THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS ALIVE! Solomon Ortiz, Sr and Jr , Bill White, Abel Herrero and Clarissa Gonzalez!

Luminaries and pillars of the Democratic Party met last night. Candidate for Governor, Bill White who appeared along with Congressman, Solomon Ortiz and his son Solomon Ortiz,Jr. The Democratic party appears to be revitalized. Not since Tony Sanchez ran for governor has there been so much enthusiasm. Bill white indicated that his experience in the White House as a cabinet member and a mayor of an international city, such as Houston, would bring a necessary change in government for the betterment of Texas. To a loud round of applause Congressman Ortiz encouraged all who were present to work hard in order to gain back State wide seats that have been lost. The candidate for Nueces County Judge, Clarissa Gonzalez who caused quite a stir with her announcement to run as the first Hispanic female in Nueces County history was on hand and met with community leaders in the labor movement such as Joe Gonzalez, Tony Jiminez, and with the various candidates. Abel Herrero was also present and showed the strength and calm that is the anchor for the party as well. Political analysts in the Defenzor Think Tank calculate that with a female County judge at the top of the ticket and alongside Solomon Ortiz,Sr. and Jr. and Billwhite and Abel that a turnout will rival that never seen in 8 cycles of politics.

El Defenzor is watching and waiting as the top candidates for the Democratic ticket work to achieve positive results in Nueces County and statewide.

Clarissa Gonzalez: "A PLACE AT THE TABLE FOR EVERYONE" (She's running for Nueces Co. Judge)

In a history-making event in Nueces County, Clarissa Gonzalez, 30, announced to run against Loyd Neal for Nueces County Judge. Gonzalez, a Corpus Christi native, is a graduate of Ray High School and was a hard science major prior to entering into the business sector as an insurance broker. Gonzalez, if successful in November 2010 would be the first Hispanic female in the history of Nueces County to hold the highest county position of County Judge.

"

This young woman is a mother of 4 and has a company with over 80 employees. She is trilingual in English, Spanish and Japanese. Recently El Defenzor interviewed Mrs. Gonzalez and this is what she had to say:

Q: Why are you running?

A: I have a committment to our community. So many young people are leaving Corpus Christi to seek opportunities elsewhere and we have all the resources and the formula to keep jobs and industry here- all we need is transparent leadership and a sense of openness to new ideas and business opportunities. Corpus Christi has one of the largest ports in the country and is a shining example of a beautiful city that has both natural resources and people with a can do attitude.

Q: Tell us about what made you have an entrepreneurial spirit and why you launched your own business over the past several years?

A: My father was a shrimper here in Corpus Christi. His boat was called "Clarissa" (smiles) and he was a very hard worker along with my mother who instilled in all of us a sense of duty to community and commitment to our elders. Our business is family owned and I consider my 80 brokers and support staff who provide quality health plans to the elderly as extended family. I have traveled throughout the County, particularly the western part of the county, and visited with the elderly and their families. It is a sad state of affairs when an elderly person has to choose between food and medical treatment. As Judge of Nueces County I would ensure that increased quality health care services would be delivered to the indigent and the elderly who need it through increased and culturally sensitive preventative care clinics and health care outreach teams and centers.

Q: Tell us about what you mean by the phrase "an equal share of the pie"?

A: My daughter asked if I would take care of people when I'm a judge like I do as a mother. I told her, "yes, mommy will do just that" and she replied, good, "then everyone gets to eat the pie you make" and that is exactly what I vow to do as your Nueces County Judge: To provide a place at the table for Agua Dulce, Banquete, Robstown, Driscoll, and Corpus Christi and for everyone in Annaville and Calallen and all citizens of Nueces County. The county has been criticized for playing favorites with one side or another. I will ensure that people get a fair shake, be they in Corpus Christi or the western part of the county and I will make sure that health care and safe roads and transportation are a priority as well as education and the push for new jobs and industries. There is no doubt that for too long the western part of the county needed increased growth but it must be balanced by interventions to ensure that all of the county benefits from the incoming business and industry.

Q: Your background is that of an insurance broker and business person. How will you use this experience for the benefit of Nueces County?

