WHO RULES CORPUS CHRISTI AND THE COUNTY & How? A Story Of How You Are Being Conned!

WHO RULES CORPUS CHRISTI AND THE COUNTY & HOW?

(This is the story of how an ELITE has built a COTTAGE INDUSTRY with TAX-DOLLARS)!

The CORPUS CHRISTI REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (or EDC for short) was resurrected to its full glory in the late 1990s soon after Loyd Neal was elected mayor in 1997. Representatives of a Power Elite that sit on the board of directors have turned the EDC into their own personal club.

WHO SET UP THE PROCESS FOR THE EDC? AL JONES (from American Bank)

A man by the name of Al Jones, the head of AMERICAN BANK, is believed to have reorganized the process of reestablishing EDC back in the late 1990s. American Bank’s Jones has pretty much operated under the radar over the years. The EDC had existed in other forms in the past; it has ran by various names. However in the late 1990s, Neal, as mayor, was the one that exectuted the political-economic sketch put together by Jones. Neal, being the top face and voice for the city, set in motion the calculated moves so it would be realized, and so it would be fastidiously institutionalized.

Over the fitting span of years, the EDC, whose job is to bring jobs to Corpus Christi and the region, has been very unsuccessful. There is no watch dog organization looking at them; no official oversight on their woeful lack of performance. Yet the EDC is being funded by government entities such as the City of Corpus Christi (who gives them at least half a million dollars – which comes from tax-payer dollars). The EDC is also funded by the Port of Corpus Christi (who gives them at least $200,000). They are also funded by Nueces County Commision (who also spends a fortune of our tax-dollars on them). They are also funded by the Type A board, a board that controls the bond monies and other sources of revenue for the city. The Type A Board gives them (the EDC) funds to finance the specific projects they pitch and put forward to bring in jobs and industry to the area. However, the Type A board reports that they have a terrible track record. “They have flopped and flopped again with the proposals they have brought,” said one member. “This is not rocket science, the EDC has no leg to stand on to justify it being in operation.”

IF THE EDC IS NOT GENERATING JOBS, WHY IS IT STILL IN EXISTENCE?

The bottomline is that the EDC cannot be audited by the city, nor the port, nor the county. Yet it has a few representatives from the government entities such as the city manager of Corpus Christi which it gives marching orders; instead of taking them (EDC) from him. The EDC in the last two or three years has brought in a small number of jobs -- less than one percent, according to our official sources. As one top administrator within the city said: “If you take the jobs they brought in and weigh it against the money the EDC been getting from the city and the port and the county and other sources, one will ask a zero-based question: ‘Why they are still allowed to be in existance?’ To illustrate this point: If an organization is not performing out in the private sector, it would hurriedly be phased out. It’s performance would be gauged by its net-gain or net-lost. Thus, it follows, why is this not-for-profit/for-profit entity still being funded and thus kept afloat by municipal and county dollars?”

The EDC board of directors is composed of corporate represenatives or more endearingly called “Corporate Sponsors.” The minority are appointed by the city and port and county commission. Recently, they were given $10,000 in contributions by corporations in addition to what they are receiving from regional governmental entieies and still have not brought sensible outcomes.

FUTURE BRIDGE (sub-organization) EMERGES – A NEW TIER OR SCAM OF THE EDC?

The EDC has formed a new organizational tier called “FUTURE BRIDGE” (a suborganization). It is being led by the son of the owner of Urban Construction, Chip Urban, that has been a corportate sponsor of the EDC over the years. The only problem is that it is clear that Urban Construction stands to benefit from this spanking new array. This demonstrates how the EDC is constantly reinventing itself in order to relegitimize its survival.

EDC TARGETS OTHER REIGIONAL GOVERNMENT ENTITIES (TO TAP INTO OTHER TAX DOLLAR SOURCES):

The EDC has found cunning yet imaginative ways over the years to extend and widen its influence to various governmental entities as well as non-profit organizations that have a cache of tax dollars. They penetrated and taken control of the Corpus Christi Chamber, the Hispanic Chamber (that was at one time A HAVEN FOR SMALL BUSINESS), the Del Mar Board of Regeants, Corpus Christi ISD, Regional Economic Development Corporation, Port of Corpus Christi and a few others. MILLIONS OF TAX DOLLARS have been used ass a war chest to negotiate deals for themselves and their associates.

To illustrate this point: About a month ago, the new Executive Director of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, Foster Edwards, mysteriously took it upon himself to put a to reorganized the LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI program – a program that supposedly should train the leaders of tomorrow in business development and so forth in the area. He appointed mostly friends and associates of Mark and Carol Scott (a couple).

Mark Scott is a city councilman; Carol Scott, a school board member. This couple has a history of serving as the leutenants and errand persons for the EDC. James Duerr (Carol’s former business partner and intimate friend), Scott Eliff (CCISD’s superintendent and friend of Carol), Debbie Wingfield (Carol’s business partner and co-ower of KAILO COMMUNICATIONS), and a few other friends and business associates -- all were appointed to sit on the new board of LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI. As soon as a business and pillar of the community saw the list and decided to decided to resign immediately. He claimed the board seems to have been selectively chosen to maximize the influence of the SCOTTS. He also complained of the lack of diversity. The board did not want to initially accept his resignation because they did not want word to get out that someone was privvy to the exceedingly charged concordat. This board also wanted to put MARK and CAROL AS THE STAR SPONSORS of LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI.

A source explained: “The person mentioned who turned in his resignation did not want the SCOTTS to be models of business for the community. In fact Foster Edwards (the Executive Director of the Chamber) that the SCOTTS were in his opinion “the worst people that should be picked as role models for the future business of Corpus Christi. This couple in my estimation had the worst ethics and they should not be controlling LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI.”

THE INFAMOUS COUPLE: MARK/CAROL SCOTT; THEIR CONFLICTS OF INTEREST!

What were some of the conflict of interests hinted above related to the SCOTTS? Mark Scott, who sits on the city council (and owns SCOTT AND ASSOCIATES), recently voted on the city council supporting the venture of Las Brisas Energy relocating to town and being supported resourcefully by the municipality; yet, Mark had a conflict of interest in that his wife, Carol, represents Las Brisas Energy in the region. She is on Las Brisas’ payroll; she is the marketing face and voice for the corporation in this area. In fact if you send an email to LAS BRISAS ENERGY on theinteret, she gets it on her cell phone. To state it in other words, a portion of his wife’s income is coming from Las Brisas Energy and is thus and so contributing to the couple’s mutual financial income. “I feel that this issue demonstrates that the SCOTTS are not very concerned about ethics. How can they be good role models to be used as the focal stars for LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI.

Carol Scott, while serving as CCISD’s school board president, used the entity’s resources -- CCISD’s buses and employees – in making commercials for Las Brisas Energy. This is exceedingly inappropriate. She is supposed to be a ‘trustee’ of the children and not use their resources to make a profit,’” a teacher said.

