By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
The Border Organization (TBO) hosted the Val Verde Primary Election Roundtable Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Iglesia Metodista Unida El Principe de Paz, 404 W. Chapoy St.
The forum began with TBO member Gage Brown reviewing TBO’s purpose and goals. Brown said TBO is a non-partisan political power group focused on bringing community members together to address shared issues.
Only Democratic Party candidates were invited to participate in the roundtable session. The candidates who attended the forum were County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. and Bruno J. Lozano, who are both seeking the Democratic Party nomination for County Judge; County Commissioner Pct. 2 Juan Carlos Vazquez, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination as he runs for re-election to the office he currently holds; and County Commissioner Pct. 4 candidates Gustavo “Gus” Flores and Generosa “Janie” Ramon.
The forum focused on questions developed by TBO members addressing issues in the community, and the candidates had to answer in under three minutes, if possible. The first question of the evening was asked by TBO co-chair Sandra Fuentes and directed toward the County Judge and Precinct 4 candidates. Fuentes asked the candidates if they would commit to extending water lines to the Moreno Valley, Vega Verde and Cienegas Terrace areas of the county if elected.
Lozano answered first, stating he would commit to extending services to bring water to Moreno Valley and putting it on the agenda to be voted on. Owens gave a different answer by saying, “It isn’t easy just saying yes,” and mentioning all the projects that need to be completed before work on Moreno Valley water line extensions can begin.
Vazquez, when asked to answer the question, agreed with Owens about first making sure all the conditions are met while also stating he would be committed to supporting TBO and local organizations by addressing the topic. Ramon said she would first see what is available through funding before determining priorities.
Mario Arreola, a TBO member, brought up the second question and asked all the candidates in attendance if they would be in favor of having commissioners court meetings in the evenings, adding evening meetings would benefit citizens who want to attend after working a day job.
Owens said he is against having meetings in the evening but emphasized he would put the measure on the agenda to be voted on by the entire commissioners court. Vazquez said he would be willing to have a morning and an afternoon meeting if possible. Lozano said he would approve having meetings in the evening, stating, “We should be able to honor the few hours that we can give up in our evening.”
TBO member Carlos Coronado asked the third question, connected to improving the areas in Cienegas Terrace. He asked the Precinct 4 and County Judge candidates if they would work with TBO to get streetlights and sidewalks built around Circle E.
Vazquez said he would approve adding lights in the Cienegas area, and Lozano answered yes as well, adding there is more technology available today that is more cost-effective and efficient. Owens also said he would approve having new lights added only if the commissioners court approves it.
TBO member Ronda Hargrove asked the next question, centered on the ever-growing population of stray animals in Del Rio. Hargrove asked all the candidates if they would vote to fund the Animal Advocacy & Rescue Coalition (AARC), which would help provide spay/neuter services to address stray dogs in Val Verde County.
Ramon was first to answer and recommended a presentation be held first during budget discussions at a commissioners court meeting. Lozano said he would commit to working with nonprofit organizations and local agencies to address the growing animal population. Owens said the county could depend on nonprofit organizations such as Helping Paws Across Borders or grants to expand the city’s existing animal shelter. Vazquez said he would be “all forward” working with an animal resource center to address the issue.
The fifth question, asked by TBO member Eddie Cortez, addressed whether limited county funds would be diverted to enforcement of Section 287(g) of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, which requires local enforcement to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in certain instances.
Owens said he would not use county funds to enforce immigration laws. Lozano also said he would not approve using county funds and believes separation of jurisdictions should remain a priority.
The following question, asked by TBO member Miguel Garcia, pertained to representation of the LGBTQ community in Val Verde County. Garcia asked if candidates would help TBO launch the SAFE Space Alliance to help local businesses promote inclusive, welcoming spaces.
Lozano said he would encourage supporting safe spaces for people from all backgrounds. When asked if he would have conversations with TBO to support safe spaces, Owens answered, “Of course.”
TBO member Irma Cardenas asked the final question, asking whether candidates would meet with TBO regularly if elected. Ramon said she would “bring something new to the table.” Vazquez said he is willing to meet with TBO and other community leaders throughout the year when needed. Lozano said he is also willing to meet with TBO, emphasizing the organization is a “tool for the community” to address important issues.
Owens had to leave the session before the final question and did not give an answer.
Although he was not present throughout the full hour, County Commissioner Pct. 4 Gustavo “Gus” Flores, who is running for re-election, appeared at the end to answer remaining questions. Flores said he would meet with TBO if elected as long as they are not promoting a project “with a lot of issues.” He also mentioned he has had disagreements with the organization in the past.
“Yeah, I will (meet with TBO if elected), as long as they don’t make me mad. Be transparent. Be neutral. I’m all for it,” Flores said.
