Love Joe or Leave Edinburg

The Joe-idians have called for a “Love Joe or Leave” campaign. As stated on the Edinburg News blog, “People just got tired of all the junk Richard brought with his administration … The majority said get lost to the Palacios family … Bottom line … The voters said get out to Palacios family … Now it’s time to start throwing out the trash. You can always move somewhere else!”

That’s interesting because I didn’t know that Richard was related to the Palacios Family. If the above were true, then Judge Ricardo Rodriguez and ECISD School Board Trustee Omar Palacios would not have been elected.

So the call for the “100% approval rating” campaign for Joe begins and it starts with the removal of all the undesirables; i.e. the Palacios Family. Sounds like Saddam Joe is becoming more like Adolph Joe. Why not pass an ordinance making it unlawful for the Palacios family to be in public without an identifer, such as a red “P” or a some other type of symbol.

I’m sorry to be so harsh, but the mentality of a dictator is the same if he governs 50,000 or if he governs 5 million.

Fact Check ... Joe Lied

Its been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I'm sorry but I can't help myself. I going to add some more. The graph on the side of the “Edinburg unemployment lower than state, nation,” article located in page 1, section B, the Valley & State section, of the May 27, 2006 edition of the Monitor.

Joe stated in his campaign mailout that he created 1600 jobs in his 10-year administration; that’s 160 jobs per year. Funny thing is that in May 2001 Haggar closed down costing Edinburg 800 jobs and in 2002 Albertson's closed down eliminating an additional 350.

That's 1150 jobs lost in one year under Joe's watch. That equals 71.8% of all the jobs created under Joe's watch. That means Joe only created 450 jobs or about 45 jobs per year. How was that good for Edinburg?

Mayor Richard Garcia was elected in 2003. Look at the graph and check for yourself. Please tell me who was the better mayor. Please tell me in whom the businessmen had more faith.

Joe-Joe the Clown need only sit back and look pretty (which is hard enough). Am I the only one ... or does Joe Nobody look like a leprechaun to any one else? Once again, I digrees.

The platform is set and the wheel is in motion. My only prayer is that a monkey wrench is not thrown into the system. I guess we'll see soon enough.

By the way ... has anyone figured out why Joe-Joe the Clown wants to move the City of Edinburg's money out of the City of Edinburg? First National Bank was born in 1934 by a group of Edinburg, Texas Community leaders and is privately held, with its employees owning 85.80% of the bank's stock.

Why in the world would anyone in Edinburg government want the city's money moved to Pharr's Lone Star National Bank which was created in 1983 or McAllen's Texas State Bank which was created in 1981? My guess ... Joe doesn't really care about Edinburg. He only cares about himself. Maybe he's looking to get a spot on the Board of Directors in one of the banks like Billy Leo did at Lone Star.

For God's sake, Joe does not even support our local baseball team, the Edinburg Coyotes. As stated in the May 28, 2006 "Complete Coyotes win again" article in the Monitor, Jason McDaniel states it best ... "it's starting to get Coyote Ugly now." The Coyotes are now 11-0, undefeated and making Edinburg proud. Edinburg is without equal in United League Baseball.

But here's my little hope ... I did not for for Joe-Joe nor will I ever vote for him. I only hope that those who did realize their mistake.

Thank You Mayor Garcia

Without your insight and foresight, Edinburg would not be in the shape it is now and would not have the wonderful future set at it’s feet. I only pray that Joe-Joe the Clown doesn’t mess it up.

In the May 27, 2006, “Edinburg unemployment lower than state, nation,” article in the Monitor, an Edinburg citizen stated that “It was easy [for her to find employment] because of the experience that I had worked in a medical facility before. Now, I’m here and I really like it.” Furthermore, “Edinburg’s 2005 unemployment rate average [is] the lowest in the Rio Grande Valley. The city also has the lowest unemployment figures for the first four months of this year.”

In fact, Ramiro Garza Jr., the Executive Director of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, stated, “Our population is growing so rapidly that our number of jobs being created was not matching job growth. It looks like we’ve done that.”

In addition, by the end of the year, more than 200 jobs should be filled at Trenton Crossroads, a retail development opening this summer and fall at the corner of Trenton Road and Jackson Road featuring Alamo Drafthouse, Applebee’s, CVS Pharmacy and Big Apple Bagels.

“Edinburg’s 4.7 percent unadjusted seasonal unemployment rate average for 2005, and its 4.8 percent rate so far for 2006, puts the city at or below Texas and the United States, each of whose are more than 5 percent.” I wonder how Joe-Joe will try to take credit for this.

But its not Edinburg citizens alone who are benefiting. “Sabrina Lara, 22, of Pharr started work as a cashier last fall at the meat market. She found out about the job opening through a newspaper advertisement. ‘Here in Edinburg, it’s wasn’t difficult,’ she said about finding a job. ‘That was the first place I had gone to apply at. I had no trouble with them hiring me.’”

