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TOP STORIESJanuary 19, 1998
Commissioners shocked by budget shortageBy RICK L. SMITH Staff Writer PECOS, January 19, 1998 - Reeves County Commissioners received a shock last week when they learned that a housing rehabilitation project that they were told the day before was well under budget was actually over budget. Last Monday the commissioner's court recessed with the understanding that they would return Tuesday to award bids for the last homes on TCDP Housing Rehabilitation Contract #71-160, leaving the $350,000 program with about $17,000 to cover any last minute change orders. On Monday the commissioners awarded Villareal Construction rehabilitation contracts on the Ismael Dutchover project at $25,990 and the A. Sanchez project at $14,220. Villareal was low bidder on both of those housing rehabilitation projects. Also on Monday, Earnest Garcia Sr. was awarded the D.D. Lyles housing rehabilitation project as the low bidder at $17,100. County commissioners met at 5 p.m. Tuesday to consider awarding bids on the C. Muniz, A. Muniz and B. Esparza projects. Commissioners recessed Monday expecting to award those contracts to companies other than the low bidders and needed to have the low bidders present Tuesday when they made the awards. Reeves County Housing Rehabilitation Inspector Norman Roman recommended the contracts go to companies other than the low bidder because the low bidder had a poor record of job completion in the past. However, when the commissioners gathered Tuesday no representatives of the low bidders were present and grant administrator Mari Maldonado said she was unable to contact them. "They have not been notified," Maldonado said. "They were not at the job site or at home." Commissioner Bernardo Martinez responded, "Because of the seriousness of this situation I would have went to his house and waited in my car for him." Because the low bidder on the projects in question is already behind on another house in the rehabilitation project county officials decided that the company could be held in breach of contract and the remaining bids awarded without representatives from the low bidder present. After awarding the A. Muniz ($7,490) and B. Esparza ($28,980) projects to Villareal Construction and the C. Muniz ($28,790) project to Ernest Garcia Tuesday commissioners began to discuss the $17,000 left in the project when housing inspector Roman informed the court that instead of having $17,000 surplus the project was over budget by at least $17,000 and insisted that commissioners had misunderstood him and Maldonado Monday. When commissioners recovered from the shock of this turn of events they requested grant administrator Maldonado to show them the figures for the $350,000 rehabilitation project that indicated the shortage. Maldonado did not have the paperwork with her to explain the situation to the commissioners. The court recessed again while Maldonado retrieved the necessary paperwork from her office. When Maldonado returned to the court house with the project paperwork she and County Judge Jimmy Galindo took a calculator to the figures for about 45 minutes to bring them up-to-date. When Galindo brought the commissioners meeting back to order he said that there was not enough money left in the project budget to fund the three housing rehabilitation projects the commissioners had just awarded and the court rescinded the three projects. "We now have $15,680 to cover inspection costs and $6,000 left in administration funds to end the program," Galindo said. "It's important for Ms. Maldonado to notify these families we are unable to provide funding for projects one, two and four. We will put them at the top of the list for future projects." (This story was delayed due to a death in the family of Rick L. Smith)
Local candidates speak to communityBy ROSIE FLORES Staff Writer PECOS, January 19, 1998 - Eloquent speakers were combined with a hearty supper Friday evening as political candidates introduced themselves to about 150 members of the community. A chili supper was held at the Reeves County Civic Center in conjunction with the drawing for a place on the ballot for the March Primary Elections. The supper was hosted by the Democratic Party in Reeves County. A place was drawn for those candidates not on hand for the event. In the county judge's race, Linda Gholson, will appear first on the ballot with incumbent Jimmy B. Galindo's name second. Gholson told the large crowd, that she has been involved in trying to better the community for a very long time and briefly spoke about her many achievements. "First I want to dispute some rumors that have been going around," said Gholson. Gholson went on to say that, if elected, she does not plan to combine the Reeves County Detention Center with the Sheriff's Department, nor does she plan to rescind the raises RCDC employees received recently. She also told the group that the facility (RCDC) will not be closed, stating, "Why would I want to close down a facility with so many employees?" Under her office all employees will be treated fairly and will be given a chance to voice their opinions without fear of retaliation, she said. "I will maintain a positive attitude and work toward unity," said Gholson. "My goal is to have a good government for all citizens." Gholson told the group, that if they have any questions or anything to discuss to ask her, "I am my own spokeperson, if you have a concern, ask me, talk to me. I will keep a fair, rational, ethical office with high moral standards." Gholson questioned why the in-county expense money for