Political Commentary of Politics in Area: From the race for county judge to insider's squabbles

From Jim Wells to Nueces to Kleberg to San Patricio Counties. The political season is here.
In Jim Wells County a hotly contested race is brewing (more picante by the day). Some are asking if Lee S. Ramon, candidate for Justice of the Peace is a viable candidate for Justice of the Peace? Some say he has an admirable disposition but can he truly be a viable candidate against engaging JP Juan Rodriguez Jr.
Well, the facts speak for themselves. When Ramon launched his race for the school board back, the 2006 results can not be disputed about the likeability of his overall person with the populace and what he stands for in the eyes of the masses. He won for school board, beating his two other challengers: procuting at total of 1,648 votes; his rivals: Servando “Wolf” Garza Jr. (mustered only 648 votes) and the other, Ricardo C. Gonzalez (only 492). He beat Garza by a 3-1 margin; Gonzalez, by a 4-1 margin. When Ramon was asked about his recipe for winning an election, he responded: “Just keep it clean.”
The concern in the Jim Wells area for the last few years is the unorthodox behavior of some politiqueras who abuse the main-in ballot. People should be placed on notice; the area has an appalling reputation in this regard. There are rumblings that it is occurring again. If you have been approached by such agents and you suspect something is wrong, contact the Attorney General of Texas or this publication or one you feel comfortable with. The ballot box is sacred in our form of government.
In Nueces County, the race for Justice of the Peace, Place 1 is also interesting. One of the impressive candidates is Joe Benavides, who like Ramon (cited above) has an impressive record of community service. Joe Benvaides is the son of a historic political activist in the Democratic Party (Benny Benavides). His his father, he has an impressive military service background. He represents the new generation who have a passion not only for service the community more diligently but for addressing the larger issues of the region as a whole.
“Joe Benavides is all heart; he wants to serve and live up the the ideas of his father: to bring out the best in the community: the stuff that will move us forward,” a resident said. “Benavides once his full track record is out, will impress this community.”
In a sonorous manner also: former Justice of the Peace Judge Jose A. Gonzalez (JAG) is now running for Nueces Coun ty Commissioner (Pct. 2 - the position Betty Jean Longoria holds and is not seeking re-election) . He feels he can be a strong voice for area. He told El Defenzor: “As a J.P. Judge for 10 years, I helped troubled young improve their lives. Being a Commissioner is more than numbers and budgets, it’s about making a positive impact on the lives of our constituents. Yes, we have to work with budgets, but we need to give those budgets meaning.”
JAG added: “My vision is to stop wasteful spending on county projects that do not have return or do not bring viable revenue. My vision is to focus on using those dollars for pct. 2 to improve the roads, clinics, libraries senior/veteran centers with special emphasis on the GED College Scholarship program and for reducing drop out problems and graffiti.”
JAG is up against some Democratic rivals who also are engaging characters such as Jesse Noyola and Gloria Casares.
In Nueces County, the Democrats are trying not so much to “redefine” themselves but find a voice that has a collaborative disposition to unite the various factions. “A party is much bigger than factions, it encompasses the various voices of our party,” said Rose Meza Harrison at a local taqueria in Robstown this past weekend. “Yes Republicans, have made in-roads, but we have the political orientation, it is just a matter of collectively focusing the energy on turning the wheel.”
The race for County Judge in Nueces County is a headed one. Everyone is talking about it. Especially about two characters in the political squabbles and competetive game. Juan Reyna and Clarissa Gonzalez are running vying for the Democratic Party nomination in the March 2 election. But the political camera seems to be more on attorney
Some claim that longtime political activist Filemon “Fil” Vela is a variable in the above miff. Other have introduced “conspiracy theories”. Are CIA type tactics to penetrate established political groups in the area being used by a group? Some even go as far as to claim that Clarissa Gonzalez was recruited by County Court-At-Law Terry Shamsie, yet he (Shamie) is helping Reyna (they were seen in the Robstown parade together). The Ortiz faction? Some claim that it does not matter who wins in the Democratic primary for as the Democratic candidate for County Judge as long as County Judge Loyd Neal has a viable opponent.
More on this story in a future political comentary.