And who do we have to thank … Mayor Richard Garcia, Councilmember Gene Espinosa, Councilmember Noe Garza, Councilmember Ricardo Rodriguez, Councilmember Alma Garza and Councilmember Eddie Johnson.

Thank you also to the EEDC … Ramiro Garza Jr., Executive Director, President of the Board Mayor Richard Garcia, Vice President Mike Govind, Secretary/Treasurer Felipe Garcia, Director George Bennack, and Director Fred Palacios.

4,609 in Attendance, minus 1

What a great home opener it was for the Edinburg Coyotes. As stated in May 23, 2006 Team 4 News report "Coyotes Stay Undefeated with Win Over Broncos," with a 7 to 2 win and starting the season with a perfect 7-0. In attendance with the 4,609 screaming fans was Noe Garza, Gene Espinosa, Alma Garza and Gus Garcia. I am so proud of you all. Noe even threw the first pitch.

Notable absence ... Joe. It looks like Joe Nobody is living up to his name.

Who was once was hailed as the unifier is now the great divider. Who was once was hailed as the man of Edinburg now wants to move the city's money out of Edinburg. Those political favor checks must be at your door, waiting to get cashed in.

C'mon Joe, what are you trying to do to us? Are you really that vindictive or are you just plain stooopid? Fool the city once in to voting for you ... shame on you. Fool the city twice by pulling these stunts ... shame on us. No way I am going to let you shame the city without my first warning.

But I digress, congratulations Coyotes. We love you. True, there will always be those who bring division and strife, too bad that included in that bunch is Joe-Joe the Clown. But there are the rest of us. We proudly stand behind you.

Surprise ... nothing inside :(

It’s been one week since Joe Nobody was sworn in and what has he done? Need I answer that question and fall into depression. Joe’s call for action and call for a re-ignition of his vision seems to have fizzled out. The vision is gone ... the dream has turned into a nightmare.

Screaming out Viva Edinburg in his “inaugural address,” much like Howard Dean’s yelp, has seemed to be Joe’s reigning moment, especially after his lack luster performance at the Edinburg City Council Meeting. Can I get a Get out of Jail Free Card. Gimme just one more chance. I remember my elementary school teachers would be upset if a student was not prepared. And what does Joe have to offer? Excuses. “I want to run the city but I need more time.”

A lot has changes since Joe’s been into office … no more straw polls before the meetings, actual debate on the issues and, God forbid, Joe actually has to work.

Edinburg, we’ve got a problem. Seems like we got a dud.

Edinburg, We have been Bamboozled

I have just had the privilege of seeing May 16, 2006, Edinburg City Council Meeting. What was the mantra, what was the theme, what was the recurring message? “I cannot make an informed decision. I need more time.”

With all the experience touted, as being previous mayor, and running Fortune 500 companies, Joe and Gus could not make a simple decision on whether to appoint several people to a 10K advisory board. I hope that the companies that Gus Garcia worked for did not go bankrupt under his watch for his inability, his ineptness, to make a simple decision. These guys are a joke, they are a fraud, they are a sham.

It is evident for the things to come on what these guys are going to do. I need more time, I need more information. Is merely an excuse for I didn’t do my homework, I am not prepared. Boys, when the gun sounds to start a race, it means GO. You do not wait for the day of, the moment of, or when the race starts to say, wait hold on, I need more practice.

Boys, if you were not prepared to do your job, then why did you lie to the citizens and say you were ready, willing and able. Because from that meeting it is evident, that you are Unready, Unwilling, and wholly, factually, and in all other ways, unable to make a quick judgment call.

I can’t believe you boys wanted to table an announcement of a proclamation of Hurricane Preparedness Week. God forbid, a hurricane strikes the Valley in the next 3 years because Joe and Gus might want to table a decision on evacuation, until after the hurricane, all because they weren’t given enough time to make a decision.

The wisest things Joe and Gus did in the May 16th meeting was practice their abstinence. I only hope they continue to practice this abstinence in all parts of their lives, and not litter the world with more so-called “leaders” as themselves.

***Update***

Since Joe and EdinburgNews went all communist on us, I decided to mirror the site and open it for comments once again. Here it is ... Edinburg News: The Real Deal. Happy reading.

Joe’s Yes-Man

After the heart-warming speeches given at the swearing in ceremony about being independant, it didn’t take too long for Joe and Gus to show their true colors. By the way ... thanks for the recording!

In tonight’s city hall meeting, Joe wanted to stall the city by tabling the whole agenda and Gus was right behind him. There was Joe and there was Gus. Joe stated I want this and Gus stated … I second. Joe went as far as ignoring Councilman Noe Garza’s motions.

