Solomon P. Ortiz

THE ISSUE: Entitlement to service connection for a pulmonary disorder, to include as due to asbestos exposure.

2011-12-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

Service connection may be granted for a disability resulting
from disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by service.
38 U.S.C.A. §§ 1110, 1131; 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(a). Service
connection may also be granted for any disease diagnosed
after discharge when all of the evidence establishes that the
disease was incurred in service. 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(d).

Citation Nr: 0802538 
Decision Date: 01/23/08    Archive Date: 01/30/08

DOCKET NO.  02-13 877 ) DATE
 )
 )

On appeal from the
Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania



THE ISSUE

Entitlement to service connection for a pulmonary disorder, 
to include as due to asbestos exposure.



REPRESENTATION

Appellant represented by: Vietnam Veterans of America



ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD

N. Kroes, Associate Counsel



INTRODUCTION

The veteran served on active duty from June 1974 to May 1978.  

This case initially came before the Board of Veterans' 
Appeals (Board) on appeal from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).

In October 2002, the Board remanded the claim for a 
videoconference hearing, but the veteran withdrew his request 
for a hearing in April 2005 correspondence.  The Board again 
remanded the claim for additional development in May 2005 and 
August 2006.  Substantial compliance having been completed 
the case has been returned to the Board.  Since the last 
supplemental statement of the case, the veteran has submitted 
additional evidence.  In a December 2007 informal hearing 
presentation, the veteran's representative waived the RO's 
consideration of this new evidence.  See 38 C.F.R. 
§ 20.1304(c) (2007).

In July 2006, the Board granted the veteran's motion to 
advance his case on the Board's docket.  See 38 U.S.C.A. § 
7107 (West 2002); 38 C.F.R. § 20.900(c) (2007).


FINDING OF FACT

Competent medical evidence of record supports a finding that 
a pulmonary disorder is more likely than not the result of 
asbestos exposure during the veteran's active military 
service.


CONCLUSION OF LAW

With resolution of reasonable doubt in the veteran's favor, 
an asbestos-related pulmonary disorder was incurred during 
active military service.  38 U.S.C.A. §§ 1110, 1131, 5107 
(West 2002 & Supp. 2007); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303 (2007).
REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION
I. Duty to Notify and Assist

As provided for by the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 
(VCAA), the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
has a duty to notify and assist claimants in substantiating a 
claim for VA benefits.  38 U.S.C.A. §§ 5100, 5102, 5103, 
5103A, 5107, 5126 (West 2002 & Supp. 2007); 38 C.F.R. 
§§ 3.102, 3.156(a), 3.159 and 3.326(a) (2007).  In this case, 
the Board is granting in full the benefit sought on appeal.  
Accordingly, assuming, without deciding, that any error was 
committed with respect to either the duty to notify or the 
duty to assist, such error was harmless and will not be 
further discussed.  

II. Service Connection

The veteran asserts that he has an asbestos-related pulmonary 
disorder caused by exposure to asbestos exposure while 
serving as a machinist's mate aboard ship while on active 
duty in the United States Navy.  

Service connection may be granted for a disability resulting 
from disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by service.  
38 U.S.C.A. §§ 1110, 1131; 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(a).  Service 
connection may also be granted for any disease diagnosed 
after discharge when all of the evidence establishes that the 
disease was incurred in service.  38 C.F.R. § 3.303(d).

To prevail on the issue of service connection, there must be 
medical evidence of a current disability; medical evidence, 
or in certain circumstances, lay evidence of in-service 
occurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury; and medical 
evidence of a nexus between an in-service injury or disease 
and the current disability.  See Hickson v. West, 12 Vet. 
App. 247, 253 (1999).

The chronicity provision of 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(b) is 
applicable where the evidence, regardless of its date, shows 
that the veteran had a chronic condition in service or during 
an applicable presumption period and still has such 
condition.  Such evidence must be medical unless it relates 
to a condition as to which, under the Court's case law, lay 
observation is competent.  Savage v. Gober, 10 Vet. App. 488, 
498 (1997).  In addition, if a condition noted during service 
is not shown to be chronic, then generally a showing of 
continuity of symptomatology after service is required for 
service connection.  38 C.F.R. § 3.303(b).

There is no specific statutory or regulatory guidance with 
regard to claims for service connection for asbestosis or 
other asbestos-related diseases.  However, in 1988, VA issued 
a circular on asbestos-related diseases that provided 
guidelines for considering asbestos compensation claims.  See 
Department of Veterans Benefits, Veterans' Administration, 
DVB Circular 21-88-8, Asbestos-Related Diseases (May 11, 
1988).  The information and instructions contained in the DVB 
Circular have since been included in VA Adjudication 
Procedure Manual, M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, 
Section C (hereinafter "M21-1MR").  Also, an opinion by 
VA's Office of General Counsel discusses the development of 
asbestos claims.  See VAOPGCPREC 4- 2000 (April 13, 2000), 
published at 65 Fed. Reg. 33422 (2000).

VA must analyze the veteran's claim of entitlement to service 
connection for an asbestos-related pulmonary disorder under 
these administrative protocols using the following criteria.  
Ennis v. Brown, 4 Vet. App. 523, 527 (1993); McGinty v. 
Brown, 4 Vet. App. 428, 432 (1993).  The M21-1MR contains 
guidelines for the development of asbestos exposure cases.  
Paragraph (a) lists common materials that may contain 
asbestos including steam pipes for heating units and boilers, 
ceiling tiles, roofing shingles, wallboard, fire-proofing 
materials, and thermal insulation.

Paragraph (b) in essence acknowledges that inhalation of 
asbestos fibers can result in fibrosis, the most commonly 
occurring of which is interstitial pulmonary fibrosis or 
asbestosis.  Inhaling asbestos fibers can also lead to 
pleural effusions and fibrosis, pleural plaques, 
mesotheliomas of the pleura and peritoneum, and cancer of the 
lung, bronchus, gastrointestinal tract, larynx, pharynx, and 
urogenital system (except the prostate).  

Paragraph (d) notes that the latency period for development 
of disease due to exposure to asbestos ranges from 10 to 45 
or more years between the first exposure and the development 
of the disease.

Paragraph (e) provides that a clinical diagnosis of 
asbestosis requires a history of exposure and radiographic 
evidence of parenchymal lung disease.  Symptoms and signs 
include dyspnea on exertion, end-respiratory rales over the 
lower lobes, compensatory emphysema, clubbing of the fingers 
at late stages, and pulmonary function impairment and cor 
pulmonale that can be demonstrated by instrumental methods.

Paragraph (h) provides that VA must determine whether service 
records demonstrate evidence of asbestos exposure during 
service; whether there is pre-service and/or post-service 
evidence of occupational or other asbestos exposure; and then 
make a determination as to the relationship between asbestos 
exposure and the claimed disease, keeping in mind the latency 
and exposure information pertinent to the veteran.

When all the evidence is assembled, VA is responsible for 
determining whether the evidence supports the claim or is in 
relative equipoise, with the veteran prevailing in either 
event, or whether a preponderance of the evidence is against 
a claim, in which case, the claim is denied.  Gilbert v. 
Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 49 (1990).

The veteran has submitted a great deal of evidence to support 
his contention that he was exposed to asbestos while serving 
in the Navy, including on line research, articles, training 
manual excerpts, and "buddy" statements.  The veteran's 
service personnel records show that he was a machinist's mate 
who was assigned to the engine room of the U.S.S. Neosho 
during his service.  Multiple letters written by fellow 
sailors detail asbestos exposure by the veteran, and an 
August 2005 letter from the contractor assigned with 
dismantling the ship the veteran served aboard reported that 
after the ship was 50 percent dismantled asbestos disposal 
logs showed that 186.35 tons of asbestos had been removed.  
This letter also notes that the ship had significant levels 
of asbestos in certain areas, including the engine room.  The 
evidence of record shows that the veteran was exposed to a 
significant amount of asbestos while in service.   

A December 1999 CT (computed tomography) scan report prepared 
by Dr. "G.S." of the Dubois Regional Medical Center was 
interpreted to show the veteran with interstitial fibrotic 
changes.  A private physician, Dr. "A.I.," diagnosed the 
veteran with mild restrictive lung disease (January 2000), 
mild interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (August 2000), and 
asbestosis (January 2001) based on this CT scan and pulmonary 
function tests.  Doctor "A.I." also indicated in his August 
2000 letter that it was likely that the veteran developed 
mild interstitial pulmonary fibrosis during service, possibly 
related to asbestos exposure at that time.  A VA examiner in 
October 2000 diagnosed the veteran with mild interstitial 
pulmonary fibrosis but could not state with certainty whether 
the veteran had asbestos related disease.  The VA examiner 
and Dr. "A.I." both indicated that manifestations such as 
pleural plaques would strengthen an association between 
interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and exposure to asbestos, and 
that a lung biopsy would provide the most definitive 
diagnosis.  

Further examination was requested to clarify the matter, and 
in March 2006 a VA examiner concluded that the veteran had no 
restrictive lung disease based on contemporaneous chest x- 
rays and pulmonary function tests.  The Board then remanded 
the claim for another VA examiner to review the evidence and 
identify the precise nature and etiology of any lung disorder 
in light of all of the medical evidence, portions of which 
were conflicting.

The veteran was afforded this VA examination in May 2007.  A 
pulmonary function test that day was reported as normal.  In 
explaining some of the conflicting evidence, the examiner 
stated that a CT scan was more extensive than a chest x-ray 
and that where there may not be any changes noted on a chest 
x-ray they may still be evident on a CT scan.  She also noted 
that the most recent CT scan, from 2003, was negative.  Given 
that pulmonary function testing was normal dating back to 
2003 and a CT scan dated from 2003 was reported as normal, 
the examiner stated that she could not find any objective 
evidence of any defined pulmonary disorder.  She recommended 
another CT scan.  

After the examiner obtained a June 2007 CT scan and results 
she added an addendum to the examination report which stated 
that after review of the actual film with another physician, 
she felt the veteran had very mild interstitial fibrosis in 
both lungs.  She noted that there was no evidence of pleural 
plaques that would associate this fibrosis with the veteran's 
asbestos exposure.  Given that pulmonary function tests were 
normal, she still felt it was more likely than not that the 
veteran's current complaints were not related to interstitial 
fibrosis or asbestos exposure incurred while in the military.  
She stated that she could not totally rule out that 
interstitial fibrosis may be associated with asbestos 
exposure, and explained that she would suspect that if this 
were the case there would be evidence of progression 
reflected in decline of pulmonary function tests.  Therefore, 
it was her opinion that it is more likely than not that the 
mild interstitial fibrosis is not related to asbestos 
exposure incurred in the military.  

Earlier in her report, the examiner explained that pleural 
plaques help differentiate asbestos-induced parenchymal 
disease from other interstitial lung disease.  Pulmonary 
fibrosis with an associated pleural plaque is more likely to 
support asbestosis-related fibrotic disease from other 
interstitial lung disease.  She also relayed that an open 
lung biopsy would be the most definitive diagnosis.  As noted 
above, the October 2000 VA examiner and Dr. "A.I." also 
both indicated that pleural plaques would strengthen an 
association between interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and 
exposure to asbestos, and that a lung biopsy would provide 
the most definitive diagnosis.  

An open lung biopsy was performed by a private physician in 
October 2007.  According to the report associated with this 
procedure, two pleural plaques were found.  

The current competent medical evidence shows interstitial 
pulmonary fibrosis confirmed by a June 2007 CT scan.  
Different medical professionals have on multiple occasions 
stated that the presence of pleural plaques would help 
differentiate asbestos-induced parenchymal disease from other 
interstitial lung disease.  Pleural plaques were found during 
an October 2007 lung biopsy, the procedure that multiple 
physicians have stated would provide the most definitive 
diagnosis.  Considering the above, the Board is of the 
opinion that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to 
whether or not the veteran's interstitial pulmonary fibrosis 
is related to his in-service asbestos exposure.  Therefore, 
resolving reasonable doubt in the veteran's favor, service 
connection for an asbestos-related pulmonary disorder is 
warranted.  38 U.S.C.A. § 5107(b); 38 C.F.R. § 3.102; 
Gilbert, 1 Vet. App. 49.


ORDER

Entitlement to service connection for an asbestos-related 
pulmonary disorder is granted.  


____________________________________________
MICHAEL D. LYON 
Veterans Law Judge, Board of Veterans' Appeals




 Department of Veterans Affairs

BROWNSVILLE VOICE

2008-07-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

BROWNSVILLE VOICE

The law, which is relevant provides strict oversight by the judge.

"(l) Proceedings commenced under this chapter may not proceed to hearing unless the judge who is to conduct the hearing is satisfied that this article has been complied with and that the attorney representing the state will introduce into evidence at the hearing any answer received from an inquiry required by Subsections (c)-(h) of this article. "

Judge Banales like every other trained judicial monkey proved he would sign his own death warrant. Judge Banales’ willingness to sign anything without insuring strict compliance with the law is a major cause for the corruption which has Cameron County by the short hairs. It is time Governor Perry rethink Judge Banales’ appointment and demand his resignation. Oh, that is right, Governor Perry is in a permanent state of holding is knees at the command of Dannenbaum.

The law required that the BND be given notice of the lawsuit, and in fact served a copy of the lawsuit.

"Furthermore, Arambula didn't mind that District Attorney Armando Villalobos did not give BND notice of the intended forfeiture of $1 million from Dannenbaum's firm, perhaps stripping BND's right to claim the money for itself."

http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/bnd_86143___article.html/board_bridge.html

"This is cover-up Brownsville style - "we are so confident we can get away with it, we are going to announce it publicly." Any BND Board Member unwilling to demand a criminal investigation into how DA Villalobos secured the forfeiture without being able to name the source of the money, is not fit for public office. In my opinion a deal was cut to protect Dannenbaum from further exposure in exchange for 1 million dollars.

Tip of the Iceberg: Fwd: [Corpus Christi Caller Times] Remember the Cucuy vs Two Fer adversarial rel...

2008-07-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

Tip of the Iceberg: Fwd: [Corpus Christi Caller Times] Remember the Cucuy vs Two Fer adversarial rel...

Let the ELite Cannibalize themselves.
Personally,only one of those men have sat down, agreed and moved to align with myself (& LOS KENEDENOS) but ignorantly failed to heed the crucial advice (PUT UP A BIG STOP SIGN IN ROBSTOWN) and failed to build a working relationship with Homero. As for TWO FER, now there is a Drama King and the DRAMA is only beginning.

We are only seeing the Tip of the Iceberg: kenedeno

Randy DeLay, Houston, TX is one of the top contributors to beleaguered Alaskan Representative Don “Coconut Road” Young

2008-05-21T00:13:00.000-07:00

Who Loves Representative Heller? Leadership PACs

Representative Dean Heller (R-NV2) appears in the process of transforming himself into yet another PAC-man in the U.S. House of Representatives. About 38% of the funds he has raised during the 2008 campaign season thus far comes from political action committee contributions. [OS] Leadership PAC funds constituted $113,000 of those PAC contributions. [OS]

To whom is Congressman Heller beholden? Or, at least 38% beholden…

The Committee for the Preservation of Capitalism has donated $15,000 to Heller’s coffers. [OS] The CPC’s list of donors reads like a K-Street directory: The Duberstein Group; Ernst & Young; Strategic Health Solutions; Capitol Tax Partners; Securities Industry Association; Aetna Inc.; The Alpine Group; Akin Gump; Capitol Hill Consulting; Arent Fox; and the Business Roundtable among others. [CM] Akin Gump is most often associated with former RNC official Kenneth Mehlman, and the company has represented the “U.S. Embassy of the Government of Colombia” contacting congressional and executive branch officials to discuss U.S. policy – we might assume that would include trade agreements. [SW]

Every Republican Is Crucial donated $10,000. [OS] The questionable nature of this committee has been raised here in previous posts. Again, this is a PAC operated by the Cantor Joint Fundraising Committee, as in Eric Cantor (R-VA). Few members of Congress who were so closely tied to uber-lobbyist Jack Abramoff still managed to retain their seats in 2006.

