Raul Lopez, a bailbondsman with 25 years experience is running for this position as a Republican, according to the Brownsville Herald. There may eventually be at least one more Democrat running in addition to Begum and Garcia. No candidate will be ignored. If permitted to do so, any other candidate's announcement will be documented and covered just as we covered Erin H. Garcia's and Yolanda Begum's announcements.
I'm also adding videos of Ms. Begum's speech as well as that of her son Alex, introducing her. I can't add these to a Facebook note, but will include them in the Mean Mister Brownsville version. We've tried to do this for all of the candidates so that you can make judgements based on what they actually said, not relying solely on commentary. Frequently, candidates for justice of the peace state that they will be a "full-time" justice. Ms. Begum has promised this. The job does pay a substantial salary, until recently including a car allowance. If Mr. Lopez is still a practicing bondsman, it will be interesting to see if he plans to continue his bail bond activity during his tenure as a justice. Likewise for Erin H. Garcia. Will she step away from her law practice to serve the community full-time as a justice? It's not really just the time contraints. Can anyone see possible conflicts of interest for someone serving as a bail bondsman or a lawyer AND justice of the peace?
Let me add a few more comments about the Yolanda Begum Fundraiser. Someone at my table observed that Alex Begum might make an effective Democratic Party Chairperson for Cameron County. It's long past time to make a change in that position. Gilberto Hinojosa is synonymous with back door deals, corruption and tampering with elections. Is that the appropriate face for the party? Interestingly, Alex Begum's speech Thursday night at his mother's fundraiser was themed about the history of the Democratic party and its survival. Was that a thinly veiled feeler for the party chairmanship?
My last article focused on whether or not Ms. Begum could defeat Ms. Hernandez-Garcia. It is my belief that the Hernandez family have used public service as a vehicle to enrich themselves. Once in office, they survey the scene to ascertain what services are needed and regularly used by the city or county and how they can get a piece of that lucrative pie. Wrecker service, printing, vending and other services have been used by the Hernandez family to put city and county monies into their pocket. It doesn't matter which family member the ownership is shifted to. The Hernandez family is living essentially off our community. This election could, at least, nip that in the bud with respect to the NEXT generation of Hernandez's.
Let me use a far-fetched and ridiculous illustration or analogy. Mayor Tony Martinez owns Spanky's Burgers. How would you feel if Spanky's Burgers became the exclusive caterer for the nourishment at City Commission meetings, city staff meetings and other city functions? What if Tony shifted ownership to his wife, saying he had nothing to do with the enterprise. It was his wife's thing and she went through a bidding process. Would you be less enraged? Of course, Tony is not that stupid. I'm just trying to illustrate the situation.
Lastly, some brief thoughts on the qualifications of the two Democratic candidates. Ms. Garcia has a law degree. That has to be an advantage in serving as Justice of the Peace. The courses Ms. Begum has taken in anger management, truancy prevention and shopliifting show her desire to get up to speed in the areas of service needed, but do not measure up to a law degree. Ms. Begum is 61 and has managed several businesses and raised a family. Erin is 32 and is in the process. Ms. Begum gets the life experience edge. The overriding issue to me still is using public office for personal enrichment. Ms. Begum promises to not do that. Ms. Garcia has a track record of doing just that.
Here are the videos taken at the Begum fundraiser:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
-
Dr. Lorenzo Pelly M.D., Lic. No. G2453, Brownsville On August 20, 2021. The Board and Lorenzo Pelly, M.D., 2012 Valley Baptist Physician ... -
HTML Source Code: Leo Quarterback from Leo Rosales on Vimeo .
-
By Rene Torres Mike Pizano today Mike Pizano is an old school barber that started his trade in 1984 at the tender age of twenty- five, int...
"Gilberto Hinojosa is synonymous with back door deals, corruption and tampering with elections." Libel and slanderous, see you in court Jim Barton
ReplyDeleteYour table was Laura Arroyo and Mary Helen. So which one wants Alex? Tell us why their opinion matters.
ReplyDeleteJim...Mary Helen..Laura miniel..... people that hate the hernandezes.....Jim Im Sorry but these people don't do you any justice at all....and your comment about Erin having a track record of doing this....I'm sorry but all her track record shows that she is extremely educated and qualified for this position....i'm sure you have done your homework on her....she has a business degree... A law degree...successfully passed her bar exam the first time she took it....and has additional certifications in mediation and guardianships...ohhh and she is a municipal judge up the valley...I'm sorry but this lady.....Ms. Begum....very nice lady....but she has no education all....she may have life experiences and is cancer survivor....but I would certainly rather have Erin as the JP over Yolanda...strictly from an educational and experience standpoint....Jim why would you endorse this lady? It only truly hurts your credibility...