A: My economic and business experience has provided me with a sense of fiscal responsibility, a belief of having small government, a desire to better our community's infrastructure and abide by the constitution of the United States and the separation of powers that is inherent in why our system works in America. I run my business in a fashion that holds all employees and departments accountable and provides for transparency. This is what we need on the county level. Efficiency for the citizens of Nueces County needs to replace the bureaucracy and affords the opportunity for transparency in open records. With the power of the internet, the gap in information, materials and accountability can be reduced. All taxpayers have the right to know where their money is going and we can make that happen. The reason the founding fathers wanted the press and the people educated and informed was to prevent and curb corruption and prevent the curbing of the rights of our citizens in a democracy. An educated public leads to trust and enthusiasm in our society, government and political systems.

Q: Many have asked the age-old political question: who is backing you?

A: I decided to run for office myself, and was pressured by no one. I am a lifelong Democrat and have sought broad based support and am not seeking the support of just one special interest group to prevent alienating anyone who wants to help our campaign. I am not beholding to powerbrokers and I intend to seek and maintain open channels with all interest groups and citizens of Nueces County. Our campaign is one of inclusion and is one that wants to bring everyone together to benefit the County.

Q: Any final words for our readers:

A: I am asking that all individuals who want to help our campaign to please register to vote, and make sure to actually get out and vote and bring several people with you to to please do the same. Your vote matters and it is true that one or two votes can change an election and a future of a community for the better. My campaign staff and I look forward to seeing all of you on the campaign trail. Please look for information on our upcoming web site, Facebook and headquarters information in order to volunteer, spread the message and help bring about the kind of honest and open government the public expects and deserves in Nueces County. I am also going to be broadcast on KTMV television and a simultaneous podcast of this interview shall be streamed on the internet so that I may introduce myself to the public and earn their trust and support.

Q: Thank you for your time and El Defenzor wishes you the best on your journey to be the first Hispanic female County Judge of Nueces County.

A: Thank you for your time and providing an alternative media outlet for all of South Texas and the internet.

To watch i-HOMER LIVE (internet television) click on link below:

To watch i-HOMER LIVE (internet television) click on link below or photo image: (Remember it's on air Mon-Fri 7-8 p.m.)

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ihomer-live

ORTIZ ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF J.D. SALINAS AS GSA REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR

ORTIZ ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF J.D. SALINAS AS GSA REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR

WASHINGTON--Today, U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz, TX-27, released this statement following the White House announcement confirming Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas as GSA Regional Administrator for Region 7:

“I want to congratulate J.D. Salinas on his appointment to the General Services Administration,” Ortiz said. “I, along with the Texas Democratic Delegation and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, have worked with him and the White House to ensure his consideration for this position.

“J.D. has worked hard for the people of South Texas in his capacity as County Judge of Hidalgo, and I know his high moral standard of work, dedication and loyalty to this country will continue to stand out as he oversees the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and our great state of Texas in this new role,” he said.

“I will continue to work hand-in-hand with J.D. Salinas in his new role as we both strive to better serve this country, region 7, and South Texas,” Ortiz said.

Since 2007, Salinas has served as County Judge of Hidalgo County, where he oversees more than 3,000 employees and 175 county buildings.

During his tenure, Salinas developed and implemented the Hidalgo County Prescription Drug Discount Card, established a wireless emergency notification system for county residents, and worked closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the International Water and Boundary Commission on the Levee/Barrier Project.

Elected in 1999 as Hidalgo County Clerk, he established satellite County Clerk offices and extended hours to allow more convenient access for country residents. Additionally, while in office Salinas established the “Public Report Card” system, a transparency measure of the County Clerk’s Office. Salinas received his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Public Administration for the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, Texas.

This weekend: COTTONFEST '2009 -- A celebration of our Agricultural History... FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!!!

NUECES COUNTY, TX – COTTONFEST is scheduled to take place this weekend (Oct 17th & 18^th) from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown. The site is located at 1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd. Robstown, Texas. This is a celebration where Nueces County celebrates its agricultural history and reinforces it’s unique traditions.

Cottonfest is a place to havefun with the whole family: e.g., music, food, drinks, talent contests, turtle races, fireworks. The top bands that will be feared are La Conquista, Clarrisa Serna, The Brew (Austin, TX), City Limits (Orange Grove, Tx), Jesse Marroquin, Hilda Lamas, Rendition, Los Arias and a few others. They will also have a top ranked comedy guest performing at the festival that worked alongside Paul Rodriguez and George Lopez. FREE GIGS.