The Freedom Project (John Boeher R-OH) donated $10,000. [OS] Once more the “K-Street” connections emerge from their donor list. Among the top 100 donations to the organization are checks from: The Dutko Group; Boich Companies; The Duberstein Group; Ernst & Young; Cassidy & Associates; Hecht Spencer & Associates; Podesta Mattoon; Navigators (Christopher Cox); The Hobbs Group; The Baptista Group; Holt Strategies; The Washington Group; News Corporation; the Securities Industry Association; Akin Gump; the Miller Brewing Company and, the Federal Strategies Group. [CM] Those unfamiliar with the Boich Companies should know that Boich = Coal. The Baptista Group works on behalf of Goldman Sachs, Fannie Mae, and the Optimal Group. [The Hill]

Rely On Your Beliefs donated $10,000. [OS] This PAC is operated by Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Altria). The donor list for this Heller funding source may raise at least one eyebrow – it includes the Ogilvy Group’s Wayne Berman, co-finance chair of the McCain campaign. [CM] John Green is the co-founder and managing director of Ogilvy Government Relations (formerly called the Federalist Group), and between 2005 and 2006 Green and his firm were paid $640,000 by Ameriquest “the nation’s largest subprime lender.” In 2006, as Green lobbied for the company, Ameriquest settled a 49 state investigation in a $325 million agreement “that ranked as the second largest predatory lending settlement in history.” [MS]

Battle Born PAC, run by Senator John Ensign (R-NV), gave Heller contributions totaling $10,000. [OS] Among the top contributors to this fund were Mehlman Vogel Castagenetti, Kimbell & Assoc; Cassidy & Assoc; and Barbour Griffith & Rogers. [CM] Barbour Griffith & Rogers has a contract to represent Serbia, billing $60,000 per month through January 2009 to handle its public relations in Washington. The Serbian government has recently been criticized for its “half-hearted cooperation with investigations into war crimes committee during the 1990s.” [SW] As recently as April 2008, the Hague Tribunal was urging Serbia “to locate war crime fugitives, grant access to state archives, and to introduce a witness protection program.” [BI]

Midnight Sun PAC gave Heller $6,000. [OS] Randy DeLay, Houston, TX is one of the top contributors to beleaguered Alaskan Representative Don “Coconut Road” Young. KTUU television added to Rep. Young’s woes this year weighing in with its report “Something Fishy in Seward.” The recipients list for the 2008 cycle is short by Washington standards, but both Dean Heller and Jon Porter are included. [CM] Young’s short list probably has something to do with the fact that he can’t seem to round up donors for his legal defense fund much less concentrate on filling campaign coffers. [The Hill]

The 21^st Century PAC under the direction of Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) kicked in $6,000 for Heller’s 2008 run. [OS] Donations from the Apollo Group figure prominently in supporting McKeon this season. [OS] While the “Apollo Group” name may not be a household term, one of its enterprises certainly is – the University of Phoenix, the private for-profit educational institution.

Congressman Heller has received contributions of $5,000 each from other leadership PACs including: the Congressional Majority Committee PAC; People for Enterprise Trade Economic Growth (Peter Sessions, R-TX); New PAC (David Nunes, R-CA); and, RED PAC (Adam Putnam, R-FL)

A complete listing of congressional leadership PACs is provided by CREW. A list of contributions to Congressman Heller from leadership PACs is available from Open Secrets.

Cross posted at Helluva Heller

El Gigante Y LosTentáculos

2008-04-01T22:58:00.001-07:00

Caller.com - Photos from Corpus Christi and the Surrounding Area
Oct 9, 2007 ... Posted on December 26, 2005 at 11:33:56 PM by Jaime Kenedeño Same ... The corruption is deep, the tentacles are spread out all over the ...
www.caller.com/news/2007/oct/09/restraining-order-on-tv-ads-dismissed/?commentprinter=1/ - 24k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Restraining order on TV ads dismissed : Corpus Christi Local ...
Oct 9, 2007 ... Posted on December 26, 2005 at 11:33:56 PM by Jaime Kenedeño Same ... The corruption is deep, the tentacles are spread out all over the ...
www.caller.com/news/2007/oct/09/restraining-order-on-tv-ads-dismissed/ - 63k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

South Texas Verdad: Hegemony: Power, Culture & Ideology: Lencho ...
I smell CORRUUUUUPPTION. Lencho setting up a Global LLC downtown. Hmmm. Tentacles are back. February 10, 2008 11:41 PM Blogger Jaime Kenedeño said. ...
stxv.blogspot.com/2008/03/hegemony-power-culture-ideology-lencho.html - 189k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

REAL SOUTH TEXAS POLITICS: Joe Benavides: Peggy supporters going ...
Hmmm. Tentacles are back. February 10, 2008 11:41 PM · Jaime Kenedeño said... Is that an offer of assistance or do we have to fight these crooks all by ...
realsouthtexaspolitics.blogspot.com/2008/02/joe-benavides-solomonistas-getting.html - 66k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

REAL SOUTH TEXAS POLITICS: EL DEFENZOR ELECTION DAY ARTICLE ...
February 25, 2008 11:28 PM · Jaime Kenedeño said... A "Wanna-Be" Patron who calls himself a Democrat but behind the scenes works for El Tentacle as El ...
realsouthtexaspolitics.blogspot.com/2008/02/el-defenzor-election-day-article.html - 84k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Caller.com Forums
Jaime Kenedeno Member Jaime Kenedeno. Visit My Homepage Spacer .... is now a Leviathan with tentacles extended into the tiniest crevice of our society. ...
forums.caller.com/msgs.cfm?msg=670&forum=11 - 60k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Caller.com Forums
Jaime Kenedeno Member Jaime Kenedeno. Visit My Homepage Spacer .... is now a Leviathan with tentacles extended into the tiniest crevice of our society. ...
forums.caller.com/msgs.cfm?msg=479&forum=11 - 60k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Caller.com Forums
Jaime Kenedeno Member. Visit My Homepage .... with very few clients is now a Leviathan with tentacles extended into the tiniest crevice of our society. ...
forums.caller.com/msgs.cfm?msg=432&forum=11 - 60k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

60 Minutes
The crookedness has got its tentacles spread out all over Texas. ...... Kenedeno's Texas Monthly: What did Randy tell his Insurance Agent? ...
myronwallace.blogspot.com/ - 175k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

the mental and moral state of honesty, conviction as to the truth or falsehood of a proposition or body of opinion, or as to the rectitude or depravit

2008-03-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Good faith, or in Latin bona fide, is the mental and moral state of honesty, conviction as to the truth or falsehood of a proposition or body of opinion, or as to the rectitude or depravity of a line of conduct, even if the conviction is objectively unfounded. This concept is important in law, especially equitable matters.^[1]

In contemporary English, "bona fides" is sometimes used as a synonym for credentials, background, or documentation of a person's identity. "Show me your bona fides" can mean: Why should I trust you (your good faith in this matter)? Tell me who you are. In this sense, the phrase is sometimes used in job advertisements, and should not be confused with the bona fide occupational qualifications or the employer's good faith effort, as described below.^[2]

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You are here : HOME >People >Rep. Solomon Ortiz [D, TX-27] >Blog Articles

Solomon Ortiz In The Blogs

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March 17, 2008 WHY DOES THE PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI LIAISE WITH LENCHO RENDON (AND ...

Asia Access Corp, LR GLOBAL OSI , BY NOW REORGANIZED AND "NEVER CONNECTED TO THE CONGRESSMAN OR HIS CHIEF OF STAFF"? For three decades, Florencio "Lencho" Rendon was US Rep. Solomon Ortiz's closest confidant and political strategist

source: Corpus Christi Caller Times

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March 14, 2008 ATTN: Evan Smith; Regarding Paul Burka's Article on UT Regents

In the latest South Texas Independent Journalists Association (STIJA) survey, the public is demanding that Congressman Solomon Ortiz, his former aide Lencho "El Pescado" Rendon and State Senator "Sucio" Eddie Lucio should spend time in

source: Tip of the Iceberg

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March 12, 2008 Texas Monthly acknowledges (the de facto existence / independence ...

source: Think Tank

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March 12, 2008 THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE AND ASIAN EXCURSIONS: THE CAT IS REALLY OUT ...

Data retreived through a Google entry - Hong Kong Solomon Ortiz.8 posted on 06/11/2006 7:41:05 AM PDT by gaspar[ Post Reply Private Reply To 5 View Replies ]To: SwinneySwitchI am thinking someone may end up on probation for a whole year ...

source: DEFENZORMAGAZINE

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March 08, 2008 DO YOUR REMEMBER THIS FROM LENCHO?

Political confidant wants family time Jaime Powell Caller-TimesTuesday, April 25, 2006 For three decades, Florencio "Lencho" Rendon was US Rep. Solomon Ortiz's closest confidant and political strategist. APRIL 2006 ...

source: DEFENZORMAGAZINE

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March 03, 2008 Hegemony: Power, Culture & Ideology: Lencho Rendon: The Pimping ...

Shamsieâs support stems from the Office of Congressman Solomon Ortiz and certain other witnesses to the âCapelo Dealâ. (Attorney Shamsie (along with George Finley {Defense Contractor & Nueces County Hospital District}) witnessed the ...

source: Nueces Democrats

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March 03, 2008 Hegemony: Power, Culture & Ideology: Lencho Rendon: The Pimping ...

source: Corpus Christi Caller Times

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March 03, 2008 Lencho Rendon: The Pimping Out Of The President & Hillary

Lencho Rendon, a once behind the scenes person for US Congressman Solomon Ortiz, now is heavy handedly displaying his power and navigated the events, the media coverage and the access to the who, where and why of the Clinton visit(s). ...

source: Hegemony: Power, Culture & Ideology

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March 02, 2008 Tell Them Who You Are.

Last night, Man Shac, who works for State Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr., invited me to go with him to the Texas Democratic Women's awards banquet & dinner. After a long day of dropping lit for the LJD campaign, I was kind of concerned that ...

source: meanrachel

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March 01, 2008 Paper questions Ortiz on China travel

Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-Texas) and his chief of staff each invested thousands of dollars in a Chinese telecommunications project in 2005 with a Texas businessman whose company paid nearly $20000 to fly them to China the year before and ...

source: Upper Valley Notebook

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February 27, 2008 The Latino vote in Texas: A decisive factor

"The Houston Chronicle noted over the weekend that while Hillary Clinton can claim the support of US Rep. Solomon Ortiz and state Sen. Eddie Lucio -- both longtime officeholders -- Barack Obama has the backing of state Reps. ...

source: THE 2008 US ELECTION: THE MENA REPORT

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February 26, 2008 LATEST FROM DEFENZOR: GET OUT AND VOTE!! MARCH 4, 2008

Rumors are not confirmed that Solomon Ortiz Jr and Sr. supporters such as the Rendons are openly supporting Banales although Joe Benavides helped the Congressman since 2000 on all of his campaigns. This support may be another mistake in ...

source: DEFENZORMAGAZINE

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February 26, 2008 The Latino generational divide

The Houston Chronicle noted over the weekend that while Hillary Clinton can claim the support of US Rep. Solomon Ortiz and state Sen. Eddie Lucio -- both longtime officeholders -- Barack Obama has the backing of state Reps. ...

source: hispanictips

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February 25, 2008 EL DEFENZOR ELECTION DAY ARTICLE: REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION

source: REAL SOUTH TEXAS POLITICS

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February 23, 2008 sheila jackson lee

... Matthews asked her she thought comments Sheila Jackson Lee Houston (Clinton sandwiched between Ciro Rodriguez San Antonio (uncommitted) and Solomon Ortiz Corpus Christi (Clinton) Chet Edwards Waco (Obama here, too, and Ed Bernice ...

source: Super It Step

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February 20, 2008 HUBdate: The Choice

Previewing Today: Hillary holds a low-dollar fundraiser and delivers a major address in New York and attends early vote rallies with Rep. RubÃ©n Hinojosa in Hidalgo and Rep. Solomon Ortiz in Brownsville, Texasâ¦ ...

source: Hillary Clinton: Latest Press Releases

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February 19, 2008 State Representatives, Judges Urged to Return Donations by ...

CORPUS CHRISTI â State lawmakers and judges who received hundreds of thousands of dollars from indicted Democratic contributor Mauricio Celis should follow the lead of Rep. Solomon Ortiz Jr. and return the contributions, according to ...

source: Texas Insider

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February 19, 2008 Fwd: [Solomon P. Ortiz] Republicanos Who Claim To Be Democrats But ...

source: Corpus Christi Watchdog Authority

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February 19, 2008 Republicanos Who Claim To Be Democrats But Aim To Debilitate The ...

source: Solomon P. Ortiz

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February 17, 2008 Threats to affect & harm one's livelihood so as to censor free speech

Posted by Jaime KenedeÃ±o at 8:29 PM ... Lencho Rendon, US Rep Solomon Ortiz's former ai. ... 27thcongressionaldistrict.blogspot.com/2007/09/texas-public-education-watchdog.html - 50k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this ...

source: corpus christi billboards

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February 17, 2008 Hillary wafts in like a blast from the past

Summary: Some Clinton critics, even Democrats, have feared she would carry on ... Wednesday's rally felt like old South Texas politics, ... It was predictable for US Rep. Solomon Ortiz to introduce Clinton, ... region may have been ...

source: newsgroups.derkeiler.com: alt.politics.bush

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February 16, 2008 Texas: La Brecha Generacional (”The Generation Gap”)

anahernandez.jpg The San Antonio Express-News digs a little deeper into Mexican-American voter preferences and finds a generation gap: U.S. Rep. Solomon Ortiz

source: The Field

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February 16, 2008 Delaying Dollar Dollar Bills it is a family business

source: Solomon P. Ortiz

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February 15, 2008 Threats to affect & harm one's livelihood so as to censor free speech>

source: Corpus Christi Watchdog Authority

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February 15, 2008 Threats to affect & harm one's livelihood so as to censor free speech>

source: Tip of the Iceberg

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February 13, 2008 FUNDS GO TOWARD HEALTH EFFORTS FOR ASIANS, HISPANICS; INITIATIVES TARGET CARDIAC HEALTH, INFANT MORTALITY AMONG HISPANICS, BLACKS

</div><br><br>Asian Services in Action: The Akron, Ohio-based group has received a $600,000 grant from the Asian & Pacific Islander American <a href="http://fjml-better.blogspot.com" rel="tag"&gt

source: Better

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February 12, 2008 FUNDS GO TOWARD HEALTH EFFORTS FOR ASIANS, HISPANICS; INITIATIVES ...

The cohort is studying obesity, diabetes, heart disease, mental health and other diseases among 2000 Mexican-Americans. Rep. Solomon Ortiz helped secure the funding (U

source: Michael

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February 12, 2008 FUNDS GO TOWARD HEALTH EFFORTS FOR ASIANS, HISPANICS; INITIATIVES ...

The cohort is studying obesity, diabetes, heart disease, mental health and other diseases among 2000 Mexican-Americans. Rep. Solomon Ortiz helped secure the funding (U

source: Unknown

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February 11, 2008 Congressman Gonzalez endorses Sen. Barack Obama

Senator Barack Obama & Congressman Charlie Gonzalez (photos) by Gary Martin, S.A. Express-News WASHINGTON – Illinois Sen ... include Rep. Solomon Orti

source: Walker Report - Shedding Light on Bexar County

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February 11, 2008 Funds Go Toward Health Efforts For Asians, Hispanics; Initiatives Target Cardiac Health, Infant Mortality Among Hispanics, Blacks

Funds Go Toward Health Efforts For Asians, Hispanics; Initiatives Target Cardiac Health, Infant Mortality Among Hispanics, Blacks February 11th, ... -Americans. Rep. Solomon k

source: Medical Health Articles-Free Resource For You Keep Body Health

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some Search Engine Optimization genius, who tells them that blogs are the latest thing url

2008-03-19T03:37:00.000-07:00

Home > Other Blogs > Naming Names and Plagiarism in Criminal Defense Blogs
Posted on March 9, 2008 by Jamie Spencer
Naming Names and Plagiarism in Criminal Defense Blogs

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Houston defense attorney Mark Bennett is understandably outraged to see that fellow criminal law blogger David Finn has reproduced the Department of Justice’s press release about Mark’s client as his own work. Mark’s concern, as always, is for his own client, who thanks to this “Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer” has his name besmirched before a jury can even be selected.

Others might consider it unseemly to not even attribute the DOJ in the post, not to link to the original, not even to indent someone else’s words as is customary in blogging etiquette. No, this is all under the banner of the “Personal Online Journal of David Finn”.

