The race for Webb County Commissioners Court Pct. 1

 

Incumbent Webb County commissioner Jerry Vasquez faces challengers Rolando Herrera, José R. Perez, Jr., and Frank Sciaraffa in the upcoming March 9 primary.

Jerry Vasquez attended J.W. Nixon High School and received a BAS in Criminal Justice and a BA in Political Science from Texas A & M International University . He is married to Adriana García Vasquez, who has been a schoolteacher at Honore Ligarde Elementary School for the past 12 years. He has four children, two of whom have graduated from high school and two that are presently attending local schools. Before becoming County Commissioner in 2004, Vasquez was employed as a Probation Officer and also as Project Director for the Drug Related Gang Violence Project funded by the federal government.

Rolando Herrera, a Cigarroa High School counselor, holds a BA and a Master's in Education. He is a graduate of St. Augustine High School and a U.S. Army veteran. He is a past president of LULAC Council #624 and past chair of the Webb County Democratic Party. He is also a member of Knights of Columbus #2304 and of American Legion Post #59.

José R. Perez, Jr., is a lifelong resident of the Santo Niño barrio and Precinct 1. He is married to Idalia Perez, his wife of 32 years, and they have five children and two grandchildren -- Monica, a teacher at Cigarroa Middle School; José III, a teacher at Alma Pierce Elementary; Rebecca and Agapito, who attend TAMIU; Gerardo, a Santo Niño Elementary school student; and grandson Henry and granddaughter Andrea.

Perez is a 1968 graduate of United High School , a 1970 graduate of Laredo Junior College , and a 1972 graduate of Texas A&I University. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration. He is certified in LDD/Bilingual, All Levels Reading Specialist, Conflict Resolution Mediator, and School Transportation Specialist. His career with Laredo ISD includes 12 years as a classroom teacher and 19 years in administration. Currently, he is the Director of Transportation for LISD. In addition to many community functions, he has served as an elected official as City Councilman District 1 for two terms (eight years), where he also served as Mayor Pro Tempore.

Frank Sciaraffa, a bailiff for Webb County , did not respond to this query as of press time.

 

Why would you best serve the constituents of Precinct I?

Jerry Vasquez: I strongly believe that my independent voting record speaks for itself. I have kept my promise of standing up against private interest groups that have tried to exploit the taxpayer's money and have never allowed my personal interest or the threat of not being re-elected in doing what is right for our constituents.

Rolando Herrera: There are other individuals who are also qualified running for the position of Pct. 1. My reasons for seeking this office is that there are some areas that need additional help such as economic development, more assistance to the small business sector, support of educators and parents in the education of the youth. We need a skilled workforce, etc. People in Precinct 1 have a choice - vote!

Jose R. Perez, Jr.: My strong family values, education, work ethics, and successful public service experience as a school district employee and City Councilman provide a very broad and stable base that promotes and ensures that the well-being of all citizens of Webb County is priority.

What kind of fiscal experience or expertise do you have? Have you ever had responsibility or accountability for public money?

Vasquez: During my first term of office, I have had the opportunity to work on three different $50 million county budgets along with $9.5 million from the Head Start program, $3.1 million from the Community Action Agency, and $33.7 million of state and federal grants. I have acquired a tremendous amount of budgetary experience from having served as chairman or a member of numerous committees such as the Webb County Purchasing Board, Mental Health Mental Retardation (MHMR) Board, South Texas Development Council, Border Area Nutritional Council, and the Webb County Appraisal District.

Herrera: I served in the Laredo Housing Authority for a number of years and one major responsibility was to review and approve funds for construction, program operation, etc. As a commissioner, I would safeguard taxpayers' monies, as major cuts in funding at the state and national level are already occurring. In major construction projects, cost overruns need to be avoided. They are costly. Also the purchasing of materials and supplies might need to be examined.

Perez: I have fiscal experience on a personal and family life basis, critical fiscal assessment and decision-making as an eight-year City Councilman, and directly responsible and accountable for an operating budget of over $3 million dollars as current Director of Transportation for Laredo Independent School District.

What drives your desire to hold public office?

Vasquez: My desire to be a public servant has become even more passionate now that I have experienced the privilege of serving our taxpayers. I have never sought wealth or personal gain from my position as an elected official.

Herrera: Holding public office offers many opportunities and challenges to address major issues that will help citizens.

Perez: My life experience in coming from a rancho and barrio and succeeding in life through the guidance, support, and help of parents, family, friends, teachers, and public servants has touched me so deeply that it has permanently instilled in me a thirst to help others that has yet to be quenched.

