good ole boy network and the EDC and has essentially endorsed some ethnically distant Republicans who do not want people like Susie at their functions, who do not embrace anything but the vote but do not want her kind at their lawn parties. This speaks miles for Susie being in it for Susie herself and not for the next generation of voters and her failed attempt at trying to demoralize the Democratic party.”

Does the accusation above have any validity? County Judge candidate Clarissa Gonzalez, a small businessperson, who is challenging Neal for the post, received a telephone call from Saldana (less than a handful of weeks ago) at her place of employment. Saldana, apparently using high pressure tactics, asked Ms. Gonzalez if she had come up with ten thousand dollars to advocate for her in the campaign or she would be impelled to make a tough decision and advocate for the rival.

Ms. Gonzalez, who was obviously distressed by the matter, told El Defenzor that she decided not to commission Saldana's services and instead to use the funds to address more important priorities -- e.g., such as purchasing more signs and purchasing mainstream advertisement. The new manner in which Saldana has postured herself politically has shocked many, but Ms. Gonzalez expected her shifting quake of wrath.

Word also began to circulate a few months back that the Neal machine was trying to recruit a female politiquera (or equivalent) to challenge Ms. Gonzalez in order that he may be able to maximize his changes at being re-elected in the November 2^nd General Election of this year. Some consultants have pointed out that it is culturally inappropriate (at least in the founts of daily South Texas Hispanic culture) for a male to chop suey down to size a female publically. Saldana – considered too aggressive for the norm, with an enslaving penchant for politics, fuming mad that she did not acquire a contract with Ms. Gonzalez – is clearly an expedient choice. She and Rene Rodriguez have a long history of working together for mutual benefit.

To add a few more notes: Neal, mid-70s -- who has been in the insurance business over 40 years and is in the twilight of his life. He has serious neurological health problems and yet is diligently working on one of the county’s most important group health insurance deals of his life. He has hired not only the secretary of his insurance business as "administrative assistant to Loyd Neal" (earning over $80,000 salary/benefits) but also his insurance business associate (Tomas Duran) and other associates whom he has an intimate relationship with in the field to work for Nueces County government. Neal specializes (as Duran) in promoting a “Non-Fully Insured” type of Group Health Plan. The latter plan is controversial in that if a catastrophic loss is incurred, the employer (and not the company) have to cover the losses. This is the plan being considered for the county. Neal while mayor for the City of Corpus Christi voted to go along with this plan, a plan that was sold to the city by non-other then Duran (yes, Neal's business associate -- both were working as agents for the same "Not-Fully Insured" Group Health Insurance known as ENTRUST. In fact it was Neal working as an agent that landed the first business opportunity for the cited corporation in the region).

SUSIE SALDANA TURNS ON DEMOCRATS - TERROR TACTICS REACH NEW HEIGHTS

2010-10-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

Nueces County, TX -- Breaking news. SUSIE LUNA SALDANA, union activist, former precinct chair, longtime compatriot and unflinching advocate of the Democratic Party, in the radio show LA VOZ today (October 5) endorsed Loyd Neal, the incumbent Republican running for county judge.

Trust can take years to build,but only a second to break. Saldana – who had stood up to MINUTEMAN ORGANIZATION, who had advocated for humantistic immigration rights, who had admiringly advocated for many civil rights causes – now has formally bowed and kowtowed and pledged allegence to her former political “foe’s” platform.

A former friend said: “Susie, do you remember when we were the best of friends in our party? When we'd share our every thought for the common person?Every smile and disappointment?And every laugh and our pain? Oh, and now do you feel anything that you broke our heart? Because I seem to remember that more than anything.I trusted you, I trusted you to take care of the platform of the people’s party and stomp on it.”

Apparently before she made her final decision, she called up Clarissa Gonzalez, Democratic Candidate for County Judge, and asked her point blank if she was going to pay her ten thousands dollars. Ms. Gonzalez, who is new to the game, and does does not the the fund raising capacity as her intrenched opponent, is tapping into grassroots and assertive community organizational tactics to make up for the latter.

Have Saldana’s goals become displaced? Saldana was pressured to stip down as Democratic precinct chair and the outpouring of her ire is clear. She now identifies herself as a “professional consultant” – a “gun for hire” to state it figurative jargon.

Yet, Susie – (now in the final multihued active phase of her life), who was considered the most scathing critic of the platform of the Republican Party – is now angry at the barbarism of her “former” (Democratic) Party and feels she wasted her time “spinning her wheels” in causes that did not fill her purse with a net-gain.

“Will she ever confess the present fact of her artifice? Of her oversize contradiction? Of abandoning a humanistic rebel cause for a few coins?” – how many are the questions being asked by those that were once close to her. Saldana’s life has been an endless journey in body and spirit in search of an answer to questions she first posed when she joined politics. Her own family were politicos in Hebbronville.

Susie Luna Saldana’s inner tragic circumstances, her inner struggle cannot be sung in a simple words. Many that have know her for years claim she has this unusual ability to create gestures and conversational states that take you just beyond the pale of what one feels is the natural course of what is to be expected. When it comes to politics, she is compulsive and relentless and she goes out “for blood.”

Now in the mirage of deceptive reality, Saldana is constructing a new enemy, a new target to throw darts at – and this time, unlike previous years: the eyes, the lips, all the entire faces are DEMOCRATS. Devoid of all fear – gently ironic, shie is a master of freezing enemies and as such she affords us a microcopic vision of her small world in all its South Texas pettiness and semi-tropical languor.

As Mike, a former activist associate put it: “I have been around her for the longest time. Susie (Luna-Saldana) prepares for ‘war; before an election. She sometimes secludes herself; but it is not the secusion of a saint, not the isolation of a hermit, but that of a fuming political woman with a consuming fixation to terrorize her opponent and to tear apart her target, and then puff it away into the distant sea. What did Rene Rodriguez put in her skull as well as others. We looked up to her, but she is no longer with us.”

GIL HERNANDEZ SAID HE WAS "DEMOCRAT" BUT ONE "DEMOCRAT" MADE HIM ANGRY - SO HE JUMPED TO THE OTHER SIDE TO GET EVEN (at debate)

2010-10-03T01:10:00.000-07:00

Joe A. Gonzalez, JAGs debate leads to political suicide for Gil after he announces that Democrats are all in Favor of Abortion

In a soon to be released debate from South Texas Politics that will be on Facebook, Gil Hernandez, Republican candidate ordered by Mike Pusley, Commissioner (R) and the County Judge to run, came out and said that Democrats are in favor of abortion. Draws dropped and the temperature rose at KTMV studios when this blow richocheted and struck hill in his political heart. JAG, Joe A. Gonzalez looked at Gil incredulously and said, "Whoa, what did you just say, All Democrats believe in abortion?? You are wrong Gil". Gil began to stammer and backpedal. To make matters worse, Gil said he was a Democrat until some Democrat made him mad and he turned Republican. JAG's response was, "What will you do if someone makes you made as Commissioner, act on that anger? I am for the people and have been insulted by Democrats, independants and Republicans...does that make me mad enough to turn on my own party and the people of this community? No!"

The debate also got worse for Gil as he tried to catch his breath but put his foot in his mouth again when he attacked the brainchild of Judge Joe A. Gonzalez, Education is Our Freedom, now run by senior citizens, and Gil dismissed the children's efforts to get their GED and actually smirked when JAG said, "these kids are going to be our future, and they may even be not just firefighters, and policemen, but executives at Coca-cola (a dig at Gil because that is his job)". The final deathblow was when JAG told everyone he was going to work 60 hours a week as your commissioner not 15 hours as week. Gil Hernandez currently works as as executive at Coca Cola 40 hours or more a week. After the interview Jag contacted El Defenzor and commented, "Gil lacks the training, temperament or loyalty to lead. The people do not want another commissioner making $80,000.00 a year and working 15 yours a week. I will be your full time commissioner. Plus, he and his campaign advisors and the advisors of Amanda Torres, who betrayed me and went to the other side, are trying to target the Seniors who run Education is our Freedom and terrorize them with accustions of Tax Fraud which are false. I have recommended the seniors contact an attorney and also report Gil and Amanda Torres who is a sitting judge to the proper authorities. Politics should not be used by anyone to indict or threaten or intimidate and I will not tolerate it and have kids suffer because Gil and Amanda Torres, running against Joe Benavides, are not supported, have sold out and went to the Republicans and are now losing in the polls and have no support in this community."

