Just a Thought Column continues in La Prensa of SA, 1-17

Just a Thought: Hispanic candidates Pt. 2
by Steve Walker

Last week my column addressed local Hispanic candidates running for Congress, State Senators and State Reps. Many of them are my friends on both sides of the political spectrum. This week “Just a Thought” will focus on Hispanic candidates for judicial races, Sheriff, Commissioner’s Court, Constables, and Tax Assessor.

Beginning in the 4^th Court of Appeals Irene Rios a former County Judge is running as a Democrat against incumbent Republican Jason Pulliam.

In the District 131^st Court two Democratic Hispanics are running to include Norma Gonzales, and Elena Villasenor with Devin Gabriel, son of the current Judge, Johnny Gabriel who is retiring and Republican David Kaliski.

District 166^th Democratic Judge Laura Salinas is unopposed as is 73^rd District Judge David Canales and 379^th District Judge Ron Rangel, all Democrats.  Isla, the daughter of Judge Salinas, shares my birthday on September 5^th. In the District 175^th Court former Judges Catherine Torres Stahl and Tony Jimenez will face Republican Libby Wiedermann.

While in the 386^th District Court, Harlandale ISD Board Member Carlos Quezada and Arcelia Trevino face Republican incumbent Laura Parker.

In the 399^th District Court Democratic incumbent Judge Ray Olivarri faces fellow Democrat Frank Castro and Republican Jan Ischy-Prins.

57^th Court Democratic two term Judge Toni Arteaga faces challenger Ed Pina, also a Democrat.

The 408^th District Court drew five Democrats: Angelica Jimenez, Gabe Quintanilla, Crystal Cordova Tomson along with Virgil Yanta and Milton Fagin and one lone Republican, Leslie Sachanowicz.

The 438^th District Court have two Democrats Rosie Alvarado and Lauro Bustamante squaring off against Republican Francis Dunham. County Court at Law 5 incumbent John Longoria faces off with one Democrat Caitlin Howell and Republican Linda Molina.

Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 Place 1 incumbent Democrat Robbie Vasquez will face Republican John Waldron, while Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 Place 2 includes three Democrats including me.

Moving on to the Sheriff’s race, incumbent Republican Susan Pamerleau is challenged by Democrats Javier Salazar, Andy Lopez, Charles Cervantes, and Matt Ninan. Salazar’s father, Placido and I have been friends for years as we have been active together in various veterans groups having both served in Viet Nam.

Tax Assessor incumbent Democrat Albert Uresti is facing Republicans Gerardo Ponce, Fernando Padron and Mike Berlanga. I taught Uresti’s nephews and nieces at McCollum High School.

Commissioner Pct.1 Democrat incumbent Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez will be challenged by Republican and former State. Rep. John Garza.

Constable Pct.1 incumbent Democrat Ruben Tejeda faces fellow Democrat Ray Lopez and two Republicans, former Harlandale ISD Board President Jay Alaniz who I have known for years while teaching in Harlandale, and Martin Chavez.

Constable Pct. 2 incumbent Democrat Val Flores who I served with for four years as JP2 is facing a number of opponents to include Democrats Dan Vela, Michelle Vela, Charlie Pena, Rudy Garza, and Republicans Kenneth Menn and Joseph Pineda.

Finally Constable Pct. 4 Democrat incumbent Mike Blount faces fellow Democrat Stan Ramos.

A large number of local Hispanics filed to compete in the two March Primaries. Fifty-four filed as Democrats. Twelve filed as Republicans. The question is how many will make it to the November election and how many will prevail to hold office. Only time will tell.

As always, what I write is Just a Thought.

Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran, former Journalist and Justice of the Peace.