Please provide a brief biographical background that includes the high school from which you graduated and the school at which you earned your undergraduate degree and your law degree. Include, if you wish, the neighborhood in which you were raised, the names of your parents, the number of siblings in your family, the name of your spouse (if you have one), the names of your children. If you are not from Laredo originally, please give us a brief narrative along the same lines as above.
Margarito Benavides, Jr.: I graduated from J.W. Nixon High School in 1980. I then attended Laredo Community College in 1980, where I proceeded to take business curriculum. I was raised in the Heights area by my parents, the late Macaria and Margarito Benavides, Sr., with my siblings, Margie (Ernest) Miller and José de Jesus Benavides. I currently reside in Laredo with my wife, Sylvia, and my daughters Alexa, 10, and Alyssa, 7.
Diana Navarro: I am proud to be a native Laredoan! I was born on March 31, 1959, and raised as the only child in a family of humble means. My mother, Godfray P. Navarro, was a housewife, while my father, Magdaleno Navarro, was the foreman at the old City Lumber Company for over 36 years. We lived in a small house that my father rented from the Leyendecker family which was located on the same block as the lumberyard on Washington St. in the El Cuatro neighborhood. The lumberyard was my "backyard;" I even learned to drive forklifts and tractors way before I learned to drive a car. By raising me in this environment, my father taught me the value of hard, honest work, while my mother imbued in me a strong sense of morality and responsibility to others. At the age of nine I lost my mother to cervical cancer and Dad was left to raise a little girl all by himself. Those who know me best know that the bond I share with my father is strong and unbreakable. As a matter of fact, throughout my career, both in college and since, no matter where I've gone my father has been right by my side. I attended Urbahn Elementary School, Christen Junior High School, and was a Graduating Junior member of the Martin High School Class of 1976, graduating fourth in a class of 500. In 1977, at the age of 18, I obtained my cosmetology degree from Laredo Beauty College and was inducted into the Who's Who Among American Cosmetologists. After graduating from cosmetology school, I attended the Elkins Institute for Broadcasting in San Antonio. I paid my way through broadcasting school by working in a beauty salon. In 1978, I obtained my First Class Radiotelephonic License from the FCC, and began working in radio as an announcer. I worked as a Spanish radio announcer for two years in San Antonio and then returned to Laredo where I continued my work in radio and television. While working as a broadcaster, I continued my studies at Laredo Junior College, where I was inducted into the Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Laredo State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in December 1983. I then attended the University of Texas School of Law from 1984 through 1986. After two and a half years of law school, I obtained my Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in December 1986. Doctorate in hand, I came back to the Gateway City and began my legal career by working for Judge Raul Vasquez as his court coordinator/law clerk from January 1987 to November 1988. I held the same title again from November 1988 to November 1989 when I became Judge Elma Salinas Ender's court coordinator/law clerk. As for my family life, I currently enjoy the company of my beloved father, my three dogs, and my two cats. However, I do look forward to one day starting a family of my own.
Alfonso H. Ornelas: I was born on July 12, 1966, at Mercy Hospital in Laredo. My parents are Alfonso H. Ornelas, Sr., (deceased) and Sylvia V. Ornelas; both were life long educators in Laredo. Our family was honored to have a school named after my father, and my mother continues to serve as one of its board of directors. I was raised in a house between the old air force base and the Retama neighborhoods. I am the middle child, and have two sisters. My sisters are Sylvia M. Ornelas and María-Luisa ("Mary Lou") Ornelas-June. My sisters are both attorneys, with Sylvia concentrating on protecting the rights of abused family members as part of the District Attorney's Family Violence Unit. I have the honor of being married to my high school sweetheart, Adriana S. García. I am the proud father of two young children, Alejandra Selina Ornelas, age 4, and Alfonso Hynes Ornelas III, age one year.
I'm a graduate of J.W. Nixon High School. I earned my undergraduate degree in liberal arts at the University of Texas at Austin and my law degree from the Law School of Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma City, OK.
José S. Tellez: I was born on January 21, 1954, in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, to Martha Ludivina Serna and José Israel Tellez. I am the youngest of two siblings. I have one sister, Martha L. Jaquez. I immigrated to the United States on January 18, 1956. I was raised in the Pilsen and Little Village neighborhood of the west side of Chicago. I was educated in the public and parochial elementary schools
of Chicago and graduated from St. Rita of Cascia High School in 1971. I received my Bachelors of Arts, Major in Political Science, in 1975 and my Master of Science in Education, Major in Educational Administration, in 1979 from Northern Illinois University. In 1981 I received my Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois' College of Law at Champaign, Illinois.