THE TYPE A BOARD – AND PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES for the EDC:

To return: the EDC is not meeting performance guidelines, according to members of the Type A board. The Type A Board controls the funds that the EDC uses to finance these companies coming to the area. For example, when the EDC applies for the funds, they have to show a business plan: which states how many employees they will hire and so forth for six months or so. If they do not meet their goals, the Type A board stops financing their endeavor.

The question remains: “If the EDC is not bringing jobs to the region, why do these government and public entities continue to fund them? Again, they get half a million from the city, over $200,000 form the Port of Corpus Christi and a large chuck from the tax-payers of Nueces County since Loyd Neal was elected County Judge.”

WHAT IS THE REAL AGENDA OF THE EDC?

In a nutshell. What seems to be the “real” agenda of the EDC – if it is not generating jobs? Do they exist to get public funds for personal projects and gains? On their website, the EDC – visit www. CCREDC.com – claim they want to keep and bring in primary jobs (or big companies). They are not elementally concerned about small businesses.

Many question remain. Again, why does it follow that an organization like the EDC that has not produced be considered the primary spear and “think thank” for economic progress? Why is it so successful in getting public funds when it seems to be more of a harming agent to the economy than as asset. It has had a negative trickle down effect? Why do the “insiders” (an elite of Corporate sponsors) and those that carry their message (such as the Mark and Carol Scotts and the Loyd neals and the James Duerrs of these world) sit on all sorts of boards such as the Del Mar Foundation, the Tax Appraisal District, the United Way, and so forth? It is clear that those directly involved with the inner core of this movement are benefiting.

Example of the aforementioned are the notorious couple that was cited above – i.e., Mark and Carol Scott. They sit on these boards and get inside information and also on many an occasion get a first stab at getting those jobs proposed. Why did Carol and her company end up representing Las Brisas Energy? American bank? Citgo? Contracts with Del Mar? Contracts with the RTA? This culture of political exploitation of tax-payer bases will continue to exist as long as the general public does not take action.

IS THE NEAL-SCOTT-DUERR NETWORK ABOUT PUBLIC SERVICE OR SELF-SERVICE?

An added issue surfaces: Is running for public office about “public service” or “self-service”? Why would an entity like Del Mar College who is constantly taking money from taxpayers to bankroll its educational and day-in and day-out endeavors decide to give a monstrous amount of money -- 33 million dollars – to Las Brisas Energy being represented by Carol Scott – a corporation that will harm the future of the student population? James Duerr (the failed Republican Candidate for U.S. Representative) sits on the Del Mar Board of Regeants. (When He ran to State Representative, his campaign claimed he and his wife were “pro-life” candidates. It turned out that his wife (Pam Hall – Duerr) had been the MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SOUTH TEXAS for about 20 years).

INSIDE INFORMATION – WHO BENEFITS FORM IT? The EDC or the public in general? (NOTE: “Inside Information” is more powerful than money)

A supplementary matter: “Does the inner social linkage related with the EDC benefit from ‘inside information’ and ‘fidutiary secrets’?” It appears that the EDC is an “elite club” of insiders whose purpose is not to benefit the public, but to benefit the membership. Their real goal is not primarily to bring jobs for the city and region as a whole, but mainly for themselves. They have build via the code words of “economic development” a COTTAGE INDUSTRY with taxpayer dollars.

Other questions reoccur amidst the talk of outside observers: “Why are some of the most well known business persons so interested in being part of the EDC?” and “Why do certan parties insist the EDC should continue to exist if it is not producing economic growth?”

WHAT IS THE REAL ROLE OF THE EDC SEEM TO BE at this stage?

It has a pattern of operating as if it is a “private” organization funded by public funds. Why do “they” (the deep-seated nucleus of insiders) continue to give rationalizations for its existence if it is to benefit the “private” membership and their handy “runners”?

“It benefits the Urbans and it beneifts the Fultons and the Scotts in getting jobs,” a city employee commented.

Other questions circulate such as “Why are outsiders not getting the jobs like they should,” and “Why are the major jobs mostly given to the the private Corporate members of the EDC?” This seems to be the seminal motivation why this complex political machinery of a club has been kept away from view for so long. It also logically follows that if you have a “private membership” (as the EDC does), it should be funded by “private” – not “public” funds. Why do the tax-dollars of many (public funds) ending up in their bank accounts? Again, the ethical aim of the EDC, since it is funded by our public-dollars, should be to benefit the general public and not first and foremost them.

EDC CORPORATE MEMBERS AND POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS:

The political contributions given to many who run for office seems to stem from those that sit in inner core members of the EDC. So it does follow logically that members inside the EDC can influence and pressure and manipulate public officials, especially if they are predisposed to this culture of exploitation.

Historical evidence seems to suggest the unpleasant conclusion that when the “inner core” (mostly of Corporate business persons) are experiencing an economic dry spell, they can call on those they have bankrolled politically to go out for bonds and certificates of obligation (or loans which the tax-payers will pay in the long run) so that they can built things (and give the illusion of participation from the public of what they want built). The sad truth is that “they” (EDC insiders) make the money.

Recently Memorial Coliseum was torn down by politicians (influenced by the EDC) against a large segment of the public’s wishes. Why? DESTINATION BAYFRONT. The question was asked: “This group seemed to have a plan. Was it for piracy of public property?”

The EDC and the NEAL-SCOTT-DUERR Network is currently asking citizens to think of the things they wan to see built in this land. “It is a manipulative trick. They are really toying with their thoughts. Destination Bayfront is a marketing scam to convince the taxpayers to give them ‘PUBLIC LAND’ and ‘PARKS’ to a so-called ‘non-profit’ group dreamed up by the EDC/American Bank cartel. This is being done also via the efforts of the NEAL-Scott-Duerr Network.

As one activist put it so blantly: “It'S EMBARRASSING WHAT IS HAPPENING IN CORPUS CHRISTI. THE COLISEUM PROPERTY AND two PARKS were GIVEN TO a so-called 'non-profit" group led by Trey McCampbell (chief administrator) of what is informally referred to as the “AMERICAN BANK CARTEL.” It is ANOTHER DIRTY, FILTHY CON game. TELL YOUR CITY COUNCILPERSON NOT TO GIVE these public lands AWAY. It is really going to be public land in the hands of those that run private corporations."

One local business said with righteous indignation: “Anytime the Fultons, Urbans, and Berrys are running out of money, they try and get the public officials they bankrolled in the city or at CCISD to help them built things: e.g., baseball stadiums, areans and so forth. They do not care if these projects bring in money into the community. They built these montrocities, and ‘they’ will never lose money. They built them and they are done. The taxpayers will foot the bill.”

An argument used by a few in the the EDC is the following: “Well, those projects like the arena and the baseball field are might not about making money. They are ‘Quality Of Life’ things that we need. We do not have to generate a profit from them.’ Then why are ‘they’ (the EDC insiders) making money and no one else?”

Las Brisas energy will bring in anywhere form fifty to eighty. The operation of it will use up twice more water than the city is utilizing right now. These points are not being harped on by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times because this publication has been a corporate member of the EDC over the years. Some have described the cited publica;tion as the “mouthpiece” of many of these schemes.

CAN THE EDC PRODUCE MAGIC? IS THE EDC WRITING A MANUAL ON HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN DRY, CHALLENGING TIMES?