Meanwhile New York defense lawyer Scott Greenfield recently groused about his original writings being bastardized as unintelligible garbage in random blogs. He first thought the culprit was the blogging platform WordPress, but Windy Pundit cleared up the misunderstanding in a comment. Turns out it was just another splog.

These two instances are related, and they illustrate the 2 types of bad and/or useless blogs in the criminal blawgosphere:

1. Lawyers that don’t know or understand the purpose of blogging.
2. Folks trying to monetize a cheap/free site quickly, using Google’s AdSense program.

Category Number One: the Lawyers.

These are lawyers who have contacted (or been contacted by) some Search Engine Optimization genius, who tells them that blogs are the latest thing.

“It’s all about content. Frequently changing and updating content on your site. That’s what Google values the most. That’s what a blog is,” says our easily imaginable SEO expert.

So the web designer sets up a ‘blog’ for the defense lawyer, and tells him, “Take snippets from the local news and post regularly.” Soemtimes the webmeister advises the potential client to “comment on the story”.

Perhaps that saves Finn from the plagiarism charge. Referring, apparently, to federal indictments relating to mortgage fraud, he prefaces the cut-and-paste with the pithy phrase, “Expect to see more of this in 2008”. So at least that’s original.

But, ignoring Bennett’s point about criminal defense lawyers doing the government’s dirty work for the, I still don’t get it. This blog is clearly being used as a marketing tool and exists for that purpose alone. There’s no insight or commentary. Nothing.

The part that confuses me is this: would someone being investigated or perhaps already indicted by the Federal Government run across this site? Potentially yes. Would they say to themselves, what, I don’t know, “I want to hire the guy who repeats the federal prosecutor’s propaganda? Give me the guy who names defendants in his blog.”?

I would think not. So, never mind the ethics of plagiarism, how effective a marketing tool could it be?

Category Number Two: the sploggers.

Written after the fact, and now contained in a separate post.
Tags: Other Blogs, criminal defense lawyer blogs

Port Commission meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center

2008-03-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Port Commissioners
The Authority is governed by a Port Commission composed of seven commissioners who serve without pay. Each commissioner serves a staggered term of three years with appointments made to the Commission each year. Three commissioners are appointed by the Corpus Christi City Council, the governing body of the City of Corpus Christi, three commissioners are appointed by the Nueces County Commissioners Court, the governing body of Nueces County, and one is appointed by the San Patricio County Commissioners Court. The executive staff, under the leadership of the executive director, manages the operations of the Authority and assists the Commission in planning for the future. Port Commission efforts are directed toward encouraging industrial expansion, attracting new cargo, building and maintaining public terminals, setting operational policy and cooperating with the Federal Government as a local sponsor in maintaining and further improving vital navigation channels.

Port Commission meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center. To view latest agenda, Commission Agenda, Audit Committee and Investment Commette, Industrial Development Corporation of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, and Pilot Board of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority.

Ruben Bonilla, Jr.
Chairman
Term: 2007-2010
City Appointee
Port Commissioner since 1998

Bonilla holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Dr. of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas at Austin Law School and is a partner with Law Firm Bonilla & Chapa, P.C.

His current community involvement and organizational affiliations include Chairman of Corpus Christi MPO, World Affairs Council, South Texas Institute of the Arts, LULAC, American GI Forum, and Board of Trustees for Tx A&M CC . Bonilla's professional affiliations include the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association and the Nueces County Bar Association. He has assisted in establishing many scholarships throughout this community including the Dan Purcell Scholarship Fun, Ruben Bonilla, Sr Memorial Scholarship, Maria Bonilla Scholarship, Bay Area Sports Most Valuable Player Scholarship and Jim Fisher Memorial Scholarship. His involvement in the community have been recognized through such honors as the Cecil Burney Humanitarian Award, Robert Baldwin, Award, Heroes of Children Award, and President's Award from the H. Boyd Hall Branch of the NAACP to name a few.

Bernard A. Paulson
Vice-Chairman
Term: 2006-2009
County Appointee
Port Commissioner since 1997

Paulson is a Chemical Engineer from Michigan State University in East Lansing and recipient of the Claud Erickson Award Distinguished Engineering Alumni. He is president and CEO of TOR Minerals International.

Paulson has Chaired organizations such as the Safeharbor Committee, the Mayor's Water Advisory Committee and the Art Museum of South Texas. His civic involvement includes, but not limited to, Bay Area Economic Development Corp., Executive Committee Coastal Bend Bays Foundation and Policy Committee Corpus Christi Bay National Estuary Program. Paulson was 1st Lt. in the United States Air Force.

Mike Carrell
Secretary
Term: 2008- 2011
City Appointee
Port Commissioner since 2002

Carrell, President of Frost National Bank, graduated from Carroll High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master of Engineering from Texas A&M University. He also has a Master of Business Administration from Corpus Christi State University. Carrell serves on the board of numerous community organizations including USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, United Way, Corpus Christi Town Club, Corpus Christi Banker's Association, Driscoll Children's Hospital Development Board, and Buccaneer Commission. Other community involvement includes Boy Scouts of America, South Texas Institute for the Arts, Corpus Christi Rotary Club, and CC Bay Area Economic Development Corp.

Yolanda G. Olivarez
Commissioner
Term: 2006-2009
County Appointee
Former Chairman from 2001 - 2002
Port Commissioner since 1997

Olivarez is a Sr. Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank with more than 14+ years in the banking industry. Her community service includes fundraising for numerous charities, such as March of Dimes, Heart Association, United Way Task Force and American Cancer Society. She has served on many community boards, such as Avance Selena Center, Selena Memorial Committee, Texas A&M University/Project for Dr. Hector P. Garc’a, Garc’a Plaza Scholarship Fund, Civil Service Commissioner, Workforce Development Corporation, and many other boards. Her most recent awards and accomplishments include assisting to chair the fundraiser for Avance Selena Center, assistant fundraiser for the USS Lexington and assisted Nueces County in the Earned Income Credit Program.

Robert J. Gonzalez, Sr.
Commissioner
Term: 2006-2009
County Appointee
Port Commissioner since 2000
Former Vice-Chair from 2001 - 2002

Gonzalez has Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law and is the Founder/Senior Partner of the Law Offices of Gonzalez & Gonzalez, LLP. His community service includes involvement in the Buccaneer Commission, the Carnival Committee and a National Recruiter, Parade Commodore. He is a member of the Corpus Christi Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.

Judy Hawley
Commissioner
Term: 2007-2010
San Patricio County Appointee
Port Commissioner since 2004

Following her first career of teaching and coaching tennis, Judy Hawley served four terms in the Texas House of Representatives. During her tenure in the House, she focused her legislative agendas around issues which impacted rural Texas. She served as Vice-Chair of both the Transportation and Energy Resources Committees and authored numerous bills relating to those industries. Additionally, she served on the Agriculture and Livestock Committee and sponsored major legislation for the agricultural producers in the state. As Chair of the Rural Caucus, she carried the legislation establishing the Office of Rural Community Affairs which coordinates rural issues among the state agencies and serves as a resource for rural communities. Serving as the Vice-Chair of the House Military Caucus, Ms. Hawley carried the legislation which established both the Texas Military Preparedness Commission and the Office of Defense Affairs. Ms. Hawley represented Texas as Vice-Chair of the Southern States Energy Board and as a member of the National Energy Council.

Currently, Ms. Hawley is the Texas Business Development Director for Advanced Acoustic Concepts in Corpus Christi, Texas. She serves on numerous community boards including those of the South Texas Institute of the Arts, South Texas Public Broadcasting, Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation, Texas Maritime Museum, Regional Leaders Forum and Citizens for Educational Excellence.

Ken Berry
Commissioner
Term: 2008-2011
County Appointee
Port Commissioner since 2005

Berry has a Bachelor’s degree in civil and industrial engineering, Texas A&M University, 1978. Berry has served a previous term as a port commissioner (1999-2002). He also has been a Tuloso-Midway school board trustee and chairman of the county's hospital board.

South Texas Chisme: Real Democrats stick around for the business of the Democratic caucus

2008-03-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

South Texas Chisme: Real Democrats stick around for the business of the Democratic caucus

Just in case this gets lost over @South Texas Chisme

A collection of South Texas Political gossip.

Monday, March 03, 2008

Real Democrats stick around for the business of the Democratic caucus

Even though Obama's team says you can leave your precinct caucus after you've signed in for him, don't. Stick around for the resolutions. Resolutions like those calling for the end of the Iraqi war define the platform of the Democratic party.

Don't just sign in and leave. That's short sighted and selfish for a candidate to advocate that. If you like your candidate's message, why abandon the platform of the Democratic party? WHAT do you want the party to stand for anyway? Why not stick around and get the Democratic platform to match your candidates message?
Labels: 2008 race, Texas precinct convention

posted by CouldBeTrue @ 7:20 AM

At 9:33 PM, Jaime Kenedeño said...: KTMV NOT KNUCKLING UNDER. Defenzor BLASTING PEGGY BANALES.

Insiders inside the Peggy Banales camp indicate that they are howling with rage at the freedome of speech exerted by El Defenzor Live. Can't take the heat Peggy and company???
At 8:14 AM, CouldBeTrue said...: What does your comment have to do with the original post?
At 12:14 AM, Jaime Kenedeño said...: CouldBeTrue,; That is a good question? Better yet , why would you delete some of the rare interaction this site gets now days? Deleting my words only add to this sites discredit. We had a good thing going when you were fair with us but now you guys have became an occasional visit for myself and South Texas. We have extended our arms out open in goodwill however when our message conflicts with your agenda you guys hit the delete button and suppress and censor. We dont need to agree and it it is not about what we want or what you want but it is about what a people of South Texas want.It is about informing a public where the mainstream media has failed. Envy has no place perpetuating in South Texas we have enough crabs already. We know the identities of STXC and we have for quite a while but why reveal.We believe there is a place for STXC in South Texas and even though we have different POVs we believe it is a great thin for South Texas, that is as long as you guys respect the first amendment that allows us to both accomplish. Suppression and censorship have no place in South Texas,we wont be silenced and for those who are obtuse to us we have no problem giving them their say. We can stand up for ourselves without using the delete censor button, it remains to be seen whether you guys can do so as well.

Now to the question at hand:

What does your comment have to do with the original post?

Los Kenedeños ANSWER: It is about democrats, the short sidedness (for the little people) of some incumbents here in South Texas. The abandonment of the party platform in that it is suppressing free speech, financially threatening the media "who has the audacity to sell us air time and broadcast our message". It has everything to do with policy in South Texas and if we are going to relax and enjoy the exploitation, the deception, the corruption and the nepotism. It is amazing how incumbent candidates get upset and angered for pointing out weak spots in their armor.

We are calling for an investigation into the inappropriate & conflicting appointments, the consanguinity of the relationships of the appointees, the whole overture on San Patricio Shores, the BND inconsistencies and discrepancies.

We are also calling for an auditing of the Commissioners court finances and redirection diversion of funds. Also the activities of Legislators who have written legislation designed to usurp the public and to target the Honest Hardworking Citizens of this Great State.

INVESTIGATE where there is smoke there is fire and in this case a nuclear detonation.

Why is everybody looking the other way?

Why is STXC looking the other way?

How is that for a resolution?
At 12:22 AM, Jaime Kenedeño said...: and dont worry about deleting the comment it is duplicated over on a few other sites.Delete it and it will be blasted around the world.

Yeah-yeah
Oh, I'm newly calibrated
Yeah-yeah
Oh, shiny and clean
Yeah-yeah
I'm your recent adaptation
Yeah-yeah
Time to redifine me

Let the word out
I've got to get out
Whoa, I'm feeling better now
Break the news out
I've got to get out
Whoa, I'm feeling better now

Yeah-yeah
I'm happy as Christmas
Yeah-yeah
All wrapped to be seen
Yeah-yeah
I'm your recent acquisition
Yeah-yeah
Time to celebrate me

Let the word out
I've got to get out
Whoa, I'm feeling better now
Break the news out
I've got to get out
Whoa, I'm feeling better

The world's done shakin'
The world's done shakin'
The world's done shakin' me down

The world's done shakin'
The world's done shakin'
The world's done shakin' me down

Let the word out
I've got to get out
Whoa, I'm feeling better now
Break the news out
I've got to get out
Whoa, I'm feeling better now

Let the word out
I've got to get out
Whoa, I'm feeling better now
Break the news out
I've got to get out
Whoa, I'm feeling better now
At 12:29 AM, Jaime Kenedeño said...: TO HELL WITH LENCHO. HE'S MAKING A POWERPLAY. HE DID IN THE END STRONGARM THE LOPEZ FAMILY AT KTMV BUT WHEN DID THE RADIO EVER PULL HOMER OFF WHEN HE BLASTED THE EDC. THIS TYPE OF CENSORSHIP WILL NOT STAND. IF KTMV WANTS TO KNUCKLE UNDER FINE BUT WE ARE NOT IN A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY WHERE THE MEDIA CAN BE SUPPRESSED. THE LOPEZ FAMILY FORGOT THAT. MAYBE THAT'S WHY THEY DON'T PROGRESS TO WHAT THEY COULD BE. SAD. JOURNALISTS MUST HAVE COURAGE. DON'T CAVE IN TO RENDON. HE IS NOT SOLOMON AND WILL PAY FOR HIS HEAVY HANDEDNESS.

March 3, 2008 9:10 PM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

no sense of values or principles. all about ktmv pocketing money. there is a cause and a place for homero villarreal. freedom of speech has been suppressed and homer was suppressed even on his radio show.enjoy your day in the son lackey joseph for lencho. you guys are targets.

March 3, 2008 9:14 PM; Anonymous Anonymous said...

no secret lencho and huerta are going to buy the tv station but that doesnt means selling out principles. Lencho is becoming a dictator. IF Watts couldn't do it why the hell does this oaf think he can do it without a law degree, without class and by trying to be a dictator. the gloves are off.; March 3, 2008 9:16 PM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The problem with power hungry people who don't stay lowkey is they get burnt. Take for example Mauricio who wanted to flash his money. Why do you think solomon Ortiz,Sr and Filemon Vela never get burned even when they piss some people off? Lowkey. Too bad Lencho didn't get any of that from being the right hand for so many years. And Shamsie is just plain crazy. He's bitter and angry about who knows what. But one thing we do know, these guys are going to make some stupid mistakes along the way. Number one: They are too in the spotlight and pissing the wrong people off. Bad move.

Get busy STXC!

South Texas Chisme: Real Democrats stick around for the business of the Democratic caucus

Nueces Democrats: Hegemony: Power, Culture & Ideology: Lencho Rendon: The Pimping Out Of The President & Hillary

2008-03-04T00:44:00.000-08:00

Nueces Democrats: Hegemony: Power, Culture & Ideology: Lencho Rendon: The Pimping Out Of The President & Hillary

By themericanprince

LENCHO "THE DICTATOR" RENDON

Here is why Lencho will fail:
1) Shady deals
2) Doesn't have finesse that Solomon had
3) Uses intimidation and muscle himself into power
4) When you use intimidation you can never go back to be civilized. It's all he knows and his henchman Mike Rendon and Joseph.
5) He hasn't reached out fairly to the community
6) He's a third world thug/dictator and that's why he will fail
7) The reason Solomon got rid of him was the bridge to nowhere and backing Alvarez fiasco among God only knows what shady deals.
8) The suppression of the Democratic party.
9) Making enemies of many white and Hispanic influential people
10) Hiring dirtbags like Susie Tuna
11) Trying to manipulate the media and control information which they cannot do on the internet and alternate newspapers.

Republicanos Who Claim To Be Democrats But Aim To Debilitate The Nueces Democratic Party. Republicanos I Tell Ya!

2008-02-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

State Representatives, Judges Urged to Return Donations by Indicted Contributor

Published: 02-19-08

Republicans Urge Other Elected Officials to Follow Ortiz Lead

CORPUS CHRISTI – State lawmakers and judges who received hundreds of thousands of dollars from indicted Democratic contributor Mauricio Celis should follow the lead of Rep. Solomon Ortiz Jr. and return the contributions, according to Nueces County Republican Party Chair Michael Bertuzzi.