ReplyDeleteThis whole issue about this vending contract is a crock of sit in my opinion....everyone knows that Emma Perez Trevino hates the democratic party and hates Ernie. The facts are that Erin owns the company, had a valid contract awarded by the county back in 09...this is before her dad was even on the commissioners court....and let's see...Erin Is not in office....yet anyway....and the contract is now over....SO WHAT IS THE CONFLICT AGAIN? Enlighten us Jim...your an idiot Jim...your starting to sound like mchale...you've probably had one two many free drinks over at the crescent moon. Move back North Jim.
ReplyDeleteJim, you need to find something productive to do other than run on everyone's parade. Are you going to backstab Yolanda too....just like you did to Erin. To my recollection, you were at Erin's candidacy party sucking up to the Hernandez family. You are pathetic! Yolanda is a nice lady but you must understand that she isn't just quite prepared as the rest of her opponents.
ReplyDeleteErin,
ReplyDeleteI covered your announcement, uploaded the pics and videos. That's what I've done with Begum. She's seems like a good alternative, but let's see what Raul Lopez has or who else enters.
Jim
"Move back North Jim."
ReplyDeleteErin,
That's exactly what Charlie Atkinson told me, although I moved her in 1966 before either one of you were born. . . .lol! Anyway, regional bias is unbecoming, not unlike racism.
Jim
2 comments...yes....Jim Barton was at Erin's party...I know because I was there and Yes I support erin 100 percent. Jim was there eating and drinking and having a good ol time just like everyone else was. Secondly, Jim these videos of Ms. Begum...whom I actually think is a nice lady...just not even remotely qualified... DO NOT do her any justice....the woman can barely read a prepared speech and obviously has a huge language barrier. And this is the person who you want to be a a judge who makes rulings on 10,000.00 cases, evictions among other things....the only thing that I agree with in her speech is the part that states " you have a clear choice" in this race...I agree...Erin is my choice....think what you want of her Jim...Yolanda doesn't even come close....she couldn't even remotely catch up at this point.
ReplyDeleteUmm Jim I'm telling you to move up North and believe me...IM NOT ERIN...but I am a voter in Brownsville. We will leave it at that...
ReplyDeleteErin or Eddie or whichever Hernandez this is,
ReplyDeleteI don't doubt that you're a registered voter. Your family has been gracious with Nena and I as we have been with them. We simply feel that Brownsville and Cameron County are hurting. The additional burden of supporting lifetime politicians who draw salary plus suck additional tax dollars with unethical conflicts of interest is more than our community can bear.
Jim
Jim...again...I am not an Hernandez...I am a VOTER. A voter who evaluates the candidates and votes on them based on their qualifications. But, you make an interesting comment....that Brownsville and Cameron County are hurting. How would an incredibly qualified, young, Hispanic, female, educated, attorney as a justice of the peace hurt Cameron County? You keep putting your foot in your mouth Jim.
ReplyDeleteyou are so stupid Jim, this is Erins first run at office, lifetime politician? the only one benefitting from anythingnis your sorry ass freeloading getting your meals and drinks paid for by those that you have backstabbed. I warned that dumbass Linda about you, now she and all of the othe cheesmosos know the real Jim
ReplyDeleteyou think people haven't noticed how you stare at little girls and demand to take pictures with them? people notice more than you think...we are not all stupid Mexicans as you may think we are
ReplyDeletethanks Erin and Eddie for your input.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear the Hernandez's are posting comments attempting to hide the obvious. They are leeches and pathetic. I dont know Begum. But I sure know the Hernandez's. Let's ask Erin to pledge not to use her daddies politiceras to buy elections. Let's hear her pledge to give up her law practice and commit to a full time JP. Let's hear her say that NO ONE in county or Brownsville politics should have contracts with either of those entities. Then actually end all those contracts instead of passing the company to another Hernandez. If she can pledge all this, she may differentiate herself from Ernie the eel.
