Who Said I'M Not a United State Citizen?

Friends,

As some of you may know, I have be a firm defender of individual civil right as a member of LULAC and the American Federation of Government Employees regardless of there race, creed or religious preferences.

For sometime now we have had an unacceptable situation within the State Department in that they have refused to issue US passport to citizens of the United States.

The reason for this denial?

Although these individual had provided all the required documentation such as valid birth records, school records, medical records and affidavits from independent sources proving that they were born in the US, the Stated Department had decided that this was irrelevant.

In short the State Department decided that regardless of what evidence was presented because these individuals had audacity to have been born of parent who were poor or had been born in a location where hospital were not available and these birth were attended by midwives they were not worth of a US Passport.

Further, when these denials were issued the State Department would accuse these individual of fraud but would fail to provide the evidence of the allege fraud. In some cases the individual were referred to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service to report for possible deportation.

As a result of these questionable practices several questions were raised and subsequent a class action lawsuit was filed by the ACLU. (I point out that this police was establish under the Bush Administration)

The Houston Chronicle Reports that the American Civil Liberties Union and the US State Department have reach a settlement agreement regrading a class action lawsuit that was filed by passport applicants whose birth were attended by midwives. (Friday, June 26, 2009 edition)

Under this agreement individual will be able to reapply of a US passport and if denied, the application will automatic review by a three member panel. Further, the settlement also requires that the government reviews its list of midwives suspected of birth certificate fraud to ensure there is a "reasonable belief" that they were involved in wrongdoing.

I must applaud the current administration in recognizing the importance of this issues and their quick action. I remind all my readers that as citizens of the United States, we must protect the rights of all individuals in this great country.

As always I welcome your comments.

Joe Montemayor

Ed Gonzalez Congratulation

I wish to congratulate my friend Ed Gonzalez in election victory for District H this past Saturday.

Being and alumni of District H (Denver Harbor) I am delighted to see that the district will continue to have strong leadership on the Houston city council that will address the issues of today.

Ed well done.

Joe Montemayor

Where Have All the Latinos Gone

Dear Friends

Yesterday, I receive a call from my friend and fellow activist Marina Hernandez-Quiroz from the eastside inner loop area. As many of you know, Marina was East End Field Organizer with the Democratic Coordinated Campaign in the last election cycle and faced a huge challenge in the general election due to a large block of Clinton supporters in the East End.

As we talk to catch up on what we had both been doing since the election and what our future plan were, we found our self discussing the very issued that has been worrying every person that worked the November 4th General Election.

Where have all the Latino gone?

We both agree that the voter turn out in the historical Latino precincts were below expectation also we agreed that the false allegation that a Latino voter would not support an African American on the ticket was not the result of the low voter turn out.

This is a perplexing problem and in order to try to understand what may have contributed to this situation, I decided to conduct my own non-scientific poll. (I invite my readers and friends to do the same poll and send me your results)

The poll is simple:

1. On a sheet of paper list 12 (One Dozen) persons that you grew up with. In my case, I grew up in the Denver Harbor area on the east side of the inner loop.
2. Then, list where these folks live now (What part of the city/county/state).
3. Asked these individuals if they voted in the last primary or general election. (You don’t have to ask who they voted for just if they voted).

The result may surprise you. In my case all the folks listed attended and/or graduated from schools in the Denver Harbor Area and hear are the results:

James- lives in Friendswood and voted in both the Primary and General Elections.
Joel- lives in Baytown and voted in both the Primary and General Election
Toni-lives in the outer loop (Eastside) and voted in both the Primary and General Election
Julie – lives in Atascocita/Humble Area and voted in both the Primary and General Election
Junior-lives in Katy and didn’t vote at all
Marcella-lives on the east end and voted in the Primary only.
Bellia-lives in Humble and voted in both the Primary and General Elections
Anna-lives in Aldine and didn’t vote
Tina-lives in Channelview and voted in both the Primary and General Election
Ismael-lives in Channelview and voted in both the Primary and General Elections.