Ortiz Jr. announced today that he was returning thousands of dollars in contributions from Celis who was indicted in November on multiple felony counts including impersonating a lawyer and a peace officer, perjury and theft. Later he was linked to alleged money laundering for the Mexican drug trade in a search warrant used by the Texas Attorney General’s office to raid his office.

Ortiz is not the only Democrat who has had to return money from donors who were indicted or had questionable business activities this year. Both Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama have returned hundreds of thousands of dollars to contributors under scrutiny over their fundraising and business deals.

Bertuzzi called on state representatives Juan Garcia and Abel Herrero to also return Celis’ money or to donate it to local charities. He also said Nueces County judges who received money from Celis should give their contributions to charity as well.

Bertuzzi said that Herrero had received about $50,000 in direct contributions from Celis and that Garcia received $17,000 in direct contributions. Bertuzzi said that Garcia should also return at least $50,000 of the more than $400,000 in contributions Garcia received from the plaintiff lawyer funded Good Government PAC. That PAC was funded with money from Corpus Christi trial lawyer Mikal Watts and his friends, including a $50,000 donation from Celis.

In April of 2006, Juan Garcia demanded that Rep. Gene Seaman return almost $50,000 he had received over a four year period from Tom Delay and PACs associated with the former Congressman.

“Garcia told Seaman he should give back almost $50,000 he received four years earlier from PACs founded by DeLay,” Bertuzzi said. “Now he needs to put his money where his mouth was. Today, we are calling on Garcia to return the $17,000 in Celis contributions as well as at least $50,000 of the more than $400,000 in contributions he received from the so-called Good Government PAC, which were directly donated to the PAC by Celis.” Celis also was a host for a Washington, D.C. fundraiser for Garcia in 2006 and the next year Garcia touted him as his largest single contributor.

“Before this case is over, it could well replace the stories of dead people voting as one of the biggest political corruption scandals in South Texas history,” Bertuzzi said. “Juan Garcia and Abel Herrero can run, but they can’t hide from the truth. They accepted thousands of dollars in tainted money from Mauricio Celis – and they need to give it back.”

Republicans have long called on the area’s three state representatives and numerous local judges to return thousands of dollars donated to their campaigns by Celis. Bertuzzi noted that Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama had returned hundreds of thousands of dollars to indicted contributors over the past year. He said that while Ortiz’s return of the contributions was a little late, it at least showed Ortiz had been convinced to do the right thing.

Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton returned $850,000 in contributions linked to fundraising activities of Norman Hsu, who is under investigation in a financing scheme allegedly designed to stead $40 million from an investment fund.

Democratic Presidential candidate Barak Obama has given $150,00 to charity linked to Chicago businessman Tony Rezko, a Obama fundraiser and friend who helped Obama purchase his home and has now been accused of fraud.

“In October these three state representatives tried to wait out this controversy by giving part of the money to charity that Celis donated to their cause,” Bertuzzi said. “However, the small amount each legislator reportedly gave to charity was only a tiny piece of what Celis has given to their campaigns.”

Delaying Dollar Dollar Bills it is a family business

2008-02-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

It's a family affair

Tom DeLay's payouts to friends and family are nothing new -- for nearly a decade he's truly been his brother Randy's keeper.

By Joe Conason

Apr 8, 2005 | For a politician who is so plainly annoyed by liberals seeking to embarrass him, Tom DeLay has always made himself an easy target. Accusations of corruption against DeLay are hardly new, since the public record of his disdain for ethical standards dates back at least a decade. But now the national media, liberal and otherwise -- including the Wall Street Journal editorial page -- have shown renewed curiosity about the workings of DeLay Inc., the majority leader's gargantuan, greasy machine for fundraising and lobbying.

With investigations of DeLay cronies proceeding in both Washington and Texas -- and indictments against three of his closest associates in Austin -- that machine is starting to resemble a beleaguered criminal syndicate. According to recent estimates, the Republican lobbyists who formerly worked for the House majority leader have raked in more than $40 million. That figure doesn't include the enormous and notorious rip-off of several Indian tribes perpetrated by lobbyists Jack Abramoff, Michael Scanlon and Ralph Reed, which is currently being probed by the Justice Department.

Wednesday, in the latest episode, reporters reopened the files on the Texan's family, with a front-page New York Times examination of $500,000 in payments from DeLay's political and "charitable" groups to his wife, Christine, and his daughter Dani DeLay Ferro during the past four years. His office explained that the missus, who stays home in Sugar Land, Texas, "provides big picture, long-term strategic guidance and helps with personnel decisions." (Isn't that special?)

Such high-dollar family values bring the DeLay saga full circle -- all the way back to the original ethics case against the majority leader brought by the Congressional Accountability Project, a watchdog group affiliated with Ralph Nader. Nine years ago, the watchdog group filed a complaint with the House Ethics Committee that focused on the activities of DeLay's younger brother Randy. A failed restaurateur and attorney who had filed for bankruptcy in 1992, Randy's fortunes brightened considerably after Tom rose to the House leadership -- and Randy started handing out business cards as a Washington lobbyist.

For the past several years, after drawing unwanted attention to the DeLay family's business methods, Randy DeLay has kept his head down -- but kept doing business exactly the same way.

Back in 1995, the year of the Republican "revolution" that brought his brother to power, Randy DeLay first turned up as a lobbyist employed by Cemex, the Mexican cement monopoly suspected of illegal economic "dumping" of its product in the United States. He joined with the powerhouse Texas law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski to protect Cemex from sanctions. Meanwhile, Tom DeLay wrote articles and circulated letters among his congressional colleagues, urging the Commerce Department to refrain from punishing Cemex for trade violations.

In the usual course of congressional procedure, the House Ethics Committee -- then chaired by Rep. Nancy Johnson, R-Conn. -- applied a fine coat of whitewash to this apparent violation, ultimately dismissing the complaint against DeLay. But a question still lingered: Why would Cemex, represented by one of the best-connected and most skillful lobbying law firms in the country, require the costly services of a two-bit Houston lawyer like Randy DeLay?

Reporters in Texas and Washington found that Cemex was not alone in discerning Randy's hidden abilities. A coalition of special interests seeking federal funds to build an interstate highway from Texas into Mexico, known as I-69, likewise found reason to hire the younger DeLay. (Between 1995 and 2000, he was paid almost $400,000 for his work on the project.) So did Union Pacific Railroad, which faced opposition to its monopolistic merger with Southern Pacific -- and which had also hired Fulbright & Jaworksi to lobby for the deal.

Coincidentally, Tom DeLay mobilized his clout behind both Interstate 69 and the Union-Southern merger, rounding up colleagues to emphasize his support.

While the majority leader and his brother both escaped any official sanction for these gross examples of influence peddling, Tom realized that Randy had become an embarrassment. He declared that his little brother had become persona non grata in his office. Of course, he added, Randy had never had any influence over him anyway.

Indeed, an intimate 2001 Washington Post profile of the Hammer and his family rather credulously suggested that the earlier ethics flap permanently ruptured the relationship between Tom and Randy. "Tom said, 'I can't afford you as a brother right now. You chose lobbying over me,'" Randy told the Post. He said that Tom had "cut him off cold," and not spoken to him since. More recently, however, Randy seems to have realized that such tales might be bad for business. Last July, he told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that stories of their estrangement are untrue.

"I specifically do not discuss with my brother, nor does he know any of my clients, nor do I know his staff or what they do," he insisted. "We just don't discuss those matters. I love my brother to death and I'm very proud of all the things he's doing. It's just the innuendos and the implications behind those innuendos that I get tired of."

Yet during the past four years, Randy DeLay has quietly continued to acquire lobbying clients, particularly in South and West Texas. Local officials in the Lone Star State clearly believe that they can still purchase the good will and assistance of the majority leader by hiring his brother. The local newspapers, though largely ignored by the national media, have been following DeLay's controversial lobbying career quite closely -- because the county taxpayers keep asking why they must hire the majority leader's brother to obtain adequate representation in Washington. After all, they ask, isn't Tom DeLay supposed to help his home state without the necessity of paying his brother?

Just to make sure, county officials have been signing deals with brother Randy.

In Brownsville, the local navigation district hired him to obtain millions in federal funding for deepening river channels. According to the Caller-Times daily newspaper, Randy DeLay has been hired to promote Brownsville's Brazos Island Harbor and the Corpus Christi Packery Channel dredging projects, as well as a railway-truck bridge to Mexico and other projects. The paper notes that Tom DeLay has weighed in to push the same projects. Last February, the Regional Transportation Authority in Corpus Christi also found $120,000 in its strapped budget to hire Randy. Again, some local officials objected, wondering why they had to hire him when other lobbyists are already on the payroll. But that contract went through anyway.

In Reeves County, local officials hired Randy DeLay to lobby the Federal Bureau of Prisons to place inmates in their county's privately run detention facility. He was paid $120,000 per year, plus expenses, to get federal prisoners placed in the Reeves County Detention Center. Even after the detention center won a three-year deal with the Bureau of Prisons, the county renewed DeLay's contract again.

In Nueces County last year, officials proposed to award Randy DeLay a lucrative contract to protect the region's military bases from being shut down by the Pentagon. He would have shared that one-year contract, worth $1.2 million, with former Bush aide and Federal Emergency Management Administration director Joe Allbaugh. (The two lobbyists said they "wanted to help Nueces County protect its bases from the latest round of closings as a way to give back to Texas." Isn't that special, too?)

That fat deal fell through, but some time later the DeLay brothers' local congressional ally, a Democrat named Solomon Ortiz, explained why he had endorsed the lobbying scheme. Asked whether he had urged local officials to hire Randy DeLay, Ortiz told the Caller-Times that "you don't advertise these things. The things these people were trying to do were tainted by disclosing them. There goes our big chances of getting help from sources that were willing to help."

Willing to help -- as those dedicated DeLay family members are always so eager to do -- if the price is right.

The Nueces County Jail / Federal Prisoner Removal was a Political Smear and a total Sham directed at Larry Olivarez and Mikal Watts at the expense of

2008-01-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

KENEDENO & ASSOCIATES

We at Kenedeno & Associates apologize if this Documentary Dossier' offends. We certainly encourage anyone who disputes or challenges anything written in this Article to rebut / respond. The Links contain more in depth information. To find the specific reference click the link and use the edit find tool entering the phrase or word you wish to find. Also a simple Google search of any of the referred to entities will support the position this publication maintains.

The best way we can kick this thing off is with some hard hitting on the one's not used to getting hit. Lencho Rendon is the whipping boy he is the first one who gets hit.

If they can prosecute a little person for $45 then surely they can look into the allegations with the bridge to nowhere and the brown bag back porch window treatments and all that double standard.

Asian Human Trafficking or an Asian Employment Service? It all depends on who it is, how much lettuce they have, and who they got dirt on.

Why do we hand Lencho Rendon San Patricio Shores along our port and why does the Brownsville Navigation District do the same? And Solomon Grande, why do we keep on pulling the lever? And Solly Junior why give him another chance? He dont keep his promises.

The Nueces County Jail / Federal Prisoner Removal was a Political Smear and a total Sham directed at Larry Olivarez and Mikal Watts at the expense of Nueces County

It is this Publication's objective to prove the above statement.

All submissions are posted regardless of position or standing.

Now, to the heart of the matter; the "Shamsie Tick" FKA the "Shamsie Clique" Network of Avarice and Fiscal Loophole Specialties.

Dear Mr. Shamsie,

It is ironic how you entered the Body of Christ via Robstown. You pinched and cut, denied and fired, released and demoted your supporters their families and the community they inspired to elect you. A bang up JOB you performed with fiscal expediency and without one drop of loyalty (except in the end to your cronies).

Mr. Boss of Bosses, Jefe de Jefes, or fiscal deconstructionists (creative accountant); history has proved you a frugal man however one must question the oddball choices of highballin contractors (DOS Logistics & Omega Contracting) without a bid process. It turns out they are your cronies and you knew your days were numbered. Who are they one might ask? They are: Rene Rodriguez, George Finley (CC Distributors), Jaime Capelo, Terry Shamsie, Mack Rodriguez (Rainbow Building), Oscar Ortiz, Mike Rendon, Lencho Rendon and others to be defined. This faction of Politicos, presently are working within the Solomon Machine while biding their time. In the past, this faction has attempted to undermine and overthrow Congressman Ortiz. Randy Delay works under the Blessing of Solomon Grande.

DOS Logistics & Omega Contracting Inc.-

Yet, the county is paying three times the customary rate for engineering and inspection services, according to engineers in government and private practice.Instead of assigning the county's staff engineer to handle the project, Nueces County Judge Terry Shamsie negotiated $7.6 million for engineering with Omega Contracting Inc. and $7.95 million for inspection with DOS Logistics, as the county revamps 280 miles of mostly flat, straight, narrow, non-shouldered rural roadway., Source: CCCT,

DOS Logistics' registered agent is Eric Chin and the company is based in Weslaco, according to records from the Texas Secretary of State. Corpus Christi businessman George Finley said he started the company in 1999 to pursue minority contracts and that he no longer owns it. Source: CCCT
DeLay did legal work
Randy DeLay, a Houston lawyer and lobbyist, whose brother is U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, was the company's registered agent when it was incorporated in 1999. Finley said Randy DeLay's only role with DOS Logistics was handling the legal work of incorporating the company for Finley.Last year, Shamsie and County Commissioner Oscar Ortiz unsuccessfully sought to award DeLay a $1.2 million contract to lobby on behalf of local military installations. Source: CCCT

Texas Secretary of State records indicate that Omega Contracting is based in Dallas and belongs to Luis Spinola. Spinola also owns Azteca Enterprises. Both firms are described on their Web site as contractors that seek government contracts set aside for minorities. Source: CCCT

Public Private Strategies-

Randy DeLay, owner of Public Private Strategies Consult, Inc, said he told Nueces County Judge Terry Shamsie and his assistant, Tyner Little, that his firm was withdrawing its proposal to represent the area. Source: CCCT

Last year, Shamsie and County Commissioner Oscar Ortiz unsuccessfully sought to award DeLay a $1.2 million contract to lobby on behalf of local military installations. Source: CCCT

Regional Transportation Authority Board Chairman Miguel Rendon (Lencho Rendon's Brother) said politics may be the undercurrent motivating two city councilmen who were critical this week of plans to put a rail trolley in downtown Corpus Christi.
Source: CCCT
Rendon said he suspects City Councilmen Rex Kinnison and Brent Chesney voiced opposition to the trolley because the City Council secretly did not want the RTA to renew a $120,000 contract in January with lobbyist Randy DeLay's company, Private Public Strategy Consulting. DeLay is the brother of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a Republican from Sugar Land. Source: CCCT

The Correction Corporations of America (CCA)-

Private Prison-Industrial complex such as the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), the GEO Group (formerly known as Wackenhut), Correctional Services Corporation (CSC) and Correctional Medical Services.,

The Federal Prison Lobby Bureau of Prisons-
Randy DeLay, the brother of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.), lobbied the Bureau of Prisons to send its prisoners to RCDC [Reeves County Detention Facility], at the behest of county officials. Randy DeLay isn't the only member of his family with an interest in corrections. In December, Rep. DeLay accepted a $100,000 check from the CCA for the DeLay Foundation for Kids.,

Does anybody remember the April Primary and the Robstown Private Prison Contractor (LCS) Leverage of Public Opinion that affected the election?

Political ad could alter deal
Nonetheless, the company's owners fired off statements Tuesday and Wednesday through lawyer Tonya Webber questioning why they were being pulled into the political fray and refusing to comment to "rumors or allegations that the negative campaign" had jeopardized the company's plans for the facility.
"LCS Company officials will not respond to questions regarding whether the company will change its plans to build a corrections facility in Nueces County," Webber said. "They will not make that decision until after next Tuesday's election."
Commissioner Betty Jean Longoria said it would be unfortunate if the political ad kills the project. Source: CCCT

SHOW MORE
CAMPAIGN MUD BEING SLUNG HARD Company officials refused to comment on whether the ad has now jeopardized the plans to build the corrections facility, saying it might unfairly impact the election.
Source: CCCT
Lencho Rendon was Pete Alvarez's Political Consultant.
Source: Brownsville Herald

Lencho is allied in business with Randy Delay.

Why would the Louisiana Contractor (Robstown Federal Prison Project) side against a candidate of Lencho Rendon?

Was Lencho squeezed?