Even in challenging economic times, those associasted with the inncer core of the EDC are stil making money. “You have their team at various entities pushing bonds and certificates of obligations. At CCISD we have EDC-linked school board members such as John Longoria and Carol Scott passing bonds to put themselves in a position to give jobs to the Joe Fultons or Urbans of the world,” one political insider shared. “ Carol’s husband – Mark Scotts – sits on the city council and is pushing the same agenda there. Loyd Neal is now the County Judge and is the most dodgy of all. “

Neal is the more powerful (in this ruse) than all of the mentioned public officials put together. Why? Neal as county judge is like the city manger of the county. The County Commission has a Strong Form of Governtment. The city, on the other hand, has a council-manager form of government.

“In the schools the superintendent should have the ultimate power and authority; yet board members Carol Scott and John Longoria seem to have taken the power away from him. These two, word circulates, tell the superintendent how to direct his adminstriation. When the former superintendent Chavez was there, the school board fired chavez because he refused to give them the control,” an insider at CCISD opined.

COUNTY JUDGE LOYD NEAL AND THE “INSURANCE MAFIA”:

At the county level, you have County Judge Loyd Neal hiring his former business insurance business partner Thomas Duran to come in as a specialist to lay the foundation for the group insurance. In addition, Neal even hired his former business secretary as his personal secretary/assistant.

Neal and Duran have a past history of working together in “self-insured” group health insurance projects. When Neal was mayor of Corpus Christi, he voted to break a tie in A MAJOR MATTER BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL and decided to go along with a “self-insured group health insurance” proposal presented by Duran – expository note: Keep in mind that Neal was his business associate at the time; they were both representing ENTRUST INSURANCE. There was an FBI investigation soon after that undertaking. The “self insured” program currently in the city (whose adoption dates back to when Neal was mayor and was initially sold to the city by Duran) is losing money.

Art Granado (who was mentored by the Scotts), of the Granado Group (insurance), who now is part of the EDC board, is a business associate of Tomas Duran (who before taking the consultant job in the county had been hired at CCISD as a consultant and specialist to guide the spadework for the healthy insurance). Granado ended up getting CCISD’s DISABILITY INSURANCE contract. Granado had no history of working with school districts and did not have a staff to speak of, according to sources.

County Judge Loyd Neal helped appointed Art Granado’s wife (who is currently working for State Representative Tod Hunter) to the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Board. Her husband, Art Granado, again, has managed to get a contract wit the RTA while she (his wife) has been serving on the RTA board.

CCISD’s Trustee John longoria also serves on the RTA Board with Art Granado’s wife -- Angela Granado. Councilperson Mark Scott is pushing the same”self insured” insurance plan in the city. Why? “If you connect the dots, the ‘self-funded’ insurance being promoted is the specialty of Neal and Duran. (Note: there are two types of group health insurance. One is known as “fully insured” (where the healthy insurance company takes the risk of paying out if there are catastropic losses) and “self-insured” (where the employer takes the cited risk – e.g., CCISD, RTA, City of Corpus Christi).

GATEKEEPERS OF TAXPAYER MONIES OR POWERBROKERS OF SOMEONE ELSE’S MONEY?

After passing bonds and adopting Certificates of Obligations (that usually amount in the millions), key politicians of the respective entities become the gatekeeprs of these public monies (for example, Carol Scott and John Longoria at CCISD by controlling the majority of the votes). Questions linger. “ Are there trade-offs involved? Job offerings? Something else? Are they serving in office because of the goodness of their heart or are have they made a business of it? That is, are they public officials networking for profit?”

One thing is for sure: those inside the EDC have managed to benefit both from “inside information” and financially. “What is really the ‘authenic’ role of the Loyd Neals and Mark/Carol Scotts and James Duerrs of this world?” The “public funds” and now “public lands” seem to get to the “right” people.

Finally, zooming in on the Port Commision. “Is the EDC’s Mike Carrel (head of Frost Bank), who sits on the Port Authority, doing the same thing at the Port Commision level? The story never ends as the multifaceted apparatus of the EDC and the Neal—Scott-Duerr NETWORK FOR PROFIT continues to to wipe out competitors and search for new taxpayer funded revenue streams to tap into to keep their operations afloat.”

ROBSTOWN SEALE JR. HIGH'S COACHES, GONZALEZ AND DE LEON, A DYNAMIC TEAM

ROBSTOWN SEALE JR. HIGH'S COACHES, GONZALEZ AND DE LEON, A DYNAMIC TEAM:

In the fall of 1975 Noe De Leon mentioned to the Robstown ISD Track and Field Coaching Staff that one day he would like to be part of the group. On January 19 of this year, he joined the Cotton Picker Track and Field Coaching Staff.

Coach De Leon was persuaded to join the Robstown High School Varsity by head Track and Field Coach Adolfo Gonzalez. “I persuaded Noe to start this season and not to wait until the next cross country season,” stated Coach Gonzalez.

De Leon is a 1976 student-athlete and graduate of Robstown ISD. He has many accomplishments in athletics and coaching. These are a few. When in high school (at a time when Robstown High was in the Corpus Christi 4A district – before there was 5A in the state) De Leon became the first Cotton Picker to win the Robstown High School Cross Country Meet in its seventh running in 1974.

He was Robstown’s first student-athlete to win district titles in cross country (1975) and in track and field (1976).

After high school, De Leon attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville (now Texas A & M – Kingsville) on a scholarship. There he broke school records in cross country and track and field.

From 1976 to 1980 (in track and field) he broke school records over 1,500 m., 5,000 m., 10,000 m., half-marathon (13.1), marathon (26.2) and the Lone Star Conference record in the marathon. He still holds the half-marathon, and marathon University records. After 30 years later, the record breaking feat has yet to be matched.

In the fall of 1977 De Leon became Texas A&I’s first “Javelina” to win the Lone Star Conference Cross Country championship in the history of the university.

After college De Leon competed professionally for the company NIKE. He was the first runner from South Texas to win prize money. During the fall of 1985, he was the first male on the original NIKE Team Texas that competed in the USA World Cross Country Trails in Albine, Texas; also in 1985 he competed in the Texas relays in Austin, Texas where he finished eighth place in the 10,000 m. (6.2) in an international field among 24 runners. He was the first American to cross the finish line in a time of 30:21:00 (a personal best).

In the mid-1990s he was a member of Calallen ISD’s boys Track and Field Coaching Staff where he coached the middle distance, and distance runners. The boys won district titles in varsity track and field, varsity cross Country, and Jr. High cross country. The championships were the first in the track and field, cross country, and Jr. High cross country in the history of Calallen ISD.

Recently, De Leon was featured in Texas A&M Kingsville’s Javelina Highlights News Magazine., acknowledging that he was coaching in his hometown of Robstown. A dream come true and a goal fulfilled some 35 years later.

The Javelina Highlights publication is carried by area newspapers such as the Kingsville Record, Falfurrias' FACTS and other newspapers. It is read all over the USA and world. It is also on-line. The publication also mentioned that De Leon would be training the Robstown ISD’s Boys High School and Jr. High and Middle Distance and Distance Runners.