Polling numbers by El defenzor in a sampling of 1,252 households and via internet, phone and random sampling indicate that if the election was held today the election results would be as follows:

STRAW POLL CONDUCTED BY EL DEFENZOR

FOR NUECES COUNTY COMMISSIONER PCT 2

Joe A. Gonzalez (D) 58% of the vote

Gil Hernandez (R) 38% and

4% undecided

In the JP races Precinct 1 Place 1

Joe Benavides 62%

Amand Torres 35%

3% undecided

A REGULAR EDUCATOR DEFEATS AN ATTORNEY IN A DEBATE FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

2010-10-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

A REGULAR EDUCATOR DEFEATS AN ATTORNEY IN A DEBATE FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

Amanda Torres Falling Behind Polls While Benavides Handedly Wins Debate

In what was a shocking debate on South Texas Politics, Amanda Torres came out strong discussing her qualifications as an attorney but what happened next was a shocker even to hardcore Democrats. Joe Benavides, mild-mannered, dynamic and who has reached an almost cult of personality personna in South Texas, turned the tables and stated the following: "There you go again, bragging about being an attorney. The Court I seek is not for attorneys to preside over, it is for the people. Over 98% of J.P.'s don't have a law degree and you have also done very little to help the community. I don't need to be an attorney to preside over the People's Court who are seeking justice and I understand what the people need". Joe Benavides' confidence and ability to deflect the condescending tone that Amanda the republican appointed judge had, visibly impressed the hosts of South Texas Politics who asked her point blank if she is an attorney then why is she running for JP instead of County Court at Law and/or District Court. The answer was not only mumbled but inconclusive.

Joe Benavides has risen among the people as their candidate and has resounding support in a Democratic dominated Precinct. While Amanda has individuals picketing her courtroom and various complaints, it is Joe Benavides, a marine, a teacher and educator who is confident he will win, "The voters did not put her up there. She says you need to be an atttorney to sit on that bench and she is deceiving the public. She has not worked at all in this community, could not make it out in the private sector as a lawyer with barely two years experience and latched on to this position to make money. She is using the position to move on to other positions and that is not fair nor is it ethical to the voters of South Texas. Amanda has never been straight with the voters and I challenge her to explain why she is sending truant children to primarily one charter school that is being controlled indirectly by her political boss Rene Rodriguez. I challenge her to explain why she has not gone out in the community to help our children on weekends, mow lawns, lecture to schoolkids, visit teachers, and help all of be better parents and citizens. I am in it for the longhaul. I don't need a job because I couldn't make it as an attorney, that is Amanda Torres' problem. Why should the taxpayer give her a salary because she went to law school and can't succeed like other attorneys and make a practice. She doesn't belong as an attorney in a justice court and her presence sends a message to the other J.P.'s that just because they aren't attorneys they aren't good enough. Amanda must be voted out. I am here to serve the next 30 years if the voters will have me."

Joe Benavides' electrifying start to the debates shocked everyone and proved that a regular educator can easily defeat even an attorney in a debate and speaks miles for his judicial temperment, knowledge, experience and toughness he undoubtedly got from the Marines.

You hear him Amanda, "Fuera!"

ACTIVIST ATTORNEY JOE FLORES: "Giving UP Is Not The Language Of The Democrat Party!"

2010-09-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

Activist Attorney JOE FLORES: “GIVING UP IS NOT THE LANGUAGE OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY!”

Nueces County, TX -- The NUECES COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS FIGHTING FOR ITS VERY SURVIVAL. Make no mistake about it. Why? One of the patriarchs of the regional Democratic Party -- Attorney Rene Rodriguez (and his followers) -- double-crossed it. Some are shocked; some are in denial; some, fatalistic.

But, all factions that remain (within the local Democratic Party) agree on one thing: The party was used as a stepping stone by some ravenous lawyers within this faction to try and gain control of the courts over the last two decades and the District Attorney’s Office. The Loyd Neal Faction (of the Republican Party), gauged the Rodriguez Faction’s throb of motivation and tapped into their dream of dreams, and baited them, roping them in with a quid pro quo deal (quid pro quo in Latin means: an equal exchange between two groups or as some have angrily stated: “Selling your party to the highest bidder”).

Firstly, one associated with the Rodriguez Faction (Attorney Anna Maria Jimenez: sister-in-law to County Attorney Laura Jimenez) was strategically offered the top post in the District Attorney’s office (after Carlos Valdez stepped down) by a few Republicans who sat in the Governor’s ad hoc committee (e.g., Loyd Neal, Jim Kaelin and a few others). What was “The catch?” To turn Republican: and this Ms. Jimenez did and so did the top players and main supporters of the Rodriguez clan – including non-lawyers. The unwritten muddied political deal was implicitly and explicitly obvious: the two factions (who had for many years waged a long relentless battle against each other) – the “Loyd Neal Network FOR PROFIT” (as it is known among insiders) and the Rodriguez Faction would join forces (as a coalition of convenience) to try to maximize their odds under the umbrella on the regional Republican Party at actualizing complete control of respective targets of interest that they want to manage. In other words: the Neal Network wants complete control over county government (e.g., insurance deals and so forth); the Rodriguez Faction, over the courts (e.g., court appointments) and District Attorney Office.

Secondly, immediately upon taking office, Ms. Anna Maria Jimenez acting as District Attorney called for a re-organization of the entire Department – what some called “House Cleaning.” Forced resignations, firings, a hostile working atmosphere – how many were the consequences of this action. From one day to the next, “experienced” prosecutors found themselves out in the halls without a job; “inexperienced” newbies, promoted to administrative heights that equate with the Peter Principle (the principle that is said to exist when an employee rises or is promoted to a level of occupational incompetence) espoused by the elitists within the Rodriguez clan.

The above clearly demonstrates that the Neal and Rodriguez join coalition is more concerned about the acquisition of power and jobs and resources than party loyalty. However, some argue that “ideological differences” in all coalitions eventually will surface. Others claim that legal technocrats (such as Rodriguez) are not as concerned about what belief system dominates as long as they are in the good graces of the majority of the power figures that exert control over them. Lawyers, falling in this category, gain a special advantage due to the technical knowledge of the system that they have and thus acquire – and consequently are difficult to remove from entrenched official offices.

But the Neal Network operates in more terrain than just the county government: it is linked to the many of the city councilpersons (e.g., Mark Scott, Brent Chesney, and so forth), key municipal administrators, both the Hispanic and regular Chambers of Commerce, and to the infamous Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation (known as a hangout for powercrats that had made a cottage industry with taxpayer dollars). The Neal Network also extends into the net of the present tenure of top administrators at Corpus Christi ISD that some claim are using data bases of both students and families to tap into and mobilize at election time.

Keep in mind that the Corpus Christi School Board Elections will be held at the same time as the General Election on November 2 of this year. Carol Scott and John Longoria – two key figures in the Neal Network (and school board members who are up for re-election) -- are also using their brigade of supporters to push for a sweep at the polls in all the regional top offices this coming election by the Neal/Rodriguez garden variety Republicans. Longoria (a former rival of Rodriguez) was recruited by the Neal Network to run for the school board (along with Carol Scott – wife of Mark Scott: not to be confused with Connie Scott running for State Representative) to push for bonds and COB (Certificates of Obligation) and even gain control of arbitrary roles in the spending of those bonds – i.e., what insiders call promoting a “Networking For Profit” agenda and “Maintaining An Elitist Cottage Industry” with taxpayer dollars.

Law enforcement associations, civil rights groups, and environmental groups are other organizations that are gradually being co-opted by the Neal/Rodriguez coalition – a relationship of mutual expediency.

What is the defensive action the local Democratic Party as a whole can take to stop the vast coalition put together by the Neal/Rodriguez factions?

“What the Democrats need is a kick on their behind by its own mascot – the jackass -- to wake up and smell the Elephant’s dung that is spreading from Nueces to Kleberg Counties” -- this is the on-going joke being exchanged at the courthouse by some observers.

One of the reoccurring themes has been that the party needs to quickly reorganize and identify its available resources in order to recover its momentum. The election is around the corner.

Remarkably, one highly respected activist attorney, a staunch party loyalist – Joe Flores -- has been attentively working to fill the local Democratic Party’s leadership void. He is using his own money and resources to bring out the valiant spirit of the loyalists.

“Flores and other Democratic leaders have responsibly picked up the banner of our party. Flores, to be specific, has been burning the candle at both ends and has begun to invest in his TV Show (which airs on KTMV-Times Warner channel 6) known as South Texas Crossfire to mobilize and lift the party to an effective degree,” Joe Benavides, candidate for Justice of the Peace shared. “Most of the commercials promoting the local Democratic Party that appear on KTMV and some stations and print media are being crafted by Flores. He is a good example of how leaders arise naturally due to a crisis.”

Some go as far as to say that Flores recognized that the regional party was somewhat getting frail from the very start and began to invest in it. Flores has optimized and altered the model that has architected the success of the regional Democratic Party. He learned from his father and then other politicos in the Democratic Party in the 1990’s. He has fast become known as a formidable architect of campaigns.

Attorney Flores explained his involvement: “I became involved in this election cycle by supporting people I believe in -- former Judge Jose ‘JAG’ Gonzalez (the Democratic candidate for County Commisioner) and Joe Benavides (the Democratic Candidate for Justice of the Peace. I also helped Clarissa Gonzalez, running for County Judge, in the Democratic primary, who did not have much name recognition in political circles but had a successful business and energy and drive and helped her obtain the Democratic nomination for County Judge by a 60% margin. We also were victorious in run-offs for Joe A. Gonzalez for County Commmissioner and Joe Benavides for Justice of the Peace in hard fought battles with tough opponents. After that experience many Democrats felt that my efforts were helping the entire slate as well."