In addition to the cited activities above. On Friday Oct 16, a cook-off will take place starting at 6:00 p.m. and a Tailgate Party after the football game – a prelude to the major festival.

Saturday, October 17^th schedule: 9:30 a.m. – Kickball & Pony League Opening Ceremonies; 1-10 p.m. GIGS; 1-5 p.m. – Car Show; 1 p.m. -- Salazar Elementary Cheerleaders; 1:30 -2 p.m. --Augustine; 2 p.m. – Trail Ride at the Equestrian Center; 2:15-3 p.m. Ballet Folklorico – Kingsville; 3: 15 – Los Arias; 4 p.m. – Turle Races; 5-6:45 p.m. – City Limits (band); 5:30 p.m. MG’s pizza Costume Contest & Great Pumpkin Egg Hunt; 7-10 p.m. – The Brew (band from Austin, Tx), 10 p.m. – Fireworks Show.

Sunday, October 18^th schedule: GIGS from 1-10 p.m.; 1-2 p.m. Tae Kwan Do Demo 2:15-3:45 p.m.; Rendition 4-6 p.m.; Jesse Marroquin 7-8 p.m.; Clarissa Serna 8-9 p.m. La Conquista.

On Oct 17^th, 24^th, 30^th, 31^st, there will be a “Night of the Living Dead” HUNTED HOUSE; it will take place form 8:00 p.m.-12 a.m. at the Fairgrounds. The charge for this event: $10.00.

Cottonfest has easy entry/exit traffic flow. In fact, one can enter the Robstown Fairgrounds from three directions. It is not as congested as downtown Corpus Christi. One visiting spectator described it as “an ideal site for a successful gathering on any kind.” The popularity of the Fairgrounds here grows in popularity despite some misunderstood analysis.

Robstown Area Development Commission is proud of COTTONFEST '2009, Joe Kramer, President of the Board, said: “This is an Annual Celebration of Culture, History of Cotton, and Economy of Robstown & the surrounding area. Historically, cotton and vegetable farming have played an important role in this economy. The community will celebrate this heritage, this year at COTTONFEST '2009 – it’s an October family festival. Join us. There will also be historical exhibits.”

For more information call 387-3933.

COTTONFEST ROBSTOWN FAIRGROUNDS OCT 17 & 18: CLICK ON VIDEO LINK FOR FULL DETAILS

COTTONFEST VIDEO (CLICK ON LINK TO VIEW IT- OR VISIT SITE FOR FULL DETAIL)-------------> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C0bjikDuKQ

ORTIZ VOTES TO PASS MEDICARE PREMIUM FAIRNESS ACT

ORTIZ VOTES TO PASS MEDICARE PREMIUM FAIRNESS ACT

WASHINGTON--Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3631, The Medicare Premium Fairness Act, which passed overwhelmingly with a bipartisan vote of 406-18, with U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz (TX-27) voting in favor of the bill.

H.R. 3631 would extend the “hold harmless” policy to protect all Medicare enrollees from an increase larger than the Social Security COLA, so that the Medicare 2010 Part B premiums will remain at $96.40 and no seniors will see a cut in their Social Security checks. The bill will protect 11 million seniors and cash-strapped states from increases in their 2010 Medicare Part B premiums during our economic downturn.

“Although this constitutes a temporary fix in the process of improving our health care system and lowering out-of-pocket expenses for seniors, I am pleased to continue my advocacy on behalf of this population by voting for this legislation which is paid in full,” Ortiz said. “I, along with my colleagues in Congress, remain dedicated to our pledge to implement deficit-neutral policies.”

The bill is endorsed by AARP, The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), the Center for Medicare Advocacy (CMA), Alliance for Retired Americans, National Association of State Medicaid Directors, the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association.

The bill now goes for consideration by the Senate.