ReplyDeleteIf Erins only trait is that she is a baby lawyer that has never distinguished herself in that role, she has trouble. Putting down a woman like Begum who's family has never profited from the County or City, who has never had conflicts of interest, who has never paid fir votes, is down right disgraceful and shameful. That is the reason good folks rarely want to enter the pig pit that is politics.
Great, another Hernandez on the county payroll. The eel, dumb ass brother in law Hernandez, inside dealings, daughter in law Hernandez. Now the eels daughter. Good lord, can they get a job other than political positions or political favoritism? Move on Hernandez.........the county is sick of your families shenanigans. This is not about supporting another candidate, it's about making sure we don't have more Hernandez's on a county payroll. That is the only reason this little race is getting any attention.
ReplyDeleteHuh, they are related. And she supposedly now has a company that use to be Ernies, doing business with the county. Jim, why don't you post the copy if the contract that was signed by Ernies wife and NOT Erin for the county contract. The Brownsville herald published it. It clearly shows Ernie and his wife were the owners of the company when they got the county contract. Why don't you demand that Erin show the buy out documents, if she says she bought her dadies company, she should show us the voided check, the contract? The Brownsville herald asked her for proof. She declined. Hiding something? This is typical shady shenanigans that has kept our county in the dark ages. Personal enrichment by elected officials. How can you separate this family from each other when they are so intertwined with each other in all there shenanigans. Cascos, I hope you are pursuing your investigation and demanding that law enforcement get involved...........
ReplyDelete"Huh, they are related. And she supposedly now has a company that use to be Ernies, doing business with the county. Jim, why don't you post the copy if the contract that was signed by Ernies wife and NOT Erin for the county contract. The Brownsville herald published it. It clearly shows Ernie and his wife were the owners of the company when they got the county contract. Why don't you demand that Erin show the buy out documents, if she says she bought her dadies company, she should show us the voided check, the contract? The Brownsville herald asked her for proof. She declined. Hiding something? This is typical shady shenanigans that has kept our county in the dark ages. Personal enrichment by elected officials. How can you separate this family from each other when they are so intertwined with each other in all there shenanigans. Cascos, I hope you are pursuing your investigation and demanding that law enforcement get involved..........."
ReplyDeleteThe exchanging of ownership from one Hernandez to the other doesn't interest me. My point is that the Hernandez family is living off the city and has for many years. The flip-flop of ownership is just a shell game. Erin was raised in this environment and doesn't have the maturity or perspective to understand why this is wrong. She just knows that her dad and mom made a good living. She doesn't understand ethics.
Jim
Jim, an unbiased blogger should not wear a politicians political button. It's sad that Juan Montoya figured it out, but you haven't.
ReplyDeleteYolanda's accent pains my ears. Don't we deserve better than someone who can barely read words other people wrote? Don't we deserve better than someone who makes Linda Salazar look good? Don't we deserve better than someone who uses surviving cancer to get votes? When can we expect the Barbara Walters interview and the crying?
ReplyDelete"Jim, an unbiased blogger should not wear a politicians political button. It's sad that Juan Montoya figured it out, but you haven't."
ReplyDeleteI'm not an unbiased blogger. I put on campaign buttons and take them off, but thanks for your help.
Jim
Jim states "Erin doesn't have the maturity to understand or perspective to know this is wrong"......Jim you are even stupider than I initially thought....keep spiraling out of control....you will eventually completely self destruct....
ReplyDeleteI just jumped into this back and forth. I don't know either candidate. But I did watch the videos. Maybe I have been a valley resident too long. I understood everything begum said in the video. I didn't catch any strong accent. Regardless, I would vote for someone with an accent before a smooth talking corrupt politician. Just saying............
ReplyDeleteLast anonymous....are you suggesting that Erin is a smooth talking corrupt politician.....because if I'm not mistaken she is not a politician...lthis is her first run at political office....no other candidates are really the subject of this post....are you referring to someone else?
ReplyDeleteI am a lawyer and Ihave worked with Erin in her capacity as al lawyer. She has a lot to learn.
ReplyDeleteWell if you think Erin has a lot to learn......Raul Lopez, cookie covarrubias, Javier villareal and especially yolanda have A SHIT LOAD to learn.....the only one remotely close to Erin as far as knowledge is cookie....YOLANDA does not even have a high school diploma...I'm sorry...Erin is still the front runner in this race....
ReplyDeleteI am uncomfortable with the direction these comments are taking. Let's maintain some civility and maturity. Goodness gracious!