Flores detailed: “I noticed that the Democratic Party was weak and going through a crisis. I launched a campaign on my own knowing that Lucy Rubio, the former Democratic Party Chair, would no longer be around, and a new one would soon be elected but fresh to the office. Eventually Rose Meza-Harrison did fill in that gap.”

Flores added: “The Democratic Party is where my heart is and where I find great joy addressing issues that affect us. Although I am an attorney and have conservative business and moral values, I don’t think that conflicts with Democratic Party’s values at all. Ultraconservative Republicans want everyone to believe that Democrats in South Texas are all liberal, which is simply not true. You have a primarily conservative base, consisting of a majority of Hispanic voters, which do not reflect the liberal spin on the national scale of what it means to be Democrat. In other words, we are not Nancy Pelosi Democrats down here, and want jobs, fiscal responsibility and transparency in our leaders.”

[IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: An in-depth interview with Joe Flores will run in KTMV (channel 6-Time Warner) on Friday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. The founder of El Defenzor, Homero Villarreal, will be the host of SOUTH TEXAS CROSSFIRE (a show that is the brainchild of Flores). The table will be turned and Flores will be the guest. Villarreal will attempt to query Flores to reveal what lies deep inside his chest and mind. Villarread added: “I believe that one’s true personality and who one is lies beyond the impressions that are managed. The real disposition, the wrinkle of one's true self is glimpsed at somewhere in the back region of the person – this is my goal.”]

Editorial: Thoughts on the Blake Farenthold Campaign (against incumbent Solomon P. Ortiz); ED MISHOU - this is the independent candidate.

2010-09-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

Editorial: Thoughts on the Blake Farenthold Campaign (against incumbent Solomon P. Ortiz); ED MISHOU - this is the independent candidate.

Blake Farenthold -- there are many red flags regarding his candidacy. Some are unconfirmed reports that have been obtained via a dialogue with the voters and the players and the specialists. Many in the Corpus Christi area are familiar with the Farenthold family history and the fact that they were largely responsible for getting Solomon P. Ortiz elected to the 28^th Congressional District 28 years ago. Many feel that family connection may still be there.

Farenthold did not enter the race until the last minute and some believe it was just to keep William "Willy" Vaden, who was running against Ortiz in the previous elections from posing an even bigger threat this year. Some, who have known Farenthold since his childhood, are very leery of his past ethics and honesty. His campaign rhetoric is based on generalities with little substance. Evidence of his campagin activities in the southern part of the district is very shallow and the anecdote is that he has written off all but his small core group down there which is for all intents and purposes to write off Cameron County and that is tantamount to writing off the election. The latter adds some credence and weight to the thought that he only entered the race to keep Vaden out.

Farenthold only won the runoff election by a very small margin. Many seem to think he has done little to recover those voters who did not support him. There remains, I understand, a lot of ill-thought and suspicion regarding his conduct during the primary and runoff elections. There seems to be a lot of smoke and some observers are confident that beneath it all there may be some fire but it is not too obvious to pick up on and tap into it successfully.

If Ed Mishou (a well-like independent who is nimble minded and has a hefty base) was not in the race, running as an independent, Farenthold would more likely not score any better, or even as well, than Vaden did in the last two, but with Ed Mishou in the game, Farenthold might just drop to third. A memory lingers during the Republican Primaries. Vaden walked up to Farenthold, and then addressed the audience jestingly: “Do you want a ‘poodle’ like Farenthold or someone… (or someone that will be assertive in this campaign?)”.

Finally, why would the Republicans voters select a candidate with absolutely no qualificaitions or experience over the other two more viable candidates?

EDITORIAL: THE TRUE AGENDA BETWEEN RENE RODRIGUEZ & OTHER RINOs OVERTAKING THE Republican Party IN NUECES COUNTY!

2010-09-20T19:12:00.001-07:00

EDITORIAL: THE TRUE AGENDA BETWEEN RENE RODRIGUEZ & OTHER RINOs OVERTAKING THE Republican Party IN NUECES COUNTY!

NUECES COUNTY, TX -- By way of background tort reform which was passed in 2003 affecting lawyers by decreasing not only the amount of medical malpractice lawsuits but created a cap on other lawsuits as written in the language of the Proposition. Regional lawyers like Rene Rodriguez were crippled in the amount of money they could make. The very atmosphere changed the way the jury looked at awarding verdicts in the 7 and 8 figure range. Tort reformers such Bay Area Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse saved corporations and insurance companies millions while decreasing the revenues lawyers made to fuel candidates primarily in the Democratic Party. That coupled with Rene Rodriguez’ scandal with Jaime Capelo whereby $100,000.00 exchanged hands and for the first time both Capelo and Rodriguez faced public scrutiny in reference to their orbital network of expediency. It further fueled the media spin to pass tort reform measures. Then Rodriguez leaped here and there until he crossed the confines of his political camp.
Attorney Tony Canales (whom Rodriguez had taunted and egged on during many an election) defended his reputation by further defending disgruntled clients who had been represented by Rodriguez in a major settlement. This led to further injury to his practice. Years went by and Rodriguez stayed within the Democratic Party and subsisted via giving lipservice to the expected motions.

He then followed Fil Vela's footsteps and decided to cross over to the Republican party. But first, he send his “girls” (Angela Hernandez and Amanda Torres and a few others) to serve as the friendly “doves” (as some critics have described them). He then came into the regional GOP as the “hawk” to promote his agenda to put in lawyers to replace justice of the peace candidates and further limit the working man's access to the courthouse doors… In fact, a candidate has been lined up againat JP Robert “Bobby” Gonzalez (from Robstown).

By cutting a deal with Amanda Torres, establishing a bizarre precedent of lawyers and the elite to replace nonlawyer justice of the peace candidates an agenda to limit a day in court had now been established. Rodriguez benefits by obtaining benefits for his school that Amanda refers troubled children to and Anna Jiminez, the other “Rene girl” promotes associates within the Republican controlled District Attorney’s office. Conspiracy? We think not.

As Rene Rodriguez Leaves The Democratic Party, Attorney JOE FLORES Emerges To Fill In The Gap

2010-09-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

EMERGING LEADERSHIP IN BOTH PARTIES In Nueces County:

As Rene Rodriguez Leaves The Democratic Party, Attorney JOE FLORES Emerges To Fill In The Gap

Nueces County, TX – November 2 (General Election) – This date was first expected to be a normal, routine one (by many a local political analyst). But, it seems that it will be one far from from “normal.” The General Election is about a month and a half away; yet both the regional Democrat and Republican Parties have been hit with an unexpected maelstrom. They have been disconcerted with an eddy of drafts and undercurrrents that have brought about challenges in attempting to regroup the two political parties after unforeseen shifts and startling “back-stabbings” and permutational re-positioning by former top and moderate players. It seems that the expectant socio-political universe of a few months ago has now been cast away into a distant sea or as theologians refer to politics as :” the sea of trouble”.
It appears that Rene Rodriguez, long known as the patriarch of the Democratic party, has departed to the other side and created the void that ironically is fast being filled by a younger attorney, Joe Flores who has optimized and altered the model that has architected Democratic success. Flores learned from men like Rodriguez and other politicos in the Democratic party in the 1990’s and has fast become known as a formidable architect of campaigns.
The Democrat Party has a new chair – Rose Meza Harrison – yet “too new” to have any robust roots and left the San Patrictio County chair abruptly. The strangeness is that she works for the county attorney (Laura Jimenez – a Democrat) who is none else than a sister-in-law to Anna Maria Jimenez (who was appointed by Republican Party after Mark Skurka the next in line refused to run as a Republican for the post). A few key leaders question Ms. Harrison’s loyalty – some claim she has some veiled factional ties to a group that “trojan-horsed” itself within the Republican party. As one cynical insider questioned off-the-record: “The key in any campaign is not to allow anyone affilaited with the rival’s side to penetrate the ‘inner core’ or the main organizational, concentric circle because here lies the fundamental intelligent and strategic information that could win or lose an election.” However a large portion are given her “the benefit of the doubt” (as a member of the Democratic Women group put it). Thus begs the question, if Loyd Neal is her boss, and Laura Jiminez her immediate boss, who is family to Anna Jiminez, how far away can conflicts in party loyalty be?
The Republican Party also has a new chair who was scarcely appointed (not elected) – after Attorney Ron McLain (with Libertarian leanings and who was elected in the March Primaries) stepped down after enormous pressure (as some informants within his faction put it) from what was called the “establishment” group. McLain’s main qualm was that (even though he had won for the post) the “executive committee” of the party was still stratifying itself and stripping him of his authority to assign people to committees and so forth.
After McLain’s resignation was processed and all was said and done, On March 13 of this year Kimberly Curtis, a lifelong Republican was appointed by the Executive Committee of the Republican Party. The last time a chairman has been approved by the Executive Committee in this manner was in 1975. (See video on youtube... On the "Swearing In" Ceremony and how County Judge Loyd Neal has his own ritual before they take office... If you notice, as pointed out by a "patriot" on facebook, the constitution of the U.S. States was never cited: "a Mason normative requirement?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb-SWkQxTng&feature=player_embedded#! "

