BISD Elections Turn Ugly! Ortiz Being Ortiz!

Cata Presas-Garcia
Happy with Results

Despite ten years as Election Commissioner, Roger Ortiz still doesn't know how many precincts make up Cameron County.  Oh, and he forgot we have a military with the right to participate in elections.

Juan Montoya broke the story of Roger Ortiz' continuing ineptitude with a comment from an effected candidate:
 "When we went to check the vote, Roger told us that there were four precincts that hadn't come in as well as the military ballots that hadn't been counted," said a candidate. "The questions is, why not? Were they waiting to see what the results would be so they could pull out the others and change the results. This stinks to high heaven!"

A meeting was scheduled for 8:00 AM at the Cameron County Elections Office to discuss the issues.  Deja vu?

Someone leading with a plurality likely not affected by a recount is Cata Presas-Garcia:  “I am so glad that the people have spoken. . . . .  my knowledge of the district as a former employee, my dedication, the experience I have as a parent and taxpayer — and to the people who have guided and mentored me through the years and the support of the voters who elected me.  My duty is to represent the students, educators and employees of the district and do it to the best of my ability.” 

Those words likely sound hollow to administrators vindictively shifted to positions outside their area of expertise or fired or to teachers intimidated by bullying from the ill-mannered trustee.  

Linda Gill-Martinez

The one likely affected by the new tabulations, the apparent early winner for Position 7, Linda Gill-Martinez, may have mixed feelings.  Gill, who spoke haltingly in public forums, seemed "spacey" and "out of it," bolted at a meeting of candidates at the first sign that campaign speeches were being videotaped.  Earlier, after requesting an interview with MMB, she called the day it was scheduled to say she was suffering from the affects of rheumatoid arthritis and was "off her meds."  Since BISD trustee meetings are on local television, such stage fright, reticence may have been problematic for Ms. Gill.

If Roger Ortiz does indeed snatch defeat from the jaws of victory for Gill, the primary effect may be with the alliances both inside and outside the board.  While Gill, might have been easily influenced to tag along with the Presas-Garcia element controlled by convicted RICO felon Carlos Quintanilla, Jose Chirinos may not.  

Roger Ortiz

Gill was also sponsored by Brownsville Cheezmeh with their guru Erasmo Dragustinovis promising his dwindling flock direct access to BISD matters via Gill.  It's doubtful that Chirinos will give the Cheezmites the same special access.(For the record, the Cheezmite success rate would stand at 1-5 if Gill's victory is overturned with Erin H. Garcia being the only Cheezmite winner, although utilizing blatant voter fraud.)

While Ortiz' exit as Election Administrator can't come soon enough, the priority is finding a capable replacement not connected to partisan or fraudulent interests.