Coaches Gonzalez and De Leon now work as a team at the Robstown Seale Jr. High. They are from different eras; however, both were committed student-athletes while in Junior High. They both work at the same school. De Leon is the Jr. High ISS Teacher; Gonzalez, the Jr. High Athletic Director.

Gonzalez played football and track in high school for our Cotton Pickers. He was All-District, in track his senior year of 1990, finishing third in the 100 m. Gonzalez, also won honors in Varsity Football where he was All-District and All south Texas. He played running back and his team competed in the Play-Off’s in 4A.

Both his Jr. High football and Basketball Teams won three out of four district titles this season -- 2009 – on the “Gridiron” and the “Hardwood.” “Our boys have been working these past weeks, and I’m looking forward to this track season. We hope to improve all our programs,” concluded Gonzalez.

(Update: The EIGHTH-GRADE BOYS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM won district by one point. Some of the coaches were hometown coaches. This marks the first time that EIGHTH-GRADERS win district in the history of Robstown ISD. This victory took place in early April of this year.)

NEAL-SCOTT NETWORK FOR PROFIT Takes Over LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI?

Editorial: THE NEAL-SCOTT NETWORK FOR PROFIT helps architect BRIDGE CORPUS CHRISTI (a frontgroup for the power elite) and also take over the LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRITI project (at the Chamber of Commerce)

Nueces County/Corpus Christi, TX -- There are several projects which the NEAL-SCOTT NETWORK has benefitted both financially and personally. These projects are cloaked under the guise of GOVERNMENT-CORPORATE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS (and the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation (CCREDC) is more often than not involved). Their fingerprints are everywhere -- from the City of Corpus Christi to the Del Mar Board College of Regeants to the Del Mar Foundation to the Chamber of Commerce to the Regional Transit Authority to Nueces County – they have left their uninviting blotch.

The CORPUS CHRISI REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CCREDC) working adamantly close with the NEAL-SCOTT NEWORK are creating a front group-type of organization known as “BRIDGE CORPUS CHRISTI.” This stack-horsing ruse -- “ BRIDGE CORPUS CHIRSTI” -- is a new project masterminded by the CCEDC group with the assistance of the NEAL-SCOTT NETWORK. It’s unwritten role is to fundamentally advocate and lobby for "THINK BIG BUSINESS" PROJECTS being pushed by CCREDC and the NEAL-SCOTT NETWORK in the region. Who do you think will sit on the board? It does not take a genius to figure out that one …. COUNTY JUDGE LOYD Neal and friends.

But at the moment there is one other organization that deserves immediate attention. This new development has gone unnoticed -- the TAKE-OVER of the LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI program by the Neal-Scott NETWORK. Let's get specific.

“To train visionary leaders for higher level leadership roles in the community” – this is the main “written” objective of LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI, but this intent has been lost. This organization now has an “unwritten” objective -- ? (We will let you fill in the blank at the end of this report).

The Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce now has placed this highly esteemed program (to iterate, known as LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI) in the hands of bad role models and an organized self-serving power clique. The new President & CEO of the Chamber, Foster Edwards, has irresponsiblty given in to the pressure of the NEAL-SCOTT NETWORK faction. THE PROOF: Both the close business associates and friends suggested by the SCOTTS to sit on the committee of LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI have been appointed (Carol Scott’s business-partner Debbie Wingfield – of KAILO COMMUNICATION; James Duerr – Carol Scott’s former business partner and intimate friend & failed candidate for U.S. Representative; Scott Elliff – Superintendent of CCISD – who Carol Scott while as chairman of the CCISD Board of Trustees was instrumental in hiring him at the top post at CCISD; and a few others).; the latter members appointed comprise the majority on the board. One of the members appointed to the committee (who was in the minority) resigned in protest and voiced him disapproval to Chamber President Edwards: “I am resigning from the board of LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI because I feel that Mark/Carol Scott are not good examples of what business leadership should be in this community. They’ve made a living of our tax-dollars and have made a cottage industry of it.”

“Leadership Corpus Christi supposedly coaches the membership to be the future leaders of the city and the region. To have the SCOTTS (who have a mucky reputation in business-government dealings) as the major influence or model for Leadership Corpus Christi is an injurious precedent,” another insider stated. “I shared my concern also with Chamber President Edwards – but I could tell that this NETWORK has him cornered. If he doesn’t go along, he will not be around (in his administrative post) to play along.”

To back track. Before Edwards was appointed Chamber President, Terry Carter headed the organization. However, when he decided to return to the initial aims of the organization of helping small business stay afloat and additionally giving them a responsible voice, he was ostracized. He also emphasized that the self-serving portly deals by a few insiders of this cited canoonery within the organization needed to be meat-axed without delay. There was a backlash within the chamber. Carter was targeted by the Loyd Neal-Scott Network.

Carter soon after filed a lawsuit in March 2008 against the chamber, current and several former board members, the Caller-Times and others claiming they circulated bogus statements about him and the chamber’s finances during his occupancy. He further claimed those actions were taken by a NETWORK to cause him to lose his position with the chamber. Carol Scott, was a primary variable, who led the charge to have a walkout of prominent corporate members from the chamber – which caused extended damage to the organization. It is still trying to recover from it. It seems absurd to have LEADERSHIP CORPUS CHRISTI modeled and influenced by this self-serving political couple.

Carter filed a lawsuit in March 2008 against the chamber, current and several former board members, the Caller-Times and others claiming they disseminated false statements about him and the chamber’s finances during his tenure. He further claims those actions caused him to lose his employment with the chamber.

To return to the core of the matter. A local poltiical observer injected: “Leadership Corpus Christi being taken over by the NEAL-SCOTT NETWORK sends the wrong message to the community at this phase. The overall business culture of the community is one more in tune with the norms of fiscal responsibility and small government and one that is demanding less government-corporate relationships. This couple has made a living exploiting their public posts for personal gain… To amplify my point: It is like putting a child molester in charge of a daycare facility.”

Carol Scott, as mentioned, serves on the Corpus Christi School Board of Trusees and represents Las Brisas Energy as their representative face. She has also used her post at CCISD as a school board member to take positions in favor of Las Brias. CCISD's buses and resources have been used in the TV commercials and marketing projects her company -- KAILO -- has put together. Ethically she cannot exploit the use of her public office and resources in such a manner - it violates the code of her post. As for her Carol’s husband, Mark Scott, who sits in the city council, recently voted to support Las Brisas Energy project – which many in the council and community perceived as a clear conflict of interest; however, he did get newly appointed city attorney, Carlos Valdez, provided him with a quasi-legal basis for his actions.

Loyd Neal versus Ron Mclain:“Big Government” vs. “Small Government” Factions

The Nueces County Republicans have drawn a line in the sand. The choice is clear: Either CCREDC’s/LOYD NEAL’S BIG GOVERNMENT AGENDAS and PARTNERSHIPS, or RON MCLAIN’S SMALL GOVERNMENT and LIMITED GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. What are the ideological differences between Loyd Neal (who is referred to as the “Unofficial Chair” of the Republican Party) and Ron McLain (the “Official Chair” of the Republican Party)?

