City, SBCISD hopefuls file for candidacy

By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

ElectionsLittle activity has transpired since Jan. 29, the first day to file for candidacy in races for the City of San Benito, the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District and the City of Rio Hondo.

According to San Benito City Secretary Lupita Passement, the only candidates that have filed as of presstime are the incumbents: Mayor Joe H. Hernandez, Place 1 City Commissioner Tony Gonzales and Pl. 2 Commissioner Rene Villafranco.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the Feb. 5 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2014/02/04/city-sbcisd-hopefuls-file-for-candidacy/

73 comments

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    • joevette on February 16, 2014 at 5:33 am
    • Reply

    Way to go Papas we will back you in your running for the school board you got my vote.

    • Danny Cruz on February 7, 2014 at 4:37 pm
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    I’m pretty sure we’re not related to Meme Gonzalez

    • TwoCentsWorth on February 7, 2014 at 4:36 pm
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    Let’s just say that I’ve dealt with TEA for many years. Their patent answer is always “that’s a local school board elected by local voters . . we don’t get involved with issues such as these . . if we did, we’d need about a hundred investigators to oversee these types of concerns . . our budget simply doesn’t allow us to do so.” I don’t know if Oscar has approached TEA, but it won’t do any good. Call TEA if you doubt what I’m stating.

    • Ditka on February 7, 2014 at 3:42 pm
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    44,

    You gotta be kidding me.
    You can’t possibly be a fan if you don’t know what’s really going on in the schools.

    STOP IT!

      • Greyhoundfan44 on February 7, 2014 at 9:14 pm
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      Ha! My name is to show that I’m a fan of the greyhounds and lady hounds sports!
      I usally comment on the sports stories mostly.
      But in no way am I a fan of politics here in San Benito from the school board to joe the barber.
      How about I change my name to greyhoundfan44!
      Would that suit you better?

    • Creigh Masteric on February 7, 2014 at 2:43 pm
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    Sully, I hope you’re wrong even though the balls are already in the Fab Fours court. Dreading who else will be running to assist the Favors for Favors tactics. Not quite yet a Lopez supporter.

    • Sully on February 7, 2014 at 2:05 pm
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    Two cents: master certified yet can’t figure out how to report board president alleged wrongdoings to the proper authorities. Ex…insurance letter, erate, etc. When you remain silent, you’re just as guilty. Looks like papas may win this one. Has many on his side. Lots of followers. Time will tell.

      • Mike Wazoski on February 7, 2014 at 2:51 pm
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      RE: Sully

      Very good point about Medrano but I don’t know about Mr. Potato Head.

    • EXTREMELY POPULAR on February 7, 2014 at 1:20 pm
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    RE: CLASSMATE & FRIEND

    I meant to put Golden Corral is whack. But that JF is whack too!

    • "EXTREMELY POPULAR" on February 7, 2014 at 1:00 pm
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    RE: CLASSMATE & FRIEND

    I hear ya! That JF is whack! San Benito is (Carlos Mencia voice) AWESOME!

    • Frank on February 7, 2014 at 12:53 pm
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    Let us hope thar Mr. Lopez has no hidden agenda because WE ALL KNOW HIS DEAR FRIEND ON THE BOARD DOES…. Seen it for the past Two years!
    And wonder if a CERTAIN VENDOR is contributing to the campaign?
    People love to talk like they run the district. They would not survive in a real city.

      • paco69 on February 7, 2014 at 4:32 pm
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      And you don’t think that other members have hidden agendas and don’t get contributions as well.

      WAKE UP DUDE!!

      It’s politics!

    • Phil on February 7, 2014 at 12:19 pm
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    If stuff gets a little out of hand because bloggers are using their tongues as weapons instead of expressing facts about political candidates maybe they should be redirected to “El Rrun Rrun” website. They allow all kinds of bad stuff there on their blogs.

    • Golden Corral on February 7, 2014 at 8:15 am
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    What’s up with the food names?

    I would vote for Mr. Orlando Lopez.
    I wouldn’t vote for Orlando Papas Lopez.

