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Candidates square off at forum
By NORMA MARTINEZ, Managing Editor
Aransas County played host to nine candidates featured in two area and two local races at the Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce's panel Wednesday, Oct. 23.
District 32 state representative candidates were allowed to speak first, and have questions asked so they could leave for a live debate scheduled that evening in Corpus Christi.
Each candidate was given three minutes for an introduction, followed by a 15-minute question/answer session.
Incumbent District 32 Democratic representative Juan Garcia spoke first, followed by challengers Todd Hunter, Republican; and Lenard Nelson, Libertarian. A biography about each candidate was featured on a handout provided to everyone present.
Questions were then asked of the three candidates, and each was allowed 1.5 minutes to respond.
The first questione asked to Garcia was if he was really fined by the Ethics Commission. Garcia said yes, explaining there were six initial complaints of which five were dismissed. The last charged him with failing to list the profession of some donors on the list. Garcia said as a rookie running for office, some administrative errors were made. He noted, “I paid the fine and moved on.”
Hunter was asked if he has made his tax returns public, and if not, why not? Hunter said, “No, but I haven't seen my opponent's stuff either.” He said they filed a 72-page document, but have received nothing.
Garcia was asked why 50 percent of his contributions are from out of district or out of state.
The incumbent first responded to Hunter's comment stating his tax records, military records, etc. have been released and copies can be obtained.
He then talked about his contributions noting there are many former Navy personnel who he served with, and who put their lives on the line for each other, who are contributing to his campaign.
Hunter was asked why he changed parties from Democrat to Republican, asking if he had a disagreement with the party or because there are more GOP voters.
Hunter said it was due to a fiscal issue in 2007, adding he enjoys the support of both Democrats and Republicans in Aransas County.
Garcia was asked about the right-to-life issue, and appointments to the Supreme Court. He pointed out the state legislators do not have anything to do with that, but noted it is one of the most profound and important issues of our time. Garcia said he is for parental notification, and other issues, but does not believe putting a 15-year-old in prison is a solution.
Both Garcia and Hunter were asked what qualifications they have the other does not.
Hunter said he has raised three children and has been through the public school system. With two children in college, he understands tuition issues and does not like the TAKS test.
Garcia said he is proud to be endorsed by all teachers associations adding they have been working on changing the TAKS test as well as lowering the student-teacher ratio. He said with four small children in elementary school he is familiar with public school issues.
Nelson was asked how an independent candidate enhances an election. He said a third party adds diverse ideas which may not be addressed by either of the other parties.
The final question to Garcia was how he plans to reduce windstorm premiums, and how will the community pay for reconstruction after a hurricane.
Garcia said Texas is one of a few states which does not elect an insurance commissioner and has one of the highest rates for windstorm insurance.
Time ran out for the candidates and they departed for the other aformentioned debate.
The forum moved on to the other races/candidates present, as each was allowed to give a three-minute introduction. Those who were present are 13th Court of Appeals incumbent justice Dori Contreras Garza and opponent Caroline Bertuzzi; Aransas County attorney opponents Richard Bianchi and Anita O'Rourke; and Aransas County Navigation District Precinct 1-1A incumbent Commissioner Merlin Hartdegen and opponent Buck Shedd.
Garza was asked about the number of cases which have been reversed on which she has been a part. She said 16 cases have been reversed in her two years, but noted many of them are due to delays in hearing them. She said reversals are not an indication of incompetence, adding things have changed since the initial decision, and upon review, those changes are considered when decided about reversals.
Bertuzzi was asked how she defines judicial activism. She said if a judge, when making a decision, believes he/she needs to expand on the law, that is activism.
Bianchi was asked if he has handled any family law, or child protective services cases. He said he has not, but explained he does not bring a portfolio of that type to the job. He will bring management skills, adding neither candidate has expertise in both sides required for the job.
O'Rourke was asked if for the $100,000 annual salary, would the county be getting a full-time attorney. She said, yes, because that is what should be done. She said if elected, she will wind down her private practice quickly. She said there may be some cases which carry over to next year. She will not leave clients stranded, but will devote full time to the county attorney office.
Bianchi was asked if elected how he would handle his private practice, will he need an assistant county attorney, and how will that position be paid? He said in the last 30 years, the county attorney has been allowed to have a private practice. He said his will be dictated by the responsibility of the county attorney job. He will devote whatever time it takes to serve the county first. He also said an assistant county attorney salary is already in the budget.
