Interim Cameron County Auditor Martha Galarza will remove the interim from her title upon County Commissioners’ approval of the district judges' appointment.
Commissioners’ Court will likely rubber stamp the appointment at Tuesday’s 5 p.m. regular meeting.
Galarza was named interim county auditor after former auditor Robert Almon was suspended in April and later resigned his post earlier this month.
Almon had replaced former auditor Mark Yates who was indicted in September for failing to comply with the competitive bidding process. He was cleared of all charges this year after voluntarily entering a pre-trial diversion program offered to first-time offenders of non-violent crimes.
In other business, the Court will consider county-wide solid waste and brush collection services. However, in executive session, the Court will discuss litigation against Red River Corp. for possible breach of the solid waste collection contract.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Melissa Zamora at Sunday, May 25, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
I received an e-mail today from U.S. Air Force Capt. and pilot Jose Iraheta about a predicament he and his family found themselves in recently. He felt fellow troops should know what options are available when it comes to paying property taxes, otherwise, they may find themselves fighting to keep their homes.
Texas law allows for active military serving outside of the state to defer payment on property taxes until either they return to Texas or are discharged. Knowing the law, Iraheta filed the necessary paperwork where his family resides in Harris County.
However, he received notice that he was being sued while he was off fighting in the Middle East. He was told he owed $7,000 in back taxes including $3,000 in attorney fees and penalties. And, the county was ready to sell his home in a foreclosure sale to collect.
He acted quickly to bring the deferment to the county’s attention. The mistake was traced to the law firm of Linebarger, Goggan Blair and Sampson – the firm that collects unpaid taxes for Harris County, which by the way, collects for Cameron County, too, and other RGV taxing entities.
Fortunately, Iraheta's problem was resolved, but what I found interesting was that only 20 active military have taken advantage of the deferment in Harris County – a county with about a population of about 4 million people.
So, how many Valley military serving outside of Texas do you think are aware of this law? I don’t have an answer. Considering the mortgage crisis we are facing here, and folks rapidly losing their homes due to adjustable mortgages, I hope all county officials are doing what they can to get the word out.
Perhaps there’s a system in place here already. However, if Harris County didn’t have its ducks in a row, our ducks are likely zig-zaggin’ and headed for the North Pole.
For KHOU News’ story and video on Iraheta, click here.
Friday, May 23, 2008
A fantastic piece was published in today’s Washington Post. Its author, Michelle Garcia, is a South Texas native, and I feel those roots are what made her writing true to what many of us here feel about the border wall debate.
I encourage you to read it. Love it or hate it, please take the time to provide Garcia with some feedback through the essay’s comments section.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Essay
On the Texas Borderline, A Solid, if Invisible, Wall
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Cameron County Commissioners’ Court voted at its Tuesday meeting to appoint Yolanda Villalobos to the Regional Mobility Authority Board for a two-year term.
The appointment was placed on the agenda by County Judge Carlos Cascos.
Yolanda Villalobos’ husband is District Attorney Armando Villalobos.
I don’t generally post on appointments, but this one piqued my interest since the District Attorney and Judge Cascos haven’t always seen eye to eye.
I'm pleased to see an intelligent woman appointed to the board, but the appointment is curious to say the least.
According to the RMA Web site, "the purpose of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority is to provide the area with an opportunity to significantly accelerate needed transportation projects and have a local entity in place that will make mobility decisions that will benefit the community, while enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life for the residents in the Lower Rio Grande Valley."
Yolanda Villalobos' term ends Feb. 1, 2010.
The appointment was placed on the agenda by County Judge Carlos Cascos.
Yolanda Villalobos’ husband is District Attorney Armando Villalobos.
I don’t generally post on appointments, but this one piqued my interest since the District Attorney and Judge Cascos haven’t always seen eye to eye.
I'm pleased to see an intelligent woman appointed to the board, but the appointment is curious to say the least.
According to the RMA Web site, "the purpose of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority is to provide the area with an opportunity to significantly accelerate needed transportation projects and have a local entity in place that will make mobility decisions that will benefit the community, while enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life for the residents in the Lower Rio Grande Valley."
Yolanda Villalobos' term ends Feb. 1, 2010.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
There has been much talk lately (and so soon) on who will be running for Cameron County judge. I know it's early for a poll, but it'll be here before you know it. I know Judge Cascos plans to run again, and former Brownsville Mayor Eddie Trevino plans to challenge him. However, I haven't heard definites from the others, only rumors. Apparently, it's not too early for the rrrun rrrun!
Remember, this is just an informal poll ... let us know why you're standing behind a particular candidate.
Vote Vote Vote!