WATT were Lencho's intentions regarding Pete Alvarez?

Who wanted to eliminate Alvarez for a candidate they could or thought they could control?

Is that candidate Jimmy Rodriguez or Jim Kaelin?

Is there any truth that Kaelin is being courted (or has received campaign donations) from WATT Democrat?

WATT could Shamsie and Delay (with his Federal Lobby influence) do to affect the Federal Prisoner Removal?

DeLay's company is paid to conduct federal lobbying

Caller-Times reporter Brad Olson wrote that Randy DeLay, through his Washington connections, would have pressed for the appointment of a BRAC commissioner who would be favorably disposed to South Texas bases. Source: CCCT

RTA chairman Mike Rendon and board members Roland Barrera and Joe Benavides said they are pleased with DeLay's lobbying progress. Source: CCCT"I think his strong point is that he knows the members on the Senate and the House," Rendon said. "If you hired me as a lobbyist, I don't have the contacts that he has in the upper echelon of committee members. That is where the influence comes." Source: CCCT

WATT initiated the scrutiny was the abuse of a Political Familia from Robstown. In the past, the Nueces County Jail Conditions have never been an issue. The Jail became an issue only after the scheme to railroad $1.2 million to lobbyist Randy Delay's company Private Public Strategy Consulting was derailed.

Last year, Shamsie and County Commissioner Oscar Ortiz unsuccessfully sought to award DeLay a $1.2 million contract to lobby on behalf of local military installations.

"County Commissioner Betty Jean Longoria said Shamsie was "the driving force" behind the two contracts (DOS Logistics & Omega Contracting Inc). Shamsie recommended the two firms to the commissioners, she said.She said she was anxious to get the project moving because a majority of the roads in need of work are in her precinct and at the time she did not notice that she was never shown any qualifications for either firm, she said."
Source: CCCT

BRACC, BREAK or BROKE while sacrificing our "money maker" (the Nueces County Jail) was no longer a dilemma for a Lame Duck Nueces County Constitutional Judge (Terry already knew he wasn't coming back) to invoke the Federal Marshal's into his vendetta with Mikal Watts and Larry Olivarez. One phone call to Randy and the Bureau of Prisons went to work.

Was / is Randy Delay with the support of Solomon Grande our Nueces County insider connection to the Federal Prison Lobby?

The RCDC is a private-public partnership in more ways than one. Randy DeLay, the brother of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R–Tex.), lobbied the Bureau of Prisons to send its prisoners to RCDC, at the behest of county officials.Randy DeLay isn’t the only member of his family with an interest in corrections. In December, Rep. DeLay accepted a $100,000 check from the CCA for the DeLay Foundation for Kids.

The Awards (evidenced by Larry Olivarez) and the Federal Prisoner occupancy dividend was never a problem until after the $1.2 Million to DELAY was denied.

For a fellow who conducts his business out of the glare of publicity, Randy DeLay has a way of popping up in headlines - and generating controversies - in these parts.
Source: CCCTLast May, DeLay, the lobbyist (and brother of U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay), came into the spotlight when Nueces County Judge Terry Shamsie tried (but failed) to convince his colleagues on the Commissioners Court support retaining his lobbying services. Source: CCCT

WHO wanted the Nueces County Jail to be a problem right in the middle of the County Leadership Races?

Randy DeLay was hired to help Reeves County lobby to get more federal inmates from the federal Bureau of Prisons & Reinstate employees JOBS Source: CCCT

Who crashed in during the Primary from Louisiana with concerns about the building of a Private Prison?

“I remember Lencho telling me that his ideal dream team (to help BND) would be (lobbyist) Randy DeLay, (Monterrey consult-ant) Esther Rodriguez and ‘Madam Ping,’” Lasseigne said.

A Dream Team of Randy Delay Lobbying in Washington, Solomon Sr. nicely positioned on the House Arms Services Committee and his influential "friends" such as Congressman Ike Skelton, the distract and the DELAY side JOB Lobby at the Federal Bureau of Prisons / CCA / Private Prison Profiteering CON. The Daytime JOB is the Defense Contractor Ocean Shipholdings

Total Defense Contracts, 1998-2003: $1,094,875,569

Ocean Shipholdings Inc. builds, repairs and operates ocean-going marine vessels. Over the past six years, the company ranked as the Pentagon's second-largest provider of marine transportation of equipment.

Many contract dollars are classified as going to a small business or small disadvantaged business (minority-owed, etc.). Set-aside contracts are reserved for small businesses; large companies cannot compete for them.
According to records from the Texas Secretary of State. Corpus Christi businessman George Finley said he started DOS Logistics in 1999 to pursue minority contracts

Influence

Campaign Contributions

Top Recipients
Democratic Party Committees
$61,000
Rep Solomon P Ortiz (D-TX)
$9,750
Rep Gene Green (D-TX)
$9,500
President George W Bush (R)
$8,250
Rep Ike Skelton (D-MO)
$7,500
Rep Richard A Gephardt (D-MO)
$6,000
Republican Party Committees
$5,750
Sen Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)
$5,000
Rep Ken Bentsen (D-TX)
$5,000
Rep Chris Bell (D-TX)
$4,500
Rep Tom DeLay (R-TX)
$3,000
Rep John Culberson (R-TX)
$3,000
Sen John Cornyn (R-TX)
$3,000
Sen Ted Stevens (R-AK)
$2,500
Rep Don Young (R-AK)
$2,000
Rep Henry Bonilla (R-TX)
$2,000
Rep Jerry Lewis (R-CA)
$1,000
Rep Norman D Dicks (D-WA)
$1,000
Rep Martin Frost (D-TX) $1,000

Rep Helen Delich Bentley (R-MD) $1,000 The Center for Public Integrity has instituted an improved methodology to compute lobbying figures in order to produce the most accurate possible totals. For up-to-date lobbying information calculated with the revised methodology please see the Center's LobbyWatch site.

With the Shamsie Dream Team, the Nueces County housing Federal Prisoners was never an issue, not even when the Mold Contamination was an issue were Federal Marshalls involved. Evidently, the Mold remains even though the Commissioners Court and Shamsie never addressed it (or did they ignore it?).

"These are not Democrat issues. These are not Republican issues." These are Nueces County issues

The Caller Times and mainly Jaime Powell has informed us all along of the elements referred to in this work product. We at Kenedeno & Associates attempt to compile, organize and put in plain words a meaningful testimony.

7 Comments:

Jaime Kenedeño said...: “MIDDLE MAN” WHO FORWARDED BRIBE PAYMENTS TO WILLACY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SENTENCED

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The man who arranged the delivery of bribe payments to two Willacy County commissioners in exchange for contract advantages in the construction of the Willacy County Adult Correctional Center (Center) in Raymondville, Texas, was sentenced today, U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced.

David Cortez, 72, of Laredo, Texas, will be serving a three-month term of imprisonment at a facility to be designated by the U.S. Bureau of Bureau of Prisons to be followed by a two-year term of supervised release during which Cortez will be confined to his home for six months. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen imposed the sentence this morning and further ordered Cortez to pay a $25,000 fine.

Two Willacy County commissioners -- Jose Jimenez, of Sebastian, Texas, and Commissioner Israel Tamez, 60, of Raymondville, Texas, were convicted in January 2005 for accepting bribe payments in exchange for contract advantages in the construction of the Center, which houses federal inmates. On March 24, 2005, former Webb County Commissioner David Cortez, who arranged the delivery of the bribe payments to these men, admitted to forwarding a series of payments totaling approximately $39,000 from a corporation involved in soliciting a consulting contract regarding the Center in Willacy County. The payments were in exchange for providing the particular corporation with advantages not available to others interested in, and competing for the consulting contract concerning the Center.

Former Willacy County Commission Israel Tamez was sentenced to six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release and fined $25,000.

The charges against former Willacy County Commissioner Jose Jimenez were dismissed following his death earlier this year.

Cortez, who had been serving as a county commission for Webb County at the time of his conviction, resigned following the entry of his guilty plea in March 2005.

The charges filed against David Cortez and the two commissioners were the result of an investigation conducted by special agents of the FBI, the Texas Rangers, and the Willacy County Sheriff’s Department.

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txs/releases/November2006/061121-Cortez.htm; 12:01 AM
Jaime Kenedeño said...: WOMAN CONVICTED OF BRIBERY TO SERVE PRISON TERM

McALLEN, Texas – Paulita Nilo, 24, of Mercedes, Texas, was sentenced to prison for bribery of a public official, U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today.

Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa sentenced Nilo on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006, to a year and a day in federal prison, without parole. Nilo was ordered to surrender to the U.S. Marshals on Dec. 29, 2006. The prison term will be followed by a two-year term of supervised release.

Nilo pleaded guilty in July, admitting that in May 2006, she approached a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer while he was off-duty and offered him an unspecified amount of money to facilitate the smuggling of an undocumented alien through the Progreso, Texas Port of Entry. The CBP officer reported the incident to his superiors. During the subsequent investigation, Nilo exchanged numerous telephone calls with the CBP officer concerning arrangements for the passage of an undocumented alien into the United States. Ultimately, Nilo paid the officer $300, and on that same day was immediately arrested after driving a vehicle through the Progreso, Texas Port of Entry, accompanied by an undocumented alien.

The charge against Nilo is the result of an investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General and Customs and Border Protection. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Requenez Rossborough.; 12:03 AM
Jaime Kenedeño said...: November 9, 2006

FORMER COUNTY COMMISSIONER SENTENCED IN BRIBERY CASE

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A former commissioner of Willacy County was sentenced to prison for accepting bribe payments related to contracts for the Willacy County Adult Correction Center in Raymondville, Texas, U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today.

Israel Tamez, 60, of Raymondville, was sentenced to serve six months in federal prison and fined $25,000 at a hearing held this morning before U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen. Tamez has been permitted to remain free on bond pending an order from the court directing him to surrender himself to a prison facility to be designated by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Following his release from prison, the court has ordered Tamez to serve a three year term of supervised release.

The bribery charge filed against Tamez was the result of an ongoing investigation conducted by special agents of the FBI, the Texas Rangers, and the Willacy County Sheriff’s Department.

Tamez and former Willacy County Commissioner Jose Jimenez of Sebastian, Texas, were originally charged with conspiracy to commit bribery in a one-count information. Both men pleaded guilty to the charge in January 2005 when they admitted to agreeing to accept cash in exchange for voting to select particular corporate representatives and their companies in competition for the design, construction, financing, maintenance and management of the Correction Center. Tamez admitted receiving a series of cash payment totaling $10,000 or more from the corporate representatives selected to receive the contracts.

The charges against former Commissioner Jose Jimenez were dismissed earlier this year due to his death.

# # #

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txs/releases/November2006/061109-Tamez.htm; 12:04 AM
Jaime Kenedeño said...: Nueces County
Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project
Promoting Growth and Opportunity

A NUECES COUNTY
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Public Involvement
Maximizing Community Awareness
Public Events Calendar

Press Releases

Publications

Contact Info

Photo Gallery

Message from Judge Terry Shamsie…

"In order to meet the demands of increased traffic and population, Nueces County has made road and bridge improvement projects a top priority. Investing in our county's infrastructure will create a solid foundation for new jobs, increase revenue for local government services and schools, and lighten the long-term tax burden on our residents. With a focus on traffic and safety improvements today, we increase our potential for economic, agricultural, and commercial growth tomorrow. Nueces County is committed to developing and improving roads and bridges that will better serve our communities."
What is the Nueces County Infrastructure Rehabilitation Program?

The Nueces County Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project is an endeavor to address the critical infrastructure needs of Nueces County. As the county expands its services to meet the growing transportation needs of its citizens, the county has made road and bridge improvement projects a top priority.

The project is an 18-month, 58 million dollar Capital Improvement Project adopted by the Nueces County Commissioners Court and funded by Series 2004 Certificates of Obligation. The project will address the rehabilitation of 280 miles of county roadways and the replacement of 39 bridges.
How does the project benefit Nueces County?

Building new roads and upgrading existing streets help reduce traffic congestion, decrease accidents and improve safety. Furthermore, good roads and bridges are essential to the economy and livability in Nueces County and help increase response time for law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.

Efficient roads and bridges will also promote agricultural productivity and transport of goods to the ports for the Nueces County farming and refinery industries - which makes up a significant segment of the local economy.

By adopting a Capital Improvement Program, Nueces County now has a valuable management tool for citizens, developers, businesses and planning committees who are interested in the development of all Nueces County communities. The Nueces County CIP reflects its community's assets, needs and goals and also provides guidelines for the potential for future growth and development of Nueces County.
What is the county doing to promote public involvement and community awareness about this project?

In order to enhance public involvement, Nueces County has hired Dos Logistics to coordinate all aspects of public relations as it pertains to the project. Together with Nueces County, Dos Logistics has developed a Public Involvement Strategic Plan that addresses community awareness implementation procedures, an 18-month timeline of events and strategic planning measures to maximize pubic participation and awareness.

The Nueces County Commissioners Court believes it is critical that information is disseminated to the public in a timely and efficient manner to ensure local leaders and citizens remain well informed about the progress of the project and how it directly affects their communities.

The project team has already initiated the public involvement process - targeting public and private media, citizen groups, City Councils and School Boards and community based programs, to disseminate information, acquire feedback and communicate reports on project status. From an official Press Conference & Tour to kick-off the commencement of the project to Community Meetings and presentations to local City Councils, Nueces County is committed to engaging the public in the information process throughout the entire course of the 18-month project. Click here for more information on Public Events.
How Can the Public Voice Support, Opposition or Concerns about a Road or Bridge Improvement Project?

For projects initiated through the CIP process, the county will hold quarterly public meetings with residents to discuss a particular road and bridge improvement project. Letters will be sent to property owners in the affected area inviting them to attend the public meeting(s) with county officials and others involved in the project. Nueces County will also issue news releases to the media and place legal advertisements in the newspaper to notify residents about a public meeting.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the project, answer citizens' questions and gather comments from community members about the design of the project. In addition to the public meeting(s), residents can voice their concerns or questions at the Nueces County Commissioners Court Meeting during Public Comments. Project Team members also attend each meeting to provide a project update to the Commissioners Court and to answer any questions that may arise.

http://www.doslogistics.com/nuecescounty/index.shtml; 3:04 AM
Anonymous said...: Re(1): In Defense of Solomon Ortiz Jr.
Posted on December 25, 2006 at 04:38:09 PM by Roddzilla

What's the big deal? MacCarthyism in El Defenzor? This is outright ridiculous. FDR had socialist tendencies, was he labeled? Communism in concept sound like a great idea. Human nature screws it up. Give this young man a chance and cut the labels.... Ricardo - It was great meeting you the other evening, I hope I didn't bore you with my rhetoric!

FACTITIOUS

Re(2): In Defense of Solomon Ortiz Jr.
Posted on December 26, 2006 at 02:17:50 AM by dannoynted1

you probably did!

Re(3): In Defense of Solomon Ortiz Jr.
Posted on December 26, 2006 at 03:41:53 AM by Roddzilla

Maybe I shoulda quoted some song lyrics?!? That always seems to work for you.....

Re(4): In Defense of Solomon Ortiz Jr.
Posted on December 26, 2006 at 05:26:50 AM by dannoynted1

well if the shoe fits.....; 1:37 AM
Anonymous said...: http://b4.boards2go.com/boards/board.cgi?action=read&id=1167082689&user=defensornews; 1:38 AM
Jaime Kenedeño said...: BND, Dannenbaum reach settlement

BY EMMA PEREZ-TREVIÑO
The Brownsville Herald

February 15, 2007 — The Brownsville Navigation District board on Wednesday approved a settlement proposal with Dannenbaum Engineering Corp. of Houston, regarding a failed bridge project.

The district spent more than $20 million for a new international bridge that was never built. An internal BND investigation later revealed that most of the money paid to Dannenbaum was not justified.

Just how much of the $21.4 million spent on the nonexistent bridge will be recouped is unknown.

The terms of the settlement are being kept confidential until both parties sign the proposal. It will come back to the board for final action on Feb. 21.

Chairman Martin Arambula, vice chairman Luigi Cristiano and fellow commissioners Roy de los Santos and Carlos Masso voted for the settlement with Dannenbaum, the project engineers and managers.

Commissioner Peter Zavaletta voted against the move, saying, “I think it’s a bad agreement.”

