There has been tampering of government records and the list goes on and on. I hope that the honorable board looks at the complete picture." Legal counsel Gloria Hernandez stated that she was objecting to any action which was going to be taking place in and after executive session. After going into executive session for over an hour and forty five minutes to discuss legal matters, the board reconvened at 8:21 P.M. to open a review of Mancha's contract when board member Ricardo Calderon moved for the board not to take action on this item at this time which died on the floor for lack of a second. Calderon then moved for Mancha not to be terminated immediately which also died for lack of a second. Commissioner Jose Gonzalez then made a motion to terminate her contract effective immediately which was seconded by Commissioner Dalia Garza. The meeting resembled a court proceeding from this point during the discussion portion of the agenda item. Calderon challenged the board to each give their opinion on the motion before putting it to a vote before beginning by highlighting several points dealing with the differentiating aspects of the authority such as certificates and awards recently given to the EPHA by federal entities. "We have seven years of high performance awards for Section 8 housing. 9 years ago, this housing authority had financial difficulties and hired her on a temporary basis before hiring her permanently," stated Calderon after questioning Garza implying that she had not understood what she was seconding which prompted legal counsel Eddie Morales to intervene as he had to do several times during the course of the meeting citing that Calderon could not cross-examine the commissioners reminding him that this was not a court proceeding advising the board that they were not obligated to have to express themselves against their wishes, "We have a contract that has serious consequences. It will cost the residents thousands in litigation which we don't have. We have gotten many cuts in the last few years and we have $2.8 million in reserve, 9 years ago we were in the red and she has brought this agency to a surplus."

This is where he requested a copy of her last evaluation which was given to her in March, a 3.5 on a scale of 5 and he questioned Commissioner Joe Gonzalez for having given her a 4.7 in March when in fact he was not present at the meeting when this was done. Then Commissioner Claudio Heredia forwarded a 4.7 rating for Mancha's performance in her capacity as Executive Director. Board Chairperson Ana Gonzalez gave her a 2.9, Garza a 2.8 and Calderon had given her a 4.9. "It's surprising how this board can change in four months," he concluded before physically tearing up Ms. Mancha's evaluation stating that all this had not been worth the paper it was written on. Calderon's request for a public evaluation was granted when each board member responded to the action which was taking place before the eyes of a packed conference room which included family members, employees, supervisors, many members of the local media and even legal counsel Gloria Hernandez who objected to any decision which was going to take place on this night and also requested that her client's evaluation be given before all gathered. "Yo no le tengo confianza para que siga como directora, <I don't have the confidence for her to continue serving as director>," said Commissioner Dalia Garza. "There are too many problems going on in this organization, employee discontent and financial matters and since problems continue, I have lost confidence," replied Commissioner Jose Gonzalez. "All I have heard is complaints and concerns," concluded Commissioner Pete Venegas, "I don't feel comfortable with the present director." "We have sworn to perform with respect and integrity with deep convictions for the Housing Authority, not for individuals," retorted Chairperson Ana Gonzalez, "Not much can happen without trust. Integrity is a skill, but it goes much deeper. It's based on guiding, it's based on actions, people can see that. There are so many factors such as keeping communication with everyone." "What are the most serious things? Confidentiality during an audit. When I was in the EPISD we would see an audit in meetings, not in public. The board accepted it or denied the audit. Our audit, on the other hand, was in the newspaper." "We had a loss of $680,000.00 in recaptured funds. All in low rent. I was told by Mr. (Ron) Urlaub (An outside accountant who is presently under contract with the authority to assist the EPHA's finance director) that right now we should only have four months of surplus. In AMP1 we have six months, AMP2 over a year, AMP3 over a year, AMP4 five months, AMP5 10 months, AMP6 over a year. (These are the colonias) There's no need to recapture funds we can spend on something." "There are many reasons, I hold myself completely responsible, it's just for you to know that." The Board Chairperson mentioned that turnover of personnel has hurt the housing authority and even went as far as stating that the Executive Director had violated by-laws by not notifying the board of vacancies prior to firing personnel or filling those positions, inspections are not being conducted and also mentioned that disgruntled employees came to a board meeting against board policy. Following lengthy discussion, the board voted 4-1 to terminate Mancha's contract effective immediately. "There was no such evaluation, she was not assessed, not a drop of opportunity to defend herself. There was no evaluation here. Let me make it clear that they already knew how they would vote. There were discussions before anyone came here today. Here nothing was held but a vote to terminate. Mr. Calderon gave all the reasons why Ms. Mancha has had this organization in a very positive light. She has been a pride for our community after all the fraud, and all that has happened here," said Mancha's attorney Gloria Hernandez. A special meeting has been called for Monday, August 26th at 10:00 A.M. for the discussion and possible action to authorize the Housing Authority to declare a vacancy and initiate advertisement, hiring process and/or qualification criteria for the employment of a permanent Executive Director.