Today, after work, I went over to the Laura Hinojosa's campaign HQ. I broke out my official campaign T-shirt today. Our job today was to go out and put up 4 x 8 signs in McAllen. Laura knocked on doors and asked permission for us to put up signs. Another volunteer, Michael, and I nailed those babies up on people's fences. We put up a few up through 6th St.
It was interesting to watch Laura ask for permission. Some people were suprised and impressed that she would ask for permission personally. At one point, she came across some family friends who offered us two locations for the signs. There are some locations where we would like to put up signs, but nobody was home. We'll revisit those later. Afterwards, we went back to the office and I got to chat a little with Sally and Michael about working on campaigns. I realize that campaigning and the politics after the election are probably very different creatures. For now, at least I'm doing something. I'll be back tomorrow afternoon to put up more signs.
To help make things easier for us, if you have a good, high traffic spot that you would like to volunteer for a sign, call the Laura Hinjosa Campaign Headquarters at 213-1012. We have both 4 x 8 signs and lawn signs. It would really help us win the Hidalgo County District Clerk's office. Everybody here would really appreciate it.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Campaign Post
Today was my first day volunteering at the Laura Hinojosa campaign headquarters. I started off doing errands, which is cool. I do that already at work, so this was not a stretch. I thought to myself, this is cool.
Next, I did a little bit of data entry. I used to do data entry at Cantu Lease, Inc., an oilfield services company that has been acquired by another company. So, this was up my alley too.
Next, I made some lawn signs. I figured out how to insert the wire frame into the sleeve and pop it into place. I got 100 signs done in about 30 minutes. I'd never done that before, but it was fun.
I had lunch with the team. That was a good barbecue chicken sandwich. We chatted a little and I learned more about the motivation and the reason for the campaign. It's possible that Laura may set up a blog. I was explaining the value of using a blog, which is to communicate directly to the public. That's still tentative, but imagine the implications if she does go with it. She could communicate what are some issues facing the county, when she gets the job, obviously. She could share her plans to overcome the problems and announce her successes. Most importantly, she can interact with the public through their blog comments. I think all public officials should take to the web and start blogging. It can only serve to bring voters closer to the office holders. Then, the public can have a relationship with the official. Those were my two cents on that.
Tomorrow, we will be going around setting up 4 X 8 signs in people's yards. I happen to drive a truck, so my volunteering came at an opportune time. Gonna have to clean up the truck a little, don't want the candidate to ride around in a messy pickup. Another item of interest, you may see her at the Texas Citrus Fiesta in Mission, TX. Nothing definite. It's common to see candidates at the Citrus Fiesta. I'm from Mission, so I've seen plenty of candidates and officials in the parade. I'm looking forward to planting signs in people's yards tomorrow afternoon.
Next, I did a little bit of data entry. I used to do data entry at Cantu Lease, Inc., an oilfield services company that has been acquired by another company. So, this was up my alley too.
Next, I made some lawn signs. I figured out how to insert the wire frame into the sleeve and pop it into place. I got 100 signs done in about 30 minutes. I'd never done that before, but it was fun.
I had lunch with the team. That was a good barbecue chicken sandwich. We chatted a little and I learned more about the motivation and the reason for the campaign. It's possible that Laura may set up a blog. I was explaining the value of using a blog, which is to communicate directly to the public. That's still tentative, but imagine the implications if she does go with it. She could communicate what are some issues facing the county, when she gets the job, obviously. She could share her plans to overcome the problems and announce her successes. Most importantly, she can interact with the public through their blog comments. I think all public officials should take to the web and start blogging. It can only serve to bring voters closer to the office holders. Then, the public can have a relationship with the official. Those were my two cents on that.
Tomorrow, we will be going around setting up 4 X 8 signs in people's yards. I happen to drive a truck, so my volunteering came at an opportune time. Gonna have to clean up the truck a little, don't want the candidate to ride around in a messy pickup. Another item of interest, you may see her at the Texas Citrus Fiesta in Mission, TX. Nothing definite. It's common to see candidates at the Citrus Fiesta. I'm from Mission, so I've seen plenty of candidates and officials in the parade. I'm looking forward to planting signs in people's yards tomorrow afternoon.
