La Joya ISD School Board: A Valley "Jewel" of Shame?

On Friday, OCtober 19, 2007, Judge Fred Hinojosa stated

"Our system of government depends on free and fair elections. I find that the La Joya ISD school board election of May 12, 2007, and specifically the polling places at Bentsen Elementary and E.B. Reyna Elementary was anything but free and fair.”

“I find that the contestants have proven by clear and convincing evidence that illegal votes were counted, that the officials failed to count some legal votes, and that the election officers engaged in fraud, illegal conduct and made mistakes all of which materially affected the outcome of the election.”

“I find that the number of illegal votes is greater than the number of votes necessary to change the outcome of the two places on the ballot.”

“However, I cannot ascertain the true outcome of the election.”

“Therefore, I declare the La Joya ISD school board election of May 12, 2007 to be void.”

“I order the La Joya Independent School District to conduct a new election for school board trustees on February the 16th of 2008.”

When was the last time an election was declared "Void" in Hidalgo County. Wow.

Meanwhile, Espie Ochoa and Arturo Gonzalez, Jr., the candidates in question, are allowed to sit and vote on the La Joya School Board until a new election occurs.

Oh yeah, new election- how is that going?

According to Sara Perkins of The Monitor

Little progress has been made in the La Joya school board election case even though an appeal in the overturning of that election is supposed to be on the fast track.

If the process does not get moving soon the election may have to be postponed until after March's primary election.

Ramon Garcia, attorney for Garza and Villarreal told The Monitor "Hopefully, its not an intentional delay. We're hopeful that all the timetables will be complied with"

Hopefully.

The opposition also had hoped for perjury charges against the LJISD election judge Aida Rivas and La Joya Board members Johnn Alaniz , Rita "New town sheRuff" Uresti and Fito "I hate liars" Salinas.

Any progress there? Anyone, anyone?

I find it hard to tell you, Cos I find it hard to take, when people run in circles, it's a very, very Mad World