What this small snapshot tells us, is due to a once growing economy and a more that generous mortgage market in past years, the generation of voting Latino that supported the candidacies of Ben Reyes, Felix Frada, Henry Cisneros and Lionel Castillo have now move to suburban neighborhoods.

My hope is that the participants of the Houston Area Latino Summit that will be held from 10 am to 1 pm, Saturday, February 14, 2009 in the Champions Pavilion at Minute Maid Park, will recognized this trend and plan according for the 2010 election cycle.

With the growing population of Latino residents in our community both in the inner city and in the suburbs it is vital that we all do our part to ensure our voices and the voice of all are children be they black, brown, white, yellow or purple be truly heard.

As always, I welcome your comments.


Joe A. Montemayor

Dear Friends,

To begin, I apologize for not getting with all of you sooner. In truth I have been busy with the repairs to my home (Yes my insurance check finally arrived) and I find myself with more work than time.

There is so much going on in our community that we should all be concern with that I don’t see where to start.

In his first week in office, President Obama is working with congress to have his stimulus plan approve and signed before February 16th. What would this mean to our community? Well from what I have been able to find out public school grades K-12 would received fund to help with the budget short fall that is causing a number of school to close. Collage and Universities would have a second program that would assist with their needs and concerns. (Not a bad start if you ask me.)

Stace “Dos Centavos” Medellin tells us of the Houston Area Latino Summit that will be held from 10 am to 1 pm, Saturday, February 14, 2009 in the Champions Pavilion at Minute Maid Park. With the growing population of Latino residents in our community (myself included) this summit will provide an opportunity to discuss issues and policies that will greatly affect all residents in Houston.

Charles Kuffner of “Off the Kuff” tell us of the continued battle over the CHIPS program with his article,” IT’S 2009 and we're still arguing about CHIP “He is clear that certain state representatives (members of the GOP) continue an on going debate for a program that provides medical care for low income Texas children (which by the way, is also matched dollar for dollar by the federal government.)

This arrogances stance is being lead by Gov. Perry and Lt. Dewherst and to be frank this is the same GOP leadership ideology has put our country into a rescission.

As you all know I believe that CHIP is desperately need to assist our children and can not except the position that the GOP has taken regarding this issue. Today with the economy faltering, job lost at a record number and the market in a decline programs to assist our struggling families are needed.

The fact is that the GOP state leadership practice of party politics are completely in appropriate.

As some of you may know I am a member of several organization one of which is the Hispanic Executive Society International (HESI). This organization main goal is to promote education and community awareness and I have been honored to be a member of the organization since the beginning.

Mr. Joe Ramirez the president of HESI announce that at their monthly meeting on February 3rd their guess speaker will be newly elected Sheriff Adrian Garcia. I look forward to speaking with Sheriff Garcia and discussing issues such as juvenile crime, the red light camera program, patrol officer for the community and the future of the Harris County Sheriff office.

Congratulation to him and his family, may they continue to have great success.

As always, I welcome your comments.


Joe A. Montemayor

Dear Friends

As we close out 2008, it is only natural that we take time to reflect on the issued that have affected our lives. In my case I recall that:

• We set a new record for voter turns out in both the Primary and General election.


• That although our community is still attempting to recover from the effects of hurricane IKE we came together as a community to assist neighbors and friends in a time of need.


• The election of the first African American President to the United States and I had the honor of being on the same ballot with President elect Obama.


• That we are in an economic recession (Some reports claim that we are in a depression) that is now dictating the role that our government has with industry (Banking, Housing and Auto), the education of our children, the security of our country and the credibility of our word as a nation. But I also see that we the people still believe in the future for our children and refuse to accept these situations.


• The numerous sandaled by our elected official in both parities has tarnished the respect given to our leaders. I as a candidate felt some of the effects of these scandals. I now vow to honor the trust given to me by the voters and will strive to be the representative that they all can respect at all times.


• The fact that a majority of the communities with in the House District 127 had to face a tax increase due to the economic recession and the lack of action by the State Legislators.