As stated in the May 17, 2006 “New Edinburg mayor’s first day frustrating” article in the Monitor, “Ochoa and Garcia repeatedly complained through the roughly hour-long meeting that they had not received their agenda background information until Monday, which was not early enough to make informed decisions.” Sure it was frustrating … frustrating for the City of Edinburg.

Councilman Gene Espinoza, “who was first elected while Ochoa was in office four years ago, reminded Ochoa that Ochoa did not allow Espinoza time to study city matters before his first meeting.” In fact, Joe told Councilman Gene Espinoza “to catch up.”

Ugh ... It starts.

Don’t blame me … I didn’t vote for Joe-Joe the Clown.

***On another note***

As stated in the May 17, 2006 “Coyotes take win in first game” article in the Monitor, “the Edinburg Coyotes kicked off their first season in grand fashion Tuesday night … with a grand slam.” Joe, don’t be sore about Rowdy and support our home team … the Edinburg Coyotes.

How to Recall an Election

It is actually quite simple to recall an election to remove Joe. I did some research and here’s what I found.

As stated in the City of Edinburg Charter, Article 13 ...

Section 1. General Provision.

First of all, Joe can be removed from office by recall. Any voter need only file, with the city secretary, an affidavit containing Joe’s name and a statement of the grounds for removal.

Then the city secretary is required to deliver to the voter, copies of petition blanks demanding such removal. A copy of the petition is then entered in a record book to be kept for the purpose in the office of the city secretary.

The recall petition to be effective it must be returned and filed with the city secretary within thirty (30) days after the filing of the affidavit. It must bear the signature of the voters of the city to the number of at least twenty-five per cent (25%) of the number of voters who cast their votes at last preceding regular municipal election.

Section 2. Recall Election Ordered.

Once the recall petition is certified by the city secretary, he/she must at once submit it to the city council with his/her certificate to that effect and notify Joe that he is being recalled. If Joe does not resign within five (5) days after such notice, the city council must fix a day for holding a recall election.

The recall election must be held not less than thirty (30) days or more than sixty (60) days after the petition has been presented to the city council, either in conjunction with a regular or special election.

Section 3. Ballots in Recall Elections.

The ballots will look like this:

“SHALL JOE OCHOA BE REMOVED FROM
THE OFFICE OF MAYOR BY RECALL:”
“______ Against the recall of Joe Ochoa”
“______ For the recall of Joe Ochoa”

Section 4. Result of Recall Election.

If a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes in the recall election be for the recall of the officer indicated on the ballots, Joe shall, regardless of any defect in the recall petition, be deemed removed from office, and his/her place shall be filled in the manner prescribed in this charter for filling vacancies in such office.

Section 5. Limitation on Recall Petition.

The recall petitions cannot be filed against Joe within three (3) months after he/she takes office. If Joe subjected to a recall election and is not removed, the citizens must wait at least six (6) months after the recall election to try again.

Ordinary Joe

As stated in EdinburgPolitics.com “Joe Ochoa returns as mayor of Edinburg; Gus García victorious in city council bid,” Ochoa celebrated his big win at a local adult day care center. It seemed fit since Joe paid many politiqueras to take advantage of the elderly by assisting them in their voting.

Overall, things shape up the way they do. So, we have Espinosa, Garza and Garza on the board. Joe and Gus take the other two votes. Let’s see how long it takes for Joe to attempt to bring back Eddie Saenz and Hector Casas. Let’s see when Ronald Jackson asks for his favor paid back with a city job. Let’s see when Richard Alamia tries to move back into city government.

Joe … you still have yet to Earn My Vote. Until that time … you are an Ordinary Joe.

Joe ... Can you hear me now?

Good. Upset that he lost his last election, Joe is making, hopefully, his last attempt at his old job back, as stated in the May 10, 2006 “Ochoa, Garcia dispute state of Edinburg” newspaper article in the Monitor. Futher, “the former mayor said that SuperSplash, for example, created more than 100 jobs.” Uh-huh, Joe. But those temporary jobs cost the taxpayers millions ... all because of his ill-fated visions.

Tomorrow we get to raise our voices again. I wish every day would be an election day. I know Joe heard me regarding his illegal signs; however, I only wish he heard the citizens of Edinburg when the cried out “No more Joe.” Today, I ask Joe … are you listening? Do I have your attention? Don’t hurt us anymore. Please keep your hands out of our pockets. Still, I know my pleas for the general good of all the people of Edinburg are falling on Joe’s deaf ears. As for me, I didn’t want a District Clerk who practices IFA and I surely don’t want a man who relies of visions and the voices in his head.

Aside from that, to all candidates … I wish good luck. To Edinburg … I wish you the best. As for the Ochoa camp’s call for the Joe Ochoa and Gilbert Mercado’s “Educated and Informed Citizens of Edinburg” to get out and vote because they are being outnumbered by the “Taco” Voters, good luck, happy voting. Please don’t look at the rest of us in disgust. Sorry we don’t fit in your clique.