How well do you know the constituency of Pct. 1?

Vasquez: I represent almost 50,000 people. The majority of these constituents live within the city limits. Approximately 15 percent live in Río Bravo and El Cenizo. Although the tremendous growth in southern Webb County makes it difficult to know new inhabitants, my open door policy has allowed me to meet hundreds of these constituents.

Herrera: I am familiar with Pct. 1 residents and with proper dialogue agreements can be reached that will prove beneficial to all concerned.

Perez: I have lived in south Laredo all my life including being born and raised in El Rancho del Milagro and in El Barrio Santo Niño, where I still live in today, one block from my parent's house on Barrios Street . Additionally, having lived and worked in the trenches as well as previously serving as Santo Niño School PTA president, Leon Daiches teacher, Ryan Elementary Assistant Principal, City Councilman for two terms (eight years), and currently as Director of Transportation for Laredo ISD has allowed me the opportunity to experience, know, and understand the needs of the constituency of Pct. 1.

What do you offer in terms of trying to bring equilibrium to a county administration that at times appears to be in disarray?

Vasquez: There seems to be a misperception on the part of both the media and the public that excessive debate of issues is unhealthy. Although the demeanor of the Court needs to remain at a professional level, differences of opinion is the essence of our democracy.

Herrera: By showing respect and listening to fellow commissioners and keeping focused on the need and interests of the taxpayers.

Perez: I feel that my qualifications include strong values of respect, equity, and fairness. I offer the vision, mission, and experience of establishing and maintaining an organizational culture, climate, and environment that respects the dignity and worth of all stakeholders including citizens and administration.

What is the role of a Webb County Commissioner? How do the actions of a commissioner set the tone for county government?

Vasquez: The primary functions of a county commissioner is to establish public policy and to oversee the annual budget formulated for the purpose of meeting the needs of its' citizens. In addition, a commissioner must ensure that a healthy fund balance be maintained in order to create a high bond rating and lower interest rates can be secured, thus saving the taxpayers thousands of dollars.

Herrera: The role of the Commissioner is to use prudently the taxpayers' monies, to work to the best of his ability, to work with fellow commissioners for the benefit of the constituents. The actions of a commissioner should develop trust.

Perez: The role of a Webb County Commissioner is that of a public servant in which the constituents have placed their complete faith, hope, and trust for the purpose of communicating and meeting their needs. The actions of a commissioner have to be those of serving who they represent and definitely not those of self-serving. These positive actions will in turn bring trust and support critically needed for the success of a county government and most importantly to meet the needs of the constituents.

How does a Commissioner provide leadership for county government?

Vasquez: Solid problem solving and responsible decision-making are essential keys in providing leadership to Webb County . Implementing a pro-active approach to county needs and providing solutions for both county government and its' constituents are vital.

Herrera: By providing information to his constituents on events of the county, and by keeping lines of communication open at all times.

Perez: My belief is that a Commissioner provides leadership for county government by being respectful, truthful, and honest in conducting his/her duties as commissioner, but more importantly by wholeheartedly representing his constituency first. Lead by example and walk the talk!

State your feelings on the Provaqua Project. What will you explore as an alternative water source?

Vasquez: I have always interpreted the ProVaqua Project as research with the long-term objective of increasing rainfall to our region. However, the citizens of Webb County have spoken loud and clear as it relates to the ProVaqua Project. I will not support any future attempts to revive this project. We have presently invested $200,000 in the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer that should increase the water supply to our area.

Herrera: This community is growing very fast and our only source of water is being polluted and might not meet the needs of its citizens and/or industry. The public did not receive proven information on the Provaqua Project and so this initiative is no more. The city and county are joining together to address the need of a secondary water source.

Perez: My feelings and life experiences have taught me that once every possible solution inside the box has been attempted, it's time to think outside the box and as a group with input from all stakeholders, brainstorm to research / search / find / assess / decide / implement different alternative solutions. The same philosophy applies to the Provaqua Project, where a complete assessment needs to be made. If the assessment indicates that all conventional and traditional methods have been attempted with little / poor / no results, alternative methods have been researched and considered, the consensually selected solution is cost effective, the return on investment is positive, and funds are available, than the best calculated risk solution should be communicated to the constituents and implemented with the objective that the solution is equitable and in the best interest and well being of the constituents.

In terms of a new international bridge, what will it take to have a mutually beneficial relationship with the City of Laredo ?