The board majority immediately rejected a proposal from Zavaletta that the board should contact the Cameron County District Attorney, the Texas Rangers, the FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office, urging criminal investigations into the project to continue and reaffirming its full cooperation.

Zavaletta also proposed that interim administrator Donna Eymard and commissioners tell the law enforcement agencies that they would willingly serve as complainants in the event criminal charges are brought.

He said he feared that law enforcement agencies would think that BND was satisfied with all aspects of the project in reaching a settlement.

“This is too important to taxpayers,” Zavaletta said.

Fellow commissioners, however, indicated that Zavaletta’s proposal took them by surprise and said that Zavaletta should have brought this up in executive session before springing it on the board in public.

“In theory, it’s a great idea,” Cristiano told Zavaletta. Cristiano then admonished him, asking, “What message are you sending by blindsiding us?”

Commissioners agreed to discuss Zavaletta’s proposal at BND’s upcoming meeting Feb. 21.

The settlement brings an end to nearly two years of litigation.

BND paid Dannenbaum $15.4 million from 1997 to 2004.

Following an investigation by The Brownsville Herald, a spending study by BND special counsel showed that of the monies paid to the firm, $9.2 million were not justified, $1.7 million in possible “success” fees were in question, and the firm might have done about $4.5 million in engineering work.

In the midst of mediation efforts, Dannenbaum sued BND in the spring of 2005, claiming the district owed it $822,365.

BND countersued to recoup the millions paid to the firm, claiming breach of contract, self-dealing and fraud.

eperez-trevino@brownsvilleherald.com

Posted on Feb 15, 07 | 12:09 am

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COMMENTS

I completely agree with Peter Zavaletta. This is in light of the fact that the terms to this agreement are not available. WHY???? The money paid came from taxpayers so I think we should at least know what these terms are going to be before these other commissioners make a big decision like this. I want to congratulate Mr. Zavaletta for being a good commissioner and looking for our best interest.

Posted by: Miguel on Feb 15, 07 | 5:58 am

What are the Commissioners hiding? Who are they trying to get off? Are they trying to sweep this under the rug by reaching a 'settlement' then keep it secret? There'll be hell to pay if they try. Peter - go get 'em.

Posted by: RUNNER on Feb 15,

The Obama campaign was "bullying" him out of the page he built.

2008-01-09T22:47:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Hostile Takeover: Obama takes MySpace page from backer

Rick Noriega: Senator Obama Might As Well Forget About It Because, "just like everything else those ole crazy dreams just kinda came and went".:
Senator Obama Might As Well Forget About It Because, "just like everything else those ole crazy dreams just kinda came and went".

With all due respect to the Senator from the Great State of Illinois, Senator Obama, has displayed his true colors.

In this case Los Angeles paralegal Joe Anthony became an influence on presidential politics through the power of the Internet. Democrat Barack Obama's presidential campaign took over control of the MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/barackobama) belonging to Anthony who created it. Anthony invested countless hours maintaining and improving the site while collecting ~ 160,000 email friends along the way.

"Anthony believes he was mistreated by the Obama campaign after he spent the past 2 1/2 years running the MySpace page as an enthusiastic volunteer". At first, that arrangement was fine with the Obama team, which worked with Anthony on the content, promoted the link and even had the password to make changes.

Way before Barrack Obama declared his candidature for US president, someone else, Joe Anthony, created a myspace account to promote Barrack Obama at www.myspace.com/barrackobama. When Obama got into the race for the presidency, he naturally wanted a myspace account and his people contacted Joe Anthony and they started working together to optimize the profile - which grew to have 160,000 friends. Later, the two groups fell out of sorts and Barrack's camp offered to buy rights to the profile. Joe Anthony asked for $39000. Obama's team didn't like that and asked myspace to hand over the account, claiming that they should have rights to Obama's name. Myspace complied and handed over the account to Obama. This created quite a storm and bad press for Obama. Obama and Myspace are working hard to find a solution. As it stands now, Joe Anthony will get back his account (with all the 160,000) friends but under a different name.
But as the site exploded in popularity in recent months, the campaign became concerned about an outsider controlling the content and responses going out under Obama's name. It told Anthony it wanted him to turn it over. written by Kayliz at 11:43 AM
In this new frontier of online campaigning, it's hard to determine the value of 160,000 MySpace friends — about four times what any other official campaign MySpace page had amassed. But the Obama campaign decided they wouldn't pay $39,000, which is what Anthony said he proposed for his extensive work on the site, plus some additional fees up to $10,000.
MySpace reluctantly stepped in to settle the dispute and decided that Obama should have the rights to control http://www.myspace.com/barackobama as of Monday night. Anthony had the right to take all the friends who signed up while he was in control, and that includes the right to tell them how he feels about the Obama campaign — although he said he was still locked out of the page with his contacts as of Wednesday. By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer Thu May 3
Anthony wrote on his MySpace blog that he was heartbroken that the Obama campaign was "bullying" him out of the page he built.

We at Los Kenedenos firmly believe: Bullies and elitist have no place in a position of power. The Senator from the Great State of Illinois is without a doubt, in the wrong. The actions are most demonstrable of Obama's moral upbringing, untrustworthiness, lacking integrity but most of all his actions reveal the sorry excuse for a human being Obama is in reality. I personally guarantee Senator Obama will never become president. Senator Obama has no couth! For this man to take from one of his own team members in such a fashion speaks volumes of how he would treat America if he was to ever place a foot in the oval office. To take the work product of a productive and loyal team player with such inconsideration is unconscionable. Senator Obama, ask Mikal & Juan about the detrimental mistake you made. Cuz "just like everything else those ole crazy dreams just kinda came and went".

Quantum Meruit

The reasonable value of services provided, which a winning party may be able to recover from an opponent who broke a contract. When a person employs (impliedly or expressly) another to do work for him, without any agreement as to his compensation, the law implies a promise from the employer to the workman that he will pay him for his services, as much as he may deserve or merit.

Posted by Operation Jumpstar

Lencho Rendon, U.S. Rep Solomon Ortiz's former aide and longtime henchman who resigned

2008-01-01T22:40:00.000-08:00

ZAVALETTA, VILLALOBOS STIR BLOGGERS While The Brownsville Herald dozes rubbing its belly in ... , Congressman Solomon Ortiz, his aide Lencho Rendon and State Senator Eddie Lucio among other
65 days ago in EL ROCINANTE · Authority: 5
"SONSA" SOFIE BENAVIDES HITS HUSTINGS
http://elrocinante.blogspot.com/ 2007/ 10/ sonsa-sofie-benavides-hits-hustings.h…

"SONSA" SOFIE BENAVIDES HITS HUSTINGS In lieu of flowers and money in memory of my dearly ... . The only person I don't trust is Lencho Rendon, the congressman's aide. Everyone says that he's a fishy

65 days ago in EL ROCINANTE · Authority: 5
IMPACT FEE UNSETTLES PUB
http://elrocinante.blogspot.com/ 2007/ 10/ impact-fee-unsettles-pub.html

IMPACT FEE UNSETTLES PUB Why is PUB riddled with controversy these days? ... It Fast But I'd Rather Give It To Hillary Slow' Ortiz, his former aide Lencho 'El Loco' Rendon

65 days ago in EL ROCINANTE · Authority: 5
ZAVALETTA DRAWS LINE IN SAND
http://elrocinante.blogspot.com/ 2007/ 10/ zavaletta-draw-line-in-sand.html

ZAVALETTA DRAWS LINE IN SAND Peter "The Zephyr" Zavaletta, ... at the port. "It is no secret that Congressman Solomon Ortiz, his aide Lencho Rendon and State Senator Eddie

79 days ago in EL ROCINANTE · Authority: 5
HUDSON CONSPIRES AGAINST COMMUNITY
http://elrocinante.blogspot.com/ 2007/ 10/ hudson-conspires-against-community.ht…

HUDSON CONSPIRES AGAINST COMMUNITY "Boozin'" Bill Hudson, who was allegedly running guns in ... of Sodomizing Hillary" Ortiz if the crooked politician and his henchman Lencho "I Rape First, Ask Questions

79 days ago in EL ROCINANTE · Authority: 5
PUBLIC DEMANDS JUSTICE
http://elrocinante.blogspot.com/ 2007/ 10/ public-demands-justice.html

PUBLIC DEMANDS JUSTICE In the latest South Texas Independent Journalists Association (STIJA) survey, the public is demanding that Congressman Solomon "I Have Often Gazed Upon Bill's Cock But I'm Always Fantasizing About Hillary's Cunt" Ortiz, his former aide Lencho

85 days ago in EL ROCINANTE · Authority: 5
GAMEZ, LONGORIA BACKSTAB VALADEZ
http://elrocinante.blogspot.com/ 2007/ 10/ gamez-longoria-backstab-valadez.html

GAMEZ, LONGORIA BACKSTAB VALADEZ Ernesto "La Gallina" Gomez, the man who would be queen, ... and he is going to plunder us." Lencho "Labios" Rendon, Ortiz's former aide and longtime henchman who resigned

90 days ago in EL ROCINANTE · Authority: 5
HERALD FABRICATES SEPARATE REALITY
http://elrocinante.blogspot.com/ 2007/ 10/ herald-fabricates-separate-reality.ht…

HERALD FABRICATES SEPARATE REALITY The Brownsville Herald's subscribers understand the ... for the hiring of Lencho "Bye-Bye" Rendon as the City and PUB's financial advisor. At the county ex

92 days ago in EL ROCINANTE · Authority: 5
HERALD BURIES BALLS IN SAND
http://elrocinante.blogspot.com/ 2007/ 09/ herald-buries-balls-in-sand_29.html

HERALD BURIES BALLS IN SAND The Brownsville Herald is practicing a form of journalistic negligence these days that is truly appalling. The community is imploding as the elite attempt to destroy Mayor Pat "El Perro" Ahumada in an endeavor to control public monies from which they personally profit

93 days ago in EL ROCINANTE · Authority: 5
CISNEROS THROWS GOZA TO DOGS
http://elrocinante.blogspot.com/ 2007/ 09/ cisneros-throws-goza-to-dogs.html

CISNEROS THROWS GOZA TO DOGS As part of a growing controversy at City Hall engineered by the ... against higher impact fees by eliminating Valadez, Cisneros is also pushing for Lencho Rendon, Ortiz's

94 days ago in EL ROCINANTE · Authority: 5

EL Defenzor.net: Nueces Democrats: We dont know that Joe Benavides will make a better Commissioner than the incumbent

2007-12-30T23:31:00.001-08:00

EL Defenzor.net: Nueces Democrats: We dont know that Joe Benavides will make a better Commissioner than the incumbent

Sunday, December 30, 2007

JOE BENAVIDES

Joe Benavides a Retired Marine and Teacher Fighting for Our Children

Many in our community know Joe Benavides as not only a retired Marine and combat veteran, but a nonstop community volunteer. For the past several years Benavides has worked tirelessly helping our elderly by coordinating children (many of them court-ordered) to cut lawns, remove debris and help the elderly by taking away some of the burdens they face.

Now Benavides, is helping children by intervening through becoming a teacher. Benavides has done a remarkable job at the Adult Learning Center by helping children obtain their education. He has also worked with many community leaders and business owners such as Pete’s Chicken and More, Flint Hills, Valero, Greenwood Doors and many, many other leaders to provide support in saving our children. The drop out rate has nearly doubled over the last two decades in Texas. Many programs that were previously there to aid our children have been underfunded and the educational system is in crisis. Private citizens like Benavides have risen to the challenge and not only gotten children and parents involved in striving to complete their high school degree, but also to have the potential and financial wherewithal to attend college.

Education is Our Freedom is a well-recognized program spearheaded by Judge Joe A. Gonzalez and Joe Benavides. The program has aided over a hundred children who many in our community had given up on obtain not only their high school education but also attend college. The program has been such a success that funding and success rates have doubled each year since it inception. “We must help our children and pay for programs upfront. Whether you or a conservative or a liberal it is important to pay for preventative programs such as Education is Our Freedom in order to create a workforce that not only has education as a goal but that prepares today’s youth for the workforce tomorrow” said Benavides.

We at the Defenzor wish to commend Mr. Benavides for the efforts he has made over several years and also his sacrifices for his country. His eldest son has followed in his father’s footsteps and has answered the call to duty and is a two year Marine Corps veteran and is soon to be deployed to Iraq. Joe Benavides is a man that has never stopped sacrificing and never stopped serving our country. In this New Year we extend our warmest wishes to Joe Benavides and the efforts he is making with at-risk teens. IF ANYONE IN THE COMMUNITY WISHES TO HELP OUR YOUTH IN THESE PROGRAMS CONTACT JOE BENAVIDES AT 361-633-9308.

Posted by HOMERO VILLARREAL

Nueces Democrats: We dont know that Joe Benavides will make a better Commissioner than the incumbent

With this precinct I have not a vote however, the County Commissioners are engaged towards progress for our community as a whole.

Dannoynted1:

"Our Large Family attended the "Annual Feast of Sharing" event held at the Bayfront Plaza.

Joe Benavides was one of our servers (i believe he was a soft drink server), and Mrs.Banales also was there with her husband.

I will not talk about the burnt tamale(only I got) but lets just say the mashed potatoes were the best my man says the rolls were the best.

Considering it is election time, I am surprised most politicians were absent. But with the way they rushed you out after you ate, You certainly did not have any time to "network".

The candidates that did attend, I apologize for not mentioning you as I was there only a small window of time..."

It was so different from the last time I went, which with regret, was not last year.

I must say the food was better at the events that cost money."

JK:

We dont know that Joe Benavides will make a better Commissioner than the incumbent but I do know Joe was working and he volunteered out of his commitment to the community. Joe has over the years volunteered and donated his services diligently. One might argue he is only volunteering his time and services because he wants to "get elected".

I dont believe this is the case. I have known Joe for a little over two years and I know his father. In the past, Joe Benavides has run a couple of times for office but, he volunteers regardless of whether he is running or not.

Will Joe Benavides continue to volunteer if he wins?

We can only know after we vote for him.

We do know his incumbent opponent was not volunteering at the Feast of Sharing.

We do know Joe Benavides' incumbent opponent was parading around with her hubby in tow. Was she making a statement? The message IMO was she is not worried about her challenger, she does not take him serious and she is not going to change her routine ways for her constituents. We do not know how she represents her constituency but we do know she is not going to change it.

All we can do is allow Joe Benavides to tell us how is going to represent his constituents.

We can ask him questions and hear his answers.

With Joe Benavides' incumbent opponent we dont have to ask her anything because we have her record to refer to.

The only thing I remember is that, "She could work harder" if she gave herself a pay raise.

I also know she was walking around when she should have been working.

As far as the Family name and integrity, we might should ask the ME about the trangressions.

Ask her about the real reason she decided to run.

EL Defenzor.net: Nueces Democrats: We dont know that Joe Benavides will make a better Commissioner than the incumbent

2007-12-30T23:31:00.000-08:00

EL Defenzor.net: Nueces Democrats: We dont know that Joe Benavides will make a better Commissioner than the incumbent

Sunday, December 30, 2007

JOE BENAVIDES

"Our Large Family attended the "Annual Feast of Sharing" event held at the Bayfront Plaza.

Joe Benavides was one of our servers (i believe he was a soft drink server), and Mrs.Banales also was there with her husband.

I will not talk about the burnt tamale(only I got) but lets just say the mashed potatoes were the best my man says the rolls were the best.

Considering it is election time, I am surprised most politicians were absent. But with the way they rushed you out after you ate, You certainly did not have any time to "network".

The candidates that did attend, I apologize for not mentioning you as I was there only a small window of time..."

It was so different from the last time I went, which with regret, was not last year.

I must say the food was better at the events that cost money."

Parkdale Bank: Ray Mc Murrey Is From Here, He Still Believes Like It Says In The Intro, "I'll be a straight-shooter & a square-dealer "& He Does "Reme

2007-12-28T01:03:00.000-08:00

Parkdale Bank: Ray Mc Murrey Is From Here, He Still Believes Like It Says In The Intro, "I'll be a straight-shooter & a square-dealer "& He Does "Remember The Alamo"

"I'll be as hardy of mind as I am of body. I'll be a straight-shooter and a square-dealer. My family name will be sacred My word will be as good as any contract. I'll remember the Alamo. I'll stick by my friends. And I'll eat more chicken-fried steak."