As for me, a “taco voter,” I will cast my ballot and anxiously watch the news.

Sen. Hinojosa and Rep. Pena praise Mayor Garcia

Congratulations to Mayor Richard Garcia and the Edinburg City Council. Once again, you have put the best interest of the city first, as a good public servant should.

As stated in EdinburgPolitics.com “Edinburg airport to receive $1.3 million TxDOT grant, says Hinojosa, Peña, García,” State funding for key improvements at the Edinburg International Airport has received preliminary approval from the Texas Department of Transportation, state and local leaders announced on Wednesday.

In fact Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Rep. Aaron Peña “credited Mayor Richard García for playing an influential role in helping secure the positive action by the state agency.” Senator Hinojosa went on to say “Mayor García has shown great leadership in working with TXDOT to secure this grant and in creating economic benefits for the city of Edinburg.”

In true Mayoral fashion, Richard did not take sole credit. García said he and city planners envision the Edinburg International Airport as an economic gateway into the United States. “With our foreign trade zone designation, we are uniquely positioned to be a magnet for international trade,” Mayor García said. “This grant will help position the Edinburg airport as a premier cargo airport in our region.”

“In May 1998, the Edinburg International Airport completed improvements totaling $2.6 million. Improvements consisted of a 5,000-square-foot main runway, runway lighting, taxiways, beacon tower, apron areas, tie downs, and a 24-hour self service coastal fuel farm.

During Fiscal Year Ending in September 30, 2001, the Edinburg International Airport had completed construction of 10 hangers and its Airport Terminal Building.

In the November 20, 2002 “Fixed-base operator for Edinburg airport files for Chapter 11” article in the Monitor, under Joe Ochoa, the city invested about $4.5 million in city, state and federal money into airport improvements with the goal of turning the rural airport into a cargo hub. And what did IASCO, Inc. pay for the use of the facility? $125 monthly rental fee for its hangar … thanks Joe, but no thanks.

Please God, no more Joe.

The May 10, 2006 “Edinburg mayoral race heats up” article in the Monitor, states the former mayor wants his old job back, but the current mayor doesn’t want to give it up.

Joe Ochoa, “a 54-year-old pharmacist and owner of The Medicine Shoppe, hopes to reverse what he describes as the current administration’s dismantling of the programs established during his tenure. He also wants to jumpstart infrastructure projects that he says have ‘stalled’ during Garcia’s term in office.”

Mayor Richard Garcia, “a 59-year-old criminal defense attorney, says his administration has been busy ‘trying to correct the horrible business deals’ undertaken when Ochoa was mayor.”

Oh, please God, no more Joe.

Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I die before I wake. Please, Lord, don't let Joe mess up my city again.

Joe Ochoa’s platform is a “hope to reverse what he describes as the current administration’s dismantling of the programs established.” The only stalled projects are the one’s architect David Negrete, Joe’s buddy, was appointed to: who is stalling the project for Joe’s benefit. People, this is what Joe wants to bring back .

• SuperSplash (bankrupt)
• the Roadrunners (breach of contract)
• the Central Baseball League (bankrupt)
• Calpine (bankrupt)
• Glascock Brewery (bankrupt)
• Hector Casas and Eddie Saenz back in city government.
• Joe wants to re-establish cronyism.

Edinburg is doing well.

• Mayor Richard Garcia created over 3800 jobs in his 3-year administration; that’s over 1200 jobs per year.
• Joe only created 1600 jobs in his 10-year administration, as stated in his mail out; that’s 160 jobs per year.

Mayor Richard Garcia has been a more effective Mayor in one year than Joe was in 10.

What is a "Taco" Voter?

Is it racism, class discrimination or just plain ignorance? A post on a Pro-Ochoa blogsite stated the following at 1:17 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2006. Since the administrator of that site is notorious for deleting comments that hurt Joe, here is the comment.

PEOPLE ARE FED UP WITH THE PALACIOS FAMILY AND THEIR MOTIVES BEHIND THE POLITICAL POSITIONS THEY SEEK.....CAN YOU SAY “MONOPOLY”..... THE EDUCATED AND INFORMED CITIZENS OF EDINBURG NEED TO GET OUT AND VOTE!!! WE ARE OUT NUMBERED BY THE “TACO” VOTERS THE PALACIOS GET TO THE POLLS. SO SAD!!!

Educated and Informed Citizens of Edinburg versus the “Taco” Voters? What are these people trying to say? Who are these people?

On May 3 and 5, 2006, a negative advertisement was placed against Omar Palacios, Candidate for Edinburg School Board, Place 1, with the disclaimer as “Pol. Ad paid by Informed Citizens of Edinburg, P.O. Box 178, Pharr TX 78577.” However, James R. Gray, Publisher of the Edinburg Review, verified that the person who paid the ad was Gilbert Mercado, III.