If you want to just view results, be careful not to click on the "VOTE" button. Otherwise, you'll be voting for Carlos Cascos.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Below is an e-mail I received for the blog.
~Melly
--------------------------------------------
May 20, 2008
To whom it may concern:
Interesting how Democrat supporters are not scrutinized for supporting presidential candidates that voted for the Secure Fence Act. What has Clinton and Obama done? At least Cornyn and Hutchison have been actively engaged in their attempts to try to amend the act by forcing DHS to communicate with local leaders and property owners. Early on in Judge Cascos’ administration, he went to Washington , D.C. to speak with Cornyn to propose a levee as an alternative to the fence. He even has the picture to prove it and it’s posted on his webpage! Thanks to those efforts Hidalgo County will have a levee/wall combo and Cameron County better hope that they are extended the same courtesy because if Hidalgo County fixes its levees the water will run downstream to Cameron County . Which leaves one question; Can Cameron County ’s levees handle that?
Mayor Ahumada’s ( Brownsville ) comments in the Rio Grande Guardian (May 15, 2008 Foster: Filing the border fence lawsuit was a last resort) regarding his disappointment that Cameron County did not join Texas Border Coalition’s lawsuit against the federal government are misguided. He alludes that Cameron County did not join the lawsuit because of a Republican County Judge and a Republican administration in Washington ??? What??? This is coming from a man that in the past ran as a Republican against Congressman Solomon Ortiz. Cameron County ’s predominantly Democrat County Commission did not support it. The Brownsville City Commission that is all Democrat did not support it. Hidalgo County’s all Democrat County Commission did not support it.. Republicans have crossed party lines regarding the fence issue because it is not a partisan issue but why do Democrats insist on making it one.
Sincerely,
Valentina P. Bazan
~Melly
--------------------------------------------
May 20, 2008
To whom it may concern:
Interesting how Democrat supporters are not scrutinized for supporting presidential candidates that voted for the Secure Fence Act. What has Clinton and Obama done? At least Cornyn and Hutchison have been actively engaged in their attempts to try to amend the act by forcing DHS to communicate with local leaders and property owners. Early on in Judge Cascos’ administration, he went to Washington , D.C. to speak with Cornyn to propose a levee as an alternative to the fence. He even has the picture to prove it and it’s posted on his webpage! Thanks to those efforts Hidalgo County will have a levee/wall combo and Cameron County better hope that they are extended the same courtesy because if Hidalgo County fixes its levees the water will run downstream to Cameron County . Which leaves one question; Can Cameron County ’s levees handle that?
Mayor Ahumada’s ( Brownsville ) comments in the Rio Grande Guardian (May 15, 2008 Foster: Filing the border fence lawsuit was a last resort) regarding his disappointment that Cameron County did not join Texas Border Coalition’s lawsuit against the federal government are misguided. He alludes that Cameron County did not join the lawsuit because of a Republican County Judge and a Republican administration in Washington ??? What??? This is coming from a man that in the past ran as a Republican against Congressman Solomon Ortiz. Cameron County ’s predominantly Democrat County Commission did not support it. The Brownsville City Commission that is all Democrat did not support it. Hidalgo County’s all Democrat County Commission did not support it.. Republicans have crossed party lines regarding the fence issue because it is not a partisan issue but why do Democrats insist on making it one.
Sincerely,
Valentina P. Bazan
Going green can mean spending less green this weekend.
Texans can take advantage of a sales tax holiday when purchasing energy-efficient products. The sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day).
According to a prepared statement from the office of state Rep. Eddie Lucio III, House Democrats successfully fought during the 80th Legislature for positive environmental reforms, and this weekend will be the first time Texans can enjoy savings on Energy Star-qualified products.
“The purpose of the sales tax holiday is to encourage Texans to make smarter choices that can benefit you both now and in the future,” Lucio said. “Environmental issues hold a special place in my heart; please note that I will continue to give full consideration to all environmental issues during my work in the Legislature.”
Energy Star-designated appliances meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They significantly use less energy and water.
This weekend’s Sales Tax Holiday applies to the following Energy Star products:
-Air conditioners priced under $6,000 (room and central units)
-Clothes washers;
-Ceiling fans;
-Dehumidifiers;
-Dishwashers;
-Light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent);
-Programmable thermostats; and
-Refrigerators priced under $2,000.
These are big, big saving, both economically and environmentally, so take advantage of the tax break this weekend.
For more information about the tax holiday, visit the Texas Comptroller’s Web site at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_836/.
Texans can take advantage of a sales tax holiday when purchasing energy-efficient products. The sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day).
According to a prepared statement from the office of state Rep. Eddie Lucio III, House Democrats successfully fought during the 80th Legislature for positive environmental reforms, and this weekend will be the first time Texans can enjoy savings on Energy Star-qualified products.