Nueces County, TX – A tumultuous whirlwind hit the Republican Party in Nueces County in the last election. The Republicans elected a “non-Establishment”, Ron Paul-type Libertarian candidate, Ron McLain, as Chairman of the party – defeating Mike Bergsma (the candidate for the “Establishment” Republicans – Bergsma was part of a faction obsessed with the LOYD NEAL NETWORK OF Government-Corporate Partnerships).

THE LEADING FAVORITE: RON MCLAIN. Why Does The MCLAIN VICTORY signify?

Why does the triumph of the “unconventional” candidate, McLain, who was elected chair represent? Is it just a sign of the times or are there practical reasons for this occurance? For one, McLain’s victory mirrors the dissatifaction with the culture of regional “empire-building” by a NETWORK FOR PROFIT – i.e., an elite power group in town that operates pretty much under the radar and has made a cottage industry by using tax-payer dollars – some specialists have said it has made it’s home in the main board of directors in the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation (CCREDC). (To get a glimpse at their website visit http://WWW.CCREDC.COM ) … The McLain-Libertarian Republicans also feel that the “Establishment” Republicans have for the most part kept the masses of conservatives in the area “THINKING BIG (Government/Corporate Partnerships) AND in return GETTING A POOR RETURN – and yawning debt.”

Some McLain supporters have dispelled many a myth flowing around that corporate business employs the majority of the jobs, when in fact it is small business that should be credited for creating over 75% of the jobs that exist in Corpus Christi and the county.

Another factor that many Republicans draw attention to as having voted for the “non-traditional” McLain instead of the “establishment” Bergsma is the perception that the rules that govern how the delegates are chosen to to attend the Republicans Coventions is shady and pre-determined by “insiders.” The latter source added: "Several others and myself participated in this lawsuit because even though we were rightfully elected delegates, we were replaced by ineligible delegates. Bertuzzi made up the list."

A person who was appointed to the RULES COMMITTEE by former chairman Mike Bertuzzi, which is believed to pacify the Ron Paul Republicans, and so as to make it look "inclusive" said: “I got out-voted 5-1. It was a setup. They had decided what the rules were and I was either with them or not. It seems this ‘Establishment’ Republicans will not change until they die.”

Why has this “Establishment” elite with a nexus to Corporate and Bureaucratic Politico agendas that was founded and masterminded in the 1970s by the late Political Boss Hayden Head Sr., a lawyer who never ran for office, be still around? It was both resurrected and institutionalized under the mayoral regime of Loyd Neal for the most part. Why would it not want to remain operating in “smoke-filled back rooms?” “The answer: Financial reasons! The city had become more centralized. The elite machine, once led by Hayden Head Sr., had regrouped and found sly, creative ways of using tax-dollars in the name of the codewords ‘Economic Development’ to both justify and foster its endurance. Neal as mayor was their man to make it happen,” one insider shared. “Neal while as Mayor had spearheaded the effort to hire the CCREDC to decide where business was going to locate as well as be in charge of maintaining existing business and reeling in new business into the area. The majority of the board of directors that sit on the CCREDC were appointed via corporate memberships, the minorities were appointed by the city, port commissioner, and the County Commissioners. Even the city manager would sit on it, but not have a vote, and would educate them on sensitive issues and share fiduciary information yet was not allowed to vote. In short: they would know be privvy to the major insights of the major financial investments and of new industry location. ”

Neal while mayor had, according to his critics such as the Corpus Christi Taxpayers Association, created another “City Council” (but not one elected by the people). Most of the contracts of the city projects would end up in the hands of the For-Profit Corporate entities being represented on the CCREDC .

Neal, who served four terms as Mayor of Corpus Christi (1997-2005), would go on to be the first Republican elected to County Judge in over 140 years (Note: Neal was recruited into the Republican Party because he could bring his Democratic Party connections to rally a victory). He was elected County Judge in the November 2006 General Election and took office January 2nd, 2007.

A McLain supporter insighted: “One has to keep in mind that technocrats who run the city and county or any other government entity are not really loyal to any party. Their overall view is that they can work with any administration despite their political leanings as long as they can be free to accomplish their devious ends. A technocrat is a person that specializes in understanding the system and uses that knowledge not only to help a public official function in his/her role but to manipuate him/her and the sytem to accomplish his/her own ends.”

THE FOE: Why Would the “THINK BIG” (Government) Project sponsored by the CCREDC & the LOYD NEAL NETWORK- FOR- PROFIT be the PROBLEM, the ENEMY for many RON PAUL-TYPE LIBERTARIANS? As a McLain supporter put it: “I think it is clear we are for honoring the principle of decentralism, local rule, private property and minimal bureaucracy.”

The criticism of the CCREDC is that it serves as an engine to promote “Think Big (government)” for the benefit of a clique who controls the board of directors; it is about “promoting bonds and loans and certificates of obligations so they, corporate magnates, have income rolling in perenntially . I have not seen a clear instance of where they brought in outside business to bankroom the projects”. The CCREDC is sort of a “shadow government” (it has been described by insiders who are privvy to this world as sort of a “small military industrial complex” : that is, much like a “hidden” regional government that puppeteers to unwieldy degree the day-in and day-out schema of economic projects by the city council and the County Commisioners and the Port Of Corpus Christi and a few other entities).

“It is a club of rich corporate investors that have teamed up with politicians to corner the socio-economic market. This elite club has ‘inside information’ critical to future of the region – the mayor, the city manager, the Nueces County Judge, Port Commissioners sit on it but are outnumbered by the Corporate membership. This club has been institutionalized and is known as the CORPUS CHRISTI REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION,” a RON MCLAIN-LIBERTARIAN shared his view.

To backtrack: In late 1990s Loyd Neal, who made his living by working for an insurance company,after being elected mayor resurrected the “Think Big” movement. It was nothing more than a new marketing verson of GOVERNMENT-CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS in place. Why? Because he was integrated with a team of political bureaucrats and corporate lobbyists that wanted to maximize their returns. This government-corporate partnership or joint-venture became the motor that was interfacing him with lucratic business.

The Neal Network had been established and served a functional role for Corporate business. It was the one, for the most part, bankrolling him to power to execute an agenda. Before Neal was elected mayor, the Tax-Payer Association (under the leadership of Joe O’Brien) had done a good job in exposing both its “Big Government” and “Big Corporate Interest” agenda. The voters had phased it out into diverse groups in past administrations. Bond dollars to feed this liaison had been closely monitored.

The question being asked by many a Republican now is: Is the NEAL NETWORK a good fit for Reagan Republicans, Paleo Conservatives and the Ron Paul Libertarians? The reoccurring answer: “No! We are about small government and limited government interference and against fascist GOVERNMENT-CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS.”

Another Libertarian responded: “Neal’s Government-Corporate Partnerships projects such as the American Bank Center, Whataburger Field, and Packery Channel have been a flop. They were funded by tax-payer dollars and not by outside private investment dollars. The tax-payers were enticed by the Neal Network for Profit to support bonds and certificates of obligations (and even cost-overruns made by Neal’s Corporate buddies)… Did you know the Americsan Bank Center is losing over a million dollars annually? NEAL promised net-gains, not major loses.”

