LA JOYA ISD. Definite Jewel of Shame

The courts ruled that election misconduct had indeed occured in the May 2007 LJISD School Board election that pitted incumbent Elma Garza and former LJISD board member Domingo Villareal, Jr. against incumbent, Arturo Gonzalez and new-comer Espy Ochoa. Irregularities, intimidation tactics and a great deal of incompetence was prevalent in the May election, so much so that a district judge and the Texas 13th District Court of Appeals deemed the election null and void and called for Hidalgo County to conduct another election.

A series of negative, front page headlines since 2006; blatant nepotism, an overpaid lawyer (360K per year, the highest in the valley) that may have been hired to funnel his school salary to campaign funds, along with a necessary do-over election due to the lack of "freedom and fairness" did not deter 2.500 residents from electing Arturo Gonzalez, Jr. and Espy Ochoa to the La Joya ISD Board of Directors. Ochoa and Gonzalez won their election fairly- the second time around.

But what do the numbers really tell us? A few weeks ago a Gonzalez-Ochoa supporter stated "We're going to triple those votes to prove that we need justice for everything in our school system,"

Triple, eh?

Recently, a woman by the name of Sandra Rodriguez gave the "GO-USA" ringleader Kino Flores, a long-time State Rep. with a strong financial war chest, what could be considered the fight of his life. Were it not for the financial support of buddy CradDick and other republican lobbyist buds, Flores may not have been able to hold his seat another term.

• In 2006 when Rita "big mouth" Uresti, Fito "I hate liars"Salinas, and Johnn Alaniz first took office they did so with more than 1,000 voes.
• May 2007, Espy and Arturo G may or may not have won by less than 400 votes;
• March 25, 2008, the "GO-USA" team led with way less than 150 votes.

A free and fair race it was and a very close election it was... "Triple the votes" it was NOT.  Was it good enough for the children and tax-payers of La Joya ISD? Last night, 2,500 people believed so. One can only hope that Ms. Ochoa will open her mind and think unlike her fellow counterparts, including Arturo Gonzalez, who ironically, voted to TAKE AWAY THE BUSES a few years ago.
What brought this 2 questionable candidates to victory last night? Was it voter's self-gratification? fear? retaliation?  Blind faith?

Oh wait, I know...... it was definitely the irresistible, classy charm displayed by Rita Uresti and Fito Salinas.

STAY CLASSY LA JOYA ISD.

Vroom, Vroom...Stop! La Joya ISD Brouhaha

As mentioned below, on Thursday, February 7, 2008,  the Texas Court of Appeals  upheld Judge Fred Hinojosa's decision to overturn the La Joya ISD School Board Election where Arturo Gonzalez and Esperanza Ochoa were declared winners over LJISD incumbent Elma Garza and Domingo Villareal, Jr.

Contestees' first issue is overruled. Because we have found that the trial court was presented with clear and convincing evidence that illegal votes were counted and that election judges made mistakes which materially affected and obscured the true outcome of the election, we need not address Contestees' second and third issues, for the resolution of those issues would not further affect the outcome of this appeal. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed. The trial court is instructed to immediately prescribe a new election date in accordance with the election code.

Tex.App.-Corpus Christi,2008.
Gonzalez v. Villarreal

Whether or not the GO team can further appeal their case remains unclear. However, according to Sara Perkins of The Monitor Adam Poncio, the attorney for Gonzalez and Ochoa "vowed to file an appeal, saying it was possible for the Texas Supreme Court to hear the case. "

No one from the GO camp cared to comment. 

Elma Garza on the other hand had some words to add.

“Two courts have found these people guilty of corruption,” she said. “I think it’s time to return justice to the people of La Joya.”

“Something is seriously wrong there,” she said.
So another election is to be held? When? Where? Stay tuned......

The Wrath of the West

A few weeks ago the Texas Observer ran an interesting story on the ever- graceful State Rep Kino Flores (CradDick D-36).

As most know, for the first time since he took office in 1996, Flores is facing a strong opponent in Sandra Rodriguez, a former board member of the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District and former juvenile probation officer who is being backed by Annie's List, a statewide political network that recruits, trains and financially supports Democratic women candidates so that they are credible contenders.
The article seemed to shine a different light on Kino Flores and his politics. Below are a few excerpts from the January 25 article.

