In case you hadn't noticed, your vote counted and made a big difference in the recent elections, especially in the races for municipal court judge, city council seats, and the trustees of LISD, UISD, and LCC.

Among the most hotly contested run-off races ahead are those between incumbent LCC trustee Dr. Gladys Keene and challenger Belinda Guerra; Municipal Court candidates Alfonso "Boyer" Ornelas and Diana Navarro; and City Council District II candidates Hector "Tito" GarcÌa and Raymond Bruni.

Don't leave things to chance -- vote again in the June 1 run-offs to make your voice and your wishes heard.

Twenty votes! Congratulations to George Beckelhymer del Valle on his win for LISD board trustee. We expect nothing less of his school board tenure than the kind of commitment he made to service on the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee. How refreshing to have another bright light on the board to contrast with some of those dim-dim low lights. Beckelhymer del Valle deserved the win. He worked very hard to get to know the voters of District 4 and to hear their educational concerns.

Now the heavens are safe. Our favorite USBP agent Montie Guthrie has reportedly left the BP and the borderlands to become a sky marshal. A good reason not to fly, an educated friend reminded me.

And speaking of the USBP, wonder what's come of that ramming with official vehicle incident that internal affairs was trying so hard not to do something about.

And speaking of trying so hard, our esteemed friend of the airwaves, a well-known (long-haired) Laredo radio personality, got the full treatment of disdain and 20 questions at the BP checkpoint as he headed for Garner State Park with his wife. Agents called the dogs on his vehicle and acted like they had a live one, less so, however, when he identified his high-profile radio station and his name. Talk about profiling! The sixties are over, set us all free.