Mike Bergsma who was next in line (to be chair because had challenged McLain in the election) was disregarded. However Ms. Curtis, the new chair, immediately upon being sworn in by County Judge Loyd Neal and then again by County Commissioner Mike Pusley, recommend Bergsma as Vice-Chair and was appointed by acclamation.
Ms. Curtis is described as “organized” and “enthusiastic” by the “in-group” of the party, as one put it: “She loves our community and country. She's married to a doctor and is a small business owner. The party was smart to vote a younger person with fresh ideas as Chair. As I have said in the past Ron (McLain) was not pushed out, he chose to resign when things didn't go the way he and his crew had planned.” Berlanga added: “He did not do this alone, he took his whole faction with him except, except his wife, who continues to pretend and claim she is gonna run as a Democrat when her re-election is up for the 13^th Court of Appeals.”
ATTORNEY RENE RODRIGUEZ & HIS FACTION TURN REPUBLICAN:
The main spotlight is on both the draft and undercurrent of the political maelstrom in the county. It seems to be focused on a former Democratic faction (i.e., Rene Rodriguez’ clique) that crossed the fence that was political taboo and plugged into the Republican Party and becoming a familiar staple. Rodriguez, --who for years had both prided and marketed himself as being a byproduct of the defunct radical organization known as Raza Unida of the 1970s and its tenets and who had used the latter to sulfurously stigmatize as well as demonize many while working within the regional Democratic Party as sellouts to “los Republicanos” (e.g., Connie Gutierrez whom he referred to as “La Republicana” and others like former State Representative Hugo Berlanga) who did not support his slate of candidates -- now finds himself in an antipodal position where he himself is being tagged a “flip-flopper” and “vendido” (sell-out).
Hugo Berlanga took the opportunity to respond to the above issue via text: “Republican hypocrite (referrring to Rene Rodriguez), always critical of every one that does not see eye to eye with his slate, now supports all the Republicans. He was making everyone think he was a true believer in the Democratic Party and its precepts and the issues that matter to the working class and Hispanics and the oppressed, now openly (without any shame whatsoever supports all the Republicans). Why? He is out of favor with the Democratic Judges (in the region).”

Amanda Torres (running for Justice of the Peace against longtime community activist Joe Benavides), Angelica Hernandez (running for district judge against incumbent Judge Manuel Banales), Anna Maria Jimenez (candidate for District Attorney ) – how many are the new candidates that Rodriguez has inveiled to run as Republicans. The door that leads into the Republican party was advertently left ajar for Rodriguez’ faction by some key figures affiliated with County Judge Loyd Neal’s network. This came after a poll indicated that young Hispanic women needed to be enrolled in order for other key Anglo Republican candidates to have a chance to win. Then again, Filemon “Fil” Vela’s interpretation (a political strategist) of what went wrong in the last election could have been the major driving force. [Other notes: Some insiders claim that District Judges like Nanette Hassette and Nelva Gonzales-Ramos – who have long been affiliated with the Rene Rodriguez Faction – continue to remain embedded as Democrats. Some insiders go as far as to claim they have been assured they will not get a Republican challenger as long as “Fil” Vela occupies a high-level and pivotal function as political swami within the party).
On a daily basis on FACEBOOK, one can read the disenchantment. Roland Gonzalez writes: “Ironic isn't it? A few of the leaders and shakers of the Democratic Party, Rene Rodriguez, Angelica Hernandez, Amanda Torres and Anna Jiminez (the ‘A Girls’ of Rene Rodriguez) all have flipped, cut deals and turned on the Democrats. It’s a sad day in South Texas.”
What tactics are being used by the Rodriguez clique operating in the “potbelly” of the Republican Party to recruit Democrats? “The overtones of their rhetoric among Democrats is that they are adherents of an Hispanic cause – La Causa (as it is know) – but I feel it is just that, rhetoric. The reason is that at debates I see Republican candidates sitting next to them openly express anti-Mexican and Latino sentiments and using the phrase ‘anchor babies’ and ‘social parasites’ and they clap. It seems they are stepping on their own raza (people) for their own advancement rather than being genuine to any higher cause of social equality,” Matty Bosquez, a Nueces County resident, opined.
The Democrat Party is recovering from this wound – the “Rene Rodriguez Flight” (as it is referred to by some). It was a chaotic blow. In the last decade, the regional Democratic Party has seen attorney “Fil” Vela (and his wife, current 13^th Court of Appeals Judge Rose Vela) switched parties, and now in this election cycle, his longtime business partner and political associate, attorney Rene Rodriguez. The “brain-drain” situation was not palliated either when Attorney Mikal Watts “got out of the kitchen” (so-to-speak) and moved to San Antonio to retrench. Watts dissolved the “Good Government Pact” that used to fund many a Democratic campaign. Watts never helped all Democrats but was very selective. He still participates but many in his orbit claims he conducts polls to determine who he “picks and chooses” to assist via campaign contributions and Skurka apparently is his only pick at this time. All this factors combined have created a void.
IS THE REPUBLICAN PARTY NOW BECOMING THE PARTY OF “UNION ORGANIZING” AND “COLLECTIVE BARGAINING” HERE REGIONALLY?
Many have also been critical of those who are seen as subordinate functionaries in the Rodriguez faction that were swayed or converted to cross over to “tabooed” Republican territory. The role of the latter is to help execute Rodriguez’ agenda. Some example of the aforementioned are Roland Garza (a community activist and Democratic Party precinct chair who after appearing on the payroll of Republican candidates was asked to resign as a representative of the Democrat Party), Susie Luna (who also was a precinct chair for the Democratic Party was asked to resign), Vicente Carranza (who is a radio personality is a co-host on the Roland Garza TV Show has also been criticized but did not hold a position within the Republican Party) and a few others involved in union activities who are now enrolled in an agenda that runs against the grain of “anti-collective” bargaining and wholesome union organizing (yet they are loyal to the Rodriguez faction).
ATTORNEY JOE FLORES – TRIAL LAWYER, NURSE PRACTITIONER, COMMUNITY ACTIVIST -- EMERGES AS “TOP PLAYER” AND “ORGANIZER” In The Democratic Party:
While what is known as the SOLOMON P. ORTIZ FACTION remains Democrat, the cold reality hits: one faction is not enough to effectively hurl and propel a party forward. “It is like attempting to fly a plane; it takes a lot of momentum and energy to get it off the ground, the plane representing the DEMOCRATIC PARTY,” candidate Joe Benavides for Justice of the Peace shared. “There is no doubt in my mind that Attorney Joe Flores who coordinated both the media and organizational dynamics of my campaign as well as Joe (JAG) Gonzalez’ has risen as a top player and organizer in the regional Democratic Party.”
Attorney Joe Flores learned quite a bit about politics from Attorneys “Fil” Vela and Rene Rodriguez during the 1990s in his twenties and has now emerged as a leader in the Democratic Party nurturing his own organization and running candidates. Flores, who comes from a family of political orientation in South Texas that is staunch Democrat, broke political ties with Rodriguez after Rodriguez switched parties.
Flores gave a brief soundbyte to El Defenzor regarding the situation but gave deference to Rodriguez who had been one of this political teachers in the 1990’s: “The Democratic Party is where my heart is and where I find great joy addressing issues that affect the masses. Although I am an attorney and have conservative business and moral values, I don’t think that conflicts with Democratic Party values at all. Ultraconservative Republicans want everyone to believe that Democrats in South Texas are all liberal which is simply not true. You have a primarily conservative base, consisting of a majority of Hispanic voters, that do not reflect the liberal spin on the national scale of what it means to be Democrat. In other words, we are not Nancy Pelosi Democrats down here, and want jobs, fiscal responsibility and transparency in our leaders. I will not speak ill of Mr. Rodriguez and as I always underline, I can separate friendship from politics and business which is the way things should be.”
An indept interview with Joe Flores will run in KTMV (channel 6-Time Warner). It will begin to air late next week. The founder of El Defenzor, Homero Villarreal, will be the host of SOUTH TEXAS CROSSFIRE (a show that is the brainchild of Flores). The table will be turned and Flores will be the guest. Villarreal will attempt to query Flores to reveal what lies deep inside his chest and mind. Villarread added: “I believe that one’s true personality and who one is lies beyond the impressions that are managed. The real disposition, the wrinkle of one's true self is glimpsed at somewhere in the back region of the person – this is my goal.”
Attorney Flores explained his involvement: “I became involved in this election cycle by supporting people I believe in -- former Judge Jose “JAG” Gonzalez (the Democratic candidate for County Commisioner) and Joe Benavides (the Democratic Candidate for Justice of the Peace. I also helped Clarissa Gonzalez, running for County Judge, in the Democratic primary, who did not have much name recognition in political circles but had a successful business and energy and drive and helped her obtain the Democratic nomination for County Judge by a 60% margin. We also were victorious in run-offs for Joe A. Gonzalez for County Commmissioner and Joe Benavides for Justice of the Peace in hard fought battles with tough opponents. After that experience many Democrats felt that my efforts were helping the entire slate as well."
Flores extended: "As for Clarissa Gonzalez, she ran against a good friend of mine, Attorney Juan Reyna. I told Juan (Reyna) during the primary and afterward that he was my dear friend but that my father had taught me early on how to separate my politics from my friendship and after the primary both of us have healed and extended our hands in friendship again as gentleman should. I had a fiduciary relationship to aid Ms. Gonzalez and had a job to do. When I work with a candidate I give it my heart and soul to win. The campaign was an aggressive one and some of my media techniques and organizaational strategies were highlighted in that particular race that I will share with my audience on South Texas Crossfire which will air this week on Friday at 7 p.m. and for various days thereafter until early voting. I hope my enthusiasm for politics will inspire our youth to get involved and encourage others who have not voted or registered to vote by the end of this month to do so. It will be hosted by Homer Villarreal, founder of El Defenzor. Remember, SOUTH TEXAS CROSSFIRE, KTMV, Channel 6-Time Warner, starting Friday, September 27, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. following my distinguished colleagues on South Texas Politics.”