On May 5, 2006, a negative advertisement was placed against Richard Garcia, seeking Re-Election as Mayor of Edinburg, this time with the disclaimer as “Paid by Informed Citizens of Edinburg, P.O. Box 178, Pharr TX 78577.” However, James R. Gray, Publisher of the Edinburg Review, verified that the person who paid the ad was Joe Ochoa.

Now there is a call for the “Educated and Informed Citizens of Edinburg to get out and vote because they are being outnumbered by the “Taco” Voters. Now that we know who the “Informed Citizens of Edinburg” are, let’s see what they are trying to say.

Both camps make food and drinks available to campaign workers and voters, if they wish. In fact, Joe Ochoa even has a huge bar-b-que pit in front of Ramon Garcia’s office. So any argument regarding the giving of food is out. That leaves only racism and class discrimination.

So Joe … what is it?

Local Politiquera Speaks Out

Candidates can spend tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands in advertisements, parties, functions, mail outs and other miscellaneous, but necessary, expenditures. But what good is raising and spending all that money if voter turn out is low. Politiqueras do bring out the vote … but at what cost?

“What Role Do Politiqueras Play in Valley Politics?” That’s what Team 4 News asked on May 8, 2006. They found Clara Casas, who has been taking people to vote for the past 16 years. When Action 4 News Reporter Ray Pedraza asked, “What candidates have you worked for?” Clara answered, “Well I was on Ramon Garcia’s campaign and Eric Jarvis’ but they lost.” As stated in the March 05, 2006 “Campaign workers more aware of legalities” newspaper article in the Monitor, “Casas is now one of the - if not the - best-known politiqueras in the Pharr area and can be seen just about everywhere politicians congregate. ‘I called the Secretary of State for the regulations,’ she said. ‘Someone told me there were going to be people out there with wires, but I got to thinking I'm doing the right thing, so why worry.’”

Although she wouldn’t disclose how much she got and from whom, candidates campaign finance reports should tell the truth. If you look at page 35 of Eric Jarvis’ Campaign Finance Report, you could see that she was paid $136.00 for Campaign Expense Reimbursement. Did she work for Eric Jarvis for only $136.00 or did Eric not report all his campaign expenditures? Other campaigns Clara Casas has worked for are Judge Aida Salinas Flores (page 28 and page 42 of her Campaign Finance Report), Democratic Chairman Juan Maldonado (page 19 of his Campaign Finance Report), Tony Sanchez (page 332 of his Campaign Finance Report), and Miguel D. Wise (page 4, page 15 and page 16, and page 10 of his Campaign Finance Reports).

As stated in the January 21, 2006 “Local officials look to reform politiquera system” newspaper article in the Monitor, “Hidalgo County Democratic Chairman Juan Maldonado held a seminar … with several candidates to discuss what to do and what not do during campaigning. He suggested candidates limit the amount of money a politiquera receives, and to only pay workers with a check so there is a paper trail.”

Publicly, “Maldonado is fighting to regulate the politiqueras from a moral standpoint, addressing the senior citizens being taken advantage of and the elections laws violated. But just as readily, Maldonado is condemning the politiqueras for the rates they charge for their services. ‘Sooner or later it's not going to be $1,500. It's going to be $10,000 or $20,000,’” he said in the May 7, 2006 “They say reform ... but do they mean it?” newspaper article in the Monitor.

For those politicians and elected officials who reported the monies, leaving a paper trail, thank you. That is the first step to reform. Still, in politics, this truth stands … You can lead a horse to water, but the Politiquera can make him drink.

Boss Ochoa

Well, well, well. It looks like Boss Ochoa is losing steam. After SuperSplash, it seems like Boss Ochoa would hightail it out of Hidalgo County. But not him, he wants back and he wants a bigger bite of the apple. Sorry, Boss Hogg ... ahem ... I mean Boss Ochoa, Edinburg is not the "dusty town of Edinburg just north of the Mexican border anymore," as stated on CNN's Money Magazine “One Bad Day.”

And look who Joe has as poll watchers ... you might remember them. What's their interest?

Hector Casas - Hector has lost a lot of money since Joe was voted out. In fact, Joe gave Hector a lot of money in the form of contracts and extensions for breaches of those contracts.

As stated in the July 4, 2004 "Edinburg EDC accepts settlement from developer" newspaper article in the Monitor, Shea Development L.L.C. promised Joe Ochoa and the City of Edinburg to build a $1.2 million restaurant and convention center at Los Lagos Golf Course. The City invested nearly $300,000 in street and drainage improvements and a lift station. Shea Development L.L.C. never began the construction, but a $250,000 settlement agreement has ended a contract dispute.

