freedom of information has its price..

In an effort to quell the rumor that a new business is opening in Eagle Pass, I decided to call their corporate office because they love to announce their expansions into new markets and so on. I soon found out that they do not have a corporate number listed so I decided to start at the bottom and call customer service and explained why I wanted to talk to the higher ups. The lady was polite but immediately assumed that tone of voice that we have all heard when they are not going to help you. I describe that tone as a curt, staccato and almost metallic sound. Its sounds like the time someone told you “I’m sorry but the manager is not here so there is nothing we can do.” The lady asked what I needed and I explained that I wanted to speak with someone at corporate level about a rumor that his or her chain was opening a new store in Eagle Pass. “No that is not true” was her answer. “No it’s not true and besides that information is confidential and I can not disclose it,” she said. My answer was, “ I know you may not be able to disclose it that is why I am asking to speak to your corporate level people.” I felt I was not going to get through her so I asked her, “So, if I write that according to Jennifer; a company spokesperson, your company is not opening a new store in Eagle Pass, I would not be lying…correct?”

My frustration reminded me of another attempt I had made at getting information but this time I was sure I could get it because my request was so simple.

That was the time I asked the City of Eagle Pass for the list of the applicants for the city manager’s position. I sent my request via email from San Antonio. As the day went by I grew anxious but after four days I got a reply from the city secretary via email that my information was ready and that I needed to come by their offices in Eagle Pass for the list. But I also needed to pay the City of Eagle Pass ten cents for the copy.

So as you can see, freedom of information has its price.

Cynicism is growing...

Cynicism is described as an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others. Cynicism is growing at the national level, as we feel helpless in stopping the escalating fuel prices, increase in food costs, increase in college tuitions, mounting foreclosures and lost jobs.

We have been dependent on government to intervene and help. But as reported in a recent report that is not happening, at least not yet. In the meantime our bad economic condition has meant fewer cable channels, more meals at home, postponed doctor appointments, missed vacations and delayed credit card payments.

Among the many thoughts that go through my mind on a daily basis, I often try to rationalize the root of the cynicism that permeates our community and not only from those that have done without but from those that are marginally successful.

Many in our community look at our local elected officials to step in and do something but we quickly realize that if the Federal government can’t stop the problem at the national level what hope is there for us at the local level.

The only thing that fuels the discontent is that our local political candidates keep making promises in exchange for votes. They promise to bring industry knowing well that it is difficult and in many cases almost impossible. Some are critical because new businesses offer only minimum wage opportunities and not the industry wages once promised.

While there may be no solutions to the escalating economic distress, we can ask our elected officials, boards and those in charge to be frugal and not flaunt our taxpayer money in choices that do not serve our community or us.

About Banning on Guestbook...

From Teacher: I'm all for it webmaster. But, where do you draw the line. Politics is an interesting subject, unfortunately it deals with many different aspects and opinions. Not that I condone the behavior of some alumni. Some of these people need to get educated on what they fight for. If this is a teaching moment than so be it. A well rounded, moralistic and knowledgeable person, may it be a professional or not must atleast try to appease the situation. Even if we have to conform to their level of perspective.

Dear Teacher: I do admit that we must accept the fact that if a public official is not performing in the interest of the community that it needs to be pointed out. Politicians should know that the public has a right to make their opinions known. A sampling of what we have had to remove; that in most cases few get to see; include an accusation that a certain elected official was stealing money. The official's name was given and no other facts. Another example named a school educator that was having an affair with another named individual. We must also recognized that this started out to be a guestbook and it has ended up being a gossip column. Althought we have created an additional guestbook for those that want to post friendly or personal messages, few use it because it does not have juicy stuff. To answer the question of where do I draw the line, I draw the line when the intent is clearly malicious. I don't know about you but I don't care to know who is having an affair. That is not important to me although it might be important to others. If the morality of educators is important then contact someone who can do something about it. You should also know that anyone who creates a media (guestbook) for others to make comments, shares a legal responsibility or liability because he makes it possible for that person to libel someone else. I have had to answer to attorneys in the past because of someone's belief that their malicious comment was a matter of freedom of speech. Just today I dealt with another problem where I talked with the parents of someone that posted a troubling message. Keep in mind that yesterday we had 5,976 people visit our website and of those I only had one problem. You mentioned that politics deals with many different aspects and opinions. I agree with you 100%. Personally I enjoy politics as much as others like sports. One of my degrees is in Political Science and it has been an interest of mine even when I attended Webster Elementary. Politics should not be taken as serious as it is and comments and opinions should be stated freely without any concern for retribution. After 12 years of having our website online I know that most politicians visit the site daily and they provide me with the information that is sometimes needed. During this last local elections someone was writing that one of the candidates had a long criminal history and nothing else. I didn't think that was fair because the insinuation was damaging and the writer refused to be specific. In conclusion, I don't pretend to think that this site has some noble cause and that it is the pillar of our community. This is just a simple site that anyone can create.

malicious and disparaging comments...