Vasquez: Webb County has for more than two years tried to reach an agreement with the City of Laredo . Revenues derived from the bridge would go to road improvements, administration of justice, and indigent health care that for the most part are City of Laredo residents. Webb County 's plans for bridge construction are cost effective ($45 million less than the city), require shorter span to cross the Río Grande , and lead effectively into Mexico 's' existing infrastructure. Federal and state officials have repeatedly indicated that a joint project would bolster the chances of obtaining a presidential permit. Webb County will continue to strive to obtain this consensus in the best interest of all taxpayers.

Herrera: Both city and county officials must come together and work for the better of the overall community. Both governmental entities need revenues. Personally, I believe the county has limited sources of revenues and has great needs to address, especially dealing with the colonias. Therefore I favor the county obtaining the new bridge. A bridge in South Laredo would really help that area with more jobs and services to that sector. The final say-so is really the responsibility of the people.

Perez: As long as the benefits derived from the new international bridge, as well as from all other ventures, are equitable and in the best interest of the constituents / citizens and NOT THE POLITICIANS, the relationship between the City and the County will always be good, focused, productive, and mutually beneficial.

Are there any aspects of county government that need to be brought up to speed? Do you see any areas that seem antiquated or that no longer serve a need? Do you believe in the consolidation of city and county services that overlap and cost the taxpayer twice?

Vasquez: The manner in which federal and state grants are approved -- certain grants obligate the county to continue funding a program long after the grant funds have been exhausted. When the County obligates itself to continue the program with its own funds, it not only increases the size of county government but also increases the county's expense budget. It is for that reason that the county needs to use a more scientific manner in accepting or rejecting grants. The manner in which third party funding is allocated should be determined by need not by political influence. The manner in which the Commissioners Court selects capital fund projects to fund with Certificates of Obligation needs a much more disciplined approach. It has been the practice of Commissioners Court to find out how much is available to borrow without increasing to the Debt Service portion of the tax rate and once that is determined, the capital projects are selected, whether or not they are needed or whether or not they make sense. There are some functions of county government that can be outsourced. Outsourcing functions eliminates the cost of fringe benefits and liability that employees carry. Functions that can be outsourced are payroll, risk management, records management, records preservation, indigent health care, etc. We must understand that a bigger government does not necessarily constitute a better government. I strongly believe in the consolidation of city and county services in order to maximize the taxpayers money; however, I don't foresee wide support from elected office holders not willing to give up their office.

Herrera: A department of human resources needs to be implemented with a full-time manager, an individual who is well-qualified in personnel management. Also a civil service system need to be adopted. A meeting of the Commissioners Court should be held at least once every month in the evening to offer citizens the opportunity to voice their concerns. Every election the consolidation thing is mentioned and when individuals are elected it is not mentioned anymore.

Perez: As a candidate for County Commissioner Pct. 1, I do not have any pre-conceived criticism or plans for change of the current county government. The only plan I do have, if elected, is to perform the required duties and responsibilities of representing the constituents of Webb County as well as to assess current operations and promote, maintain, and ensure effectiveness and efficiency in the utilization of taxpayers' dollars.

How do you address the dire infrastructure needs of the county's colonias and the more established communities like Río Bravo and El Cenizo with needs of the rest of the county? How will you tend to their very basic needs while trying to move progressively to address secondary water sources or international bridges?

Vasquez: During my term of office we have secured approximately $28 million of improvements to the municipalities of Río Bravo and El Cenizo. The majority of these funds were secured from both federal and state grants, thus not burdening the taxpayers of Webb County . A new water treatment plant along with the replacement of water lines, an elevated water storage tank, a paving and resurfacing program of all streets in both those cities will take place this year. Funds have been secured through the TXDOT Border Access Colonia Program. Río Bravo will receive $3,079,250 for streets and drainage and El Cenizo will be allocated $2,304.350.

Herrera: Work with fellow commissioners and representatives of Río Bravo and El Cenizo to address the infrastructure and other needs. If I am elected I would give a better answer; at this time I need more information to address this properly. One thing is certain, and that is that all candidates are seriously concerned and want to help.

Perez: The perfect solution, if there is one, in addressing the different levels of needs of the colonias and the rest of the county, is not an easy one and cannot be provided and / or obtained by one single person. The ultimate or best solution will entail very thorough and in-depth assessments, research, input, and funding by/from all stakeholders as a whole. This approach will ensure a sense of urgency and ownership, ensure that all basic needs are met, and that progress will not be stifled.

Have you ever been arrested?

Vasquez: In 1987, I was arrested for a misdemeanor offense of driving while intoxicated. By the grace and mercy of God, I have not had a drink of alcohol in 14 years. I will gladly furnish a copy of my background check upon request.

Herrera: No, I have never been arrested.