"We do not win by replacing a corporate Republican with a corporate Democrat," said Mr. McMurrey, speaking to about a dozen supporters at an East Austin residence.

Ray told me this before he spoke at his Official Announcement to run against the Corporate Democratic Military Industrial Complex Candidate for Texas US Senator.

A very passionate candidate who is anything other than a fake or what some like to call a politician.

Ray is not a Politician and this is a very very positive attribute.

Dont get me wrong he is very well suited for the Senate and the diplomacy is there but there is a sternness that demands his respect kind of like the respect and command he possesses in the classroom. I think we can all agree, if he can handle our youth in the classroom he will do well for us in Washington.

Two more things

Remember the Alamo

and

Stay tuned for Jan 2 next year.

"We do not win by replacing a corporate Republican with a corporate Democrat," said Mr. McMurrey, speaking to about a dozen supporters at an East Austin residence.

Ray Mc Murrey is from Corpus Christi.

He tells us upfront of his progressive leanings and his disappointment in both of the Hegemonic Parties.

Hegemony,.... Watch the Movie "Hot Fuzz".

The National American GI Forum Denounces Medias Proclamation Finding Celis Guilty Before Due Process

2007-12-26T12:55:00.001-08:00

Texa$ Wall $treet Journal: Will your loved one become an unknown or unborn heir to the HELLHOLE of a Death Trap Another Dares to Call Frivolous or Fra

2007-12-26T04:34:00.000-08:00

Texa$ Wall $treet Journal: Will your loved one become an unknown or unborn heir to the HELLHOLE of a Death Trap Another Dares to Call Frivolous or Fraudulent?

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Will your loved one become an unknown or unborn heir to the HELLHOLE of a Death Trap Another Dares to Call Frivolous or Fraudulent?

The first responder opens with a gush of emotional well unthought acrimony.

"What a crock! "The citizens of the Valley and Gulf Coast have been victimized by poor decisions in corporate boardrooms, favoring greed over safety. Citizens serving on juries in Rio Grande Valley and Texas Gulf Coast have done their constitutional duty, and in doing this most honorable service, have protected their fellow citizens from the unkind actions of others, and have made our country a safer place."

"Greed over safety"? Pot calling kettle black comes to mind, sheesh!

Leave it to a Corpus attorney of such questionable character to blame the corporations for the greedy nature of local attorneys and the populace. Everyone in this community is trying to hit the lotto, witness the thousands of fraudalent claims as such broken foundations and mold, and no, I am not a member of any organization, just not easily taken by a bunch of lies."

In concurrence with the first responder; it is agreed, the claim is a bit embellishing and heroically ebullient nevertheless Mr Watts opening averment, ("The citizens of the Valley and Gulf Coast have been victimized by poor decisions in corporate boardrooms, favoring greed over safety) cogently defines an element that bullies the average citizenry. An Actuary is a person whose work is to calculate statistically risks, premiums, life expectancies, etc. for the insurance industry and the emerging "bean-counting" approach to risk management in the Corporate Scheme. This "bean-counting" rings clear and is exemplified in the movie "A Class Action" . The central premise of the film is roughly analogous to the controversy surrounding the Ford Pinto and Mustang II.

Durrill v. Ford Motor Company

A rear end collision fire case in which a 1974 Ford Mustang II vehicle exploded into flames. The two occupants of the vehicle, Devary Durrill and Bonnie Watkins, died of burns. The accident happened in Corpus Christi Texas and was tried by Perry & Haas. Watts worked at the Corpus Christi plaintiffs’ firm Perry & Haas, where he trained in vehicle litigation and was involved in numerous suits against Ford.

In the movie "A Class Action" the auto manufacturer utilizes a "bean-counting" approach to risk management, whereby the projections of actuaries for probable deaths and injured car-owners is weighed against the cost of re-tooling and re-manufacturing the car without the defect (exploding gas tanks) with the resulting decision to keep the car as-is to positively benefit short term profitability.

WATT if it was your daughter, wife, son or another whom you hold dear in your heart; WATT amount is worth the life of a human being?

Basically the actuary crunches the numbers and calculates a probability. How many people will die and how many will be injured (if the defect is not corrected) The number of dead and injured are translated into a dollar amount which is weighed against the cost of re-tooling and re-manufacturing the car without the defect. The decision is made and carried out knowing that their product will kill people. They know their decision will take the life of an X number of unknown and unborn heirs to the HELLHOLE of a death trap to be sold as the dealerships assure the consumer that the product is safe.

The Ford Pinto, one of the best-selling cars of the 1970s, had a defective gas tank with an unfortunate tendency to burst into flames in rear-end collisions. Instead of fixing the Pinto, Ford lobbied against federal regulation affecting fuel tank safety. As part of the lobbying effort, the company prepared a cost-benefit analysis. According to Ford's engineers, it would cost $11* per car, or $137 million per year for the industry as a whole, to meet the rollover standard, while avoiding an estimated 180 deaths per year, along with an equal number of serious burn injuries and a few thousand wrecked cars.

Ford's cost-benefit analysis valued those lives at a mere $200,000 apiece. That number was calculated by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration at the request of the auto industry, mainly on the basis of lost wages, plus medical and legal costs and a small amount for pain and suffering. At $200,000 per head, 180 deaths are "worth" $36 million, not nearly enough to "justify" a $137 million expenditure. As Ford saw it, spending an extra $11 per car to fix the gas tank just wasn't worth it.
Despite Ford's lobbying, the gas-tank safety regulation was adopted. Ford responded by immediately, and inexpensively, making the 1977 Pinto safer. But the damage to the company's image had been done. The public realized that Ford had knowingly produced a dangerous car, leading to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of preventable deaths. Ford finally discontinued the model in 1980. --adapted from Priceless

WATT recourse do we have?

WATT will force manufacturers to decide in favor of preserving the life of a human being?

The only way to convince a Corporate Giant is for the cost analysis to favor correcting the defect and the only way to do this is for the cost of a wrongful death to exceed the cost of re-tooling and re-manufacturing the car without the defect.

Yes, in the eyes of those who have not experienced the ordeal of losing a loved one from a defective products such as Ford Pintos exploding upon impact, Firestone tires falling apart in the Texas heat, Chrysler minivans ejecting belted children due to poor door latches, or due to gross neglect by corporate chieftans, countless bad drugs pulled from the market because of no effective regulatory controls at the FDA and pharmaceutical companies decisions to place profits over patient's lives (Rezulin, Baycol, Fen-Phen, Vioxx), old ladies subjected to unnecessary second surgeries to replace tainted hip implants, 40% is a hefty amount to share with a lawyer. On the other hand WATT choice will stop the recurrence of such preventable accidents? No amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of a loved one or for permanent injury?

Is it worth it for someone to pay you 60% of $500 million so they will hold accountable the ones responsible for deciding to burn your daughter alive?

Ask Dusty Durrill, maybe you will see things differently?

Texas Monthly Web Press: Fil & Junior John ( the Two Juniors) dont give a hoot about a VA Hospital or Children’s Healthcare, they dont care about S TX

2007-12-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

Texas Monthly Web Press: Fil & Junior John ( the Two Juniors) dont give a hoot about a VA Hospital or Children’s Healthcare

Fil Junior only seeks a Federal Bench for Rose

South Texas Chisme: Could it be true, Is Fil Vela involved with Connie Scott?

Treasurer?

TLR hates South Texas, does that include Connie and her Hubby?

WATTS his name? Mike Scott?

The Two Juniors represent not a mainstream Texas but they represent the Transplanted Texans (like Bush) and the Elite Texans (like K.C.Rove).

Junior John will say WATT ever it takes to get re elected.

>Why hasn't anyone gone after Filemon personally as a way to derail Rose?
>If you go to www.fec.gov and follow the instructions on finding out who
>gave to whom, how much, and when, then load up Filemon Vela as an
>Individual Search you'll see he's made significant contributions to two
>notorious politicians. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Senator Robert
>Menendez (D-NJ). Hunter is an undicted coconspirator in the very same mess
>that sent ex-rep "Duke" Cunningham's ass to prison recently, and Menendez
>is currently under federal investigation for shady real estate dealings by
>renting a building he owns to a non-profit and pocketing $300, 000.00 in
>taxpayer subsidies.

Junior John is working with Fil Vela Jr. & Federal Prosecutors (in the Valley, CC, SA & Houston) to Manufacture White Collar Crime and use it as a Political Strongarm when the Political Strongarm should be accomplishments and the actual construction of a VA Hospital in the Valley.

Junior John has got to figure in this mix and Fil is the inroads (for Cornyn) into South Texas. We need to put a Big Stop Sign up in Robstown and inform them about Connie Scott as I understand Fil Vela is her campaign manager or treasurer and Mike Scott is a TLR guy with a title

We dont need to speculate or debate how Junior John will vote

, who he will benefit and who he represents. No if ands or buts about it Junior John’s Record is who he is, how he votes, who he represents and it is not the average Texan

Quantum Meruit~ How much does it take to win? $45 or $43? Or maybe just "pushing buttons"? "consulting" is intangible~Burka Burka~

2007-12-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

Personal Financial Disclosure
In Your State - Texas

Public Service, Personal Gain in Texas
by John Dunbar

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2000 – Between the 1997 and 1999 biennial legislative sessions in Texas, the Senate formed a committee to consider changes in the way the $1 billion a year title insurance industry is regulated.

In Texas, the premiums title companies charge are set by the state. According to the state's insurance consumer advocate, those rates are too high - 15.36 percent too high.

The interim committee issued a report that said little and sparked some minor reforms. It's not surprising. Two of the three members of the committee, Sens. Chris Harris and J.E. "Buster" Brown, have close ties to the title insurance industry.

Title insurance ties

Brown, an attorney, collected between $5,000 and $9,000 from Partners Title Company, and more than $25,000 from Chicago Title Insurance Company, according to his 1998 financial disclosure statement.

Elsewhere in his disclosure, he reports that he represented Allen M. Gentry before the Texas Department of Insurance for fees in excess of $25,000. What he doesn't note is that in 1998, Gentry was senior vice president of New York Stock Exchange-listed Chicago Title.

As for Harris, a lawyer, he estimates his firm receives about 25 percent of its business from a title insurance company. He said the formation of the committee was his idea. He was worried about consumers, he said.

In Texas, there was a trend toward large developers selling land, homes, mortgages and title insurance all in one package. The closed system created no opportunity for consumer involvement, he said.

"Nowhere was there anyone in the process to tell them (home buyers) if they were getting the house at a competitive price per square foot," he said.

Harris, who does business for an independent title company, said he was approached to provide legal services to one of the large development firms.

"Hell no"

"What brought my attention to it was a couple of those big companies saying they wanted to include me in that type of operation," he said. "And I told them not only no, but hell no."

Since Harris does not work for one of the larger firms, logic would seem to indicate Harris formed the select committee to protect his own interest. But he said that is not the case.

"No, In fact they (large developers) offered to bring me business. No, my business has always been very stable," he said. "We go back 45 years."

The close relationship Brown and Harris have with the title insurance commission bothers at least one government watchdog.

"It violates two basic principles of conflict of interest. One is that one should never be in a position to make legislative decisions that affect his or her own business, or secondly you should never be in a position of making decisions about your large clients," said Tom "Smitty" Smith, director of Public Citizen of Texas.

"We have long advocated for legislation that sets some limits that would require recusal of legislators if it (the legislation) affected more than 10 percent of their personal assets or $25,000 worth of their personal assets," he continued.

Harris and Brown are in the business of giving advice, legal and otherwise. That is not at all unusual in the Texas Legislature. The Center's database reports half of the lawmakers in office in 1998 reported financial ties to the legal or consulting fields.

Lawyers abound

At least 57 legislators worked as lawyers while in office in 1998, according to the Center's database. In addition, at least 20 more lawmakers list their business as "consulting." They are none too shy about giving their advice concerning matters that are the subject of legislation they may be working on.

According to the Texas constitution and ethics code, a lawmaker may not vote on legislation that will directly affect an entity in which he or she has a controlling interest, unless the legislation affects an entire class of businesses.

The lawmaker should disclose that interest and refrain from voting on the bill.

Lawmakers, not just in Texas but throughout the nation's state legislatures, often vote on legislation that affects their industry, but it is rare to find a vote affecting a specific business.

So there is no prohibition on Brown and Harris recommending legislation that affects the title insurance industry in general.

"It's my belief we're supposed to take our life experiences as we encounter them and take them to Austin and use our experiences accordingly," Harris said. Legislators may work in their own field on a law, "as long as it doesn't benefit us more than anyone else."

Low paid legislators

Texas's legislature meets every other year, despite the size and population of the state. Its members are among the lowest paid in the nation, with an annual salary of $7,200.

The state has relatively strong disclosure rules regarding its lawmakers. Texas ranked sixth in the nation for making basic information on state legislators' private income available to the public, according to a survey by the Center for Public Integrity.

The laws give citizens an important weapon in determining where their representatives' and senators' interests lie.

Texas, along with Wisconsin, received 88 of a possible 100 points. Texas requires information on legislators' employment relationships, officer/director positions, investments, real-property holdings and client and family name information.

Texas also requires lawmakers to disclose income from firms that lobby the legislature, which is how the Center found out about Sen. Brown.

Brown did not return several calls to his law office and legislative office seeking comment.

B.A.C.A.L.A.: Velacrat is making friends with the Federal Entrapment gang and sycophants up to the ones he believes will elevate his Rose

2007-12-09T03:55:00.000-08:00

B.A.C.A.L.A.: Abel Herrero has proven himself and his record is there for all to see; he is a fine representative

Abel Herrero has proven himself and his record is there for all to see. I am proud of Abel, he is a fine representative.

There is a natural law I always like to follow, "If it isnt broke , then it don't need fixin".

On the other hand,

Velacrat is making friends with the Federal Entrapment gang and sycophants up to the ones he believes will elevate his Rose to a Federal Judicial Bench.

Is Fil Vela going into the fraud abuse prosecution racket & the manufacturing of fraud abuse prosecutions?

Inroads (for GOP) into South Texas?

Hurt? Injured? Need a Lawyer? Too Bad!

TLR?? ..................................three little bitty letters;

nah, I wouldnt worry bout em.

Whose Side are YOU on?

2007-12-09T02:53:00.001-08:00

October 25, 2007, 5:46 pm

Indicted Houston Lawyer’s Novel Defense

Posted by Nathan Koppel

In June, we wrote about a Houston plaintiffs attorney and two former Hartford insurance company employees who were indicted in connection with an alleged kickback scheme that involved millions of dollars in settlement proceeds from silicosis cases.

Now, in this detail-laden cross-claim filed last week, plaintiffs attorney Warren Todd Hoeffner tells his side of the story. He paints himself as the victim of numerous alleged extortion threats by Rachel Rossow, one of the indicted former Hartford employees.

Here’s the background: According to the DOJ, in 2002, Hoeffner settled silicosis lawsuits with The Hartford for $34 million, but as part of the deal, the attorney paid more than $3 million in kickbacks to two then-Hartford claims managers. Hoeffner, who collected $5.3 million in legal fees, also allegedly bought a new BMW for each of the Hartford employees.

Following the indictment, some of Hoeffner’s former silicosis clients brought a civil suit against the attorney and the Hartford, claiming negligence and breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the alleged kickback scheme.

Hoeffner cross-claimed, saying that he was the victim of extortion.

In August 2002, according to his filing, Rossow allegedly told Hoeffner that she was the “lover” of a then senior claims executive at the Hartford and that the executive had the power to “kill” any settlements. Hoeffner claims he later met with Rossow in Florida and Colorado, where she allegedly made further extortion demands.

Out of fear that the proposed settlements would fall apart, Hoeffner alleges, he bought Rossow a car and sent her a series of payments, one totaling $1.675 million.

Hoeffner’s attorney Chris Flood acknowledges that it’s “extremely unusual,” for a criminal defendant to lay out what is, in effect, his defense in a civil filing. “Because we were sued,” he says, “we were forced to defend ourselves and we stand by all the allegations in the cross claim.”

Rossow’s attorney, Dan Cogdell, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to a Hartford Courant report on the case, a spokeswoman for the company said “The company took quick and decisive action upon learning of the conduct alleged in the government’s indictment. We contacted federal authorities and have been providing them with assistance every step of the way.”