I believe that we in HD 127 agree that the challenges we face in 2008 were enough for anyone to deal with and that we look forward to a brighter future in 2009.


As always I welcome you thought and comments.

Joe A. Montemayor

Merry Christmas

To My Family and Friends,

May the magic to the holiday season fill your home and hearts every day of the year. I hope that the New Year bring us all health, happiness and daily joys.

God Bless you all,

Joe, Noemi and the Kids.

Around the Blog

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Today, while checking the Bloggers world I found the following:

Stace “Dos Centavos” Medellin tells us of mayor White quick trip to the Rio Grand Valley to meet with supporter for this newly announce bid for US Senate.
From what Stace report, mayor White has his work cut out for him to win over individual that are fearful of NAFTA reform but we here in Harris County know what a fighter the mayor is and his commitment to job creation, economic expansions and environmental commitment. In short, he is more that up to the task at hand.

Also he lets us know of the wise decision of the Denton County Democratic Party for appointing my good friend, supporter and mentor, Maria Antonia “Toni” Medellin to the Diversity Chair for Denton County. Toni is a long time organizer and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the party so I expect big things in Denton County.

Blogger Patty of “Texas Education” tells us of the states decision to suspend the school bond guarantees that have been provided for the past 25 years. What effect will this decision have on our school and institution of higher learning is unknown but I question the wisdom of this decision.

Finally Charles Kuffner of “Off the Kuff” gives his out look of the 2010 election as thing stand at this point.

The Houston Chronicle announces that Antonio “Tony” Leal has been appointed a chief of the Texas Rangers. I met Trooper Leal when he was with the DPS and I was with ICE 15 years ago in the Richmond/ Sugerland area. He is a great assist to the state and I know that he will continue to serve the state well.

Congratulation to him and his family, may they continue to have great success.

As always, I welcome your comments.


Joe A. Montemayor

Late Legalization Lives Again

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

A settlement agreement has been reached regarding the case of Northwest Immigrants Rights Project (NWIRP) vs U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) regarding allege allegation of USCIS wrongfully denying cases of qualified applicants during the 1986 Legalization Program. Under the settlement agreement, these individuals will have a period of one year starting on February 1, 2009, to reopen their cases or apply for benefits if they meet the following eligibility:

Basic eligibility for legalization.

• You entered the united States on a non-immigrant visa (for example a visitor’s visa, or student visa, or temporary worker visa) prior to January 1, 1982: and
• You lived continuously and illegally in the United States from prior to January 1, 1982 until some time between May 5, 1987 and May 4, 1988, when you visited the INS or a Qualified Designated Entity (QED) to apply for legalization under the 1986 “amnesty “ Law: and
• You have not been convicted of certain criminal offences: (1) one felony or three misdemeanors in the United States, (2) any crime involving moral turpitude, such as theft or fraud, except a single petty offense or a juvenile conviction, or (3) any drug offense, except simple possession of marijuana under 30 grams.

IAP/NWIRP requirements.

• You violated your nonimmigrant status prior to January 1, 1982 and that violation of status is evident based on a review of federal government files (for example, you worked without authorization before January 1, 1982 and you have a Social Security record, tax record, or other federal government record to show income related to your pre-1982, unauthorized work in your name: or you were here with a non-immigrant visa and before 1982, you failed to file annual or quarterly address reports with INS, as then required by law): or
• You entered the United States prior to January 1, 1982 as a student (On “F” or “J” visa) or as a temporary worker(on “H” or “L” visa) , and you failed to maintain your status through January 1, 1982 (for example, before January 1, 1982, you dropped out of school, took less than a full course of study, transferred schools without advance INS authorization, or terminated your authorized H or L employment): or
• After January 1, 1982, you obtained reinstatement to nonimmigrant status, or entry into the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, or a change of nonimmigrant status, or adjustment of status, or some other immigration benefit that apparently put you in lawful immigration status, though you did not qualify for such benefit (for example, because when you applied for the benefits, you did not inform INS or the consulate that you had previously worked without authorization).