    Just imagine:
    George Chuy Bush
    Barack Papas Obama

      • CLASSMATE & FRIEND on February 7, 2014 at 11:52 am
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      His original nick name as a child was (Papasito) something his grandma used to call him. How many of us had nicknames thru out our childhood lives, probably every single hispanic in the Rio Grande Valley. His classemates shorten the name to Papas because they chose to do so. Why are you all even writing about something that is so un-important is beyond me. The nickname stuck because he was extremely popular in high school and has continued to be himself throught out his adult life. Just thought I would right this so others can get over these humps and write about something more important.
      Like what a great city we live in and how nice our great city of San Benito,Texas really is.

      • paco69 on February 7, 2014 at 12:36 pm
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      Grow up dude .

        • JF on February 7, 2014 at 1:13 pm
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        You tell em PACO! Yeah!

    • Awesome Dot Com on February 7, 2014 at 8:07 am
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    The SBCISD school board is awesome. Making money. Spending money. No care in the world for the students. My fiance’s little boy is in 1st grade multiplying and dividing, writing complete sentences, writing five sentence paragraphs, speaks english, and reads above his grade level. Oh I forgot to mention, he attends PSJA ISD, not SBCISD. 7th graders attending SBCISD campuses can’t figure out 9 x 2, speak english, reading and testing on spanish books. Incoming 6th graders at the suppose thought of top junior high show little to no improvement when they exit as 8th graders and become incoming 9th graders. Limon use to visit schools (admin, faculty/staff, and students). Yet to see the Interim do that. June hides behind her dad’s bull patties. By the way, update your website “Jesus Chuy Aguilera”. You forgot to include tablets and security systems on there. Thanks June for visiting the campus you said you visit this past year. And last year too! Shows alot. Shows how much the students, if anything, mean to you. Great decision making skills Board. Great leadership. Great heart. Great great great. Awesome awesome awesome. All 7 of you!

      • SanBenitofan44 on February 7, 2014 at 2:48 pm
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      7th and 8th graders Can’t speak English and testing on Spanish books? Can’t figure out 9 x 2?
      I don’t know where you get your info from but that’s just not true.
      Listen I’m no fan of the school board either but you don’t need to exaggerate lies like that.
      Other than that your pretty much right on with the school board and the super

        • AWESOME DOT COM on February 7, 2014 at 3:31 pm
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        RE: SanBenitofan44

        OH ITS TRUE!

        Seen it with my very own eyes.
        I’m willing to bet that it’s true.
        I’m willing to go to court and testify that it’s true.
        I didn’t say “7th and 8th graders”, but yes there are “7th graders attending SBCISD campuses can’t figure out 9 x 2, speak english, reading and testing on spanish books.”
        They aren’t lies.
        I have no need need to exaggerate.
        The Board does both very well on their own.

          • Greyhoundfan44 on February 7, 2014 at 9:25 pm
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          Well that’s just sad…

    • Loop Hole on February 7, 2014 at 7:48 am
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    RE: richard

    these guys find all kinds of loop holes. from not paying taxes to not living in the city. they aren’t the best of leaders, but they sure know how to manipulate things to get their way.

    • Frank on February 6, 2014 at 9:39 pm
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    @ Plain and simple: one word “yep “

    • Bus Ads on February 6, 2014 at 8:57 pm
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    Does anyone know if the PINKAPE company (the board pushed through for advertising on the busses) has placed any ads on the sbcisd busses?
    PINKAPE company friend of several board members… and by the way, if so where is the 60-40 split of money going?
    Finance Manager,do you know?
    Mr. Interim supt, do you know?
    Adrian Garcia, do you know?

    Waiting for an answer…..

    • School on February 6, 2014 at 8:23 pm
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    Trying to figure out where this opponent of mr medrano came from… oh yeah, board president friend.
    move on sb… life does not revolve around these small time politics… academics going down and down because this district has people making a lot of money and cannot read a bar graph.
    whatever happen to students first?

    • richard on February 6, 2014 at 7:44 pm
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    Pappas lives in McAllen? Is he eligible to run for board in San Benito?