Comments

Report offensive comments to lawblog@wsj.com

Your abridged blip left out all the details of the claim. You should just post the cross claim on your website. It is salacious and very factual. For instance, you left out the following for your readers:
1. Torrid love affair between Senior VP and claim adjuster dealing with lawyer;
2. Hartford discovers love affair in early 2002 and does nothing;
3. Hartford again busts VP and instead of firing him promotes him;
4. Claims adjuster pulls off extortion scheme weilding VP’s power;
5. Claims adjuster gets checks and holds for several months until her divorce is final;
6. Right after divorce, claims adjuster puts all her money extorted from lawyer in VP’s financial advisor ’s account;
7. VP and claims adjuster open joint account while he is still senior VP at Hartford and married to another women;
8. Claims adjuster goes livid b/c VP doesn’t leave wife as promised. Thus, claims adjuster barges in VP’s house and announces she is the lover(on Easter weekend);
9. This finally gets VP out of house and moving in with claims adjuster, confirming he wanted his half of the extortion proceeds.

This is the way I read the story. It appears to be supported by bank account #s, police reports and many internal Hartford documents. Hopefully, the WSJ will give us a fullprinted story and do alot more investigation b/c this looks like a thriller!

Comment by GET IT RIGHT - October 25, 2007 at 10:13 pm

It is unfortunate to read stories like this because it serves to undermine the judicial system. On my website,joelbieber.com, I try to point out stories of corporate corruption. When a few in the legal profession appear to put greed ahead of justice, it undermines attention to corporate wrondoers.

Comment by Joel Bieber - October 26, 2007 at 8:49 am

When light is shed on such actions, there is a lot to be sorry for. There is no excuse for a lawyer to cave in to extortions by a Hartford employee. Their is no excuse for Hartford to allow employees to extort. From what I’ve seen in the past these people will be teaching Ethics classes next.

Comment by KH - October 26, 2007 at 11:03 am

Here’s a better defense:
I have nor moral and I have no conscience because I am an American lawyer.
I am therefore incapable of complying with the law, and it is unfair of anyone to expect me to do so.
I rest my case.

Comment by Criminals don't understand law, that's why they are criminals. - October 27, 2007 at 12:39 am

Get to sleep with employee; make a couple mil. on the side through exortion scheme; then get a promotion because your scheme saves Hartford 40 million. Any more VP openings at the Hartford?

Comment by Vince - October 27, 2007 at 9:39 am

And, it looks like the inurance company got reimbursed by reinsurers after it saved the 49M!

Comment by KH2 - October 27, 2007 at 11:08 am

Rove Expedience & A Simple Activation Mechanism: A bloated bafoon in a suit who treated his wealth as carefully as the Beverly Hill Billies

2007-10-27T00:22:00.001-07:00

Friday, October 26, 2007

Rove Expedience & A Simple Activation Mechanism: A bloated bafoon in a suit who treated his wealth as carefully as the Beverly Hill Billies

- Mauricio - - By taking Watt's place at the table October 25, 2007 at 00:27:57 AM

How interesting? Well Watts, it goes to show you can't win them all. Are you familiar with the Art of War? You should not leave your weakest point of penetration unguarded and stupidly exposed to the world. Well, you knew that. Arrogance was the snake under your pillow. And that snake took the form of bloated bafoon in a suit who treated his wealth as carefully as the Beverly Hill Billies. How funny! This will now lead to all the political stooges Watts put in place to fall like dominoes. There will be a vaccum set up and maybe a couple of the right people might step in.

Juan G. is not one of them. Let's not get our hopes up. The wannabe Kennedy impersonation worked in the 60's, maybe the 70s, but not now. We need leaders, not actors.

Lesson to be learned: Learn who the real power is in your area and don't piss them off.

Goodbye Watts. Your undeserved millions might not keep you safe through this scandal.

I'm taking your place at the table now.
You will hear about me in a couple or few more years. "Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name."

Non mihi, non tibi, sed nobis - By Jaime Kenedeno October 25, 2007 at 01:22:59 AM

Let's take a look at this picture.

Unsolicited
7.03 (b) A lawyer shall not pay, give, or offer to pay or give anything of value to a person not licensed to practice law for soliciting prospective clients for, or referring clients or prospective clients to, any lawyer or firm, except that a lawyer may pay reasonable fees for advertising and public relations services rendered in accordance with this Rule and may pay the usual charges of a lawyer referral service that meets the requirements of Occupational Code Title 5, Subtitle B, Chapter 952.

So an unlicensed person can solicit prospective clients and deliver them to an attorney but the attorney cannot pay according to the potential value of the client (and his case). The attorney can pay the unlicensed person reasonable fees for advertising and public relations services rendered . In the same exact client and case, the receiving attorney can pay, give, or offer to pay or give anything of value to a licensed attorney .

Basically it is a housekeeping issue for the attorney profession. It prevents upward financial mobility unless one has a license.

Here is where the loathing sets in.

A doctor receives his clients be referral, word of mouth and quality work performed. He does not pay for the referrals.

A runner or legally untrained person refers clients to an attorney and for every case the lawyer takes on, the runner is paid "reasonable fees" (chump change) depending on the amount "advertising and public relations " work performed.

Or if that same runner realizes he has something valuable, he can take it to a market where he will be compensated appropriately.

Dramatists speak of the unconscionable "ANYONE WHO PRAYS ON THE INJURED OR DEAD UNSOLICITED IS A PIECE OF ####".

I must disagree and let me tell you why. Last year on October 8,2006 my father had a heart attack. I performed CPR and kept him viable until the fire department arrived and took over. They hooked him up to an AED an Automatic Electronic Defibrillator and procedded to apply the shock needed to restart his heart. As my family watch in horror the AED malfunctioned. The rescue squad just looked at each other as they were thinking "not again"; then they quickly scooped and ran with my pops to the hospital. The machine malfunctioned and one of the men who was cleaning up made a comment he said, yeah we still have a few bugs to work out it (referring to the AED). Still to this day I would consider it a God send to be solicited. When something unfortunate happens to a loved one his or her family is looking for the reason and they want somebody to pay for their loss. They didnt choose to have their loved one snatched from their lives and certainly there is not any amount of money that will bring their loved one back. The family does not know how to preserve their legal rights. Who will protect them for free?

NOBODY

I also can see the argument one makes regarding a money seeking runner playing on the emotions of the grieving family.

In the end did the family receive Justice is the question?

A family is prayed on if they are not justly compensated and provided for. If the family receives compensation then the runner receives compensation per quantum meruit.

If there are attorneys are burning grieving families of injured or dead victims; give us some specifics where this has happened.

From my experience most of these cases where runners have solicited the family, the family and the runner develop a client / agent fiduciary relationship. The runner advocates for the family as he advocates for himself. He works with a law firm and barters parameters for himself as well as the family and power of attorney is transferred to the Licensed attorney.

Quantum Meruit - "For what it's worth"

As far as unconscionable, take a look at the funeral homes and their taking advantage of the grieving family. Maxwell P Dunn is the only Funeral Home in town who did not try to take advantage of a grieving family.

I am still pondering this dilemma. With Celis, I think we have a man who has advocated for a lot of families and these families (at least most of them) are content / satisfied with the end result. This little tidbit about him not being licensed has been known for quite a while and he was an accepted asset in the Legal Community. Thomas J Henry has known of this same fact for quite a while as well so why now?
Mauricio is being fried because Mikal is running for Senator. Why not run that BND corruption up the chain of command. Now, there is a legitimate decay in our society. @! million is only the tip of the iceberg, what about the illegal human trafficking, the asians, the dream team and the Cohens?
And

barratry
n. creating legal business by stirring up disputes and quarrels, generally for the benefit of the lawyer who sees fees in the matter. Barratry is illegal in all states and subject to criminal punishment and/or discipline by the state bar, but there must be a showing that the resulting lawsuit was totally groundless. There is a lot of border-line barratry in which attorneys, in the name of being tough or protecting the client, fail to seek avenues for settlement of disputes or will not tell the client he/she has no legitimate claim.

Sounds like TJ Henry to me?

And for the Record I supported Mikal Watts in his Senatorial run. He was the only candidate that could upset Junior John Cornyn. Noriega will be debunked, count on it.

We at Los Kenedenos believe in

The Engagement of the Average Citizen in the Formulation of Public Policy

When the people are engaged the result might not be the outcome I want or the outcome you want but it is what the people want.

Non mihi, non tibi, sed nobis

You should not leave your weakest point of penetration unguarded and stupidly exposed to the world - By Jaime Kenedeno October 25, 2007 at 01:01:59 AM

Why not come out with it, since you want so bad to tell us your the details of your small victory.

Power we giveth and power we can taketh away. Ask Elizondo, Juan G and yes ask even Mikal Watts.

Power is a united people.

Dont piss us off.

And just remember it aint over just yet.

Where is Lencho?

I understand he is under investigation as well as his Laredo Clan he brings to infect our community.

Dos Logistics, Omega, LR Global, OSI, Mando & Bobo for the siphon. Now you try to turn on the ones who brought you.

Go for it big boy, we will wait for you in the tall grass.

That includes the blabber mouth nephew with no audience.

And Fil Vela that goes for your agenda as well.

Just remember that last step is a doozie.

TTFN
- Ad Litems for "unknown or unborn........ - By D1 October 25, 2007 at 01:25:59 AM
  
  heirs"? Where is all that MOOLA?
  
  IN an IOLTA? Swiss bank?
  
  American bank?
  
  Why appoint an Ad litem for people that do not exist?
  
  They either do exist, or it BETTER be sitting in a bank account.
  
  But, but is it not the JOB of the Ad litem Appointed by the Judge to require the ad litem to represent an unknown heir and there are many that have not been informed that they were represented but have not been informed by the ad litem.
  
  Smells like fraudulent representation.
  
  And these are licensed attorneys.
  
  If there were no funds involved there would not be an Ad Litem to oversee that their (unknown/unborn)"best interest" is secured.
  
  MONEYMONEYMONEYMONEYMONEYMONEYMONEYMONEY
- Working for the man and dont even know it - By Sgt. Julio Cesar Pacheco October 25, 2007 at 01:14:19 AM
  
  The netroots progressive voters are unaware of their buffered affiliation with the Republican GOP calling the shots. Follow the chain of command from the lefty affiliations connected to Solly Jr (various companies and board members in South Texas to the relationship with fort bend county progressives and Houston progressives). From Solly Jr to his Father Congressman Solomon Ortiz Sr and his henchman Lencho Rendon who work directly the Junior Senator. This is a forged relationship due to the strained relationship between Kay Bailey and Solomon Sr.
  
  Solomon Sr is pro life and votes along republican lines. The progressives are controlled by the republicans and will deny it nonetheless.
- - Draco - By Big Boy October 25, 2007 at 01:09:31 AM
  #1 lesson to remember is that power is always on loan from the people. It's good to know that some are still vigilant for the people. #2 thing is that I really do admire El Defenzor's and J.K.'s work. #3 thing to know is always be careful as to what girls you spill your secrets to because they too can be bought.
  - Re(1): Draco - By D1 October 25, 2007 at 01:38:09 AM
    
    Yes, but do they have credibility?
    - Re(2): Draco - By Big Boy October 25, 2007 at 01:41:55 AM
      That's a tough one. In ancient Greece, the true role of the wise was preparing the young to be the next philosopher kings. The truly noble would stand back and bolster young leaders for the greater good.
      
      Look to a young man in Kingsville to lead South Texas someday. He is honest to a fault, but gets less naive with age.
      - Re(3): Draconian..... - By D1 October 25, 2007 at 01:57:02 AM
        
        don't we all?
        
        If I only knew then........What I know now.
        
        K~Town? r u sure? Racism is required if you are a gringo.
        
        Many spirits are there,besides the B/S DA now in lugar.
      - Re(3): Draco - By Jaime Kenedeno October 25, 2007 at 01:56:53 AM
        
        R B
        
        You were always one to reference Sun Tzu
        
        How's law school
        Re(4): Draco - By Big Boy October 25, 2007 at 02:00:34 AM
        
        Nope. Odiame, Los Tres Reyes. Clue.
  - Re(1): Draco-L.R. S.P and L.. - By Big Boy October 25, 2007 at 01:16:04 AM
    will have their day as well. Who will step up?
    
    Do you guys see any young leaders coming up?
    
    And please we don't need anymore juniors in our state legislature.
Re(1): - Mauricio - - By D1 October 25, 2007 at 00:34:06 AM

Be Careful they might be serving crow at the table.

You sure don't want to eat that?

It tastes yuk!
- Re(2): - Mauricio - - By It's Watt's 4 dinner October 25, 2007 at 00:46:24 AM
  
  Point well taken. We could all be wrong. Everyone is out to serve the greater good- not their own agenda. In that way, we may all have to eat crow. Well , at least we won't have to see Watts's face or hear his voice on T.V. during election time. That is good enough for me at this point. Besides, there are more honorable ways to help the community than to stand in those shoes. Maybe Homero will post Celis's campaign donations and where they went to. That would be interesting.
  - WATT are you inferring... - By Jaime Kenedeno October 25, 2007 at 03:13:54 AM
    
    "That is good enough for me at this point"
    
    I say the bar has been lowered by Watts dropping out.
    
    The VA hospital will it see fruition
    
    Immigration issues
    
    Cornyn will be re elected unless we find another horse to run. Not just any horse but one who is responsive to the people.
    
    Noriega dont have a chance and he is dirty as well.
    
    I am not ready to concede just yet.
    
    What about Barbara Ann?
    - Re(1): WATT are you inferring... - By D1 October 25, 2007 at 05:05:59 AM
      
      Yeah, she gave k bay a close run for it.
  - This little ruse about Mauricio not being licensed is stale at best and way late - By Jaime Kenedeno October 25, 2007 at 01:28:07 AM
    
    This is old news. It is common knowledge Maurico Celis has never held a JD or State BAR License.
    
    I spoke to Mauricio and his representatives on Friday.
    
    I was told, "Mauricio is the Manager of CGT Group" and " he is not licensed to practice law in the State of Texas".
    
    Thomas J Henry did not return calls.
    
    Why now?
    
    Why did Vance move to California?
    
    When we revealed this information, nobody gave a ####.
    
    And now?
    
    TJ Henry, his actions speak for themselves.
    
    Mauricio possesses a clientèle niche and is the manager of CGT Group. As far as referrals, it would be imprudent to turn down clients because a non attorney acting as an agent is the "referrer".
    
    If I bring a high dollar case to any attorney,I expect to be compensated accordingly. We dont call it a referral fee as I am not referring the case. I bet Les Cassidy, TJ Henry, Abel Cavada and every other attorney rewards people who bring them money making cases. That is the real world people. The laws were made to allow attorneys to retain an inside track and charge the high rates. If the BAR had it their way, there would be no internet access to the written law. It is called a housekeeping issue.
    
    Henry is mad because he did not get the referral. He didnt get the big case.
    
    The real question here is, who has Mauricio Celis represented in a courtroom?
    
    Which courtroom and who was the Judge?
    
    Now, there is something new to write about.
    
    You know at one time, mainstream CC did not know Mikal's mother was the Judge but think WATT it would sound like to make the announcement today? This little ruse about Mauricio not being licensed is stale at best and way late. The bearer of this news is either very uninformed or has acquiesced and now finds it personally advantageous to bring it up now. But go for it guys, y'all got yourselves a humdinger of a scoop. Blast away, after all; as far as credibility, you guys dont got anything to lose.
    JK
    - Re(1): This little ruse about Mauricio not being licensed is stale at best and way late - By Babaloo October 25, 2007 at 01:32:29 AM
      Yeah, but it gets nastier. Sometimes egos flare. Tons of money can make you make mistakes when it goes to your head. He probably would still be able to bag chicks telling them he is an attorney if Watt they did was not try to act like Mikal Corleone during a politcal baptisim.
      - Re(2): This little ruse about Mauricio not being licensed is stale at best and way late - By Jaime Kenedeno October 25, 2007 at 01:40:09 AM
        
        So she was a roving mole
  - Here is an entree, we have plenty of side dishes. - By Jaime Kenedeno October 25, 2007 at 01:08:03 AM
    
    PUBLIC DEMANDS JUSTICE
    
    http://elrocinante.blogspot.com/2007/10/public-demands-justice.html