A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass
State Representative Alfonso Nevarez welcomed family, friends and colleagues to his new offices located on the premises of La Mansion on Williams Street in Eagle Pass.
"I feel welcomed because so many of my family and friends are here, because I consider all of you my friends and many of you my mentors," the newly elected representative eloquently stated in his brief address.
Nevarez was equally introduced by Chamber of Commerce President Billy Davis who expressed our collective pride in having him as our voice in Austin with an amazingly accurate analogy, "Leaders are like Eagles, they don't flock, you find them one at a time," before bringing on the legislator to address the gathering as he introduced us to his colleagues in Austin which include Chief of Staff Obie Salinas, who said, "I feel like today, this ceremony signifies so much for District 74," which Nevarez said if it were a state, it would be the 38th largest in the United States, "And for Eagle Pass and Maverick County constituents having their representative here will do really good things for the community. We welcome anyone to come by our offices or call (512) 463-0566."
Lauren Cacheaux, Nevarez' General Counsel who helps prepare him to propose his legislation before committees, was also on hand to greet well-wishers and to inform The News Gram of their collective accolades, accomplishments and achievements. Cacheaux, an attorney who hails from Mc Allen said that her greatest satisfaction thus far in her short time in Nevarez' office is having participated in the passing of HB 5 regarding public education.
"What it does is it reduces the amount of over-testing which occurs over the course of the school year," stated the General Counsel who also meets with lobbyists and reads over legislation that may affect our district, "It also gives more flexibility to students to choose an extra elective and not be held to the exorbitant amount of required courses they must enroll in."
Jay Jackson, Nevarez' Legislative aide from Fort Worth, is a Political Science and Communications major at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacodoches, says he ties up loose ends for the State Representative and also does a lot of reading of legislation. When asked what his studies have focused on in this day and age of economic issues, Jackson mentioned that he is learning a lot about water which, he says is not talked about much in the scope of his classes, but which is a vital, dare I say critical issue across the state and around the world which needs to be taken into serious consideration by legislators everywhere.
Nevarez informed The News Gram that this week he was steadfast in rallying his support against the voucher system, "I am against the use of public funds for private schools. I went to a private school. but I don't believe taxpayer's money should fund private education."
"Yesterday was a long day of arguing budget," stated Nevarez, "But a very important day for all of us," he closed by saying, "Welcome to my office."
Staff
-Eagle Pass
The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center was in Eagle Pass this Thursday to conduct a community blood drive where they hoped to collect at least 25 units of blood from local donors. According to Lisa Guzman of the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, this drive is one of at least four visits from the center to Eagle Pass which contributes to the incredibly important cause of collecting much needed blood for people who are in need. Guzman added that Eagle Pass has always been important in the center's on going mission to collect blood and says that our local high schools and college are paramount in their blood drive efforts. "We need a lot of units to support the hospitals in south Texas and the local students do a very good job of donating and account for 20% of the blood that we collect per year."
The center will be back in Eagle Pass to visit C.C Winn High School next week where they hope to collect many more units of blood.
Mayra Murray, a local registered nurse was also on hand at the blood drive and contributed in coordinating the drive and added, "this is a great way for local community members to contribute and feel important in their own community".
Clarissa Morales Bejerano, a local donor was on hand donating blood and stated that the reason she came to the blood drive is because she wants to give back to her community and save lives.
Donors were treated to a T-shirt, a mini-physical, a 10$ gift card and a chance to win a Donor Getaway package.
Local man Elias Hernandez, 63 years old, was sentenced this Tuesday to 15 years for the sexual assault of a female minor here in Maverick County which occurred during the month of February of 2012. District Attorney Roberto Serna stated that this type of an individual is a danger to our children and that time in prison is the only form of justice. Serna further added that Hernandez will be carrying out the complete sentence and there will likely not to be any chance for him to be released before the his sentence is completely carried out.
Roberto Serna also informed The News Gram that in light of the recent Kauffman County DA shooting there have not been any specific procedural changes to security at the District Attorney's office. Serna noted that that case seems to be an isolated incident of retaliation and there have not been different security procedures put in place but assures that the District Attorney's office is and continues to be a secure and safe facility.