"Just a Thought" Column continues in La Prensa of SA, 9-20

Just a Thought: Tino Duran, La Prensa Publisher

By Steve Walker

Last week at the Diez Y Seis celebration at Avenida Guadalupe, the 34^th Annual Parade took over two hours to wind its way down Guadalupe Street. This year more schools, businesses, non-profits and veterans groups participated in the celebration.

One of those entries included some La Prensa staffers and Publisher Tino Duran who rode in the parade. I was there to take photos for the Walker Report with my La Prensa press pass securely around my neck. It was exciting to see my La Prensa family there in the parade!

As a columnist for La Prensa for over four and a half years, I think it is certainly appropriate this week to write once again about my long-time friend, mentor and the man who approves my La Prensa columns, Publisher Tino Duran.

Ironically my first encounter with Mr. Duran and his wife, Millie, was in the nineties, at a local department store located in Crossroads Mall. The Mall is now called Wonderland of the Americas in Balcones Heights.

My wife Linda and I were shopping in the Mall when we literally ran into him on that chance meeting. I knew who he was and so I walked up to him and introduced Linda and myself to him and his wife, Millie.

Since we lived in Balcones Heights at the time, we did much of our shopping at the Mall. On numerous occasions after that first encounter we would run into them walking the mall and chit chat for a few minutes and then move on. Linda would visit with Mrs. Duran and I would visit with Mr. Duran.

Eventually I was elected a City Councilman in Balcones Heights. Mr. Duran would attend part or all of a council meeting on occasion. Again we visited before or after the meeting and he was always encouraging in offering good advice on a number of issues. Since he knew I had previously been a reporter, he told me I could write and submit articles pertaining to Balcones Heights. What an honor!

When I chaired a Salute to Balcones Heights Veterans in 2003, not only did La Prensa cover the event, but Mr. Duran attended and sat on the stage during the ceremony with other dignitaries. Guest speakers included Ret. Army Col. Bob Howard, a Medal of Honor Recipient and two retired Generals. Colonel Howard has since passed.

When our council voted to install Red Light Cameras in the city in 2007, I wrote some articles on the controversial cameras. At the time he offered me the opportunity to write an on-going column. For some strange reason, I declined at the time.

Later when I became Justice of the Peace, he offered me a second chance to write a column. Needless to say I jumped at the opportunity and “Ask the Judge” ran successfully for two years before “Just a Thought” took its place in January 2013.

I was also honored to cover his 80th birthday party at the La Prensa office, which drew a full house of well-wishers and long-time friends.

A spiritual man, Mr. Duran has always shared his faith with me as well as others. A few years ago at an event at the Plaza Club downtown, he quietly handed me a 3x5 card with the encouraging words, “What moves the Lord is not the size of your need, but the faith you have to meet that need.” I still keep that card close to remind me when I am down that better days are ahead.

His La Prensa Foundation, which includes his wife, Millie, awards annual educational scholarships and honors outstanding women in the community. It also recognizes business and civic leaders who make a difference in people’s lives. He is someone I look up to and admire and also consider a mentor.

Since I have been actively involved with Mr. Duran as a friend and La Prensa contributor, I consider myself a better man for it. I am also humbled that he has faith in my writing ability to publish my column every Sunday for La Prensa.

Anyway, as always, what I write is “Just a Thought.”

Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran, former Judge and Journalist.