Flores gave a glimpse of what he will be talking about in the interview: “When I began helping Joe Benavides and Jose “JAG" Gonzalez, as well as Clarissa Gonzalez in their campaigns, I noticed that the Democratic party was pretty much broken up into factions, into separate identifiable groups. I observed that there was no major media coordination; so I painstakingly put one together with only the help of the Lopez Family, who in my estimation, are underestimated by the Democratic party, which is a major mistake if you want to achieve victory. The Lopez family are the cornerstone of politics and offer an important radio/television powerpunch and if my party doesn't wake up and realize that collectively, the other side will, which is concerning to me. For 21 years many radio and television shows have highlighted our collective identity as Mexican Americans in South Texas and have educated all voters, regardless of color or creed about politics. Carlos Lopez (KTMV), El Defenzor, La Politica, blogs, facebook, social networking used together and timed precisely right, which is not an easy feat, can achieve miracles… Many in the party felt something was being done that they had not seen for a long time -- a RE-BRANDING of the DEMOCRAT PARTY. I used my media branding to do so for my candidates and had a collateral benefit, in my estimation, for all the Democratic party. Many told me they began to feel a strong sense of collective identity (this captures who we are) at the media level. Now I am pleased to see many beginning to attempt to use my media format, but I have to underline that this takes years to develop and once you start it, you have to work day and night at it to keep the cause alive. A show is not just slapped together and neither is a message. I stopped my law career and took some film classes and learned to direct, script write, use story boards and coordinate with the best cinematographers at an affordable rate. It is not easy to host, direct, write and produce a show every week and put out a decent product. Everyone wants to develop television programming but it is a lot harder than it looks to have a consistent show, that doesn't look like a home movie, and develop a message and to be able to orchestrate multi-media to achieve mass affect and be willing to fund much of it yourself. I have spent a great deal of time, money and effort to achieve a measure of media success and I encourage anyone to contact me if they need help in getting out their own message. ”
To recap, Joe Flores is a young lawyer who learned about running campaigns from the former lions of the Democratic party in Nueces County, from Filemon Vela to Rene Rodriguez to many a prominent other. Now, a vacuum has been created in leadership and the knowledge obtained from former advocates and leaders in the party. Much of it has been left with Joe Flores in addition to the influence of others. He has ingenuously married grassroots politics with modern media methods in a formula that has worked remarkably well. Now, as Rene Rodriguez and Filemon Vela have left to join the Republican party, and Mikal Watts apparently out of the picture except for some polls he contributed, a serious void is being filled with the media and grassroots voice that this lawyer, nurse practitioner and community activist offers. Flores -- conservative in his beliefs but compassionate with the elderly and children because of his healthcare background -- brings a different kind of leadership to the party that has not been offered for years.
[NOTE: An interview with Joe Flores in reference to his experience and new developments in politics and law and in the nursing field will begin to air next week on KTMV, Time Warner Channel 6. Tentative day and time: Friday, September 24 at 6:00 p.m. It is expected to be one of the most interesting shows dealing with “IN THE KNOW” activism.]

“YOU NEED TO BE A LAWYER (Like Me) TO BE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE!!!” -- AMANDA TORRES (infers), Republican Candidate for Justice of the Peace

2010-09-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

“YOU NEED TO BE A LAWYER (Like Me) TO BE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE!!!”

-- AMANDA TORRES (infers), Republican Candidate for Justice of the Peace

NUECES COUNTY, TX -- Amanda Torres – lacking in experience, far removed from the daily orbit of the masses – was appointed to the Justice of the Peace court due to a politically charged agenda by some Republicans. She is running for the JP post; the election will take place on November 2. She was appointed after a poll indicated that some Nueces County Republican candidates needed female Hispanics on the ballot to generate votes for other Republicans.

An Ocean Drive resident stated: “To me she is not a Republican; she is a RINO. She was recruited and appointed due to Attorney Rene Rodriguez’ influence. She is known by our group as ‘Rene's girl’ (inferring a political/factional link). She is being used to bring in votes - that is all. ”

But others feel that Ms. Torres has no practical experience. “She has been in office eight months and has already stirred up a hornet’s nest. She claims to be highly qualified, but has barely graduated from law school and has not acquired any real practical, longterm experience,” a local attorney shared. “My understanding is that her own supervisor at the District Attorney’s Office is endorsing Joe Benavides and said she lacked quite a bit (Chris Dorsey).”

In her short terms the complaints keep trickling in on a regular basis. “Amanda Torres as JP has allowed several children to continue to be truant; to get in trouble and now are facing charges as adults. She retarded the prosperity and community success that former JP Jose 'JAG' Gonzalez did in that court.”

But in the last few months, some are censorious and taunt that her “walk” or “trot” has changed from one of normalcy to one with a swaggering exaggeration, an overstatement, an amplication that mirrors flatulency that her “official power” has conjured up – a reflection of the distension of her ego and social pretentions. She flaunted her lawyer credentials at various events, and thus implicitly and explicitly emphasizing how lawyer and technocratic credentials place her above her rival -- community activist Joe Benavides. The new agenda resounds with a bitter note that lifts a jejune-laden compulsion to new heights. The claim infers that one has to be a lawyer (like her) to be a JP. This publication interviewed several JPs in the area, they recurrently stated: “Nothing could be further from the truth.”

JP Robert “Bobby” Gonzalez, JP (Blackie, JP Robert “Bobby” Balderas, JP “Milo” Pena, JP Stoner and so forth – how many are the persons that now after taking office that Ms. Torres feels must not be qualified?).

“Esta loca la mujer (She must be crazy). El poder se le fue para la cabeza (Power must have gone to her head,” a former JP told this publication. “This is a people's court, not a court that needs a lawyer in there. Over 90 percent of JPs in Texas are not lawyers.”

But Ms. Amanda Torres does not seem to be overly concerned about a consistent tenure in the office. Word circulates that she has been peering at another post to run for in the near future. “I hear she is using the job, the appointment, whatever you want to call it, as a stepping stone. I feel Ms. Torres’ over ambition is a bottomless pit which will exhaust her in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction. In my opinion, she could care less about the job or the kids that come before the court. That is the difference between she and Joe Benavides (her Democrat opponent),” a courthouse employee felt.

[Note: Click on "COMMENTS" below to read the feedback and posts. Attorney Rene Rodriguez, who is sponsoring Ms. Amanda Torres as a Republican Candidate for JP was quick to expediently respond to this article as soon after it was posted on this website. An excerpt from his post: Mr. Rodriguez: "For example, there are no legitimate well researched facts and statements in the article and absolultely nothing is predicated on objectivity or the truth. If the quotes in this article are from real people, I question their agendas and their emasculated and cowardly manhood/womanhood in not identifying themselves..." ... Other posts are included. Hugo Berlanga (former State Representative in RE: Rene Rodriguez): "You don't get into a pissin match with someone who buys a lot of ink and is more intellectual than you are." ... Other comments are included. ... ALSO BELOW PLEASE FIND OTHER COMMENTS posted on FACEBOOK...

GIL HERNANDEZ’ DIRTY TACTICS BACKFIRE:

2010-09-13T22:14:00.001-07:00

GIL HERNANDEZ’ DIRTY TACTICS BACKFIRE:

An INSIGHTFUL VIEW INTO MUDSLINGING

- Race for Nueces County Commissioner -

JAG, Despite Being On The Receiving End of Gil's Mudslinging, ReceivedThe Police Officers Association Endorsement

Nueces County, TX -- At the forum sponsored by the Police Officers association today in Corpus Christi, Gil Hernandez (who is running as a Republican for Nueces County Commissioner) turned to mudslinging against his Democrat opponent, Jose A. Gonzalez (JAG), former Justice of the Peace. Gil was trying to win an advantage by referring to as facts what were really “suspected” rumors and unfounded accusations against his opponent – why? Gil is behind in the polls.