But this wasn't the first time Hector Casas was late. As stated in the October 31, 2001 "EEDC Board extends contract with Shea Construction, three others late in repaying loans" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, instead of questioning Shea Construction, Inc. and making Hector Casas return hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax payers money for failing to honor agreement conditions, Joe Ochoa gave more money to Shea Construction, Inc. Hector Casas told the EEDC that the move would result in annual taxable sales of $2.5 million. Eddie Saenz was appointed as project engineer.

Diamantina Gayton - Diamantina has a case against the City of Edinburg. If Joe Ochoa wins, it may cost the City of Edinburg millions.

Diamantina Gayton vs. City of Edinburg, C-2251-05-D

Mary Villarreal - Mary was fired after she was caught deleting records from the City's computer a couple days after Joe Ochoa lost.

As stated in the June 7, 2004 "Experience leaving Edinburg government" newspaper article in the Monitor, Mary believed the council's action was "unjustified."

Its not only my thoughts on the last gasp of the Ochoa-istas but those also of fellow blogger, El Presidente.

*** Update ***

David Diaz is starting to show his true colors. Instead of writing the truth on Joe Ochoa, he slanted innuendo to harm Richard Garcia. As stated in EdinburgPolitics.com "Mayor García campaign report shows continued financial advantages over former Mayor Ochoa," David writes "[the campaign finance] reports do not include any financial transactions by two political committees - Informed Citizens of Edinburg, a pro-Ochoa group, and Edinburg Committee of Concerned Citizens, which supports Garcia."

The problem is ... I checked these out with James R. Gray, Publisher of the Edinburg Daily Review. The ads listed as Informed Citizens of Edinburg are paid by Joe Ochoa and Gilbert Mercado, themselves - which is a violation of Texas Election Code § 255.005.

David, stop playing innocent and write the truth.

Reminiscing on Joe's Administration

So I've been doing some research at the UTPA library, looking for old newspaper articles regarding Joe Ochoa's last term in office, from 2000 to 2003. The following are the dates and headlines (some summaries) from the Edinburg Daily Review.

Happy reminiscing, Joe!

Year 2000

• August 20, 2000 "5M Baseball stadium project takes a strike" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, the stadium project architect is David Negrete.
• August 23, 2000 "Edinburg Council postpones stadium construction decision" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, the stadium project was $1 million more than the $6.3 million in bonds set aside and nearly $2.5 million than David Negrete estimated.
• October 13, 2000 "EEDC officials ok agreement with dealership, one of their own on sewer improvements deal" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, $53,556 was paid to Eddie Saenz.
• October 25, 2000 "EEDC improves infrastructure improvements for projects, which lead to 200 new jobs" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, the people awarded the contracts for the jobs were Hector Casas, Shea Construction, Inc., Eddie Saenz, Albert Figueroa, Figueroa & Sons
• December 3, 2000 "City Council to consider $700,000 tax payment from Duke Energy: $334,000 of it proposed to be applied to SuperSplash Debt"article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, $334,000 of the Duke Energy tax payment went to the SuperSplash Debt
• May 1, 2001 "City to enter into architectural/engineering agreement on Edinburg World Birding Center" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, $100,550 was paid to David Negrete for the birding center.

Year 2001

• October 31, 2001 "EEDC Board extends contract with Shea Construction, three others late in repaying loans" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, instead of questioning private companies and making them return hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax payers money for failing to honor agreement conditions, Joe Ochoa gives money to Shea Construction, Inc. owned by Hector Casas and Figueroa & Sons, owned by Albert Figueroa. Hector Casas told the EEDC that the move would result in annual taxable sales of $2.5 million. Eddie Saenz was appointed as project engineer.

Year 2002

• April 23, 2002 "EEDC board to give $272,000 contract to city engineer, Eddie Saenz at meeting" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, the money was paid to Eddie Saenz to make plans to provide water and sanitary sewer improvements for Renaissance Industrial Park on Expressway 281.
• May 23, 2002 "Council to contract with firm to transport, control quality Maquilidora trash at city landfill" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, Joe Ochoa contracted with Absolute Industries, L.L.C. to bring the Malquiladora's trash into Edinburg under the guise of "protecting the city's interest."
• May 24, 2002 "Police officers want bigger, better new buildings to house Edinburg Police Department" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, $450,000 sale of bonds was approved in 1997 to renovate the armory to serve as secondary facility. Since the 1997 bond sale, Joe Ochoa finally thinks about starting the police station. In 2003, Joe still does nothing.
• June 16, 2002 "SuperSplash to reopen" article in the Edinburg Daily Review Joe Ochoa stated, "I think its great, exciting news for the community." This was SuperSplash's second and last failed attempt to re-ignite Joe's vision.
• June 18, 2002 "After nearly three years of inactivity, SuperSplash set to reopen on June 29" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, the city made two loans to the park totaling about $800,000 ... yet, about $600,000 of the loans has yet to be repaid.
• June 23, 2002 "City Corporation gives its blessing to SuperSplash Adventures reopening" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, the stocks for SuperSplash were valued as low as 30¢ to the dollar.
• August 6, 2002 "City to award $176,000 contract to drill two water wells at reservoir" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, $51,970 was paid to Eddie Saenz for his engineering services for the wells on Freddy & McColl. The two useless wells are located where Edinburg's old soccer field used to be. After the huge and costly mistake, Joe had to make another soccer park.
• September 26, 2002 "EEDC contracts with firm for $40,000 to sell city as good place to do business, live" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, Eddie Aldrete from Aldrete Communications was paid $40,000 to do what the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce was formed to do and already doing.
• October 6, 2002 "All in the name of marketing the city" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, $150,000 per year was spent to keep the likes of Mayor Ochoa plastered on the small screen. Edinburg also paid $60,000 a year to a lobbyist in Austin to do what Eddie Aldrete from Aldrete Communications and the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce were already doing.
• October 20, 2002 "Shape of things to come" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, the city of Edinburg was sometimes known as "Ochoaville" because Ochoa was wielding too much power with his close alliances.