O'Rourke was asked if she will attend commissioners court meetings. She first replied she also would hire an assistant, then said she will attend meetings. O'Rourke explained that is why an assistant is needed because the county attorney can not be in two places at one time.
Bianchi was asked if the court had already hired a private law firm to write subdivision rules, since he had stated earlier he could assist the court on that issue. He said there is no local attorney with the specialty to write that particular legislation, but with his real estate specialty, he does have some insight, and can help with management of fees.
Garza was asked about the current makeup of the appellate court. She said there are six judges, five of whom are women. Five are Democrats and one is a Republican. She said although they have to run on party lines because that is the system, the job is nonpartisan.
Hartdegen was asked how does or how has the county attorney position helped the ACND. He said the district hires its own counsel.
Shedd was asked what he believes he can contribute to the ACND which has not been accomplished. Shedd said improvements are needed at Conn Brown Harbor, adding residents there pay ACND taxes as well but receive nothing.
Hartdegen was asked to explain how the ACND works with the city, Town of Fulton, the City of Aransas Pass, and the county. He said they have a positive relationship and are working together weekly, sometimes daily, on projects such as the improvements at Fulton Harbor.
O'Rourke was asked what her position is on prosecuting DWIs, especially those with more than one offense. She replied, “Prosecute them.” She then said all cases will be reviewed to determine there is sufficient evidence to prosecute.
Bianchi was asked what he will do to make a positive change with the drug problem. He said he will require the assistant county attorney to be full time, therefore he/she will have more time to work on cases. He also talked about the need to spend time teaching young children about the law and he consequences of breaking the law.
He also addressed a question regarding improving drainage by using outside counsel or local counsel. He explained depending on what expertise is needed, they will hire local if they can.
When asked about what changes are needed in the county attorney's office, he said there needs to be more cooperation.
O'Rourke was asked the final questions, the first asking if she was involved in the Conn Brown Harbor fiasco when she was in San Patricio County. O'Rourke said she left that county office in 1992, before that occurred.
She was then asked if whoever wins, will the winner ask the other to be assistant county attorney. O'Rourke pointed out at panel last week, that question was asked at which time Bianchi whispered to her, “Ain't gonna happen.”
District 32 state representative candidates were allowed to speak first, and have questions asked so they could leave for a live debate scheduled that evening in Corpus Christi.
Each candidate was given three minutes for an introduction, followed by a 15-minute question/answer session.
Incumbent District 32 Democratic representative Juan Garcia spoke first, followed by challengers Todd Hunter, Republican; and Lenard Nelson, Libertarian. A biography about each candidate was featured on a handout provided to everyone present.
Questions were then asked of the three candidates, and each was allowed 1.5 minutes to respond.
The first questione asked to Garcia was if he was really fined by the Ethics Commission. Garcia said yes, explaining there were six initial complaints of which five were dismissed. The last charged him with failing to list the profession of some donors on the list. Garcia said as a rookie running for office, some administrative errors were made. He noted, “I paid the fine and moved on.”
Hunter was asked if he has made his tax returns public, and if not, why not? Hunter said, “No, but I haven't seen my opponent's stuff either.” He said they filed a 72-page document, but have received nothing.
Garcia was asked why 50 percent of his contributions are from out of district or out of state.
The incumbent first responded to Hunter's comment stating his tax records, military records, etc. have been released and copies can be obtained.
He then talked about his contributions noting there are many former Navy personnel who he served with, and who put their lives on the line for each other, who are contributing to his campaign.
Hunter was asked why he changed parties from Democrat to Republican, asking if he had a disagreement with the party or because there are more GOP voters.
Hunter said it was due to a fiscal issue in 2007, adding he enjoys the support of both Democrats and Republicans in Aransas County.
Garcia was asked about the right-to-life issue, and appointments to the Supreme Court. He pointed out the state legislators do not have anything to do with that, but noted it is one of the most profound and important issues of our time. Garcia said he is for parental notification, and other issues, but does not believe putting a 15-year-old in prison is a solution.
Both Garcia and Hunter were asked what qualifications they have the other does not.
Hunter said he has raised three children and has been through the public school system. With two children in college, he understands tuition issues and does not like the TAKS test.
