Gallego Selects Cesar Blanco as Chief of Staff
Thursday, 06 December 2012 21:27 Published in December 2012
Blanco Comes Back to CD23
San Antonio, Texas
Congressman-elect Pete Gallego (TX-23) has selected Cesar J. Blanco, a native of El Paso and resident of San Antonio’s Southside, as chief of staff for his congressional office. Cesar previously served the 23rd District in a variety of capacities, including chief of staff and district director for former Congressman Ciro Rodriguez (TX-23). “I’m excited to have Cesar on board,” said Congressman-elect Pete Gallego. “He doesn't need a learning curve. He brings experience and a deep familiarity to this job. He understands the unique makeup of the district, knows the people, has managed a Congressional office, and knows the key players. All these things benefit the constituents of District 23. He will be an exceptional public servant.” “It’s an honor to serve my community in this capacity,” added Cesar Blanco, the incoming chief of staff. “This is a big responsibility. We will run an extremely effective congressional office that puts the needs of the constituents and the district first. Our office will work around the clock with the goal of making our constituents proud.” Most recently, Cesar served as the Arizona State Director for Obama for America during the 2012 Presidential Election. Previously, he was the Western Region Political Director for the Democratic National Committee (DNC), serving as the Democratic Party’s principal liaison and political advisor for the West while working with 13 state parties and coordinating with the White House, Cabinet members, and the DNC Chair and Vice Chairs. Cesar served as a Congressional Relations Officer for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and started his career as a Military Intelligence Analyst in the U.S. Navy. He is a graduate El Paso’s Eastwood High School and The University of Texas at El Paso.
FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTS MAVERICK COUNTY COMMISSIONER ELIAZ MALDONADO
Thursday, 06 December 2012 17:49 Published in December 2012
In Del Rio this morning, Maverick County Precinct One Commissioner Eliaz Maldonado, age 52 of Eagle Pass, Texas, surrendered to federal authorities after a federal grand jury indicted him this week in connection with an alleged bribery, kickback and bid-rigging scheme announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Armando Fernandez.
The federal grand jury indictment, returned yesterday, charges Maldonado with four counts of wire fraud and two counts of receiving bribes. The indictment alleges that in 2010 and 2011, Maldonado, through his employees, manipulated the bidding process to guarantee that contractors he chose would be awarded Maverick County construction contracts. Those contractors deposited the checks issued to them by Maverick County and then made cash payments to Maldonado. According to the indictment, the private contractors submitted inflated bids to Maverick County in order for there to be sufficient funds to perform the construction work, make a profit, and pay the bribe to Maldonado.
Upon conviction, Maldonado faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud charge and up to ten years in federal prison for each bribery charge. Maldonado appeared before Magistrate Judge Victor Roberto Garcia this morning in Del Rio for his Initial Appearance and was granted a $50,000 bond.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Individuals who have first-hand information about corruption, fraud, or bribery related to Maverick County are urged to contact the FBI at (210) 225-6741.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Galdo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas
The year’s largest and most festive holiday season is upon us. In addition to the cheer, sharing and family togetherness, safety should be considered when decorating the house,” says John Flowers, AEP Texas safety manager. “Electrical safety is especially important during the holiday season due to decorative lights draped through trees and around homes.”
AEP Texas recommends the following safety tips for decorating your home:
•Use only holiday lights that are safety-certified by a recognized testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Check your tree lights and outdoor lights for damage each year before you use them. Look for frayed wires, loose connections and broken or cracked sockets. Throw away any set that is damaged.
•Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using tree lights. All lights should be fastened securely with string, ribbon or rubber bands, but never with conductive wire. Bulbs should not come into direct contact with needles or branches on natural trees. Though they don’t emit much heat, it could eventually be enough to dry out the tree limbs.
•Never attach electric lights to metal trees. A malfunction could lead to a dangerous, perhaps fatal, shock to anyone touching any part of the tree, Instead, use colored flood lights to give a safer and more beautiful illumination.
•Select lights appropriately and never use indoor lights outside because they are not designed to be waterproof and could short circuit. Outdoor lights, on the other hand, are usually hotter than indoor and could pose a hazard if placed on a tree.
•Although holiday lights themselves don’t typically consume a great deal of power, it is important not to overload wall outlets or extension cords. Never run electrical cords under carpets or rugs where daily walking and wear could cause fraying and overheating. Unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment before restoring power if fuses blow or if circuits trip in the home.
•When you leave the house or go to bed, be sure all lights are turned off. Disconnect lights by pulling the plug, not by yanking on the cord. “A few moments exercising caution with electrical equipment can help avoid accidents, which would certainly dampen the joy of the holiday season,” adds Flowers. For more information about holiday safety, please visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) website at www.holidaysafety.org.