Year 2003

• February 23, 2003 "Losers and winners" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, word got out to Mayor Ochoa ... that Richard Garcia was going to run. Ochoa then ordered his supporters to throw the biggest pachanga the city has ever seen. Ochoa and his well-oiled political machine are running scared.
• April 4, 2003 "City awards $950,000 to renovate Sam Houston to Harlingen construction firm" article in the Edinburg Daily Review stated, the architect hired for the project was David Negrete.

Typical SuperSplash Ochoa & "Hot Checks" Mercado

In typical Ochoa fashion, Joe simply cannot keep track of the medications in his pharmacy. How can we trust Joe with the whole city? Luke 16:10 - “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

So, Joe Ochoa owns The Medicine Shoppe, 1002 South 10th, Edinburg, Texas with License # 5907 for the “Shoppe” and License # 21614 for Joe. But what is that? Joe has prior discipline orders? In fact this is the violation.

The Medicine Shoppe, License No. 5907, Edinburg, TX. Alleged violation: shortage of controlled substances following accountability audit. Agreed Board Order accepted by licensee and entered by the Board on 05-10-05: license fined $500.

A shortage of controlled substances? What’s going on here Joe? Sounds like something illegal was going on! Funny thing is, I would not have found this if it wasn’t for Arlina’s site. Give a man enough rope and he’ll hang himself.

By the way, I checked the Texas State Board of Pharmacy website Pharmacist Database, Pharmacist Intern Database and the Pharmacy Technicians Database, I could not find anything regarding Gilbert Mercado and his relationship with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.

*** Update ***

Gilbert Mercado ... did you sue the Texas Department of Housing for back pay and incidental damages? Are you running to protect your and your family's interest or to seek financial gain? Or is it like Cause No. C-389-06-B, where the person was suing to get his job back. Just let me know if you, too, want more rope.

Oh ... oh ... Gilbert, you're not trying to decieve the voters, are you? I checked you out. Nice ad placed in the Edinburg Daily Review ... "ECISD Lawsuit" disclaimed as "Pol. Ad paid by Informed Citizens of Edinburg, P.O. Box 178, Pharr TX 78577." However, James R. Gray, Publisher, verified that the person who paid the ad was ... [drumroll] ... Gilbert Mercado, III.

Naughty boy! This makes you a two-time criminal. The Fair Campaign Practices Act sets out basic rules of decency, honesty, and fair play to be followed by candidates and political committees during a campaign. In fact, the Texas Election Code § 255.005. MISREPRESENTATION OF IDENTITY states,

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of an election, the person misrepresents the person's identity or, if acting or purporting to act as an agent, misrepresents the identity of the agent's principal, in political advertising or a campaign communication.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

“Hot Checks” Mercado

ECISD School Board Candidate Gilbert Mercado was charged with a crime? Yes, its true in Cause number JP0012127 – commonly known as hot checks. For Gilbert, this was no small amount. Gilbert’s total was $13,000. As stated in Edinburgpolitics.com “Gilbert Mercado, III, Place 1 school board candidate, says health insurance, budget priorities key for ECISD,” Gilbert states “If we think public education is expensive, just think about the terrible costs of ignorance.” Ignorance is right … $13,000 dollars of ignorance.

In fact, he “calls for taking care of ECISD employees and students while practicing fiscal good sense.” What? Good financial sense? The man bounced checks almost equaling the per capita income of the Hidalgo County citizens.

Gilbert further stated, “As our district grows we will need to become resourceful during what may become lean fiscal budgets.” Yet, in his own home, he is committing crimes by writing hot checks.