Volunteer Blog
Tomorrow, I am going to make my first visit to Laura Hinojosa's campaign headquarters. I understand that there will be a lot of work coming up, so I want to be there. I did get to speak with Laura a while, but it was just too loud to hold a conversation. Plus, I met a couple of her campaign workers who follow this blog. It was great to meet somebody who reads my stuff besides Aaron Peña. We exchanged information and I'll be out there tomorrow to see what I can do to help. Just a reminder, I'll focus on my experience as a volunteer when I write.
The last campaign I worked was in Jr. High School, when I worked for Michael Dukakis for President in McAllen. I was dumb back then. My work then was making calls, making signs, and other odd jobs. I even got to see Carrie Fisher. My talents have grown since then, so I hope I am able to give more to Laura's bid for Hidalgo County District Clerk than I did for Dukakis. The objective of this experience is to inspire others to go out and volunteer for a candidate or participate in the electoral process in some way.
We have troops securing the rights of Iraqi's to conduct a freely elected government. For the people over there, voting means the difference between a bright future and a repeat of their bleak and recent past under a brutal dictator. We have freedom. Our republic, our state, our county, and our city will only work if we, the citizens, participate in our electoral process. Working a campaign is not free labor, it's free speech! So go out and help spread the message you support.
The last campaign I worked was in Jr. High School, when I worked for Michael Dukakis for President in McAllen. I was dumb back then. My work then was making calls, making signs, and other odd jobs. I even got to see Carrie Fisher. My talents have grown since then, so I hope I am able to give more to Laura's bid for Hidalgo County District Clerk than I did for Dukakis. The objective of this experience is to inspire others to go out and volunteer for a candidate or participate in the electoral process in some way.
We have troops securing the rights of Iraqi's to conduct a freely elected government. For the people over there, voting means the difference between a bright future and a repeat of their bleak and recent past under a brutal dictator. We have freedom. Our republic, our state, our county, and our city will only work if we, the citizens, participate in our electoral process. Working a campaign is not free labor, it's free speech! So go out and help spread the message you support.
Monday, January 02, 2006
The Big Event
Through one of those wierd coincidences, I wound up going to the Hidalgo County Democratic Party 2006 Democratic Candidate "Weigh In". In case you are new to this blog, I work at a party supply store. We, at the store, were able to perform a service for the event on short notice. This is how I was able to get a ticket for the event. I want to thank Selina Hayes, the Event Coordinator, for the opportunity. She did a great job of putting it all together.
So, this being my first venture into the political realm, and being new to getting information, I went in with one objective: get web addresses. I figure that with all the reporters out there getting little soundbites and misquoting candidates already, I ought to provide a more useful service to the public and to the candidates. Thus, it occurred to me to get web addresses for them all. This way, the public can find out more about the candidates and the candidates can get their messages out to the public. So, I am basically acting as a bridge for information.
So, without further ado, here are the candidates and their sites. I may have missed some. If you want your campaign site listed, send me an email so I can add it. I have to admit that it was wierd asking for just the site. It was funny that people would send for the candidate to come talk to me and all I wanted was the website. They expected more questions, which gave a brief moment of wierdness until they realized I really just wanted the address.
Hidalgo County Clerk
Arturo Guajardo - www.vote4guajardo.com
Balde Morales - www.baldemorales.com
District Clerk of Hidalgo County
Laura Hinojosa - www.laurahinojosa.com
Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 2
Gregorio Treviño - no site
Hidalgo County District Attorney
Alma Garza - www.almargarza4da.com
Mauro L. Reyna III - no site
Hidalgo County Judge
JD Salinas - www.jdsalinas.com
Hidalgo County Treasurer
Norma G. Garcia - no site
Governor
Chris Bell - www.chrisbell.com
92nd District Court
Eric Cardenas Jarvis - www.ericcardenasjarvis.com
Ricardo Rodriguez - www.votericardorodriguez.com
Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 1
Jesse Contreras - no site
Judge Rodolfo "Rudy" Gonzalez - no site
Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 6
Albert Garcia - no site
13th Court of Appeals, Pl. 4
Nelda Vidaurri Rodriguez - no site
House of Representatives, District 41
Veronica Gonzalez - http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist41/gonzales.htm
I'm sure there are other candidates for some of the offices. For example, Omar Guerrero is still running for re-election as Hidalgo County District Clerk. Our current DA, Rene Guerra is also running for re-election. And, so is Judge Ramon Garcia. You already know Aaron Peña, Jr's site, he was out on a well-deserved family vacation. So, as more candidates come out and I meet them, I'll provide the information to you and their websites.