I am married to Gloria E. Trinidad, formerly of Lake Station, Indiana.
We have four children -- José Salvador II, a graduate of the University of Indiana, School of Law, Class of 2001; Alicia Ramona, a junior at Texas A&M International University; Amy Rebecca, a junior at John B. Alexander Magnet High School; and Roberto Enrique, an eighth grade student at United Middle School.
In July of 1983, I moved to Laredo (by choice) to become associated with Allan C. Skinner. Since my arrival in Laredo, I have served as the Associate Municipal Court Judge, the City Attorney of Laredo, the City Attorney of Rio Bravo, and the Election Judge for 75% of the local elections in Webb County.

How long have you been a practicing attorney?
Benavides: Being an attorney is not a prerequisite to be a Municipal Court Judge. I am a local businessman who is interested in improving the relationship between my community and our municipal government. I know that I can serve my community better as a full-time Municipal Court Judge.
Navarro: I have been a practicing attorney for 12 years, having become licensed to practice law in the State of Texas in November 1989. In November 1995 I also became licensed to practice law before U.S. District Court within the Southern District of Texas. My experience includes stints with the District Attorney's office, where I began as Assistant District Attorney assigned to handle the prosecution of all misdemeanor cases and ended up prosecuting felony sexual assault cases; the Laredo City Attorney's office, where I handled the prosecution of cases at the Municipal Court; the Laredo Legal Aid Society as a staff attorney; Texas Rural Legal Aid as a contract attorney in a class-action suit; Laredo Junior College (now LCC) as a part time professor in the Criminal Justice Department; and the Webb County Public Defender's Office practicing Criminal Defense in misdemeanor and felony cases. I have also maintained my own private practice at several points along the way, both on my own and as an affiliate or partner with several other local attorneys.
Ornelas: I have been practicing law for seven and a half years since my admittance to the bar in May 1994.
Tellez: Including third year law practice, I have been practicing law since 1980.

What experience do you have as a trial lawyer? How many years in the courtroom?
Benavides: I have served the City of Laredo for many years in different municipal offices, and I have interacted with Laredoans on a one to one basis. I have gained the experience of mediating the people's concerns and executing solutions that benefit both the citizens and their city.
Navarro: I have been a trial lawyer appearing before the bench since being licensed in 1989. As an Assistant Public Defender, I handled hundreds of cases before County Court at Law Number One. At that time, this was the only County Court at Law and I was the only attorney assigned to these cases. As a staff attorney with the Laredo Legal Aid Society, I was also assigned hundreds of cases, divorces, and other family law cases that were mostly dealt with in the County Courts at Law, and landlord-tenant and other civil cases heard by various Justices of the Peace. With the District Attorney's office, the number of misdemeanor cases I personally dealt with soared into the thousands per year. I was eventually promoted to the Sexual Assault Unit where I mostly prosecuted physical and sexual assault cases of children. And of course as a private attorney, I have appeared before the courts in hundreds of juvenile, probate, criminal, and family matters, including matters presented before Immigration Judges and Social Security Administrative Judges.
Ornelas: While in law school at Oklahoma City University, I was introduced to the art of courtroom advocacy. Before graduation, I had the unique opportunity to represent members of the different Indian Nations before the tribal court. It was at this early stage of my professional preparation that I experienced a true trial setting as it afforded me the opportunity to be in court. Since obtaining my license, I have been actively engaged in private practice. As a private practitioner, I have litigated before juries in both civil and criminal cases at the state and federal levels. I have had the opportunity to practice before the Fourth Court of Appeals of Texas, and the United States Fifth Circuit Court in New Orleans, Louisiana. In total, I have been in the courtroom litigating for seven and a half years.
Tellez: I have been a trial lawyer for 21 years. Annually, I try more than 25 cases before state and/or administrative law judges and state and/or federal judges. In the area of environmental law, I have been local counsel for the Plaintiffs in the Río Grande International Study Center, María Gonzalez, Guadalupe Elizondo, and David J. Brask, Plaintiffs vs. U.S. Department of Defense and William S. Cohen in his official capacity as Secretary of Defense, U.S. Army Corps Engineers and Robert M. Walker in his official capacity as Acting Secretary of the Army, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and Janet Reno in her official capacity as Attorney General of the United States.

Considering the qualifications of the other candidates, please explain what best qualifies you for the position of Municipal Court Judge.