Finally, Gilbert Mercado stated, “Surely, when you elect someone to handle your hard-earned tax dollars and the monies allocated to improve our children's education, we need to elect the candidate that has the experience to handle such a great responsibility.” And I agree with you on that. Do we want a man who has proven financial irresponsibility and financial criminality? No.

So … with his own words, say, “No more hot checks, No Gilbert Mercado.”

Liars, Thieves and Cheats ... Oh my!

I’ve been a bad, bad girl … What I need … is a good defense … ‘cause I’m feeling like a criminal. – Fiona Apple

Seems like Filomena Leo and Billy Leo couldn’t hide their stripes too long. After all Carmen Ramirez is still on the school board, so what’s a little cheating amongst friends, right? Wrong. According to The Paper of South Texas article “La Joya ISD insurance contract in question,” “At least one La Joya administrator has gone on the record claiming that the final recommendation was given to Bob Trevino unethically, because Trevino did not offer the best product at the best price.”

What? Was this a favor? What happened here? Here’s how it all went down. “Two years ago, La Joya School district administrators researched 64 proposals from companies who were competing to provide LJISD employees with their supplemental insurance … [and they chose] Insurance Associates of the Valley - and presented that recommendation to Superintendent Filomena Leo. But the recommendation that made its way to the board of directors named a completely different insurance company.”

“The agent who received the new contract – Bob Trevino from Pharr – would then rent office space from the husband of the superintendent, just a few months after the contract had been awarded.”

When Filomena was asked if Bob Trevino rented from Billy Leo, she replied, “Who told you that? I wish who ever was giving you information would do their homework … I wouldn’t want you printing anything that wasn’t true.” So the Paper called Billy Leo and he answered, “Yes.”

So in true Filomena fashion, she “scheduled an interview with all of the administrators [and The Paper], with her present.” For what Filomena? Are you afraid they might just tell the truth.

And how about the rest of the school board members? “When [The Paper] waited outside the building, board members walked quickly to their cars, even though [The Paper’s] reporter was loudly calling for them to please stop for an interview.

C’mon La Joya … is this what you want in a school board? There is already one thief on the board … now there is a liar and a cheat, too.

Gus Pechero Ochoa Garcia

I was researching Gus Garcia’s business experience and I found something very odd. Although he claims to be independent, it looks like Gus will have a lot to owe to Dr. Pechero, Joe Ochoa and Lone Star National Bank.

Gus states that he is an/the owner of Village Rehabilitation Hospital. However, I found the Village Rehab Inc. in documents 1375738 and 1375737, and RCBS, L.P. in documents 1375736, 1375737 and 1375738. I see that all these documents have a Ruben D. Pechero, M.D. as President and closely tied to Lone Star National Bank.

Gus also states he is the Controller and Chief Financial Officer for Rio Grande Valley Orthopedic and guess who owns that … Ruben D. Pechero, M.D.

I can’t find who owns Leaps and Bounds Pediatric Rehabilitation Center and I can’t find any record of the Alliance One, Inc., R&G Development, L.P. and Maple Star Enterprises, Inc. registered in Hidalgo County.

But, Gus does basically work for one man … Ruben D. Pechero, M.D. who is closely tied into Lone Star National Bank. And guess where, according to EdinburgPolitics.com article “Eddie Cisneros-Johnson, Gus García, Jr. each spent about $30,000 in first phase of campaign” Gus gets a $25,000 loan from? Loan Star National Bank, campaign loan, P.O. Box 1127, Pharr (Dec. 1).

But wait … look who else is there … Medicine Shoppe, 1002 South 10th, Edinburg (March 13); Joe Ochoa Campaign, 1002 S. 10th, Edinburg (March 13).

Are these the bonds that Joe Ochoa wants to reestablish? Joe with Gus and Lone Star National Bank and Billy Leo and Ramon Garcia?

Early Voting Starts

Edinburg early voting starts and so does the dirty politics for the Ochoa ticket. Hector Casas and Mary Villarreal are in the election room taking down names of all the people voting then walking behind the voting machines to see for whom they are voting.

Joe Ochoa also had some signs and banners too close to the election site and when informed by the Edinburg Police Department, the Ochoa-ites would not move them until they heard from Joe. After the police left, Joe's campaign then illegally parked trucks with signs too close to the election site. The elections administrators came out with the measuring wheel and informed the people they were too close. Again, would not move until the police forced them to move.

Joe Ochoa, Gilbert Mercado and Jaime Chavana's camps have been defacing (vandalizing) the signs of their opponents - Richard Garcia, Omar Palacios and Homer Cedillio, respectively.

Dirty politics at its worst. Blatent disregard for the law. Total disrespect to the law abiding citizens of Edinburg.

Say no to corruption .... Say no to Joe.

I see that we, the local blogs, are making a diffrence. How are things in La Joya and Pharr? Are Billy Leo and Irma Elizondo doing the same thing?