Another Libertarian concluded: “There is a world of difference between Neal and McLain. I know Conservative Talk Radio's Jim Lago did bring in his verbal hit team and called us Ron Paul Libertarians both 'infiltrators' and 'radicals' in the party; but consider whom Lago's wife works for - CCREDC; consider the other critics' links to the CCREDC..... I think the line has been drawn in the sand and will be reflected in the upcoming November Election... If Neal is returned to office in November, we will continue to be belittled, but if he is ousted, we will be able to breathe again and hopefully be able to bring back the party to what it originally stood for - small government, free markets, freedom.”

WHO IS MY ROLE MODEL? ...

Nueces County, TX – This past week El Defenzor visited with J.C. Gonzalez, III, mid-30s, a native of Robstown who currently works for a prominent attorney in Corpus Christi – Jerry J. Trevino -- to ASK HIM WHO HE CONSIDER TO BE HIS ROLE MODEL? A second aim: To get a foretaste of his generation’s take on who has impacted their life as a reference person. J.C. the III (3^rd), has been instrumental in creating a social network that has greatly influence his business ventures and socio-political status. He has a business and social acumen that has helped him climb the job stepladder.

J.C. (III) – pleasant, amicable and nimble-minded -- pointed out that his grandfather has ahd a huge impact in his entire family and many other persons in Robstown, Texas and the surrounding area. His late grandfather – J. CRUZ GONAZALEZ, Jr. -- a short, pleasantly plump yet gutsy man, was a noted trailbrazer. J.C. (III)’s grandpa (J. CRUZ GONZALEZ, Jr.) was both a businessman and one of the first Hispanic Councilpersons and an former mayor, and historical community activist; he was a powerful voice in economic development.

J.C.’s grandpa despite his humble beginnings, opened a grocery store on Lincoln Street, but was able to come up with a recipe for establishing name recognization that is difficult to counterpart (especially during those days). His Grandpa’s store would become one of the most popular informal meetings for activists in politics and economic development. His grandpa even to this day lives on as folk hero in the native community of Robstown – he was charismatic and help boost the spirit and the socio-psychology of the people, especially those who stemmed from humble beginnings.

J.C. (III)’s father was J.C. II – he died a few years ago. J.C.(III)’s father was a down-to-earth man that despite having his occupational career had a daily link to his dad’s activisties at the cited store which was known as CRUZ GONAZALEZ JR. GROCERY STORE which was located on Lincoln Avenue (the store is now defunct). The store, which emerged historically in a segregated community known as CASA BLANCA, also served other functions. It was a daily orbit of interactional discussion to decryptic and make collective make sense of many a political, social or educational issue of the day. It was a natural institution. This palce had a distinctive creative aura – if anyone wanted to get elected or push a cause: this was the catalyst.

Now J.C. (III) is trying to see how he can use the business and socio-political knowledge that has been passed via family to help him expand his social networking enterprise in 2010. “On a daily basis I get flashbacks of when I used to work at the store on Lincoln, remembering the discussions, how a better life can be crafted. I’ve realized that many of the principles my father and grandpa used were still applicable today; however, they just need to be applied realistically in our modern day. Who know I might put together a manual of some of the bullet points that I feel need to be followed for personal success.”

J.C. III added: “Why is my grandpa and the efforts of my father so important in my realm of work? Let me put it simply – it is a spiritual connection. One have a positive historical link to where he comes from: it boost my self-esteem as well as reminds me of the long struggle, the struggle from humble beginnings to get to where I am. I have a name – J.C. – that has been in the family for quite a while. Why were we named J.C.-es…? Because I feel each J.C. will be a measure of where our family is each generation – sort of like a measuring stick… However, I feel that I have an advantage now over the precious JC-es… This is the age of the internet. I use facebook and other sites to daily apply what has been passed on to me and what I feel should also be added to suit the times. Social Media is potent.”

His Grandpa’s (J.C. Jr.’s) family came to Robstown during the early pioneering days. His Grandfather’s dad – J. Cruz Gonzalez Sr. -- first came to Robstown to work in the building of the railroad.

J.C. (III)’s mom said: “I had to give my son some room to be creative. He is a good family man.

“I feel that the name I have J.C. is a reminder to me that there is a higher cause involved than me. I have learned to summon the spiritual energy that I need when I feel trapped. If there is a wall in front of me, I will not give up – my family before me didn’t either. I will go over that wall, under it, around it: life is a journey of continus flowering and continous extension. I thank God for this survival culture and roots he has given me,” he concluded.

CCREDC'S PAM LAGO'S husband: "THEY (Latinos) ARE THUGS, MURDERERS & PIMPS... FROM A 3RD WORLD ARMPIT HOLE."

Today LATINOS/MEXICANS called "THUGS, MURDERERS, and PIMPS" who live in an "ARM-PIT HOLE" -- by Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development's PAM LAGO'S husband -- that is, Jim Lago. Jim Lago transmits his radio talk show via KKTX 1360 AM. His wife, PAM (manager/SPECIAL EVENTS for the CCEDC) is now tagged as being associated with an "anti-LATINO" business environment. Many feel that it would be almost impossible for her to continue in the “tax-payer funded” post. Why?

One of the major goals of the CCREDC is to both maintain and attract businesses and industry to South Texas. One of the CCREDC's international goals is to promote a positive and close-knit relationship with Mexico and Latin-America. CCREDC’s Pam Lago’s salary comes a result of various entities of government in Nueces County (and from contributions from surrounding cities such as Robstown, Kingsville, Alice etc.) as well as from corporations. Ms. Lago’s role is to be the face, voice, and envoy for the region while acting as the manager for CCREDC’s “Special Events.” Her job description requires her to deal both with national and international businesses in the region.

Her husband (who has been described by civil rights groups as having a reputation hardly ever speaking positively of anything associated with Latinos or their culture) spewed out chauvinism and spiteful prejudice and unforgiving generalizations aimed at Latinos and Mexico while attempting to discuss in the air the visit of the noted Mexican President Felipe Calderon to the USA.

Jim Lago added on KKTV Radio this morning: "They (Latinos/Mexicans) are a bunch of THUGS, PIMPS, AND MURDERERS." Yet, his wife's salary -- to iterate -- comes from tax dollars (whom a very large portion are comprised of Latinos) and some from corporate memberships (who have a “strict” policy against ethnic labeling by any of their agents) are tighly linked to this industry. Jim Lago's abhorrent statements have shocked many involved with the tourism and business industry in Corpus Christi and region. A few city councilpersons, port commissioners, and County Commisisoners interviewed feel that Ms. Lago should consider stepping down – or that Governmental entities begin to seriously take steps to halt funding to the CCREDC.

As a Nueces County administrator put it: "Ms. Pam Lago's image, even though she might not share her husband's abbertant view of the world, has poisoned and de-optimized our veracity along with our chances to operate effectively in drawing in and maintaining business, toursism and general commerce.