“The purpose of the sales tax holiday is to encourage Texans to make smarter choices that can benefit you both now and in the future,” Lucio said. “Environmental issues hold a special place in my heart; please note that I will continue to give full consideration to all environmental issues during my work in the Legislature.”
Energy Star-designated appliances meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They significantly use less energy and water.
This weekend’s Sales Tax Holiday applies to the following Energy Star products:
-Air conditioners priced under $6,000 (room and central units)
-Clothes washers;
-Ceiling fans;
-Dehumidifiers;
-Dishwashers;
-Light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent);
-Programmable thermostats; and
-Refrigerators priced under $2,000.
These are big, big saving, both economically and environmentally, so take advantage of the tax break this weekend.
For more information about the tax holiday, visit the Texas Comptroller’s Web site at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_836/.
The Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority will host a public meeting May 29 to discuss the proposed West Loop.
The meeting takes place from 6-8 p.m. at the UTB-TSC ITEC Campus, 301 Mexico Blvd.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and receive comments on the ongoing environmental study, the proposed alternatives and the design of the proposed West Loop project. This proposed transportation project would be located between the B&M Bridge at the U.S.-Mexico border and the US 77/83 expressway, a distance of about eight miles.
The proposed facility would consist of a tolled four-lane controlled-access roadway with interchanges and connections at strategic locations, and grade separated intersections for limited street crossings in Brownsville.
The public meeting will be in an open-house format. Maps of the project area and other displays will be available for review and comment. Verbal or written comments may be presented at the meeting, or written comments may be mailed after the public meeting to Ms. Erika Salazar, C/O HNTB Corporation, 1805 Ruben Torres Sr. Blvd, Suite A-15, Brownsville, TX 78521. Comments may also be faxed to (956) 554-7509 or e-mailed to westloop@hntb.com. All coments received by June 9 will become part of the public meeting record.
For more information about this project, call CCRMA Coordinator Pete Sepulveda at (956) 982-5414.
The meeting takes place from 6-8 p.m. at the UTB-TSC ITEC Campus, 301 Mexico Blvd.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and receive comments on the ongoing environmental study, the proposed alternatives and the design of the proposed West Loop project. This proposed transportation project would be located between the B&M Bridge at the U.S.-Mexico border and the US 77/83 expressway, a distance of about eight miles.
The proposed facility would consist of a tolled four-lane controlled-access roadway with interchanges and connections at strategic locations, and grade separated intersections for limited street crossings in Brownsville.
The public meeting will be in an open-house format. Maps of the project area and other displays will be available for review and comment. Verbal or written comments may be presented at the meeting, or written comments may be mailed after the public meeting to Ms. Erika Salazar, C/O HNTB Corporation, 1805 Ruben Torres Sr. Blvd, Suite A-15, Brownsville, TX 78521. Comments may also be faxed to (956) 554-7509 or e-mailed to westloop@hntb.com. All coments received by June 9 will become part of the public meeting record.
For more information about this project, call CCRMA Coordinator Pete Sepulveda at (956) 982-5414.
Zipper, a BATB reader, submitted these photos taken last week of a Brownsville police officer assisting a woman with a flat tire. Kudos to the officer.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Here's an excerpt from today's Houston Chronicle article, "Friendships Follow Tax Dollars." I especially like the last paragraph. Not many Valley folks (and bloggers) care to even exchange handshakes with Sen. Cornyn these days.
Cornyn not fenced off
The battle between Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Democratic challenger Rick Noriega for South Texas votes continued with Cornyn's endorsement over the weekend by more than two dozen community leaders.
Many are Hispanic, most are elected officials and, according to Cornyn's campaign, most are Democrats.
One of the more prominent endorsers, Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos, is a Republican. And some others, including Hidalgo Mayor John David Franz and Mission Mayor Beto Salinas, have supported both Democrats and Republicans, including Perry.
Many belong to the Texas Border Coalition, which sued the federal government last week to block construction of a fence along the Mexican border, which Cornyn and most other senators voted to authorize.
Cornyn not fenced off
The battle between Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Democratic challenger Rick Noriega for South Texas votes continued with Cornyn's endorsement over the weekend by more than two dozen community leaders.
Many are Hispanic, most are elected officials and, according to Cornyn's campaign, most are Democrats.
One of the more prominent endorsers, Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos, is a Republican. And some others, including Hidalgo Mayor John David Franz and Mission Mayor Beto Salinas, have supported both Democrats and Republicans, including Perry.
Many belong to the Texas Border Coalition, which sued the federal government last week to block construction of a fence along the Mexican border, which Cornyn and most other senators voted to authorize.