ReplyDeleteLet's see, hate, stupid, sorry ass, dumbass, pervert, old fool, shit load,
ReplyDeleteWOW, very adult people, very adult!
Last anonymous.....that is jims style...he throws stones.....but criesnlike a little bitch when people call him out....this guy is sick...the only reason I came onto his site right now was bc some said I could see the Yolanda begum videos....his chosen candidate....in this race....and all I can say Is DAMN LADY....I'm sorry but you have NO NO NO NO NO business running for this position...no disrespect....but you are way out of your league on this one....
ReplyDeleteIs Alex begum hosting a fundraiser for de ford? Any truth to that?
ReplyDeleteYes the fundraiser on october 6th at the Brownsville museum of fine arts is a fundraiser for de ford...and ALEX BEGUM is paying for it...
ReplyDeletei am laughing so hard right about now... Begum and De Ford! perfect slate! both doomed to failure...
ReplyDeleteanswer the questions mean mr brownsville blogger, why are you always salivating at the mouth and there is a rise in your depends when a little girl comes into the room?
look through your pictures, always trying to cuddle up to little girls.. is this why the cheesmosos dumped your ass?
How interesting would it be to have a debate between all the candidates and have the citizens of Brownsville see who is more knowledgeable and eloquent. It's as simple as that, Begum would fall at the very last bottom of the bracket guys! She is a very compassionate woman, yes she is. Yes, she does have the biggest heart and has raised Alex and Sasha well, no doubt in that, but c'mon she has a long road ahead of her. This race is going to be a very interesting one.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDq3ksE9dBs&feature=related
ReplyDeleteA debate in the DA race is a must....too many qualified candidates...as far as the JP race..I think a debate would be good too...but cmon lets face it...that race is a no brainer....could you imagine a debate between Yolanda....mrs I can barely get through a prepared speech....and Erin....Erin would have to go easy on her just to not totally embarrass the poor lady...I shouldn't say poor....Begum drives a super expensive white jaguar....and we all know she is living off her husbands fortune that he left her and her sons money....
ReplyDeleteI am a female, a registered voter in this state, a mexican american, and I read blogs for entertainment and information. Reading all these so called "comments" and personal attacks on individuals first made me laugh, then made me realize that I would not vote for people that are not qualified, but I would also not vote for people that have the type of friends that some people in this forum seem to be. If their friends insult others, use the mascarade of politics as a reason for the insults and think it's ok, then they could be the most prepared, educated person but their choice of "friends" tell me the type of individual they really are.
ReplyDeleteI am not a politician, I dont go to political parties, I dont know the person that presents this blog, and I dont really care to know him or any of the individuals that throw insults in this blog, but I am a voter, and I do have friends that are registered voters, and best of all, we DO VOTE, and THAT is what really counts.
Female Cameron County voter.
Defensive people get really nasty under cover of anonymity. What a poison well these comments against Jim and Laura and I come from. Cheap shots without any substance. My opinion matters because it comes from hours of research and interviews with elderly people who had their mail-in ballots stolen from them by the Hernandezes and their career politiqueras. DISGUSTING.
ReplyDelete(Maybe I have been a valley resident too long. I understood everything begum said in the video. I didn't catch any strong accent.)
ReplyDeleteNo, you didn't catch the accent because you are a tool, a moron, or deaf. Take your pick. It makes no difference.
Whatever you want to say about me is your business. I respect and love my country and those who serve to protect it. People who undermine our electoral proccess are stealing from everyone and spitting on the graves of those who have died to ensure our freedoms. I support candidates who have integrity and respect for the people they intend to serve and represent. Your venom is yours alone Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Mary Helen....I have no venom...I sleep very soundly at night because I live a very healthy productive life....you thrive off of crap that is bad in this world....I truly pity you....
ReplyDeleteYou trash talkers are an embarrassment to the voters and residents of Cameron County. Disgusting, disgusting , disgusting.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to the problems with Lopez having to quite over the Hernandez's family plan of having the lady taking the test for the family guy at the bridge? I like to see that dumb ass Eddie Hernandez take the test.
ReplyDeleteGet your facts straight Anonymous on Lopez. Lopez quit because Sepulveda and David Garcia are assholes and were making Lopez do their county work in addition to Robert's duties. Robert quiting had nothing to do with Ernie.
ReplyDeleteWho the hell is this Eddie you keep talking about? And how many times do I have to tell you...I am not anyone connected to the Hernandez's or Begums or anyone. I just call it like I see it. I am involved in politics, i vote and that's why I come onto the blogs...really for entertainment purposes. Just to read all the trash you post about people.