One of the main guests in Lago’s program this morning was Nueces Commissioner Mike Pusley. During the show, Commissioner Pusley added a caustic reinforcement to Lago's reckless battering at the outset. Pusley opined: "The President of Mexico stood there and bad-mouthed the USA. They (?) come here telling us what to do."

Pusley seemed to have validated the normative code. Lago, immediately after, went on a horrid tangent saying that even ex-President George "Jorge" Bush didn't do anything to stop illegal immigration. “Jorge” – this was used to imply Bush was a “Latino/Mexican” lover. Soon after, Commissioner Pusley seemed to have become a tad paranoid.

It is conjectured that Commisioner Pusley felt Lago's discussion had gone beyond the bounds of civility. Pusley, realizing he was before a live audience, began to trouble-shoot and trying to thin out his previous statements about Latinos/Mexico: "Yeah, my wife and I go to Mexico all the time. They are a great people."

But Lago was already in full throttle, darting ferociously forward: "They have human slaves. They take turns burning over cars. President Obama allows this? They are a THIRD WORLD ARMPIT HOLE. They just come in and talk bad of the United States. These people don't know who they are fooling with. They are fooling with the wrong folks. We have a tendency to shoot back.”

To recap: violence against Mexico and Latinos had been implied – whether it was meant in a vindictive way or not, Pusley’s voice sank as if revealing what was occurring in the citadels of his mind. A huge gaffe and slip-up of great dimensions had been committed. Had Pusley at that moment become an assesory before and after the fact?

Lago added: "We are very generous to them with support (implying, entitlement programs etc.).”

During the show a Latino called in and stated evenly: "You say this about us (Mexicans and Latinos). What would you say if we started giving you the same treatment by calling you names?"

Lago iterated his sentiments: "They are a bunch of thugs, pimps and murderers. As far as Mexico, it is the KIDNAPPING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD."

After the show, this publication communicated with a few officials and heads of businesses involved with the City of Corpus Economic Develepment and its affiliated projects. The response: "Mexican President Calderon has a master's degree in economics and a Master of Public Administration which he earned just ten years ago from the prestigious John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He opposes euthenasia and abortion and gay-marriage. He believes in privitization and an avid proponent of free enterprise - i.e., market control of the economy. It is quite disturbing to have the husband of the person that is directly in charge of 'Special Events’ and 'functions’ directly affecting the changes that we have to reel in new businesss."

Another official interviewed by this publication extended: "Here locally our tourism andd business take in thousands and thousands of dollars annually. If the public continues to get wind of this, we are doomed. We need the head of the county - COUNTY JUDGE LOYD NEAL to ask the CCREDC for Ms. Lago to step down or immedially pull out of having any association with the CCREDC… As for County Commissioner Mike Pusley (being present), he should appologize for the rash statements he also made on the talk program hosted by Jim Lago.”

Buy many officials claim that County Loyd Neal is part of the notorious NETWORK FOR PROFIT connection in Nueces County. “He is about self-service, not public service by being affiliated with the CCREDC. It is a clique of government-business connection. It is about how they can use your tax-dollars to make a profit. The CCREDC has failed even to produce more than one-percent of job growth in the region. It has been a miserable failure; yet they get over a million dollars in funding from the City of Corpus Christi and the Port and the Type A board,” a member of the Type A board shared the insight. He continued: “Calling Latinos here in the U.S.A. or Mexico thugs, pimps, murders, anchor babies has to stop immediately. I personally feel that what Jim Lago did this morning on radio cannot be 'undone'... since his wife is in a 'top' post and funded by our citizens' dollars.’"

Records show that County Judge Loyd Neal in the last few years reactivated an alliance and partnership with the CCREDC, after previous judges such as Richard Borchard and Terry Shamsie had pulled out from it -- realizing the poor grade the CCREDC had in both bringing in or maintaining jobs, businesses and industry. The CCREDC has been dominated by an “elite” group of businessmen and politicians that want seem to want to maintain a monopoly on the contracts of both local government and non-profit entities. Critics charge that the core group of the CCREDC is historically catenated with County Judge Neal since he was mayor of Corpus Christi.

PRESIDENT CALDERON’S ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS -- Congressman's Ortiz Response

To watch President Calderon’s address to a joint session of Congress, click here.

WASHINGTON--U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz (D-Texas) today released the following statement after the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, addressed a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill:

“This morning, President Calderon addressed Members of Congress – of both the House and the Senate – and shared concerns of Mexico’s current state of affairs. During President Calderon’s address to Congress, he spoke about the violence along the U.S.-Mexico border, the war on organized criminal activity, the country’s economic state, the dynamics of trade between both countries, current immigration policies in the United States and the strong ties Mexico and the United States have.

“I stand by President Calderon as we work to better the social and economic interests of Mexico and the United States. During his address today, President Calderon said he wants North America to be one of the strongest and most prosperous regions of the world. I too share that vision and goal.

“In December 2009, Congressman Luis Gutierrez and I introduced a comprehensive immigration reform plan that is a step in the right direction for this country.

“Through this bill we would ensure our borders are safe and secure while making certain millions of people who live in this country have access to a path to residency and citizenship.

“Undocumented immigrants currently living in this country would have to register with the government, pay all taxes, pay a $500 fine, submit to thorough criminal and security background checks, learn English and U.S. civics to be considered for a six year conditional visa. After the six year period, those people living here with a visa are eligible to apply for residency. This bill would allow millions of people living in this country the right to integrate into this society.

“We need a system that is tough on enforcement, fair to taxpayers, and our workforce. A new system that ends exploitation and abuses that are everywhere in our current system and I know this plan does that.

"This year marks the final year of the three-year Merida Initiative, and the U.S. Congress and President Obama’s administration are working closely, together with counterparts in Mexico, to develop the next phase of assistance.

“As I have emphasized, the new assistance package to Mexico must encompass investments in four critical areas: 1) assistance to help Mexico continue to disrupt the organizational capacity of the drug cartels; 2) efforts to strengthen Mexico's institutional capacity to enforce the rule of law, particularly with respect to the judicial process; 3) investments in 21st century technologies and initiatives at our ports of entry that strengthen security while supporting vibrant cross-border trade and commerce and; 4) investments in social and economic development initiatives for local communities ravaged by violence and efforts to curb drug demand.

“I am committed to these causes and reiterate my support to President Calderon, his administration and the people of Mexico.”

Anna Maria Jimenez Chosen By Republican Precinct Chairs to be their Candidate for District Attorney

Nueces County, TX -- Last night Anna Maria Jimenez was chose by the majority of the precinct chairs of the Republican Party to be the candidate for Nueces County District Attorney in the special election in November. Jimenez was chosen over James Sales (who has also worked for the District Attorney’s office). The chairs made their decision after listening to the two latter persons overall views and rationale for seeking office. “They were passionate speeches; strongly charged,” an insider reported.

