By Lou Zylka
The 830 Times
Both of the Republican candidates seeking election as Val Verde County Commissioner Pct. 3 attended an accountability session Thursday hosted by The Border Organization.
Candidates Fernando Garcia and Eddie Amezcua Jr. answered a series of questions about issues important to The Border Organization, a local activist group. The event was held at Primera Iglesia Bautista.
Both Garcia and Amezcua are seeking the Republican Party nomination for Pct. 3 county commissioner. The winner of the nomination will run unopposed in the November General Election.
Karen Gonzalez, an organizer for The Border Organization, said the focus of the accountability the session was for members of TBO to ask the two candidates where they stand on issues that are part of the organization’s agenda.
Jesus A. Meza asked the first question, which dealt with the creation of a sports complex.
Garcia said he is “100 percent in favor” of a sports complex and hopes for a large site that allows for growth. Amezcua answered the question next and mentioned his involvements as a coach for area youth sports. He said having a venue for a variety of sports will be beneficial for the area.
Another question asked dealt with recognizing the county’s Moreno Valley Subdivision as a “colonia.” Amezcua said he would want to learn more on the topic, but he would be in favor of working to designate the area as a colonia. Garcia said he would also vote towards recognizing the area as a colonia. He said, “If I was county commissioner, I would vote yes, and if we can’t, I would find other ways.”
Chris Rios asked the candidates if they would work with another precinct’s commissioner on any water situations. Gonzalez added to the topic, asking if the candidates would support water line extensions. Garcia said he believed it is important to build a water tower, adding he would work with the commissioner on the issues and vote for future grants. Amezcua said he would also work with the other commissioners, adding, “We have to move forward, and we have to do this united, and we are only going to move forward if we have the same vision.”
Melinda Ponce mentioned the next subject: adult job training. She asked the candidates if they would work with Southwest Texas Junior College to offer a CTE (career and technical education) Program. Amezcua said he already had conversations with Southwest Texas Junior College and Sul Ross State University about creating these kinds of programs. Amezcua said,
“The main reason we need a trade school or university is so that we can continue to grow.” Garcia talked about his connections with the schools in Del Rio and believes it is a great idea to partner with the colleges.
For the next subject, Ruben Chairez brought up his questions regarding the construction of a women’s shelter. Amezcua said this topic is close to his heart, and he would work with the connections he has in San Antonio to bring some programs to Del Rio. Garcia said he believes there should be equal resources for young women.
Irma Cardenas asked if the candidates would support moving all commissioners court meetings to the evenings. Amezcua said the meeting times should not be an issue and he would make sure everyone got what they want. Garcia answered, “As a commissioner you have to balance what’s best for your precinct, what’s best for the county, what’s best for everybody; it’s not just best for one group.” He said the current meeting schedules are the best solution for now.
Gonzalez brought up the last topic, and she asked, if elected, would the candidates continue meeting with The Border Organization. Garcia said he is willing to meet with the organization on any issue concerning them, and Amezcua answered the question by saying, “Communication will be in the forefront for us to continue to grow and to have a vision.”
