Bexar County Tejano meeting draws huge crowd

Top Row, L to R: Philip Ruiz, Texas Tejano Chair & Charlie Jones, Bexar County Tejano Chair
2nd Row: Rosa Rosales, National LULAC Chair & Tommy Calvert, possible Dist. 21 Congressional candidate
3rd Row: Richard Gambitta, District 23 Congressional candidate & C.P. Garcia, American G.I. Forum State Commander
Bottom Row: Rolando Rios, civil rights attorney and guest speaker


By the Democrat a.k.a. Steve Walker

The Bexar County Tejano Democrats packed a meeting room at Tito's Restaurant on South Alamo, Saturday, August 12th to hear civil rights attorney, Rolando Rios explain what happened on the recent re-districting of five Congressional Districts.

Over 50 enthusiastic and excited Tejanos listened as Rios pointed out that the Republican fiasco that was engineered by former Congressman Tom Delay was nothing more than the majority party in Texas punishing Democrats.

"Never has there ever been a situation in Texas like 2003 when the Republicans did their dirty work by disenfranchising Hispanic voters."

Rios also pointed out that the 23rd Congressional District is winnable by the Democrats. He said, "this reversal is a huge victory for LULAC as well as Democrats."

Rosa Rosales, newly elected National LULAC Chair Woman also spoke to the redistricting and pointed out that, "the lie that Latinos don't or won't vote will be proven wrong in November."

She added, "as a personal opinion, we need to get angry, get upset and go vote, because for too long, we as Hipanics have had a foot to our necks to keep us down and that has to stop."

Would-be candidates for the now open refiling for Congressional Districts 21 and 23 also addressed the Tejanos. Dr. Richard Gambitta, UTSA professor said he will probably announce his candidacy for the 23rd Congressional seat now held by Henry Bonilla on Tuesday.

Tommy Calvert announced his possible intention of running for Congressional District 21 now held by Lamar Smith. Calvert said, "it is time for a change."

State Commander for the G.I. Forum, Dr. C.P. Garcia, reminded the Tejano crowd that the Democratic candidates need to get the support of Veterans. He reminded the crowd that the Republicans have cut numerous programs for the veterans and "it will take a Democrat to turn that around."

Two Republicans were in the crowd. Ralph Velasquez, brother of Willie Velasquez who started the Southwest Voter Registration Project and Republican Judge of the 224th District Court, Rene Diaz, both who were invited.

Charlie Jones, Tejano Chair, pointed out that "Tejano meetings are open to all who wish to participate."

Jones then proceeded to introduce both Republicans and asked if either one wished to speak. Diaz spoke about his 18 months on the bench. He pointed out that when he presides in the Central Jury Room, he always asks the veterans to stand up so all present can acknowedge their contribution to the country.

"That includes anyone who lost a loved one in any war," he added.

Elected officials who attended the meeting included: Vincent Garcia and Jose Garcia, deputy chairs of pct. 4 & 2; respectively and Jo McCall, SDEC19 Committee Woman.

Philip Ruiz, Texas Tejano Chair and Steve Walker, Balcones Heights Councilman also attended.