CAN CCISD'S SCHOOL BOARD CAROL SCOTT (WHO IS BENG PAID BY LAS BRISAS ENERGY) CONTINUE TO BE A "TRUSTEE" OF OUR CHILDREN? [Facebook discussion]

(To participate in this dicussion, join facebook.com and add homervillarreal@gmail as a friend. The following is an truncated abridgement of the discussion on the above mentioned issue:

Homer Villarreal
CCISD’s John Longoria just reported that Tomas Duran was a consult for CCISD, but has left. I understand (and again) I am prudently generalizing from John’s update that Thomas Duran now (who is tied in with all the big time insurances like Entrust) is free and legally able to bid on the CCISD Health Insurance. .. I believe that when they go out for insurance (from sources, I believe) will be between Carol’s buddies – Art Granato and Thomas Duran.

Homer Villarreal
WATCH CAREFULLY... Read More…Another question to ask is: “Did the Scotts use ‘La Brisas’’ money to get a new American Federation of Teachers President? I hear Art Granato donated to him also… I am just connecting the dots. Jeff Kane did comment on our board that it was “gray area” … his word was ‘leveraging”… Rene Saenz who sits on the Health Insurance Committee feels that the pressure that will be excerted by different parties will be fierce. So the new AFT president was handpicked by Carol so to speak, if the info is true.

Mark A. Di Carlo
Homer: McMurrey show, AFT President, is on my Voices show on Friday at 10:00 P.M. (On my webcite also) But I do not get it, are you inferring you campaign for the job as Union President and raise money to do it? Maybe so . . . . might have been a good subject.

Carolyn Moon
The new AFT president is a member of the CEC. send me an e-mail later.

Amadora Zapata
Yeah, AFT was the Scott's project according to my sources. They are eroding the credibility of our community: the SCOTTS.

Homer Villarreal
Homer Villarreal: " A regional government, for protecting the agenda and whims of a wife of a city councilman only, is but a carcass, and soon falls by its own CORRUPTION and decay."

Debbie Allen
There is a beauty to a cat fight; because it stems from the soul of a woman. Carol has to go!!! Yeah, the truth of her evil does not seem to matter to her, only the way she chooses to interpret it. But it is survival of a fitness. We are being taken by her, and I am sure not gonna, not gonna put up with it.

Rene Saenz
Amadora, "AFT is the scott's project" what are you inferring? I'm a member of AFT and there was no project there. In fact, I talked to Ray, the new prez, the entire time during his campaign. In fact, in the beginning we were trying to decide who should run, me or him. In the end, I deferred since I had other projects going on. I believe your source... Read More/sources are all wrong. I'm the ultimate source on this issue. But we agreed on one thing, the past president had to go. If you really want the inside, I know it all.

Amadora Zapata
I respectfully disagree Mr. Saenz...and for you to believe that the ultimate source was yourself in re: to the "Carol"/Kailo connection (implied) on the "Las Brisas dollars" (in addition to the Art Granato 's/lobbying interests in this matter) - is quite delusional, and to venture beyond the bucket of this complex issue and investigation by myself... Read More and ours in the region. To question me(or anyone here), is a matter of credibility. But be forewarned, You are welcome to post, but to admonish if "you have a dog in the fight" there are the consequences. If you are participating especially in defense of a party in question, the AFT PREST. or SCOTT's hand in this matter, you become fare game. With that said let's begin.
Mr. Saenz you were not the main source. You sit on the board that will be instrumental in later being used to justify awarding the "Health Insurance" bid contract. The board you sit on will be the raison d'etre for the Scotts (continued in another posting).
33 minutes ago • Delete

Amadora Zapata
It does not take a rocket scientist to see the "project" or "connection" between the AFT post and Carol Scott! The former AFT president took a position against "Las Brisas." But then again before proceeding, abiding by the rules of fair play, and the audience following this "connecting-the-dots" progression and story, I have to ask you sir, "Do you have a dog in this fight?" Admit it if there is, if not it will surface believe you me.

Amadora Zapata
I don't think you are being fully straight forward. Your version might just be sectarian view of the a road of intricate paths and bypaths. You are welcome to email me and share what your experience in attempting to unseat the former President. It is my duty to listen to all parties so as to not only be fair, but responsible in piecing the final view.
15 minutes ago • Delete

Amadora Zapata
What makes this so unethical Mr. Saenz is the fact that Carol Scott (is/and was being paid by "Las Brisas" an enormous salary. The former president was merely trying to be a voice for the children (adocating for the right cause) was slaughtered by a high-paid, unethical party who happened to be the President of CCISD board. She was being paid (thousands of dollars)as Prest. of the CCISD board to stifle someone who was taking against her client (LAS BRISAS). He as just trying to be a voice for the kids (in this particular issue). As far as where he stood on the school politics also, despite how controversial and different from our view, should not have been suppressed by a corporation promoting "breathing black smoke" (as Carolyn Moon put it) and paying a public official to sell out (Carol Scott/Kailo) thousands of dollars.
How could Carol Scott Scott advocate for our children, if she taking a hefty paycheck from Las Brisas?