the judge was $4,800 four years ago while now it is $9,600. "This last year it went up that much, without any documentation, no receipts nothing," she said. Current Reeves County Judge Jimmy B. Galindo told the group, "My term in office has been focused on building a future in our hometown." Galindo outlined his many accomplishments while serving as county judge for the past four years. "We've made great strides in operating Reeves County and the Reeves County Detention Center. In the future we hope to see one of the best recreational facilities in West Texas," said Galindo. Galindo has been trying to develop a county recreational facility in conjunction with the school district and the city. Galindo stated that serving as county judge has been one of the most challenging experiences in his life. "When I first started, we had a $800,000 deficit, we had to make adjustments and through teamwork and cooperation lowered taxes two years in a row and gave employees well-deserved raises," he said. "We've done more with less," Galindo said. Sheriff's Department and police officers have brand new vehicles this year, which have been needed for many years, according to Galindo. "We've made all these things possible and the Reeves County Detention Center is one of the best employers in this county," said Galindo. Galindo passed out literature supporting his speech and told the group that 40 new jobs will soon be implemented at the RCDC with the completion of the expansion project. In the district clerk's race, Catarina "Kathy" Ybarra's name will appear first; Rosemary Chabarria second and incumbent Juana Jaquez, third. Ybarra and Jaquez were not on hand Friday. Chabarria told the crowd that her present position in the Reeves County Tax-Assessor Collector's office offers her the opportunity to deal with many people and many situations. "I'm well aware of the functions of the district clerk," said Chabarria. "I feel I am a very responsible person who takes her duties seriously," she said. Chabarria read out a quote to the audience, " If you do not reach beyond yourself, you will not grow' and that's what I try to do," she said. Pat Tarin spoke on behalf of Juana Jaquez, who was called away on a family emergency. "I know she strives to help everyone the best she can and knows her office and duties well," she said. Dianne Florez will appear first on the ballot, in the county clerk's race. Florez outlined her many duties and the accomplisments she has attained during her four years as county clerk. "I have been continuing with my education and feel proud of my accomplishments," she said. "My next goal is to become the local registrar for the county, to provide valuable documents for everyone," she said. "Being the local registrar, I can provide documents for all those born in Texas," she said. Florez' opponent, Kristina Talamantes, stated that, if elected, the county clerk's office would remain open during the lunch hour, when many individuals run errans. "This would better serve the community," said Talamantes. Her position as legal secretary for a local attorney gives her the background and education needed to deal with the county clerk's office, according to Talamantes. "I will provide kind, timely and accurate service for everyone," she said. In the county treasurer's office, Terry Terrazas will appear first on the ballot. Her banking experience will help her in the duties needed to be treasurer of the county, she said. "I have experience in dealing with millions of dollars, and I believe my background will help in this office," she said. Linda Clark, incumbent, outlined the treasurer's many duties and stated that she has run the office in a very efficient and professional manner. Her employment in that office has made her aware of the many duties and services this office provides, according to Clark. Incumbent Bernardo Martinez, will appear first on the ballot in the Reeves County Commissioner Precinct 4 race. Martinez reminded the group that he has been commissioner for the past 20 years. "There's a young man who stated in his campaign cards, that it's time for a change," said Martinez. "Well, the people made that change in 1978," he said. Martinez stated that yes, he will monitor the treasurer's office and told the group that while he was in office, taxes had been lowered and more jobs provided, thanks to the RCDC. "I believe in putting the people first, they're the ones that count, and not to let anything personal interfere," he said. Mari Maldonado will appear second on the ballot, under the commissioners precinct four race. Maldonado told the group, "In short, I know how things work and I want to help." Maldonado was referring to the fact that she is a county employee, has an education and continues to improve herself. "I want to be your voice, simple but sincere," she said. Maldonado told the group she wanted to work together, "I ask you what can we do together." One of her main goals is to provide a better community for the youth and she stated that through unity a lot could be done. Gilbert "Hivi" Rayos, was absent from the event and his sister and treasurer, Lorina Martinez gave a brief speech for him. "I don't know what my brother would tell you today, but I do know he wants what is best for the community," she said. "He has helped a lot of people and will continue to do so," said Martinez. "He wants to work with you and work for the people," she said. Guest speaker for the event was Jorge Ramirez, executive director of the Texas Democratic Party. He outlined the many aspects of the Democratic Party and the many things they do to help people.