Gil, who has a limited resume, instead of emphasizing his own positive attributes and preferred campaign platform used venomous tactics, he veered into sulfurous ad hominem attacks (that is, verbal attacks not related to the core issues at hand but that were more inclined to attempt to destroy Gonzalez’ personal standing in the community). He – Gil – tried to clothe reality with convenient accusations without proof. “He (Gil) showed a murky and vicious spot in his chest charged with the worst earmarks of evil. He intentionally and maliciously meant to destroy Gonzalez’ character, record and moral fiber,” one local lawyer felt.

Gil’s enslaved focus was in trying to assert that former Judge JAG abused his office and influence. Gil, not being an attorney but nonetheless trying to play one unsuccessfully, confused “ABUSE OF OFFICE” with “MISUSE OF OFFICE”. “Abuse of Office” takes place when a public official “intentionally” tries to “harm” the community he serves, while “Misuse of Office” means that trying to “help” the community but not meeting the “fine details” of the financial transactions (and the like) appropriately.

Gil, not being a Certified Public Accountant, not being privy to the “fine details” of the issue involved felt he could get away with bending the factoids of a cited incident. He, in a hazard way tried to expose “audit” faults (minor faults that he exaggerated) that date back to when Gonzalez was a Justice of the Peace.

What are these “audit” faults that both Gil and his brother-in-law Randy Mandonado (founder of the Franchise business known as Pete’s Chicken and Move) and other cohorts are trying to expose about former Judge JAG? One of the auditors involved in the process told El Defenzor: “It is almost funny how this audit that we did is being used. The ‘We The People' newspaper who is bankrolled over the years by Gil’s brother-in-law via advertisement is also taking this matter way out of context. Gil/Randy Maldonado/We The People rag are directly trying to mislead the public by claiming Judge JAG broke the law. We never said that, for the record. To quote We THE PEOPLE (whose quote I feel was incorrect) was “HE (JAG) was allowing defendants to donate to charities of his choice instead of paying fines or completing community service in violation of county and state statutes.’ WE THE PEOPLE falsely continues: ‘Defendants were given double credit on fines for their donations. Judge Gonzalez long term program assistant Joe Benavides is running to replace him as Justice of the Peace in Precinct 1, Place 1.’ For the record again, WE THE PEOPLE is clearly being bias and seems to be catering more to his client (Randy Maldonado) who runs advertisements of PETE CHICKEN N MORE in that rag. Misleading and fallacious, this is what it is… for the record.”

“I never have seen such wickedness in my life personified in a person as I saw in Gil (I believe it is being egged on by his brother-in-law Randy Maldonado also from behind the scenes). He (and his brother in law have stooped to a gutter-level and left more of a bad breath in the community than anything resembling a positive impression,” one spectator shared.

A local social activist said: “Gil was fixed exclusively on conjuring up negative portrays of the opponent – this is the main impression he left. Gil was trying to exploit people’s fears and loack of complete knowledge of some of the issues. He disingenuously tried to manipulate and lower the impression voters have of Gonzalez and even senior citizens and youth that donated in a positive manner to healthy social causes. Gil (and his brother-in-law) dang, feel that attack tactics have more potential and impact than if he contrasts himself with Gonzalez on his own merits. Gil has little experience; Gonzalez, a lot,” another spectator opined.

Many feel that Gil was inveigled by a cabal of politicos who like to resort to “dirty” tactics. Gil instead of using more normatively appropriate attack strategies such as a balance contrast (that would have contained more impartial information and would have revealed more essential impartial info both about he himself and his opponent) turned to a sadistic cultural craze. In a contrast strategy, the information Gil put out about him could have been all positive, while the information put out about his opponent could have been a tad critical. It would have been less damaging to the political process. Instead, he tried to drive a stake through the heart of his rival portraying him as if he was a vampire,” a source observed.

Gil – who has little name recognition -- seemed to have gone too far in his sly and crafty ambitious – inaccurately picturing Gonzalez who has a majestic track record as dishonest and corrupt, and a danger to the county commissioner’s court.

However, it appears the truth has been discovered and now it could severely damage Gil’s campaign instead. Other “dirty tricks” used, as cited, was when Gil and his cohorts tried to fed the WE THE PEOPE publication false information hoping they will use it (which they did apparently due to expediency) and embarrassed former Judge JAG.

“WE THE PEOPLE, in my estimation, was clearly used to launch attacks. WE THE PEOPLE made it seem it was a neutral source, but it was not – Gil’s brother-in-law is the life blood of that paper via running advertisements on a regular basis. This way negative campaigning can be conducted by proxy."

Gil’s negative campaigning instead of mobilizing voters is alienating them. .

The bottom-line and top line is that Gil’s campaign has decidedly gone negative because the Independent vote is leaning toward his rival. And it cannot be dismissed that negative ads have had a greater impact on Democrats than on Republicans in the last few years in many an election. According to local analysts, base Republicans in Nueces County will vote no matter what (and will vote only for a Republican), but Democrats can be influenced to either stay with their party and not vote at all or to switch sides and vote for a Republican. This, combined with the effect negativity has on folks on JAG. It also leads many an observer to conclude that Republicans benefit more from going negative than Democrats in the November 2 election.

Gil’s sequences of attacks appear to show a trend. It has done more damage to him as a candidate than to the opponent, particularly in that he used the technique of mudslinging, where the negative information presented is of little relevance or value to the overall political process in Nueces County. Additionally, Gil, even at this early stage, is beginning to show that he has failed to prove why he is a more worthy of the elected position than former Judge JAG.

But on Election Day – November 2 -- will Gil’s Negative tactics produce a backlash?

The Trouble with Career Politicians Like Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal

2010-09-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

The Trouble with Career Politicians Like Loyd Neal

Politics was once a respected calling. Strong principles, a genuine platform – these and other things were touted. Many a person that got elected were considered persons of faith and integrity and common sense who viewed high political office as a way of trying to make a better world by way of public service, not to turn it into a lifetime career. Nonetheless, some did it – and our current cranky, ailing, diseased County Judge (Loyd Neal), who has over a dozen years in politics, is one of them. He is suppose to be our face, our voice, the nimble mind that can quickly think on his feet keep the wheel of progress moving forward, epitomizes what is wrong with a political career.

County Judge Loyd Neal is described as “off-color,” “dragging,” “ infirm,” “ sick as a dog” by those that surround him on a daily basis – yet he (and the behind the scenes elite pushing him) is still capricious about keeping the seat, the power, the monopoly.

Let us get real, Neal is about to hit his mid-70s, slurs simple names, forgets the menu of agenda items, his eyes embarrassingly droop before a TV camera, forgets the names of other commissioners, in a moment of irritation turns downs federal dollars for infrastructure. He has admitted publically that a neurological ailment is overtaking him.

Does he care about our future? No! He won’t even plant a garden because his mindset is no longer about believing in the future and the new generations but about accomplishing one last personal business deal (i.e. in insurance) via his public office. The trademark of the Neal Network For Profit. He has hired his former business secretary Claudia Lobell (at some $80,000 salary/plus benefits) and his former Insurance business partner/mentor (Tomas Duran) as a consultant with county dollars (forking out thousands upon thousands of public dollars that are not his to get his way).

“With his feet on the grave and his hands in the taxpayer piggy bank” – this is the picture that even his close political affiliates paint. Why re-elect him? Can he be out warrior, our voice, the positive cloud that we need in the horizon? Can he stand up to the buffetings destined to be his high-stress, social-political lot in the next few months and years? NO!

We need a fresh perspective, a healthy new start. Someone that is dynamic and has the entreprenual spirit and business-mind, someone that still has the gusto to plant a garden and water it and provide it with the indispensable nutrients – someone who zestfully believes in the future of the county.

Neal has a political machine, bankers and builders and real-estate and insurance interests that bankroll his re-election war chest. His machine can fight and even win against his younger challenger’s (Clarissa Gonzalez’) odds. But in these battled economic downturns is it worth it?

It is a heartbreaking fact that nowadays politics has become not a calling but a game of preserving power and influence. Gaining public office is achieved by the person with the most well oiled machine. Even our local newspaper (the Corpus Christi Caller-Times) by running a front-page story romanizing Neal’s Neurological ailment has made its readers pay more attention to the messenger than to the message, the one who can lie (due to his experience) with the straightest face.

Everyone knows Neal policies are achieved by backroom deals and downright sellouts. The Caller-Times has hurt us for too long. It has never stopped to think about just whose bacon they're sending and "by the people, for the people, of the people" has turned into, buy the people, fool the people and rob the people. The former owners of the Caller-Times left a terrible legacy.

Neal has taken politics to new and insane heights but claiming his ailment will be a plus. Our founders did not design this system for career politicians, but rather citizen politicians who would serve a couple of terms and let someone fresh off the street serve, someone who is acquainted with what's happening now, not over a decade of years ago when this bunch of hacks took office.