My homework tonight is to study the candidates so that I come up with intelligent questions. I did pick up a few phone numbers to call for interviews later. I'd appreciate my readers posting comments with questions you would like for me to ask the candidates. If possible, please specify which candidates you want me to ask your question.
In the coming days, I'll be profiling the candidates for you with as much information as possible so that you can make an informed decision in the upcoming elections.
So, this being my first venture into the political realm, and being new to getting information, I went in with one objective: get web addresses. I figure that with all the reporters out there getting little soundbites and misquoting candidates already, I ought to provide a more useful service to the public and to the candidates. Thus, it occurred to me to get web addresses for them all. This way, the public can find out more about the candidates and the candidates can get their messages out to the public. So, I am basically acting as a bridge for information.
So, without further ado, here are the candidates and their sites. I may have missed some. If you want your campaign site listed, send me an email so I can add it. I have to admit that it was wierd asking for just the site. It was funny that people would send for the candidate to come talk to me and all I wanted was the website. They expected more questions, which gave a brief moment of wierdness until they realized I really just wanted the address.
Hidalgo County Clerk
Arturo Guajardo - www.vote4guajardo.com
Balde Morales - www.baldemorales.com
District Clerk of Hidalgo County
Laura Hinojosa - www.laurahinojosa.com
Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 2
Gregorio Treviño - no site
Hidalgo County District Attorney
Alma Garza - www.almargarza4da.com
Mauro L. Reyna III - no site
Hidalgo County Judge
JD Salinas - www.jdsalinas.com
Hidalgo County Treasurer
Norma G. Garcia - no site
Governor
Chris Bell - www.chrisbell.com
92nd District Court
Eric Cardenas Jarvis - www.ericcardenasjarvis.com
Ricardo Rodriguez - www.votericardorodriguez.com
Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 1
Jesse Contreras - no site
Judge Rodolfo "Rudy" Gonzalez - no site
Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 6
Albert Garcia - no site
13th Court of Appeals, Pl. 4
Nelda Vidaurri Rodriguez - no site
House of Representatives, District 41
Veronica Gonzalez - http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist41/gonzales.htm
I'm sure there are other candidates for some of the offices. For example, Omar Guerrero is still running for re-election as Hidalgo County District Clerk. Our current DA, Rene Guerra is also running for re-election. And, so is Judge Ramon Garcia. You already know Aaron Peña, Jr's site, he was out on a well-deserved family vacation. So, as more candidates come out and I meet them, I'll provide the information to you and their websites.
My homework tonight is to study the candidates so that I come up with intelligent questions. I did pick up a few phone numbers to call for interviews later. I'd appreciate my readers posting comments with questions you would like for me to ask the candidates. If possible, please specify which candidates you want me to ask your question.
In the coming days, I'll be profiling the candidates for you with as much information as possible so that you can make an informed decision in the upcoming elections.
2006 Democratic Candidate Round One
I scored two tickets to the Hidalgo County Democratic Party 2006 Democratic Candidate "Weigh In". This is where incumbents and candidates face-off before the fight. I'll be there to pick up campaign materials and have some food. With any luck, I'll get to chat with the candidates to find out more about them. So far, I've only met a couple of candidates. I'll definitely take notes at the event, though I'll have to leave early to go to work.
Tickets are paid, so you do need one to get into the event. They are all sold out, except for about 100 that are being given out to some members. It will be held at the Regency Hall at 207 E Ferguson St. in Pharr. The event is scheduled from 6 to 10 pm.
Tickets are paid, so you do need one to get into the event. They are all sold out, except for about 100 that are being given out to some members. It will be held at the Regency Hall at 207 E Ferguson St. in Pharr. The event is scheduled from 6 to 10 pm.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Blogs of interest
I'm on my way out and don't want to fool around editing my blog template, so I want to mention a couple of blogs I found. The first is http://lawmakers.blogspot.com/, which the author makes his mission to get politicians to blog. The next one is http://rgvmack.blogspot.com/ by a former resident of the RGV who lives in San Antonio. He writes his perspective of the Rio Grande Valley from a distance.