    • Leo rodriguez on February 6, 2014 at 6:58 pm
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    I personally don’t know Mr. Lopez, or of him, so I will show the man no disrespect whatsoever. I have observed that he is firing up a group of supporters that were former classmates, and friends, which is a good thing.

    I personally just wish he would have filed against one of the other board members, as opposed to filing to run against Oscar Medrano, who has proven to be a Board Member that has the best interest of the School District in mind. I appreciate how he has vehemently voiced his opinion when he doesn’t agree with certain actions by the Board.

    I am curious as to why Mr. Lopez chose to run against Mr. Medrano, which is something I would prefer to hear from him personally, as opposed to other’s opinions.

    I am sure the candidates will attemp to run a clean, professional campaign, seems like this will be a quite interesting race.

    • Billy Jean on February 6, 2014 at 6:36 pm
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    FAIR IS FAIR !!!

    • Plain and Simple on February 6, 2014 at 5:46 pm
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    Orlando pappas Lopez son of Minne Lopez. Minne Lopez bff of Chuy Aguilera. Chuy Aguilera master of Yliana and father of June Aguilera! Ray Saldana, cousin to pappas.

    Enough Said!!!

    For those who are cheering on pappas and trying to make Oscar look bad I ask you to defend this!…

    Proudly defend ALL the bad and corrupt things that Yliana, June, Fatima, and Julian have done and show me evidence that they have not done wrong in this district!

    Why do I bring up the fab 4 if I am talking about pappas?

    because… “dime con quien te juntas y te dire quien eres”!!!!

      • paco69 on February 7, 2014 at 12:40 pm
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      So What, Anna Cruz is the cousin of former member Meme Gonzalez. Did you know that?

        • Funny! on February 11, 2014 at 11:53 am
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        I think you need to get your facts straight or either find a better source. They’re not related.

    • Jingle Bells on February 6, 2014 at 5:44 pm
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    RE: Laughing all the way

    PLEASE NO MORE PICTURES

    • RaCo on February 6, 2014 at 5:38 pm
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    RE: paco69
    Don’t be bashing the Editor.

    • TwoCentsWorth on February 6, 2014 at 5:23 pm
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    Just curious! With the public’s perception of the school board as a whole going down in flames, why would anyone want to run against the only board member that has achieved a “master” classification as a school trustee? Why not go against less educated and less competent candidates? I guess the threats against certain school trustees a few years ago for not hiring a family member as head coach are coming to fruition . . . sad, sad, sad.

      • paco69 on February 7, 2014 at 12:55 pm
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      Look San Benito, if I were you all I would be worried about my family and children , its obvious that all you all do is bash each other. Thats why you all fail as a city in general. The day you all put all this crap behind you is the day the city will head in the right direction. Politicians make some good decisions and some bad decisions, thats just the way it is. You all need to learn from that and move on. I know previous members made wrong decisions that know one knew about and it wasn’t all over the blogs. Maybe the current school board is just trying to clean up the mess that was left behind. I know people from the previous members are going to comment and so on. Just forget about the past and lets make a progress from here on out.

      IS THAT SO HARD TO DO!

    • paco69 on February 6, 2014 at 3:51 pm
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    OK Mr. Editor ,

    It seems that you let some things slide due to personal attacks, you better be fair to all not just some!!

    1. We’re fair because it’s our job to be fair regardless of what “paco69” says.

    • Jerry S. on February 6, 2014 at 2:20 pm
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    Why can’t we all get along ? Daytime tv made a killing with talk shows that were interesting and where people got slapped around literally. Here people r getting picked on with words c’mon man once people agree to step into the spotlight their lives change and are subject to all the viewers opinions and their remarks as well . The phrase STICKS & STONES will break my BONES but WORDS will NEVER hurt me !!!!

    PS I’m sure the SBN is loving all the hits btw on the website !!!

  1. This will only be said once: Any comments referring (either directly or indirectly) to a person’s sexuality, family or personal life that we identify as inflammatory will be deleted; if more than one minute is required to omit remarks from your comments, they will be deleted; and nonsensical, off-topic remarks will be treated as spam and hence deleted.