Political offices, like those of the county judges were intended to be made up of common folk, entrepreneurs, druggists, farmers, carpenters, and some but not all lawyers.

The corruption that plagues Nueces County, Texas is not just confined to the county but rots our local governments as well – Corpus Christi and other surrounding cities.

Over the years, the one-sided attitude of the Caller-Times dissuaded a lot of honorable people from going into politics. The Caller-Times was a mouthpiece of this power elite that dates back to the days of the political boss Hayden Head Sr. If you're not a member of that elite the Caller-Times would come after you with both barrels blazing, examining your whole life with a microscope trying to unearth some juicy little tidbit that will turn the public against you and undermine your campaign. Who wants to put their familia through that awful scene?

There's a dirty little club in downtown Corpus Christi and its orbits both American Bank and the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation, a club whose membership fees are to toe the line and be willing to sell out your own region for a place at the big hog trough.

And readers, with the exception of a handful of good men and women that actually keep the faith in this environment full of vulturine wolves, that's what they are, pigs with an insatiable appetite for power, all yen to become byproducts of what Neal’s predatory culture has succumb to in this capture of the county. Gluttonous Politicians who see their constituents as walking prey.

ANGELICA HERNANDEZ FAILS MATH 101 At FORUM

2010-09-10T00:04:00.000-07:00

ANGELICA HERNANDEZ FAILS MATH 101 At FORUM

– I.E., IN REGARDS TO MAKING ALLEGATIONS ABOUT THE EARNINGS OF HER OPPONENT’S COURT REPORTERS

Nueces County, TX – Angelica Hernandez, who is challenging the incumbent for the post in the 105^th Judicial District – i.e., District Judge J. Manuel Banales) was both deficient in judgment and understanding when she made certain tart accusations against her political opponent and his staff at a forum sponsored by the Tea Party people at the Nueces County Fairgrounds in Robstown, Texas. She claimed the budget for Judge Banales’ court reporters far surpassed those of the other courts. It was also inferred that the latter staff – Heather Garcia (full-time) and Kori Hosek (full-time) – were earning outrageous and inflated salaries with Nueces County dollars. “This is an abuse of Nueces County tax dollars,” Ms. Hernandez claimed. Extensive research – this is what Ms. Hernandez told the audience she was privvy to and had in her possession all the fine details involved. It was a statement that was shocking at first; then as District Judge Banales gave his side of the account. Ms. Hernandez’ previous accusation seemed like something that was empty and round: much like bubbles. Her accusations seemed, onced challenged, as if it was a dissipating nimbus that had lost its initial radiant energy. According to many an observer that were later presented with the factual data, Ms. Hernandez initial accusations were wanting in numerical computational precision and also lacked intellectual honesty.

“It turns out Ms. Angelica Hernandez flunked basic math on this one. This county pays less for the court reporters working at Judge Banales’ court than any of other district court here I believe. Why? Because the other counties besides this one that Banales works in cover half of their salary. It is a fiscally responsible arrangement,” a specialist sharing court documents with El Defenzor said. “In jest: I’ve heard she (Ms. Hernandez) has a personal, past history of balancing her check book. I guess this dates back to her salad and pizza days. hehehhee. This blunder by Angelica Hernandez at the Tea Party debate which took place at the Fairgorunds has become a running joke here at the courthouse. Some refer to similar new incidents as ‘Angelicisms.’”

DOES DISTRICT JUDGE MANUEL BANALES’ BUDGET FOR COURT REPORTERS SURPASS THE OTHER COURTS AS MS. HERNANDEZ ALLEGES?

JUST THE FACTS:

SALARIES FOR NUCES COUNTY DISTRICT COURT REPORTERS (for fiscal year 2011)*see respect SCHEDULE A:

105^th District Court: J. Manuel Banales…TOTAL: $67,122.74 ;.

117^th District Court -TOTAL: $101.309.76 ;

94^th “ “-TOTAL: $94,792.76 ;

319^th “ “- TOTAL: $89,757.11 ;

214^th “ “-TOTAL: $84,806.71 ;

28^th “ “-TOTAL: $78,380.64 ;

.148^th “ “-TOTAL: $73,621.50.

[Note: District Court 347^th only has one secretary due to case load; so it logically follows that it cannot be used in a comparative-contract situation above. The 347^thDistrict Court’s budget for Court Reporters totals: $65,170.02.]

Judge Banales’s court (150^th) is the only one has two full-time court reporters assigned, but they are shared in a tri-county area (Nueces, Kleberg, and Kenedy). The other active district courts (e.g., 28^th, 94^th, 117^th, 148^th, 214^th and the 319^th) have a main/fulltime court reporter as well as a half-time (1/2) reporter (that is shared with another court). [Explanatory Note: See SCHEDULE B, for instance, the 28^th District Court has two court reporters listed -- Rebecca V. Rendon and Velma Arrellano. Ms. Rendon is the full-time court reporter for that court; however, Ms. Arrellano is only listed as half-time ( ½) time; yet Ms. Arrellano re-appears additionally in the 148^thDistrict Court as a half-time ( ½ ) court reporter… why? She is a “shared” court reporter: 50% of her salary is paid by the 28^th District Court and the other 50% 148^th District Court.]

A PRISTINE CLEAR VIEW:

El Defenzor has learned that the salary earned by Ms. Heather Garcia(one of two court reporters working in District Banales’ court) is only paid 50% by Nueces County: Kleberg/Kenedy Counties paid the remaining 50%. Ms. Garcia’s salary this year was $73,049.60 and is projected to be $75,000 next year – this methodology is based on a structured pay scale (Nueces County will paid $37,500 and Kleberg/Kenedy will cover the other 50%: $37,500). Ms. Garcia has 31 years of experience (her pay scale, according to court specialists, without a doubt is not only justified but indicates that she is the court reporter with the most experience working for an District Judge) and is additionaly shared in a tri-county area (Nueces, Kleberg and Kenedy).

As for the other court reporter -- Ms. Kori Hosek that who is currently earning $57,236.22 and is projected to earn $59,245.47 (again, culculated on a structured pay scale) – Nueces County will only be paying only 50% (or $29,622.74) the other 50% ($29,622.74) will be covered by Kleberg/Kenedy counties. She also works in the tri-county area.

[OTHER NOTES: During Tuesday’s forum, As District Judge Banales set out explaining the inconsistencies made by Ms. Hernandez, Nueces County Commissioner Mike Pusley (a Republican trouble-shooter) interjected attempting to assist the Republican candidate Ms. Hernandez, and yelled, “How about the ten percent raise your court reporters received Judge Banales?”. It turns out that Banales’ court reporters did not receive a hefty pay raise and some others – Ms. Garica received only a 2.67 % raise; Hosek, 3.51% as compared to a 10% pay raise to the main court reporter in the 28^th(District Judge Nanette Hassette’s court) and a 7.26% in the 319^th(District Judge Nelva Gonzales-Ramos’ court. SEE SCHEDULE B for full details. It just so happens the latter two judges are affiliated with Attorney Rene Rodriguez’ political faction. Rodriguez is both running candidates and serving as a consultant within the Republican Party…………………..Added: NOTE: Commissioner Pusley word is circulating is postuing himself to run for County Judge as Loyd Neal’s health declines on a daily basis … Community Rights Acvitist Roland Garza has been recruited to serve as a "hired" trouble shooter at forums (especially during audience participation) for Rene Rodriguez’ candidates running as Republicans. The problem is that it has upset many a Democrat, and some have begun to demand that he step down as a precinct chair.]

NEAL PULLS a sneaky TRICK. RENEWS CONSULTANT'S CONTRACT

2010-09-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

HOT OFF THE PRESS:

NEAL PULLS a sneaky TRICK.

Renews “His” Consultant’s Contract

Apparently his neurological condition has not improved his ethics and morals as a politician. Today, County Judge Neal (and his buddies) renewed the contract of consultant Tomas Duran (his former insurance partner) at Nueces County Commissioners’ Court. He knew the public eyes of taxpayers were on him. So he tried the oldest bureaucratic trick in the book to conceal his “dirty little deal”. He buried Duran's contract underneath a mint of items to be approved collectively (here was inserted the renewal of Consultant Duran’s contract. “Does he think the voters are that naïve?”

Duran and Neal date back to when Neal became mayor in 1997 ... They both were agents for a new controversial insurance company that was known as "Not Fully insured" that ran by the name of “ENTRUST.” This company did not cover “catastrophic losses” like HUMANA and others which are “Fully Insured” – instead the company was an “Employer Insured/Financed” company – the employer paid in case of catastrophic losses. When Neal became mayor, he had a plan, much the same as he is doing in the county government. He brought his insurance guru --Duran -- into the fold to make a presentation for the city so as to convince the city council to go with ENTRUST (for the city’s group health insurance). But the vote was tied – half of the councilpersons for and half against… What does Neal do as mayor? He votes and breaks the tie to go with ENTRUST. Just one thing he lef tout: NEAL failed to tell the public the latter and that he was a “business associate” of Duran and that he himself was even an “insurance agent” for ENTRUST. Yes, Neal was the insurance agent for ENTRUST at that time and one of his accounts was Sam Kane Meat Processing.

