Socorro Recall Election Update
El Paso elections have been so interesting that they have actually done something I didn't think was possible...they out-crazied the City of Socorro.
As a result, I have not given an update on Socorro elections and I received an email from a reader last night who reminded me that I haven't followed up.
Two people have filed to run for the seat vacated by Luis Varela who was arrested on drug charges in late 2010.
Maria Reyes is one of them. She was one of the leaders of the recall against the other members of council, which basically means she is part of the faction that supports Mayor Willie Gandara, Sr. I have never spoken with her, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but near as I can tell, she is upset with the majority on city council (the one's she wants to recall) because the didn't renew the contract of her brother.
Her brother, Ernie Gomez was serving as the municipal judge in Socorro. He is a retired police officer, but doesn't have a degree. Apparently the majority on council felt it was important to have someone who is making legal decisions, have a degree in something. As I have previously written, the new municipal judge Alex Vidalez got his bachelor's from UTEP and his law degree from UT Austin.
The other candidate is Jesus Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez has previously served on city council and last ran against Luis Varela. He had some health issues before the election, had a leg amputated, stayed in the race but was obviously not in the health to manage a vigorous campaign. Despite not being able to campaign, he only lost to Varela but a few votes.
It will be interesting to watch that race play out and I guess that means I have to go hustle out to Socorro for some coverage.
As a result, I have not given an update on Socorro elections and I received an email from a reader last night who reminded me that I haven't followed up.
Two people have filed to run for the seat vacated by Luis Varela who was arrested on drug charges in late 2010.
Maria Reyes is one of them. She was one of the leaders of the recall against the other members of council, which basically means she is part of the faction that supports Mayor Willie Gandara, Sr. I have never spoken with her, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but near as I can tell, she is upset with the majority on city council (the one's she wants to recall) because the didn't renew the contract of her brother.
Her brother, Ernie Gomez was serving as the municipal judge in Socorro. He is a retired police officer, but doesn't have a degree. Apparently the majority on council felt it was important to have someone who is making legal decisions, have a degree in something. As I have previously written, the new municipal judge Alex Vidalez got his bachelor's from UTEP and his law degree from UT Austin.
The other candidate is Jesus Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez has previously served on city council and last ran against Luis Varela. He had some health issues before the election, had a leg amputated, stayed in the race but was obviously not in the health to manage a vigorous campaign. Despite not being able to campaign, he only lost to Varela but a few votes.
It will be interesting to watch that race play out and I guess that means I have to go hustle out to Socorro for some coverage.
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