The joke's on you if you don't vote; do Juan and Juan add up to two?
By María Eugenia Guerra
The road to hell is likely paved with political promises and checks in the mail, elusive ephemeral things you can't put in the bank. What, after all, has a shorter life than a campaign promise?
So here we go again -- another round of elections, another blenderful of candidates, some more credible than others, some with absolutely no credibility, running in the March 9 primary, the city elections in May, and the November general election.
I'm not discounting the entire field of contenders. There are some very serious candidates, incumbents and challengers alike, who have pledged to serve and who have a history of service to this community.
With so many choices, how to decide who to vote for? Who will serve you? Whose word is worth the paper ballot their name is printed on? Fresh face or haggard hack? A politico with so much baggage he needs uniformed porters, or a man who goes home to his family every night? Take stock of which elected official said he'd be a steward of the environment but who has remained curiously quiet while developers claim yet another stretch of Manadas Creek.
Vote like it mattered, like the future of your family hangs in the balance, which it does. Don't vote the carne asada ticket. It's cheaper to go to Taco Palenque than to give idiocy a chamba for a couple of years.
You won't lack for choices. Ballots for some of the county positions are plumped out to five candidates. What you might lack is information, good solid information about the candidates. Try to make an educated choice. Ask questions. Follow the debates slated by civic organizations and Public Access TV. Pull up the Laredo Morning Times archives to read of the public record of those who have served or aspire to serve. Is the candidate articulate? Does he or she have substance? Are the lights really on? Is there a web site you can read?
Temperatures may have been a little frosty lately, but the political arena has heated up with the first round of debates and candidates appearing before endorsing forums.
Do Juan + Juan = 2?
Likely the most contested race in the March elections is the race for Webb County Sheriff, in which incumbent Juan Garza faces Rick Flores and Juan N. Rivera. While the Garza and Flores contest bears the chemistry and momentum of a real face-off, Rivera's entry into the ring has the appearance of that of a spoiler, particularly considering the display of camaraderie and tocayismo between Juan and Juan at the LULAC Council 12 debates. The debate question posed by LareDOS writer Paul de La Peña regarding mandatory drug testing for all three candidates produced ready agreement from Flores and Rivera. Garza, however, appeared to take umbrage with the question and said he would submit to testing by someone in his department. He referred to De La Peña's question as an "attack" from one of his opponents, a recurring theme in Garza's re-election bids (See LMT archives).
Incumbent Judge Andres Reyes of the 406th District Court faces challenger Oscar (OJ) Hale in the March 9 primary. This race appears almost flat, most of the visible activity going to the placing of campaign signs.
The race with the most candidates in the mix is the race for Webb County Commissioner Precinct 3. Incumbent Felix Velasquez, Jr., an accountant, who has served one term, faces off against challengers Roque Vela, a business owner and a former Webb commissioner; Jerry Garza, a former TV news personality; business owner Javier Mendoza; and John A. Castro, a student at Texas A&M International University.
The race for Webb County commissioner Precinct 1 includes incumbent Jerry Vasquez and challengers José R. Perez, a former Laredo City Council member; Webb County bailiff Frank Sciaraffa; and teacher Rolando Herrera.
Precinct 1 Place 1 Justice of the Peace Hector Liendo will face Francisco Lozano, Jr. Challenger Rodolfo (Rudy) Rodriguez, Jr., faces Precinct 1 Constable Raul Hinojosa. Manuel Lugo and José Manuel Rodriguez III will square off with Precinct 2 Constable Ruben Reyes. Annette Muñoz faces Alfredo Mendez for constable for Precinct 3. Precinct 4 Constable Tino Juarez faces José (Joe) Chavarria.
Running without opposition are Webb District Attorney Joe Rubio; County Attorney Homero Ramirez; 341st District Court Judge Elma Salinas Ender; and Webb County Tax Assessor Collector Patricia A. Barrera.
State Senator Judith Zaffirini faces challenger Raymond Bruni in the Democratic primary. Rep. Richard Raymond runs unopposed in the 42nd Legislative District.
Early voting for the March 9 primary begins February 23 and continues through March 5. The last day to register to vote is February 9. For further information, call the office of the Webb County Elections Administrator at 523-4050.