Smuggling case ends in mistrialBy PEGGY McCRACKEN Staff Writer PECOS, January 19, 1998 - Federal court jurors heard the testimony twice in a marijuana smuggling trial Thursday and Friday, then deadlocked 6-6, forcing a mistrial. At issue was whether or not two young Mexican men, Hector Felipe Alarcon-Luna, 24, and Julio Cesar Alarcon-Luna, 21, backpacked about 50 pounds of marijuana across the Rio Grande Oct. 9, 1997. Border Patrol agents testified they tracked the Alarcons and two other men north from near the Rio Grande south of Van Horn, calling in a helicopter to assist in locating them. After the helicopter arrived in the area, the four men were arrested and four duffle bags filled with more than 100 pounds of marijuana were found nearby. Serbando Galaz-Bustos, 42, who gave an address in Casas Grandes, Mex., and Jose Manuel Marquez-Nunez, 27, pleaded guilty Monday and testified against their companions. However, the Alarcons denied crossing with Galaz and Marquez. They claimed to be on the way to Odessa in search of work and used a popular crossing on the Rio Grande. The jury asked to hear the taped testimony of Border Patrol Agent Stephen Reyna, who first noticed four sets of tracks crossing a dirt road from south to north. He described the unique markings on each track, which later were matched up to athletic shoes and boots the defendants were wearing when apprehended. The jury also asked for a repeat of some prosecution testimony by Galaz and defense testimony by Hector Alarcon. Defense attorneys Mary Stillinger and Christopher Antcliff gave convincing closing arguments, planting doubt in the jurors' minds about the prosecution's claims. Fred Brighman of Alpine prosecuted for the goverment. Senior Judge Lucius Bunton declared a mistrial about mid-afternoon Friday when the jury announced they were hopelessly deadlocked. The trial closed out a week of trials, guilty pleas and sentencings. District Judge Royal Furgeson will hold his monthly docket Tuesday, since today is a federal holiday.
Housing board fails to draw quorumPECOS, January 19, 1998 - The Pecos Housing Authority and Farm Labor Housing Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 16 was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. Commissioners Martin and Golden were present. Commissioners Perea and Winkles were unable to attend due to business obligations. Commissioner Flores was unable to attend due to family obligations. The meeting will probably be rescheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, according to Nellie Gomez, Executive Director of the Authority.
OBITUARIESPetra GonzalesServices are incomplete for Petra Gonzales, 67, who died Monday, Jan. 19, 1998, at the Pecos Nursing Home. Pecos Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Helen GregoryServices are incomplete for Helen Martin Gregory, 79, who died Sunday, Jan. 18, 1998, at her home in Pecos. Pecos Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
WEATHERPECOS, January 19, 1998 - High Sunday, 71, low this morning, 33. The weak cold front that moved across Texas on Sunday will be losing its grip on the state tonight and southerly winds return and temperatures begin climbing. The front moved into the Gulf of Mexico southeast of Brownsville before dawn today. It will be clear to partly cloudy in West Texas with clouds again increasing on Tuesday. Clouds will be increasing in North Texas tonight with skies becoming mostly cloudy on Tuesday. It will be windy in western and central areas. It will be mostly sunny across South Texas through Tuesday, but it will be windy this evening. Lows tonight will be in the 20s and 30s in West Texas, the 40s across North Texas and in the 40s and 50s in South Texas. Highs Tuesday will be in the 50s and 60s in West Texas with some temperatures in the Big Bend area climbing into the upper 70s, in the 60s in North Texas and in the 60s and 70s in South Texas. Some fog was reported in the Brownsville area early today. The rest of the state had partly cloudy skies.
Pecos Enterprise
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