Dear Mr. Castillo,

First and foremost, let me say that I enjoy your website very much. I appreciate you taking the time to do this so that we can all keep up with the happenings in Eagle Pass. I am however, bothered that you post letters and do not require individuals to identify themselves as in the case of the letter supporting Ms. Glays Gonzalez. It takes courage to speak up for or against a person, subject, etc., therefore, I believe individuals should be required to identify themselves. Thank you for taking the time to read my correspondence.

Answer: I appreciate your visits to our site. Its an unfortunate fact that throughout our country almost all media including newspapers, allow comments to be published without the authors name. It happens in San Francisco, Miami, New York and San Antonio. It also happens in Eagle Pass. Be that as it may, I do have the ability to determine the origin of most messages in the event a libelous issue arises. But lets also recognize that this site was developed in 1995 with the aim on alumni as our target base. That means that we at least have 12 years of formal education and in many other cases, much more. With this in our favor, we can tell where the message is coming from and are free to disagree and publish our own viewpoint. I suppose that in a perfect situation no comment would be posted without a name. But ask yourself, what is to keep someone from using an alias. I also need to point out that to the chagrin of those that post malicious and disparaging comments, we do block their use of our site. We do that often. In conclusion, I also know that the only way I can stop the type of messages that bothered you would be to close the site completely. Believe me I have done that twice in the 13 years the site has been online. So, I hope you continue to visit us inspite of this imperfection. Roberto Castillo

Financial Fumble....

The news was not good for Judson ISD tonight and it made me think about EPISD's fate if the same scenario develops here. In a news report out of San Antonio, it was reported that Judson ISD may have to look for additional funds to complete a new stadium which replaces the old Rutledge Stadium. At the initial stages of construction, it has already been determined that the 10 million bond passed by Judson in 2006 for a new stadium will not be enough to complete the project. In order to complete the stadium, Judson is going to need an additional 40% or 4 million. This is because the costs that are coming in are higher than what they anticipated. Although their original projection made allowances for a rising inflation rate, the increase was much more. EPISD's calculates that our new stadium will be completed with 22 million. I only hope that we did a better job than Judson at estimating the total cost including the inflation factor.

Opted for caution....

I am slowing coming to a personal realization that too many times I have opted for caution in not making my viewpoint known. There have been issues that come up in our community and I stood on the sidelines much as a spectator. But as a spectator I do more than simply watch, I continue to talk with many on both sides of the issues. I do this all the time and I appreciate those that are willing to talk to me with much candor. As always I respect their opinions. During some of these different conversation I have been told that our community has a characteristic that may not be found in other communities of the same size and economic standing. In our community, a great majority will oppose any proposition. Many are predisposed to line up on one side with and equal number facing off on the other side. Even when little is known about the issue. During my contacts, I have called persons that I know would be very good candidates and some have said that they won't serve because no matter what your credential, idea or personality is, on day one you will have 50% against you. So I suppose that my caution to express my viewpoints freely may have derived out of that same notion.. that I will be challenged by at least 50% if not more. But perhaps its time to test this hypothesis and see if I am correct.

Legal Bravado..

Our city elected officials have another critical decision to make at tomorrow's city council meeting. You will remember that over a month ago, our ex-city manager Glen Starnes recommended that two city employees be fired for specific reasons. Starnes presented this to the council and they voted to approve his recommendation and as a result, both were fired. The specific reasons will probably never be known. In matters of this type, generalities are commonly used to protect those being fired. The question that the council must determine is whether these specific reasons are valid regardless of Starnes credibility. Most specifically, can they stand the test in court in the event the whole matter goes into litigation. If the allegations can not pass this test then amends should be initiated if the two employees chose to return to city employment. The Council should not be tempted to engage in legal bravado and continue this sad chapter at the cost of taxpayer's money. This is also a good time to do what many other municipalities have done and set up a citizens ethic committee to oversee some questionable issues.

