Is It Time for Joe to Go? Term Limits, Cronyism, Abuse of Office Staff, Illegal Campaigning

Joe Rivera, Living Off the
Taxpayers Far Too Long

Those who argue for term limits contend that politicos become entrenched, fat, secure in their position, losing touch, not only with the needs of their constituents, but, even forgetting what it's like to be a constituent.

County Clerk Joe Rivera, in office now for 36 years, but currently running for County Judge, has become all of the above and more.  

We reported two years ago, giving evidence of Rivera abusing his office staff, demanding they sell tickets to his political meet and greets in the lobbies of the court house.  More than one local lawyer reported being hit up for the purchase of lottery tickets clearly earmarked for his campaign.  

Rivera Campaign Raffle Ticket Sold by
His Staff at the Courthouse during workday

When a public official uses his taxpayer supported staff for political purposes, working on his re-election, he doesn't need a staff.  Obviously, there's not enough real work to keep the office holder or his staff busy if they're are politicking on county time.  When county employees, county office space including utilities and/or county vehicles are used for political purposes, campaigning, it's a form of theft, yes, stealing from the taxpayers of the poorest region in the U.S.

Rivera's Expensive Portrait to
Immortalize Himself 

A skilled public servant protects taxpayer assets and funds, using them wisely.  In this area, Rivera's track record is not good.  He initiated the purchase of portraits honoring himself and District Clerk Aurora de La Garza, spending $2,500 of taxpayer money without getting so much as a purchase order.  Does that sound like the type of person we should put in charge of dispersal of financially-challenged Cameron County's multi-million dollar budget?

It's time for Joe to go!