Garcia said he is proud to be endorsed by all teachers associations adding they have been working on changing the TAKS test as well as lowering the student-teacher ratio. He said with four small children in elementary school he is familiar with public school issues.
Nelson was asked how an independent candidate enhances an election. He said a third party adds diverse ideas which may not be addressed by either of the other parties.
The final question to Garcia was how he plans to reduce windstorm premiums, and how will the community pay for reconstruction after a hurricane.
Garcia said Texas is one of a few states which does not elect an insurance commissioner and has one of the highest rates for windstorm insurance.
Time ran out for the candidates and they departed for the other aformentioned debate.
The forum moved on to the other races/candidates present, as each was allowed to give a three-minute introduction. Those who were present are 13th Court of Appeals incumbent justice Dori Contreras Garza and opponent Caroline Bertuzzi; Aransas County attorney opponents Richard Bianchi and Anita O'Rourke; and Aransas County Navigation District Precinct 1-1A incumbent Commissioner Merlin Hartdegen and opponent Buck Shedd.
Garza was asked about the number of cases which have been reversed on which she has been a part. She said 16 cases have been reversed in her two years, but noted many of them are due to delays in hearing them. She said reversals are not an indication of incompetence, adding things have changed since the initial decision, and upon review, those changes are considered when decided about reversals.
Bertuzzi was asked how she defines judicial activism. She said if a judge, when making a decision, believes he/she needs to expand on the law, that is activism.
Bianchi was asked if he has handled any family law, or child protective services cases. He said he has not, but explained he does not bring a portfolio of that type to the job. He will bring management skills, adding neither candidate has expertise in both sides required for the job.
O'Rourke was asked if for the $100,000 annual salary, would the county be getting a full-time attorney. She said, yes, because that is what should be done. She said if elected, she will wind down her private practice quickly. She said there may be some cases which carry over to next year. She will not leave clients stranded, but will devote full time to the county attorney office.
Bianchi was asked if elected how he would handle his private practice, will he need an assistant county attorney, and how will that position be paid? He said in the last 30 years, the county attorney has been allowed to have a private practice. He said his will be dictated by the responsibility of the county attorney job. He will devote whatever time it takes to serve the county first. He also said an assistant county attorney salary is already in the budget.
O'Rourke was asked if she will attend commissioners court meetings. She first replied she also would hire an assistant, then said she will attend meetings. O'Rourke explained that is why an assistant is needed because the county attorney can not be in two places at one time.
Bianchi was asked if the court had already hired a private law firm to write subdivision rules, since he had stated earlier he could assist the court on that issue. He said there is no local attorney with the specialty to write that particular legislation, but with his real estate specialty, he does have some insight, and can help with management of fees.
Garza was asked about the current makeup of the appellate court. She said there are six judges, five of whom are women. Five are Democrats and one is a Republican. She said although they have to run on party lines because that is the system, the job is nonpartisan.
Hartdegen was asked how does or how has the county attorney position helped the ACND. He said the district hires its own counsel.
Shedd was asked what he believes he can contribute to the ACND which has not been accomplished. Shedd said improvements are needed at Conn Brown Harbor, adding residents there pay ACND taxes as well but receive nothing.
Hartdegen was asked to explain how the ACND works with the city, Town of Fulton, the City of Aransas Pass, and the county. He said they have a positive relationship and are working together weekly, sometimes daily, on projects such as the improvements at Fulton Harbor.
O'Rourke was asked what her position is on prosecuting DWIs, especially those with more than one offense. She replied, “Prosecute them.” She then said all cases will be reviewed to determine there is sufficient evidence to prosecute.
Bianchi was asked what he will do to make a positive change with the drug problem. He said he will require the assistant county attorney to be full time, therefore he/she will have more time to work on cases. He also talked about the need to spend time teaching young children about the law and he consequences of breaking the law.
He also addressed a question regarding improving drainage by using outside counsel or local counsel. He explained depending on what expertise is needed, they will hire local if they can.
When asked about what changes are needed in the county attorney's office, he said there needs to be more cooperation.
O'Rourke was asked the final questions, the first asking if she was involved in the Conn Brown Harbor fiasco when she was in San Patricio County. O'Rourke said she left that county office in 1992, before that occurred.
She was then asked if whoever wins, will the winner ask the other to be assistant county attorney. O'Rourke pointed out at panel last week, that question was asked at which time Bianchi whispered to her, “Ain't gonna happen.”
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