Can anyone really explain it....

We hear that the county is deeply in debt but beyond that we do not know the extent. The current condition no doubt impacts on services and taxpayer's expectations for needed county improvements. As long as we don't know the exact indebtedness, we will assume that the condition is beyond repair. That leads to the question of whether anyone in the county can fix the problem. Seeing what is happening across the country shows us that the problem exists in many other places as well. While its tempting to ask commissioners to forego their salaries, the savings may not be much of a solution. Instead commissioner's should let us know how serious the problem is and help explore serious solutions that are working in other parts of the state.

Sad chapter apparently over...

With another sad chapter apparently over, I am left to wonder just how many other false credentials have elevate others in professional positions in our town.

What has happened in Eagle Pass also occurred in San Antonio and involved city firemen that received sizeable increases in pay if they had a "degree". Auditors found that degrees not recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board abounded. So now they found themselves dealing with a mammoth problem of returning those with such degrees to a level commensurate with their scholastic attainment. They also had to decide whether to demand the return of money that was wrongfully paid.

Management experts admit that the use of questionable credentials has increased dramatically and attribute this to the growing cost of higher education. They also recognized a personality trait of some that have a proclivity to excel no matter what it takes.

But the perplexing question has to be whether we have other such degrees in any of the other public agencies in Maverick County. Perhaps this would be a good Monday assignment for all public administrators to task someone to check.

Ethical Stardards and more...

Members of our city council are now facing the dilemma of keeping Glen Starnes as our city manager even though he has publicly admitted that he lied about his credentials when he applied for the position he now holds. And now hundreds have heard that from his own lips through the YouTube innovation. If that was not enough, his admission was again seen, heard and broadcasted by newscaster Chris Marrou on KENS-TV in San Antonio. This simple disclosure would suffice in reaching a decision about his future employment. In the realm of professional competition, falsely enhancing one's achievements and scholastic qualifications has to be deplored because it goes against a higher standard that recognizes that pursuing a higher education is a matter of determination, effort and at times sacrifice. The Council has made their collective decision to overlook this discrepancy and continue on with business. For those of us that cherish what we have legitimately attained after many year in institutions of higher learning, we must not grow cynical but proudly continue to compete against each other in a fair and honest manner.

the message that needs to be heard....

The decision to go after those with arrest warrants issued for failure to appear in municipal court is definitely a step is the right and legal direction. Not only will it serve to bring in fines, which will support the operation of the court, but also it will send the message that needs to be heard. Not too long ago I remember hearing from a candidate for justice of the peace say that if elected he would take into consideration that many local residents are poor and don't have the money to pay fines. If elected, he would take that into consideration in dispensing justice. I can empathize with drivers who are fined for not having auto insurance because they don't have the income. I have no sympathy for the ones that get cited for driving while intoxicated. If they can afford the alcohol they should be able to afford the fine. Our town like countless other communities offers periods of amnesty which allows offenders to settle their fines through time payment agreements. Amnesty should only be allowed for specific offenses and not for all. So is there something else that can allow offenders to pay their fines. Yes there is.

Our unfounded cynicism...

Do you ever wonder just how bad the drug trafficking was four or five years ago? I remember our community’s initial reluctance to admit that we had a drug problem in our small town. Just yesterday, authorities confiscated 24 pounds of cocaine and in the week prior, larger amounts have been confiscated. It would be an eye-opener if we got to see the total seizures for this last year. We can assume that trafficking through our port of entry has gotten more difficult because of our emphasis on securing our border and all the money being expended on increased vigilance. I guess we can speculate that this amount of trafficking has been going on for many years and went undetected until now. We must also realize that a simple traffic stop by law enforcement officers has yield large quantities of drugs. And yet, our unfounded cynicism attributes these illegal activities to our surge in new and better homes.

Any missing laptops....?

I must admit that my memory is not what it use to be considering that I am almost at the verge of claiming my lifetime contribution towards social security. I have also noticed that my recollection is rather selective. I remember many incidents that punctuate the evolution of our municipality most of which involve incidents sometimes like the recent fisticuffs involving our district prosecutor and an agent from ICE. It troubles me when I don't read or hear of the final disposition of these incidents much like what came of the reports of stolen cement sacks from the city yard, the loss of $16000 from the property room, the missing gasoline from the city pumps and the loss of many laptops from our high school. I also wonder what happened to the Police Chief hired from outside EP that defended one of his officers after the officer was pressured for giving one of our top politicians a ticket on Del Rio Boulevard. By the way, I wonder if we have any missing our unaccountable laptops at our schools. Just wondering.