Rene Saenz
The former AFT president took no position. I was at that meeting when the motion was made. And guess who moved the motion to take the position against Las Brisas? I made the motion and argued forcefully for it. The motion passed unanimously. In fact the former President, who you defend, had a worker who was recorded as saying her personal beef was ... Read Morenot with the building of Las Brisas, her beef was with Scott. The motion was very clear, protect the students and teachers, not go on a personal crusade against an individual for personal reasons. I do not defend Scott's postion. That's hers to take. I don't agree with it. And yes I do sit on the board that will be dealing with the Health Insurance, the very insurance that covers me and my family. Personally I think humana stinks and I will be arguing that we move to the state insurance for teachers. Personally, I think the current president of AFT is much better than the previous one. I will not e-mail you to discuss AFT politics but you are

Rene Saenz
more than welcome to contact me. One more question...how does a Amadora Zapata, with blond hair and blue eyes, where a Wisconsin shirt rather than a TEXAS shirt? Be warned that we longhorns kick ass.

Homer Villarreal
THANKS FOR POSTING MR. SAENZ:
FACT: CCISD Board President CAROL SCOTT both is and was being paid by LAS BRISAS ENERGY.
FACT: SHE WAS BEING PAID TO ATTEMPT TO STOP CRITICISM OF LAS BRISAS, the former President was critical (and I did interviewed him at Taqueria Guadalajara in Annaville).
FACT: Then it logically follows that Carol Scott as a "public official" was a high-paid "Aggressor" by LAS BRISAS to eradicate disgruntled parties with Las Brisas. In short, the entire staff of CCISD was under the gun of a Chair of the board, Ms. Scott (remember, she is a public official who both took and is taking money from Las Brisas). The few that spoke up were targeted (via Las Brisas' dollars) and punished (via las Brisas' dollars).

FACT: Ms. Scott as Chair of CCISD School Board used CCISD Employees and buses and pupils to make TV commercials that earned her a lot of money.
FACT: Ms. Scott her leverage as chair to hire "Skip" Noe (who coordinated efforts and is piecing the road open for Las Brisas to established themselves with various municipal and an interagency network). Note: Angel Escobar wished not to venture in the 'gray area" that the EDC and Carol Scott are espousing.
FACT: The new AFT President was stamped and endorsed by a corporate movement with multi-million dollars interests being represented by KAILO (formerly Scott Public Relations).

CCISD Board PRESIDENT is their high-paid face -- i.e., Las Brisas Energy. In fact send I dare you to send an email to Las Brisas Energy at www.lasbrisasenergy.com/contact.html -- while on their website hit the contact button: and guess who will receive the message in her cell phone and computer? YOU GOT IT RIGHT. CCISD BOARD PRESIDENT CAROL SCOTT. She is the gatekeeper and face of Las Brisas Energy in the area.
Homer Villarreal
This issue is a legal matter and Las Brisas Energy has no right to pay public officials to do their bidding in our schools and use "divide and conquer" tactics to hurt and punish anyone in the district (or the community) who is against the children breathing "black smoke" (as Caryln Moon so poetically put it).

SEAL is offering a $25000 for helping prosecute "Runners" of Cases

Comment: Loyd Neal Call In A Marker: Using CCISD To Campaign...

I started laughing when I saw Loyd Neal, the County Judge, on the “Award Winning” Caller-Times going door to door asking the students to return to school for CCISD. This political campaign was masterminded by Carol Scott. It’s awful; disingenuous. Neal is up for re-election. His motivation is votes… The only time he has ever walked door to door has been to sell insurance… Carol Scott, the CCISD Board Prest, did not allow Prest. Obama to deliver a message to the children. Both the Caller-Times and Ms. “marketing company” Scott show know better. Same “suspects.”