ReplyDeleteyou all are so pathetic... all you want to use against Erin is what her father is accused of.. you really think people don't see past your stupidity?
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to the problems with Lopez having to quit over the Hernandez's family plan of having the lady taking the test for the family guy at the bridge? Carlos says completely different dick heads…..
ReplyDeletethe Herald has pages of articles on the hernandez vending machines and test taking for that idiot who wanted a county job and politaceras;;, Great Blog
ReplyDeleteThese comments are truly an embarrassment. If you want to support one candidate or the other, why not just stick to the truth? Instead of making libelous comments about everyone in Brownsville? Make a reasoned argument, not some made up and angry rant intended simply to hurt. Try this...use your real names, don't hide behind anonymity. You do that because you're too scared to speak under your true name.
ReplyDeleteI will tell you truth. Mrs. Begum is an upstanding lady who could just sit back and do nothing for her city. Instead, she felt the call to serve after working with troubled children. She is looking to positively impact her community instead of lining her own pockets, like most Brownsville politicians. This horrible banter criticizing her personally is what she has to withstand for trying to make a difference for her community. Have respect. If you have the audacity to criticize, try being in her position. Being that you hide behind anonymity, I doubt you have the guts.
Selenita G.
They should contact either the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department, the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office or the Texas Rangers to conduct the inquiry," Police Chief Carlos Garcia told The Brownsville Herald on Monday. Thanks for answer now dumb ass Eddie Hernandez take the test.
ReplyDeleteJack McCracken
Selenita...I Don't think that anyone has a problem with Ms. Begum personally...and yes it does sound that she has done some charitable work....My thing is that we are in 2011 not 1911. We need to have more qualifed and more educated people in positions of authority that affect people's rights. In 1911 an average every day Joe was fine for the Justice Courts...But today they handle more complex cases...this was done to help ease the pressure off of the county courts. The legisalture hasn't caught up with us...but they are trying to mandate that attorneys act as JP. That is something that I support bc I want to set my standards higher...not lower...the commissioners courty appointed an attorney...why...because reality and practicality dictates that it is the right thing to do...again...its to progress forward...
ReplyDeleteWhile all the bloggers are posting their opinion regarding Ms. Begum, few if any, have failed to see the overall picture of who the real power player in the background is. Yes, it’s none other than her ambulance-chasing son Alexander who has made a fortune in suing our community residents and who stands to further enrich himself through his mother’s election. If elected what makes you think she would not refer some of the cases that come before her court to her son's law practice? Yet you have the audacity to chastise the other candidates by writing “Can anyone see possible conflicts of interest for someone serving as a bail bondsman or a lawyer AND justice of the peace?” You further state “The overriding issue to me still is using public office for personal enrichment.” Maybe not personal for Ms. Begum but for her son.
ReplyDeleteWith respect to “Alex Begum might make an effective Democratic Party Chairperson for Cameron County”, shyster like Alex Begum is the reason the local Democratic Party has sunk to an all time low. What does the Democratic Party and the corruption that prevails in this party have in common? All, with the exception of Ernie, are lawyers.
Last anonymous....you have hit the nail so hard on the head I think we might share the same brain. It's simply amazing that everyone is so quick to point out all of the candidates possible conflicts...when no one mentioned Yolanda...Obvioulsy no one has any idea the amount of cases that go before the JP courts as car accident cases...Alex's specialty....and wind up getting settled...this is a HUGE conflict of interest. Alex has COMPLETE interest in his mom becoming JP...WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET THIS HAPPEN BEGUM...go chase ambulances in San Antonio...Besides...your mom is so clueless...its ridiculous....this whole life experience crap she talks about...WRITE A BOOK LADY....we alll have life experience...
ReplyDeleteYolada Begum is the face of the new Democratic Party.
ReplyDeleteDemocrats have had enough of Ernie Hernandez, Gilbert Hinojosa, Conrado Cantu, Armando Villalobos. Ya basta
ReplyDeleteIn the last 10 years Yolanda begum has voted twice....all you need to do is check the voting records.....yeah real STRONG face of the democratic party....what a joke...
ReplyDeleteMy theory is that George RR Martin is folling us and he is just gonna
ReplyDeletemake a queen not a king = women empowerment!
What a rip off
Where to download game of thrones