Benavides: I have 20 years of experience working in municipal government. I was elected to the City Council in 1984, where I gained first-hand experience assessing municipal issues and proposing solutions for the betterment of Laredo and its citizens. I was appointed to Laredo's Planning and Zoning Board in 1990, and as chairperson I coordinated meetings between the citizens, city personnel, and the board. I am presently serving on Laredo's Airport Advisory Board. I have proven that I am a determined individual and dedicated to the City of Laredo and its improvement, and this qualifies me as the best candidate for Municipal Court Judge.
Navarro: Experience counts for a lot. And even though I believe that my wealth of experience would serve me well were I to be elected Municipal Court Judge, I feel that my truest and greatest strength would come from the lessons that I learned from my parents as a child. My sense of fairness, morality, and justice, and my belief that each and every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, would help me make the Municipal Court what I believe it should be: the People's Court.
Ornelas: Because of the scope and limitations of this article, I will highlight the qualifications that set me apart from the other candidates:
a.) Community Involvement -- Upon acceptance into the State Bar of Texas in 1994, I returned to Laredo and have been intensely involved in numerous civic organizations. I am an active member of the board of directors of the following: Casa de Misericordia, Laredo Boys and Girls Club, Laredo Legal Aid, and Laredo Amateur Boxing Association.
I am also a member of LULAC Council #12, the Domestic Violence Coalition, and the Laredo Daybreak Rotary Club. Additionally; I am an active member and past President of the Young Lawyers Association.
b.) Youth Involvement -- I am a firm believer in education. My parents each worked for almost 40 years in the local school system. Also, my grandmother as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins have dedicated themselves to the education of the children of Laredo. Every year I am invited to be a guest speaker at Career Day in several of the local schools, and have participated in numerous Red Ribbon celebrations. I have participated as a coach in mock trials and school-sponsored activities intended to instill in the students the desire to pursue higher education. As a professional, I believe that we should reach out to kids and hope to make a difference in their lives.
c.) Present Associate Municipal Court Judge -- I have been an Associate Judge for the past two years. Laredo is a dynamic city that changes, literally, overnight. As an Associate Judge, I am aware of the present needs of the community and of the pressing future needs. Our Mayor recently stated that the City of Laredo swells to a quarter of a million people during the day. These commuting individuals come from the surrounding municipalities such as El Cenizo and Río Bravo.
The surrounding municipalities are likewise experiencing growing pain similar to those of Laredo. In 1997, I had the opportunity to serve as City Attorney for Río Bravo. As City Attorney, I learned the importance of creating and having an effective and efficient municipal court that expedites the resolution of cases. I will make it the priority of my administration to further increase efficiency through streamlining and the use of technology.
Tellez: Professionally, my tenure as the Associate Municipal Court Judge (1986-1992), City Attorney for Laredo (1992-1994), and City Attorney for Río Bravo (1994 -1995), has provided me with the experience necessary to be an effective player in the administration of justice.

How would you go about better understanding City of Laredo environmental ordinances that are on the books so that you could better match fines and consequences to environmental crimes and infractions such as illegal dumping?
Benavides: The problem is not in the understanding of the ordinance, it is in the enforcing of said ordinances. Many times politics plays a role in the enforcement of ordinances. I will be a fair and impartial judge. If environmental ordinances are not heeded, then the violators should pay the fine.
Navarro: In light of the Laredo City Council's recent creation of the Environmental Advisory Committee, I would work hand in hand with this committee, the City Attorney's office, and respective city depart ments to review existing ordinances. Together, I believe we would be able to reach a consensus and recommend to City Council which ordinances need to be amended, revised, created, or eliminated. I would also confer with the Fire Department, Police Department, and Code Enforcement Division as to ways in which enforcement could be improved.
Ornelas: I would seek a deeper understanding of the City of Laredo environmental ordinances by implementing the following:
a.) As a Judge, I have been privileged to meet with different citizen advisory groups as they discuss submission of environmental ordinances to our City Council. This unique opportunity allows me to understand their intent for writing and passing these ordinances.
b.) Open Door Policy -- As a Judge, I will make myself available to the community to hear their concerns in regard to the enforcement of environment ordinances.
c.) Conduct workshops with ordinance enforcement officers, elected officials, and more importantly the community, to discuss issues, enforcement, and legislative intent with regard to environment ordinances.
Tellez: One of the basic responsibilities of any judge within our American judicial system is to have a profound knowledge and respect of the laws that she or he must interpret and apply to ensure justice is done.
As a former city attorney as well as a former municipal court judge for the City of Laredo, I have a profound knowledge and respect for our local laws, including all of our environmental ordinances.