Easing back in a chair in his Mission office, Flores didn’t deny he’s a browbeater, but he said he doesn’t use that tactic on people in the district. “There are some people I can bully, and I can beat the dog shit out of, and I can run off—like the lottery directors. I’ve gone through two lottery directors that I had squeezed their nuts and fired them, but not the guy on First and Matamoros.

“Cojones,” he said, is his political style in Austin. “I use them. I am not afraid to use them.”

Ok, in Austin you gotta play tough to get things done, hey if its brings in the funds and attention needed in the valley, then so be it. Right?

He is running on his record, he said, but has “everything and anything” he needs to go after Rodriguez’s husband, a former three-term state district judge who did not seek re-election. “I haven’t accused him of anything,” Flores said, “but I have a boxful, ready to go.”

"She’s got kids. She’s got these kids that are at home, that have no blame whatsoever. They don’t need to be worrying about what their mother is going to go through, or their father. You know, if she wants to go there, that’s her bag.”

Nice Mr. Representative Flores, who are you running against? Oh, silly me, I don't understand politics, Cojones, Cojones. Can't reach your target so you hit 'em where it hurts- la familia. Not a bad tactic now is it Mr. Representative? Should Rodriguez dig up some dirt on your father (mayor of Sullivan City) and father in-law (mayor of Palmview)? Don't see how classy or effective that would be, actually, it would probably pretty damn shitty, but fair. Si?..
Wait, there's more.

Rodriguez said Flores promoted a slate of candidates in the May 2007 La Joya Independent School Board elections that a state district judge ended up voiding because of irregularities. “(Flores) spent many, many days and weeks getting himself involved in a school board election instead of being out there working for the people,” Rodriguez said. Rather than focusing on his responsibilities as a legislator, she said, “he was taking care of his own needs out here.” Flores said the criticism is just politics. He shrugged off the voided election as “a judge in the pocket, that’s all it is.”

Wow! A judge in the pocket? Mr. Representative Flores , you sure does have you some loud cojones.

That must be a mighty deep and powerful pocket to stretch beyond Judge Hinojosa and onto three other judges outside of the valley. Yesterday The Monitor's Sara Perkins reported that “the Texas appeals court upheld the overturn of La Joya ISD's school board election.”

4 judges, sir, not just 1, 4. Perhaps Mr. Representative Flores, you should demand that $5,000 taken from your campaign to pay Gonzalez-Ochoa attorney Adam Poncio for this lovely battle be returned to your campaign fund. Texas Ethics Commision, Schedule F, Pg.102.

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

Happy Halloween! Boo!

Which lovely politician (local or national) will you be
dressing as on this spookish holiday?

Boo!

"I Hate Liars" LOL...

"What kind of idots do you have running this place?¨
The finest in La Joya!

La Joya ISD Election Ruled Void

A call for Opinions

If you don't already know, well, the Harmonious Anarchist has developed an independent opinion which has rolled onto this blog... Now, i would like to know what you think of your valley reps. From Eddie Lucio (Brownsville,) or Representative Armando "Mando" Martinez; Aaron Pena, or Kino Flores,etc.....For one reason or another we want to elect or NOT reelect these folks into office. Why? Why not?

At the request of several, I ask of posts ***please keep them of POLITICAL IMPORTANCE8** so that the public understands your meaning in all causes. Any posts about affairs, parenting, or anything else i see to be insignificant or un-related to WILL be removed. So. please, stick to the facts. All other skeletons will be brought elsewhere.*****

It's a Wrap- for now... La Joya ISD Update

Judge heard closing arguments from lawyers on both side of the La Joya ISD School Board election challenge. Looks like the challengers presented a good case, the strongest being the fact that over 500 people OUTSIDE of the district did indeed vote in this district. (that means ILLEGAL votes) Both Garza and Villarreal lost their elections by little under 400 votes.

Lawyers for La Joya ISD had a difficult time challenging a few arguments, - they called only 1 witness on their behalf. It is now up to Judge Hinojosa to determine whether or not the evidence presented should warrant a new election.

