By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
An accountability session for the Democratic candidates seeking election to the office of Val Verde County Commissioner Pct. 1 was held at the Primera Iglesia Bautista on Tuesday, May 14.
Candidates Enrique R. Treviño and Kerr Wardlaw were invited to answer a series of questions from The Border Organization, a local activist group.
Sandra Fuentes, co-chair of The Border Organization, said the objective of these sessions is for the candidates to say where they stand on topics important to the group’s agenda.
Fuentes added she wanted the candidates to give definitive views on the issues the organization focuses on fixing. She said the session is about “accountability” and making sure the candidates stay true to their words if they are elected commissioner.
Jesus A. Meza began the session with the first question. He asked the candidates if they would push forward on a project for creating a sports complex at the county fairgrounds. Treviño said he would be in full support of a sports complex and explained it would help the youth of the community. Wardlaw said the fairgrounds area is not big enough for a sports complex, but he would support the project in another location.
The second topic was brought up by Gabriel Zapata, who asked about recognizing the Moreno Valley Subdivision as a colonia. He also asked the candidates if they would approve of adding road improvements and bringing more water resources to the Moreno Valley area. Wardlaw said he would vote for recognizing the area as a colonia. Trevino said he would also vote to have the area designated as a colonia, adding, “I can’t think of a reason not to support it.”
Chris Rios asked the next questions, and she asked if the candidates would approve of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for colonias to help bring water resources for their neighborhoods and create more waterline extensions. Treviño said he would vote for grants to fund infrastructure needs and would support the extensions of water. He said grants are the future of Del Rio, adding, “We are missing out on grant money; that is unjustifiable.”
Wardlaw said, “I would be 100 percent for going after the grant money and using it accordingly.”
Melinda Ponce brought up the next topic regarding job training and asked if the candidates are willing to work with Southwest Texas Junior College to offer a CTE (career and technical education) program for individuals who are past high-school age. Besides wanting to learn more about the topic, Wardlaw also stated he is interested in it and would want more programs. Treviño said the community is in need of adult education programs. He said educating our communities is a top priority.
Next, Ruben Chairez asked if the candidates would be in support of financing a women’s shelter. Treviño answered the question first and said it is important to make this topic a priority.
Wardlaw said this is something both he and Treviño would support because of their experience working in law enforcement. Chairez asked an additional question regarding the support of a detention area for young women. Both candidates explained that they would be in support of the detention center.
Irma Cardenas followed up with the next topic and asked if the candidates will be in support of having all the commissioners court meetings in the evenings. Wardlaw said he would need to give a proper evaluation before changing the meeting schedules. Treviño said not only does he support the need for evening meetings, but he will push to make them happen.
The final topic was brought up by Mary Ann Ortiz, and she asked if the candidates would be willing to continue working with The Border Organization on a regular basis. Treviño said he would commit to meeting with them and making it a requirement. Wardlaw said he will also commit to meeting with the group and all citizens in the community.