Indeed, as a former city attorney I have prosecuted violators, and as a former Municipal Court Judge I have judged and sentenced violators of such ordinances. A city ordinance states what act or conduct is prescribed or proscribed under it, as well as what penalties may be imposed for violating it. Judges do not make laws, they interpret and apply the laws. Our local environmental ordinances, such as those that make solid or hazardous waste dumping illegal, are designed to match the fine and consequences to the environmental crime or infraction. An "unauthorized [hazardous material] discharge" under our "Environmental Protection" ordinance, for example, is punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000 per
importantly the community, to discuss issues, enforcement, and legislative intent with regard to environment ordinances.
Tellez: One of the basic responsibilities of any judge within our American judicial system is to have a profound knowledge and respect of the laws that she or he must interpret and apply to ensure justice is done.
As a former city attorney as well as a former municipal court judge for the City of Laredo, I have a profound knowledge and respect for our local laws, including all of our environmental ordinances.
Indeed, as a former city attorney I have prosecuted violators, and as a former Municipal Court Judge I have judged and sentenced violators of such ordinances. A city ordinance states what act or conduct is prescribed or proscribed under it, as well as what penalties may be imposed for violating it. Judges do not make laws, they interpret and apply the laws. Our local environmental ordinances, such as those that make solid or hazardous waste dumping illegal, are designed to match the fine and consequences to the environmental crime or infraction. An "unauthorized [hazardous material] discharge" under our "Environmental Protection" ordinance, for example, is punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000 per violation.
In determining the fine, the Municipal Court Judge should consider all relevant circumstances, and may include the weighing of such factors as the nature and persistence of the violation, and the frequency of past violations and corrective action, if any, taken by the violator. Because one of the cornerstones of the quality of life of any community is the quality of its natural environment, the failure of any person to respect our city's environmental ordinances will be taken very seriously in my court, and the fine and consequences for violating these local laws will have to match the environmental crime or infraction committed. No one should walk away from an illegal waste dumping violation with a slap of the hand when a slap of the maximum fine could be more appropriate. It is only with such judicial action that such laws may become an effective means of getting all of us to comply with our local environmental laws.

What can the Municipal Court do to make this City cleaner
and more environmentally in step with the rest of the State of Texas?
Benavides: As a full-time judge, I will work with the citizens of Laredo to advocate the importance of environmental awareness and the necessity to live in a cleaner, better environment.
Navarro: I am a firm believer in communication between the citizens of Laredo and their Municipal Court Judge. My early experiences as a member of the media taught me the importance of "getting the message out." That exactly what would be required in the effort to keep Laredo "Green." My platform emphasizes the importance of keeping the populace informed by a highly visible Municipal Court presence. Through various means such as a current and continuously updated website, visiting schools, civic organizations meetings, and media events and other public forums, environmental issues and concerns as expressed through the daily workings of the Municipal Court could then be disseminated more thoroughly. News items on events of environmental interest such as the Dia del Río and participation in other environmental programs could also be emphasized. And my platform commitment to an educational program aimed not only at school children but at the entire community could also be brought to bear on this important issue.
Ornelas: The Code of Judicial Conduct prevents a Judge from advocating any particular position. However, the court is afforded the ability to assist the community in assuring that all complaints are expeditiously processed.
Tellez: A Municipal Court can and should play a significant role in making our city's environment cleaner and in step with the leading environmentally progressive cities in the State. A Municipal Court Judge must take the lead in ensuring that our City's environmental laws are respected and taken seriously by all of our residents. Such a policy will be in force throughout my tenure as your Municipal Court Judge and those persons found guilty of such environmental crimes, after a fair trial, will have to be accountable for their action. It should never be cheaper to violate our environmental laws than to comply with them. However, it would be unwise for me to say that the latter would be enough. There are other ways that our city's environmental laws will come to be respected and complied with: education and community service. I plan to work hand-in-hand with the city attorney, the city officials, the fire chief, the Citizen's Environmental Committee, and the city's new Environmental Services Department in forging an education and informational campaign to raise our residents' awareness of our environmental ordinances, how and why compliance with them is important for all of us, and why there must be imposed fines and consequences for violating them.
But it's important that the people not just fear the individual penal consequences for committing an "environmental crime;" they must also fear the consequences that such "crimes" will have on the quality of our community's environment. Thus, traditional legal penalties, such as fines, are simply not going to be enough to stop illegal waste dumping. As Municipal Court Judge, I would consider imposing on environmental law violators the requirement that they attend a course on a "a safe and healthy environment" and do community service with the city's Environmental Services Department as part of their "punishment," not in lieu of it. I believe the forgoing policies and programs will contribute to the making of our city a cleaner, safer, and healthier place to live, work, and raise our children.