      • Reform San Benito on February 7, 2014 at 7:07 am
      • Reply

      Nonsensical? You could delete half these comments.

      1. True. Maybe I should.

    • Breakfast Special on February 6, 2014 at 12:27 pm
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    Fruit Loops or Potato & Egg Taco?

    • Anita Mann on February 6, 2014 at 12:04 pm
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    Richard, it was definitely different. It was his pose.
    JF, don’t forget about Takis! JF, you crack me up! Good questions, too!
    Lunch Special: Famished!

    Oscar!!! Oscar!!! Oscar!!! He’s our man, if he can’t do it, no one can!!!
    Its not that Oscar has our support, its that “Pappas” has raised everyone’s curiosity about his ties to particular board members and his/her intinerary.
    Paco69, feisty!

    • Intocable on February 6, 2014 at 11:59 am
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    Rumors,
    I think you got a little defensive there but you have a good point about the school board members. Perhaps the reason the 3 didn’t stand up to the 4’s wrongdoings was in fear of retaliation. Perhaps narc-ing on the 4 would cause the 4 to pull the “bust out the skeletons” card on the 3.

    I think there is nothing personal to JF’s points. It’s strictly business, professional, related to the school board, public service, and what’s best for the community. Nothing personal.

    I gotta go. Maury is on.

    TEST RESULTS HAVE COME IN

    The SBCISD board members are…
    angels and saints
    THATS A LIE
    straight arrows
    THAT TOO IS A LIE
    do not practice favor for favors
    AND THAT WAS A LIE!

    • Harrie Knutzic on February 6, 2014 at 11:30 am
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    Now who would live in a glass house?!? Yes, this is the time of year when things get hairy, but I find it interesting that Mr. Lopez wants to run, and what a lovely pic in the paper! Many points to consider, anyone else running? I think the Fab Four is already counting on him as a sure win.

    • Paco69 on February 6, 2014 at 11:27 am
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    It’s obvious the people talking crap are.Oscar supporters!

    Just let people run their campaign ,

    • richard on February 6, 2014 at 10:53 am
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    Pappas, finally saw your picture in paper. Word of advice, you look more like a “player’ than a “family man” next time use a picture of you and the family.

      • Greater things in life on February 6, 2014 at 11:54 am
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      At least he looks like a MAN!
      Typical day in San Benito! You all should be more productive and focus your time on things that have greater impact on your community as opposed to mere talk and gossip. Divert your energy to more productive things like why half of the city live on welfare, how you can be actively involved in political issues as opposed to always oppressing your own. Perhaps focus your time and energy on how you can lower your diabetes rate in san benito, how you can eat healthy and promote wellness. Maybe if you all stopped sitting in front of the computer or stuffing your faces in local coffee shops gossiping about one or another (and each other), maybe you can utilize that time to take a hike, go jogging, or in some cases learn how to read or write. Gosh there are greater things in life than being so focused on gossip, false accusations, and being so full of hate and envy ( and certainly more important things than what picture you use!!!). Wow shows your level of mentality ). There is a greater judge that you will have to answer to and if you dont realize that you will never amount to anything!

        • richard on February 6, 2014 at 1:43 pm
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        My, My… All I meant was voters like to know that the person representing them on the school board has family values. I don’t expect them to solve all the problems of health and economics. Even the board president when she ran used pictures of her and her family.

          • Laughing all the way! on February 6, 2014 at 2:03 pm
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          If that’s what you’re most concerned about, dont worry, theres more to come from Mr. Papas’ campaign! His campaign is just getting started. Papas and his supporters will have plenty of signs and family pictures for you if that’s the determining factor for you! Full fledged campaign your way! GO PAPAS GO!!!

            • Hottie on February 6, 2014 at 5:20 pm
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            Woo hoo! Get to see his hottie! Eye candy.

        • Triple P on February 6, 2014 at 1:55 pm
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        Greater things in life,
        Can you please say “I know you are but what am I” cause my you sound alot like Pee Wee Herman.

