Ernie Hernandez, Jr. Vows to "Move Forward" with Campaign, Citing "Hundreds" of Calls of Support, Prayers, Blessings

Ernie Hernandez, Jr.

From the editor:  A few days ago longtime Cameron County politico, Ernie Hernandez, Jr., was indicted on 8 charges.  According to the Brownsville Herald a "grand jury indicted Hernandez earlier this week charging him with two counts of abuse of official capacity, one count of misuse of official information, two counts of tampering with a witness, one count of tampering with government records, one count obstruction or retaliation and one count of coercion of a public servant."

Questions that typically surface regarding a criminally indicted office holder: Will they continue to serve in the office, despite the criminal charges and, if they are seeking re-election, will they suspend their campaign?

Ernie Hernandez, Jr., utilizing online confidant, blogger Bobby Wightman-Cervantes, publisher of the BROWNSVILLE VOICE, answers both those questions in a public statement published on Mr. Wightman's blog. We reprint it below along with our comments in bold type:

"I want to thank all my friends and family for the hundreds of calls that I have received supporting me and asking me to continue our efforts to move forward with our campaign."  "Hundreds," Ernie, really?

"I have served our community for the past 25 years."  Ernie, you've served yourself by unethically profiting from vendor, printing, wrecker and even security contracts with the county, city and BISD.  Does a $25.00 bribe to police dispatchers for NOT answering the calls from other wrecker services, but referring the call to yours sound familiar? 

"I have been elected five times."  Yes, but by what means?  You were quoted in the Brownsville Herald, saying there was nothing wrong with the use of politiqueras.  The evidence clearly showed in the Ruben Pena trial that you stole the 2010 election.  Being elected fraudulently is not a reason to boast.

"The trust from the community has been my biggest reward."  Why then, have you, again and again, abused that trust?

"I am asking everyone to trust me once again."  B.B. King has this response:  "Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me."

"The timing is very suspect with the primary less than forty days away."  I tend to agree.  The timing is very suspect.  Saenz should have sought an indictment his first week in office.  The evidence in the Pena trial was still valid, even though you allegedly used Sylvia Garza-Perez to send witnesses home before testifying.

"I am totally innocent of all these allegations and I will my have my day to clear myself in court." The citizens of Cameron County are eagerly anticipating that day.

"Cameron County politics is certainly NOT for the squeamish."  No one could rightfully accuse you of being squeamish, Ernie.  You have world class gall.

"Thank you for your continued, support, prayers and blessings. We move forward!"  Yes, hopefully we do.