Good Job Yesi..

This past Saturday was a very special day for one of my best friends, Luis Martinez and his wife Carmen. Reason..their daughter Yesenia received a degree from Sul Ross University in Business. We celebrated Yesenia's educational milestone at a Uvalde restaurant along with their entire family. It was nice to see Eagle Passans getting Masters and BA degrees at a beautiful auditorium. Congrads Yesi.

Running our County government on a shoe string budget

It has become apparent that Maverick County is suffering financially which has reached a critical stage that forced them to lose emergency services to its constituents this month. It is time for the county to consider “expert” advice on a financial management plan that is based on proven success. This does not mean that they should hire another employee that will draw even more on the salary expense.

The county should look at positions that can be eliminated primarily because they are less essential. Staff travel and related expenses should also be curtailed. Any staff tasked with the economic development aspects of our county should be reassigned because businesses are coming without the county’s efforts. Eagle Pass business growth is promoting itself and they come because “companies are finding that rural communities offer low operating costs, red tape reduction and a stable and loyal work force”.

Department heads must be more creative in the way they do their jobs and utilize their staff. County taxpayers should be more vocal and constructive media scrutiny should assure that county operations are more transparent and accountable to the community.

starting to struggle

I was very pleased with the passage of the school bond for the construction of a new sports complex. I also understand those that voted against it for fear of escalating taxes. What I am troubled about is the escalating gas prices in Eagle Pass which have reached 3 dollars a gallon. This makes me wish for an improved mass transportation such as nicer buses that kids can take from school to their neighborhoods. It works in SA and it would work in EP if the cost to ride would be reasonable. I think EP needs to look after themselves and come up with workable solutions to make life easier for those that are struggling or starting to struggle.

Good job.....

Almost a week ago I commented that our local governmental entities should consider selecting a press secretary (vocera oficial) who would be responsible for press briefings as often as needed. This of course would free the administrators from such a chore and they could start their day with the actual business of the day.

My congratulations to the City of Eagle Pass and especially to Marga Lopez who has been chosen for that duty. Marga has represented our city in an admirable manner and her credibility is impeccable. While some media will try to circumvent this new process, it is important that the city hold firm and give this new change a chance.

You are cordially invited.....

I must say that it is truly refreshing to read that city councilwoman Asalia Cazares has urged local citizens to participate in council meetings and to bring their issues before the City. I am sure she is sincere about her invitation which sets the perfect forum for those that are ardently "vocal" in our guestbooks. Now you can go before our local governance and express you ideas or problems.

So be it.....

Its 1:04 am on Friday and I can't sleep so here I am. I want to say something about the story that appeared in a local newspaper which reports that our new city manager was asked by a news reporter for a "direct payment with the threat that if he did not comply, attacks through news coverage would follow."

This is nothing new since many of us have heard similar stories. Others have said that those running for political positions in our community often are approached by the local media and offered favorable coverage for a price. And savvy campaign managers accept the practice as a necessary evil.

Perhaps the time has come for all public agencies including the school, county and city to designate a public information employee who can feed the stories every morning to all reporters. This if nothing else will free our administrators to do the job they are suppose to do each day. And if the news is bad, so be it.

a senseless event...

Forty three years ago I was literally confronted and challenged to a fistfight by someone I had never met. He knew my name. This happened during lunchtime as I walked from the old high school to the cafeteria at the old Junior High. It didn’t take long to realize that he was purposely blocking my way to force the fight. The valiant thing to do at that time was to agree to fight after school behind the Charcoal. That initial confrontation was like an out of body experience especially when I heard myself agreeing to meet him for the duel. For the next four hours I sat in class thinking of ways to back out of the fight. I felt it was going to be an embarrassing situation. I was not good at fighting and I had no experience at all. As the hours dragged on, others would inform me that they planned to be there in support. I soon learned that my opponent was an experienced fighter, street smart and was not in school. I remember counting the final seconds for school to let out so I could go face this person that hated me so much that he wanted to hurt me.

Luckily the fight did not last long. I was told that word had reached school administrators and everyone started running when they saw Mr. Ibarra driving up. This is one moment in my life that is so vivid. I am reminded of this senseless event every time I see the scar on my left forearm. I also wonder why he wanted to hurt me.