        • T. on February 6, 2014 at 2:00 pm
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        Greater:

        “At least he looks like a MAN!” –
        So what exactly are you trying to say?

        And to the rest of what you put –
        Sounds like you are doing the exact same thing you say you are against.

        Oh and by the way, I have greater things in life in case you are interested. 😉

      • Laughing all the way on February 6, 2014 at 12:19 pm
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      Why? His family isnt running! LOSERS HATE WINNERS!!!

        • Triple P on February 6, 2014 at 12:43 pm
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        Oscar is a player too. He has the same kind of pic as Papas, only it looks more professional. Now that’s a player. Richard, I don’t think Papas putting his family in his pictures will help his case. I think that’s why “Laughing all the way” is laughing all the way. He has enough trouble as it is on his own. Back to Oscar and him always stating what he stands for and his qualifications and this and that. If he is so qualified and for the people and the community and SB and the students, why doesn’t he ever put his foot down and stand up for them and do something about all the allegations and wrongdoings in reference to the 4. Why Oscar? You’re a player. Come on. Oscar, you have dropped the ball. The 4 have made so many wrong decisions, made it so easy to be disliked, made it so easy to be booted out, but your lack of action in standing up against them and their ways is just as bad if not worse. Shame on you.

        (Big Pun playing in the back ground)
        I’m not a player, I just crush alot

    • rumors on February 6, 2014 at 10:23 am
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    JF, why are you worried about Orlando Lopez’s driving record when the current board members have a lot of skeletons in their closet.. ask Oscar if he’s ever been arrested and all the other board members. it’s like the saying goes ” don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house”

      • JF on February 6, 2014 at 11:43 am
      • Reply

      Rumors,
      1) I am not worried.
      2) All humans have skeletons. (No need to take a biology or anatomy course to figure that one out)
      3) I wasn’t asking Mr. Orlando “Papas” Lopez if he has ever been arrested, but since you brought it up…
      4) ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION: current board members (Yliana, June, Julian, Fatima, Anna, Hector, Oscar) – have you ever been arrested?
      4-1) In accordance to the “fair is fair, anything and everything goes” rule that the SBCISD loves to follow: Mr Orlando “Papas” Lopez, have you ever been arrested?
      5) Just to be clear, I was not ridiculing or judging anyone.
      6) It was just a question. (The Bill of Rights allows, I’m not sure – I might be wrong, a person the right to ask a question)
      7) If I had a wooden house (as opposed to a glass house), I still wouldn’t be throwing stones inside it. I mean what kind of rocket scientist would do that? Glass, wood, steel, cardboard, plastic … no difference when it comes to stone throwing.

      RB,
      1) I don’t know who JL is but I am JF and I do know Mr. Orlando “Papas” Lopez. I’ve known him, his younger brother, and his mother for a very long time.
      2) Please refer to points 5) and 6) addressed to Rumors.

      In conclusion…
      If you don’t want your butt to burn, don’t eat excessive salsa, Hot Cheetos, chiles, jalepenos, wasabi, etc. In the fantastic persona of Rumors: It’s like the saying goes – “If you can’t stand the heat, get out the kitchen”

    • rumors on February 6, 2014 at 10:14 am
    • Reply

    it funny how people are quick to judge and ridicule people; however, they don’t have the guts to step up to the plate and run for school board member. If you all are so concerned about one thing or another why don’t you all run and try to make a difference? But then again this is San Benito and NO ONE LIKES FOR ANYONE TO GET AHEAD… how sad!!!

    • RB on February 6, 2014 at 9:58 am
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    JL:
    Its very apparent you don’t know Orlando ” Papas” Lopez.. You should, his a great friend, parent and a leader needed for our community..People should think before they speak nonsense.. We papas supports cant wait till May to show our trust in these great Man.. Peace!!!

    • Suzanne on February 5, 2014 at 10:24 pm
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    Let the Elections Begin! It’s going to be fun to watch ALL the Promises these people will say.
    Good luck SB!