Jimenez, despite the fact that some within the Republican Party and withing the DA's office tried to target her and put her in a negative light, received the support of twenty-six precinct chairs; Sales, sixteen. Jimenez, who was appointed by Governor Rick Perry as an interim a few months ago. However, her “reorganization” of the department did cause a stir. An ex-exployee, Sandra Eastwood, did use alot of her media connections to make Jimenez seem like a RINO (Republican In Name Only). But Ms. Eastwood over did it and thus cloyed the effectiveness of her ruse.

Jimenez was appointed after Carlos Valdez left to work for the City of Corpus Christi.

Jimenez, who has considerable connections to prominent Democratic groups, will run as a Rebpublican Candiate against the Democratic Candidate. She maintains that she is a conservative and a fiscal conservative as well as continue to be tough on crime. Many pragmatic Republicans see her as the elemental "chip" to open a floodgate that will attract upperly mobile and ambitious Latinos with conservative values and ideas into the party.

TAFT’S POWER STRUCTURE'S TRIAL OF EL DEFENZOR – WAS IT A SETUP? - Part 1 of 2

Taft, TX (Tuesday, May 18, 2010) -- Homer Villarreal (founder of El Defenzor newspaper) and Andrew Hall (a Taft resident who distributes the same paper) were found guilty of violating ordinance # 836 – an ordinance passed by the Taft City Council targeting EL DEFENZOR newspaper (a free publication) from being distributed in yards of residents (nor being delivered door-to-door in certain homes that appear in a newly created “no visitors’ list” that is posted in city hall).

What is ordinance #836? A city ordinance that prohibits the free newspapers (e.g., such as El Defenzor) to be thrown in yards. The ordinance only allows subscription newspapers (e.g., the Corpus Christi Caller-times and the local Taft Tribute newspapers that right - the ones you pay for) to be distributed. The ordinance also created a "no visitors' list".

The staff of El Defenzor, under the ordinance, is allowed to visit homes to ask resident if they want an edition of their newspaper only 30 minutes after the sun comes out; until 30 minutes before it gets dark. They cannot leave a newspaper on the yard nor the home. To iterate, it cannot visit residences that appear in the "No Visitor's list."

How did this ordinance come about? It was passed after El Defenzor wrote a critical article of the political tenure of Mayor Bobby Vega's eight months in office. El Defenzor pointed out how removed the platform under which the mayor ran was from the actions he had taken. The article also questioned the past ethical behavior of "Sid" Arismendez, the new city attorney... Soon after the article appeared, the mayor instructed Arismendez to craft an ordinance (which for the most part targeted El Defenzor). Soon after the ordinance was voted on and adopted by the authority of the Mayor and two city councilmen (a majority). Mr. Homer Villarreal, the founder of El Defenzor a few days after challenged the ordinance by throwing a newspaper in the mayor's yard. He was ticketed for violating the mentioned ordinance. He was also given a warning citation for trespassing on the yard of the mayor's residence.

They were both (Villarreal and Hall) represented by Attorney Mark Di Carlo – who did a luminous job: pointing out immediately that a copy of the “newspaper” had not been entered into evidence by the prosecutor (and thus had no legal basis to proceed with the trial). The two cited individuals (Villarreal and Hall) were tried in separate bench trials. [Note: A “bench trial” is when the verdit of “guilt” or “innocence” is left up to the judge to make and not a jury].

Villarreal was fined $500; Hall, $250. Villarreal was fined for throwing a paper in the yard of Mayor Bobby Vega’s home. Hall was fined for attempting to deliver a paper to two residential homes that appeared in a “no visitors’ list” (mentioned in the ordinance). Hall had at the outset been given two tickets (or citations) for being in violation of Ordinance #836 as mentioned – but in court one of the tickets had to be dropped because one of his accusers failed to show up to the hearing. However, the other remaining citation, was tried in court. A Ms. O’Grady (an intimate friend of the Mayor’s) accused Hall (about a month after the ordinance was passed) of attempting to deliver a paper to her home (she claimed her signature appeared in a written request to place her in the “no visitor’s list).

Ms. O’Grady said she first saw Hall talking to her neighbor’s when the incident occurred. “I noticed him when I stared out the window of the living room. Hall’s attorney asked: “How did you know a paper was going to be delivered to your home?” She responded: “I know the newspaper; I’ve seen it before.”

Hall’s attorney: “Are you familiar with the newspaper?”

O’Grady: “Yes.”

Hall’s attorney: “Do you think you can provide an accurate, unbias opinion of the paper here in court today?”

O’Grady: “Yes.”

Hall’s Attorney: “So when you saw Mr. Hall from the window of you living room, you had problems with the paper being delivered to your house?”

O’Grady: “Yes. I signed to be included in the ‘No Visitors’ List.’”

Hall’s Attorney: “So you do have a bias and a bad impression of the newspaper?”

O’Grady: “Yes, I’ve seen the paper. I think it is not a newspaper, but (staring at Mayor Vega) more of a tabloid.”

Hall’s Attorney: “What makes you say that?”

O’Grady: “About four years ago my ex-boyfriend was mentioned in one of the articles (in a negative light).”

Hall’s Attorney: “Oh, so seeing you ex-boyfriend in an article made you get a bad impression of the paper?”

O’Grady: “Yes.”

Hall’s Attorney: “So where were you when Mr. Hall approached you?”

O’Grady: “By then, I was in the backyard with the phone in my hall. I called 911 immediately.”

Hall’s Attorney: “No more your honor.”

After Hall was found guilty by Judge Carmen Herrera, Attorney Di Carlo, who had done a superb, sort of compromisingly asked the judge to lower Mr. Hall’s fine from $500 to about $100. “Your honor, he is a man of modest means your honor and he does not get paid for delivering the paper.” The judge, sensing the weak case that the acting prosecutor had presented against Mr. Hall, agreed to lower the fine to $250.

[Initial note: EL After Hall’s hearing. Homer Villarreal’s took place. It proceeded.

Villarreal’s attorney claimed ordinance #836 was did not apply to El Defenzor because it was not “a flyer, handout nor was the paper considered a canvassor.”

Prosecutor Armendariz argued that he had superbly crafted the ordinance to make sure it included a newspaper. Di Carlo were into detail defining the role of a newspaper as opposed to a commericial endeavor – pointing out the publication was free and that no donations were solicited and that it did not even have any advertisement from San Patriocio businesses or persons.

Mr. Vilarreal said his objective of serving the area was to serve the community by giving them another perspective. He pointed out that he felt he was “innocent” yet he had throw a paper in the mayor’s yard as a symbolic challenge to the ordinance.

The mayor's wife was called to the stand. She exaggerated her claim. She said Villarreal stepped on her yard and threw a newspaper and knocked on her door and so forth". For the record, local media that was present on that momentous day, have pointed out that he never stepped on the yard and threw the paper from the street. A television reporter stated during one of his reports that it was he and he alone that knocked on the Vega home. "I told Sid Almendarez that: yet I have never been issued a citation for tress passing or being in violation of the ordinance."

As the judge found him guilty. Mayor Vega in the back jerked his arm as if saying: “Yes! We got him,” one observer shared. has ten days to appeal the decision of the Taft Municipal Court. An Appeal Bond of $1500 will have to be covered - twice the amount of the total citations.]