Meanwhile, the La Joya School Board will be having a meeting tonight at their Central Office Board room at 6:30.

Kino's Got an Opponent

Sandra Rodriguez officially announced her bid to oust Craddick sycophant Kino Flores in the race for the District 36 seat.

Rodriguez launches campaign for District 36 House seat

A native of Mission, Rodriguez is a former probation officer and high school teacher. She is married to former State district Judge Fernando Mancias and has four children.

Rodriguez has stated she wants to increase funding for the Childeren's Health Insurance Program. She has already received the backing of Annie's List, a "statewide political network that recruits, trains and financially supports Democratic women candidates so that they are credible contenders."

While Flores may have the advantage of being the incumbent, his track record in the Legislature has been criticized. From his open support of Republican House Speaker Tom Craddick to his absence during the Voter Id Bill which would require voters to show photo identification in addition to their voter registration card.

Flores claims he was "sick" that day. Sick? When the Bill reached the Senate, Senator Mario Gallegos who was recovering from a liver transplant, defied doctors orders, traveled to the Capitol, and remained in a hospital bed outside the senate chambers for more than 48 hours to block the voter ID bill that narrowly passed the House. With the help of the ailing Gallegos, the bill died in the Senate and failed to become a law. Speculation suggest that Flores was too busy campaigning for the 2007 La Joya ISD School Board election, but Flores claims he was sick.

In Texas Monthly's Best and Worst of 2007, Flores was given a DIS-Honorable mention.

Kino Flores is one of the least trusted members. He operates in the dark corners of the Legislature.”When he presented his bill to provide tax breaks for RV trailers in Hidalgo County, he represented that local officials supported his bill and that no other county was affected. Neither was true.

Kino Flores lied? Gasp.

Stay tuned..........

La Joya ISD Goes to Court .Vrom Vroom!

Day three of the La Joya ISD School Board election challenge is to be taking place this morning. As mentioned before, Judge Hinojosa had already granted former County Judge Ramon Garcia permission to videotape depositions of over a dozen people who may have behaved badly during the May 12 School Board election. Now depositions have ended and the case is being heard by Judge Fred Hinojosa.

The suit, filed by opposing candidates Elma Garza and Domingo Villareal, Jr. shortly after Arturo Gonzalez and Esperanza Ochoa were sworn in, alleges that:
x
* More than 400 votes were improperly counted
* People registered outside LJISD were allowed to vote and their votes were allowed to be counted (confirmed by the Hidalgo County Elections Administrator Teresa Navarro)
* LJISD election employees prevented eligible voters from voting.
* UNAUTHORIZED people were allowed to work as clerks or judges

According to The Monitor

Questioning has centered around four election officials: Linda Tijerina and Aida Rivas -- both also Palmview city employees -- Max Montelongo and Gloria Amador. The four were judges or clerks at Bentsen and E. B. Reyna elementaries. Team USA member Johnn Alaniz, a La Joya board member, is the city manager of Palmview.

Also on the witnesses list: Sofia Villareal who served as the election judge for La Joya ISD, Irene Garcia, a politiquera, mother in law to State Rep. Kino Flores who pretty much called the shots for the Ochoa and Gonzalez camp, and wife of Palmview mayor Jorge Garcia, and La Joya Board member Rita Uresti who is married to an alderman from Palmview. His name? Antonio Uresti, a middle school principal who was promoted to Asst. Superintendent shortly after TEA declared his school "unsatisfactory."

There were four voting locations for this election. Sullivan City, La Joya, Penitas, and Palmview. Where did most of these complaints occur? Palmview. Who are the alleged culprits in this election challenge? Not the candidates themselves, but individuals connected to Palmview.

Y'all see a pattern here?????

Photo of participants in the Ochoa-Gonzalez campaign. Top: State Representative Kino Flores. Bottom: School Board member Rita Uresti, and Irene Garcia.

**UPDATE: ** The Monitor has reported that closing arguments are set for tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. How long will the judge take to make a decision? I will try to make my way to the courthouse tommorow and report the news, hopefully, before 5pm tomorow. No telling what will turn up.