    • Too little, too late on February 5, 2014 at 8:41 pm
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    Leo, I’ll tell u why barber joe wants to be mayor again… It’s so he can get his name on the museum plaque when it gets built, then he’ll throw off the members of the museum he doesn’t like … Like he did with the veterans board.

    • Lunch Special on February 5, 2014 at 8:29 pm
    • Reply

    Sloppy Joe con Limon
    Chuy Papas

    Anyone else getting hungry?

    • richard on February 5, 2014 at 7:27 pm
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    Pappas, Where will your kids go to school? SBCISD? Or HCISD? I am sure SIG insurance group will cover all your campaign expenses.

    • JF on February 5, 2014 at 7:24 pm
    • Reply

    Dear Mr. Orlando “Papas” Lopez,

    How is your driving record?

    Sincerely,
    A “my child attends SBCISD and I want a leader who personifies good decision making, responsibility, and good judgement that my child can look up to” parent

    • Triple P on February 5, 2014 at 7:17 pm
    • Reply

    No need to get butt hurt.

    • Hottie on February 5, 2014 at 7:15 pm
    • Reply

    With a HOT S. O. I’m sure he’ll win.

    • Sanbenito44 on February 5, 2014 at 6:16 pm
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    Can somebody “Anybody” run for mayor against Joe the barber?
    He has been there for much too long and has had San Benito in the news for all the wrong reasons all while doing nothing for the city. Even a simple problem and what seems to be SBs biggest issue “The Streets” continues to be ignored in favor of other projects like the trail and the museums. Don’t get me wrong i enjoy the trail but I like most citizens prefer the streets to be take care of before anything else.

    • Disgruntled Citizen on February 5, 2014 at 5:15 pm
    • Reply

    Leo, if there was a “LIKE” button, I would click it over and over for your comment.

    Here is a campaign suggestion for barber Joe ……Raspas for Everyone…..

    Barber Joe, at least show up for the Meet the Candidates Forum sponsored by the San Benito News. You have plenty of advance notice to plan to attend and not use the same old….I am out of town….excuse.

    No more excuses……people are beginning to think you are afraid to get out of your comfort zone with the city manager and Ms. Martha McClain assisting you.

    • Leo Rodriguez on February 5, 2014 at 4:37 pm
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    So Barber Joe has filed for the Mayor’s position yet again. Why Joe, is it merely an ego thing with you? What will be your platform this time around, as in previous elections, you can’t list any accomplishments, can you?

    I am constantly reading articles regarding the activities and community interactions of surrounding cities mayors. These mayors host and conduct “State of the City” communication/update gatherings, host morning coffee gatherings with “public invited” citizens, and participate in various functions representing their city.

    Seems like the only time we see any type of communication from our mayor is when you are allegedly making threats to others, knowingly violating city ordinances, and shamelessly throwing the Economic Development Council under the bus.

    I am sure you are most confident you will be reelected to another term, since you will undoubtedly have the backing of “Los mismos”. But seriously, if you really care about our city, withdraw your notice, and stick to enjoying and savoring the good old chisme at your barbershop, enjoying a fresh cup of coffee with your Oriental souvenir coffee mug.

    • Ana L'Wink on February 5, 2014 at 1:59 pm
    • Reply

    “Papas”- O. Lopez is making his announcement soon! And will have the president’s back, if elected, when it comes to making decisions, since it’s seems she can’t handle the weight on her shoulders by making a simple decision like hiring an AD/HC.

      • Paco69 on February 5, 2014 at 4:46 pm
      • Reply

      There u go talking smack ,why don’t you just shut up . If you can do a better job then run!

        • El Arbol on February 5, 2014 at 5:27 pm
        • Reply

        P69,
        10K to pick three candidates in 10 days.
        Should’ve consulted with the best agency in the state, Chuy’s Custom Sports!
        I think people will support “Papas” because he’ll fit right in with Fab Four! Let’s just wait and see.

        • iPhone Support on February 5, 2014 at 8:11 pm
        • Reply

        Anybody here have an iPhone?
        I need to know how to forward Paco69’s post to Jesus “Jesus Chuy Aguilera”.

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