An FBI investigation followed, lawsuits, appeals - the CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI's taxpayers paid the bill in the end of legal miffs. The city ended up going with ENTRUST. But Neal did not stop there. He somehow managed to get DURAN to be the “coordinator” of the ENTRUST DEAL with the city. The city ended up suffering catastrophic losses – the CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI had to pay out a fortune of tax-payer dollars. Why would Neal be concerned? It was the company he was working for anyway.

Three years ago, Neal was elected Nueces County Judge. What does he do? Begins to apply the same ruse. He hires Duran. As what? As the group health insurance consultant for the county – Duran, again, without uncertainty, without proviso, is paving the way for a “non-FULLY INSURANCED” DEAL, much as the ENTRUST deal of past years cited (the type that Neal and Duran have represented for about 40 years). Note: This consultant position is usually part-time, Neal has made it a full-time post. He has even protested that the other commissioners cut Duran salary; yet Neal has meat-axed the county workers salaries.

But Neal’s neurological disorder worsens as he hits his mid-70s. It is clear that he can no longer micromanage the insurance deal himself. It is clear that his mind has become befogged – yet the CORPUS CHRISTI CALLER-TIMES uses Neal’s neurological condition (which he has had a long time by the way) it to put out a human interest story and irresponsibly writes an article in the front page of its paper that serves more of a “sympathy card” for his re-election campaign.

Not only do his eyes droop but his mind looses focus. Not only does he hire DURAN as the county’s health insurance consultant but also his former personal business secretary, Claudia Lobell, at benefits that total in excess of $80,000 while his real secretary earns only $30,000 or so. He also has brought in as an administrative assistant – Steve Waterman – into this deal to assist Duran. Waterman, according to sources in the profession, has a reputation of coming in only when there is a "top insurance deal" involved.

Usually consultants (referring to Duran) for the county are hired part-time (or for less than a handful of months); Neal has hired him as the “guru” because Duran is the “middleman” negotiating lucrative deals with pharmacies, doctors, and even third party entities. Rebates? Payola? – no one is monitoring the thousands upon thousands of dollars being transacted up in a sly and underhanded way that corrupt the very soul of the soul of the Nueces County Government.

DEFENZORMAGAZINE

THE ORTIZ ERA ENDS AND CORRUPTION AND DESTRUCTION LOOM

PLOT THICKENS:LENCHCHO RENDON AND JOSEPH RAMIREZ REPORTEDLY UNAVAILABLE/ MISSING

LENCHO RENDON AND CANDIDATE FOR DEMOCRATIC CHAIR IN NUECES COUNTY, JOSEPH RAMIREZ, RUMORED TO BE INVOLVED IN A FEDERAL ROUNDUP ON MONEY LAUNDERING

Filemon Vela, son the later Honorable Filemon B. Vela Sr.(Federal Judge for 20 years) announces His Intent To Run For a Congressional Seat

CHESNEY: IS HE FIT TO PRESIDE OVER COURT FIVE AFTER LIES, COVERUPS AND NOW BLOOD POSSIBLY ON HIS HANDS??

PRESS RELEASE FROM LOPEZ BROADCASTING: MAYOR TO HONOR, TV AND RADIO GREAT HUMBERTO LOZANO LOPEZ!

WHO IS ANTHONY TROIANI? (CLICK ON IMAGE TO MAGNIFY)

Update Regarding the Texas Primary Election

KLEBERG COUNTY, TX: p PLEAD ON RAX MURDER

EL VAMPIRE DE ROBESTON (THE ROBSTOWN, TEXAS VAMPIRE)

PHIL VELA FOR CONGRESS???

U.S. REP. FARENTHOLD'S DISTRICT DIRECTOR EXPRESSING ANTI-MEXICAN SENTIMENTS? Racial Jujitsu? Expediency?

La Voz reports: 11 Year Old Latina Raped by 9 Afro-Americans, Black Panter Party Blames Her

Texas court imposes gag order in the gang rape of an 11 year old Mexican-American child

Victim was repeatedly raped through coercion and threats by at least 19 Afro-Americans

Brent Chesney Lies To the Governor? Scandal At County Court At Law #5

Editorial: Corpus Christi Mayor Joe Adama Assisting Private Club's Agenda of Self-Service?

El Defenzor revisits TAFT, TEXAS: Evaluating TENURE OF MAYOR

Edward "Eddie" Valadez Announces for Constable in Jim Wells county

ON ATTORNEY HOMER CANALES' STUGGLES (a resident of Alice, Tx) by ATTORNEY JOE FLORES

Mr. Humerto Lozaon passes on

FDA Investigating Various Drugs and Medical Devices

FDA Investigating Various Drugs and Medical Devices

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEMS (CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE):

Statement from U.S. Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz on the recount in the 27th Congressional District of Texas Race

JOE A. GONZALEZ YOUR NEW COMMISSIONER FOR NUECES COUNTY, PCT 2

Bill Clinton Joins To Help Ortiz With Recount movement

STATEMENT FROM SOLOMON P. ORTIZ IN REFERENCE TO THE RECOUNT IN THE 27TH RACE

Editorial: SOLOMON TRAVELS TO CHINA -- Why? and Anna Jimenez A big Mistake For Blake Farenthold?

Ortiz for Congress Committee on recount in the Texas 27 Race

NUECES COUNTY ELECTION NIGHT ANALYSIS IN VIDEO

Statement of Ortiz for Congress Campaign on Recount in TX27 Race

AFTER THE ELECTIONS PRAYER FOR SOUTH TEXAS (by Homer Villarreal -founder of El Defenzor)

EDITORIAL: “SINCE WHEN HAS THE FIL VELA-RENE RODRIGUEZ FACTION been interested in Robstown and its surrounding area?”

JUDGE AMANDA TORRES AND THE HEAD OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY FILE FALSE CHARGES AGAINST JOE BENAVIDES

Editorial: CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS ASKING ROLAND GARZA TO RELINQUISH HIS CIVIL RIGHTS HAT:

El Defenzor on Radio today & Tomorrow at 5 p.m. 104.9 FM

DANIELLE OLDHAM -- Nimble-Minded & Approachable -- Is The FOUNDER OF YOUNG SOUTH TEXAS VOTERS

Nueces County, TX: The Mascaras Come Off As Confrontations Occur -- Gil's and Anna's ire has reached inordiante levels

STRAW POLL RESULTS... CONDUCTED BY EL DEFENZOR

Inner Core DEMOCRAT Player GLORIA CACERES Betrays Party? NOT HEALED OVER LOSSING HER ELECTION Meets With Republican Hired Hand To Target JAG

ACT OF CRUELTY: JP AMANDA TORRES TAKES DOWN GROUP PHOTO OF FORMER JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

AN ACT OF CRUELTY: JP CANDIDATE JOE BENAVIDES’ SPIRITS ARE LOW (WITH HIS DAD’S PASSING) & HIS RIVAL, AMANDA TORRES, MERCILESSLY ATTACKS

Benny Benavides, a long time community and political activist, passes on

NEAL REPUBLICANS TURN TO SHADY POLITIQUERA SYSTEM; while DEMOCRATS frown upon it

SUSIE SALDANA TURNS ON DEMOCRATS - TERROR TACTICS REACH NEW HEIGHTS

GIL HERNANDEZ SAID HE WAS "DEMOCRAT" BUT ONE "DEMOCRAT" MADE HIM ANGRY - SO HE JUMPED TO THE OTHER SIDE TO GET EVEN (at debate)

A REGULAR EDUCATOR DEFEATS AN ATTORNEY IN A DEBATE FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

ACTIVIST ATTORNEY JOE FLORES: "Giving UP Is Not The Language Of The Democrat Party!"

Editorial: Thoughts on the Blake Farenthold Campaign (against incumbent Solomon P. Ortiz); ED MISHOU - this is the independent candidate.

EDITORIAL: THE TRUE AGENDA BETWEEN RENE RODRIGUEZ & OTHER RINOs OVERTAKING THE Republican Party IN NUECES COUNTY!

As Rene Rodriguez Leaves The Democratic Party, Attorney JOE FLORES Emerges To Fill In The Gap

“YOU NEED TO BE A LAWYER (Like Me) TO BE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE!!!” -- AMANDA TORRES (infers), Republican Candidate for Justice of the Peace

GIL HERNANDEZ’ DIRTY TACTICS BACKFIRE:

The Trouble with Career Politicians Like Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal

ANGELICA HERNANDEZ FAILS MATH 101 At FORUM

NEAL PULLS a sneaky TRICK. RENEWS CONSULTANT'S CONTRACT

Texas court imposes gag order in the gang rape
of an 11 year old Mexican-American child

Victim was repeatedly raped through coercion
and threats by at least 19 Afro-Americans