I will probably edit this blog's template to give me more room on the page for print. I'll spend some time relearning css. This should help you avoid having to scroll down the page to infinity when I have long posts, which I have more frequently.
While I'm posting, I'm going to use my non-existent and negligable influence to get other news and info about the Rio Grande Valley out to you. I came to realize recently that I am a writer. Writing is not something that I set out to do; yet, I do it. I don't really consider myself a writer, reporter, or columnist because I am none of those. I just think and write a lot. So, in 2006, I'll try to bring a new mindset to the blog.
Oh, and I'm looking for work. I have two jobs, currently. I just want something more challenging and/or interesting. Pay isn't my main motivator, so if you are in the position, make an offer.
I will probably edit this blog's template to give me more room on the page for print. I'll spend some time relearning css. This should help you avoid having to scroll down the page to infinity when I have long posts, which I have more frequently.
While I'm posting, I'm going to use my non-existent and negligable influence to get other news and info about the Rio Grande Valley out to you. I came to realize recently that I am a writer. Writing is not something that I set out to do; yet, I do it. I don't really consider myself a writer, reporter, or columnist because I am none of those. I just think and write a lot. So, in 2006, I'll try to bring a new mindset to the blog.
Oh, and I'm looking for work. I have two jobs, currently. I just want something more challenging and/or interesting. Pay isn't my main motivator, so if you are in the position, make an offer.
New Year's in the Rio Grande Valley
Last night as we counted down the seconds to midnight, I went outside to see the fireworks from around the neighborhood. My children were out of town last night, so I had no excuse to buy fireworks this year. This year's celebration was a bit surreal in that it was so warm. Many people were enjoying themselves outdoors. You could hardly see around the neighborhood from so much fireworks smoke. There was also the smoke from all the grilling still going on.
One thing of concern to me is that many of my mom's neighbors shoot their guns up in the air for New Year's. This year, the neighborhood had more shooting than in the past. It wasn't just pistols, you could also hear automatic weapons and long sequences of gunfire. I know that it was gunfire because of the distinct sound guns make and because I saw the muzzle flash from the guns. I went back inside after getting pelted by fireworks debris. Every year, there are public service announcements telling people not to shoot their guns up in the air because the bullets have to come down somewhere. Every year, people do it anyway.
Things die down after midnight, there is the hugging and wishing a Happy New Year. Traditionally, people eat grapes for New Year's. Just as on Christmas, there were tamales and buñuelos. In our case, there was plenty of alcohol to liven everybody's mood. Life is good; life will be good this year. Sometimes, it's frustrating in the Rio Grande Valley because the pace of life is so slow here. It's said that Americans live to work and Mexicans work to live. The Valley is a bit of a middle ground. We have plenty of hard working individuals here. Yet, things are slow-paced. If you want change, it takes a while. I look forward to the changes that come about in 2006. The Rio Grande Valley will no doubt continue to improve the standard of life of our residents and we will continue to root out corruption from our local governments. Let's also continue to reduce ignorance amongst our population. We can do better.
One thing of concern to me is that many of my mom's neighbors shoot their guns up in the air for New Year's. This year, the neighborhood had more shooting than in the past. It wasn't just pistols, you could also hear automatic weapons and long sequences of gunfire. I know that it was gunfire because of the distinct sound guns make and because I saw the muzzle flash from the guns. I went back inside after getting pelted by fireworks debris. Every year, there are public service announcements telling people not to shoot their guns up in the air because the bullets have to come down somewhere. Every year, people do it anyway.
Things die down after midnight, there is the hugging and wishing a Happy New Year. Traditionally, people eat grapes for New Year's. Just as on Christmas, there were tamales and buñuelos. In our case, there was plenty of alcohol to liven everybody's mood. Life is good; life will be good this year. Sometimes, it's frustrating in the Rio Grande Valley because the pace of life is so slow here. It's said that Americans live to work and Mexicans work to live. The Valley is a bit of a middle ground. We have plenty of hard working individuals here. Yet, things are slow-paced. If you want change, it takes a while. I look forward to the changes that come about in 2006. The Rio Grande Valley will no doubt continue to improve the standard of life of our residents and we will continue to root out corruption from our local governments. Let's also continue to reduce ignorance amongst our population. We can do better.
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