Attempt to file timely application.

• You must have either, filed an application for legalization or attempted to apply at an INS or QDE office between May 5, 1987 and May 4, 1988, and been denied an application n form, told that you were ineligible for legalization, or told that your application for legalization would not be accepted.

The fact that it took 21 years for the form Immigration Service (INS), now USCIS, to admit that they may have had a problem during the legalization program come as no surprise to the individuals who deal with immigration issues on a daily basis.

This is just another example of why we are in desperate need of immigration reform.

It is my hope that President Obama’s administration will keep their promise not only to the Latino community but to all Immigrant community (that includes of 126 nationalities in Harris County) that immigration reform will be address within the first 100 days of the new administration.

As always, I welcome your comments.


Joe A. Montemayor

Vote for Chris Bell SD 17

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

As most of you already know, today we have a runoff election for Texas Senate seat SD17.

You may be asking how dose this election effect me if I am in SD 4.

The fact is that we need as may individual in the Texas Senate that has the interests of our children and grandchildren first. Not the interest of the lobbyist that are camp out at the state house day and night.

For this reason I am asking the residents Texas House District 127, to contact any one they may know in SD 17 (family, friend, co-worker, client, customer or acquaintance) and ask them to vote for Chris Bell.

Chris has a long history of community service and experience that we need in Austin. He has my support and I believe that he is the only true choice.


Joe A. Montemayor

Why Resign???

Dear Friends

The story that has been dominating the weekend news has been the resignation of Mr. Paul Bettencourt as Harris County Tax Assessor. Given that he had just won re-election his decision to resign at this particular time with a pending investigation by the US Justice Department civil rights division is highly suspicious.

Is this pending investigation the reason that he has has decided to resign?

It is no secret that Mr. Bettencourt had been under media attention for his office failure of processing the application of qualified voter; that his office has been questioned about the fact that a number of these rejected application had Hispanic, Middle Eastern, or Asian surnames; that his office has purged thousand of register voter from the voter rolls just before elections with little or no justification and that this questionable practice may have effected the out come of a number of election. In an attempt to justify his actions, Mr. Bettencourt had presented 300 plus cases to the Texas House of Representative of allege voter fraud during the last legislative secession. Subsequently, of all these cases presented, only one case was found to be questionable and the individual involved was convicted of a misdemeanor offence.

Would the Justice Department find these practices worth and investigation?

OF COURSE

Further given the fact that a number of other Harris County GOP elected officials are under investigation (DA Rosenthal, Sheriff Thomas and Harris County Commissioner Eversole) a normal vote has to ask themselves if the local GOP leader knew of these practices and if they did they approve of they collages actions.

NOW we needed is a STRONG ETHICAL candidate that is aware of the present problems that have plagued the Tax office, that has the experience in the financial world, is able to work in a bipartisan era and is respected by the community. We are fortunate to have such as candidate in Diane Trautman.

As most of you know, Diane Trautman supported my campaign, is a friend and I admit that I would be overjoyed if she were to gain the appointment but rather that repeat her gold star resume I would prefer you read her response.

When contacted about Mr. Bettencourt’s resignation, Ms. Trautman stated, “Since the beginning, my campaign has been about protecting the rights of voters, and ensuring that their voices are heard. It is unfortunate that Mr. Bettencourt has deprived the voters of an opportunity to decide who will lead the tax office at this critical time in our county’s future. But I don’t want to spend my time focusing on the wrongs of my former opponent, but rather, we should be focusing on how we as a county, Republicans and Democrats together, will go forward and select a leader that will put the needs of the people of Harris County above partisan politics. I believe that I am that leader, with my background in ethics and administrative experience, all of the things that earned me the endorsement of the Houston Chronicle. I hope that the choice will not be about partisan politics but rather the good of Harris County Residents.”

Now it will be up to the Harris County Commissioners Court to fill the position. The present make up of the court is 3 Republican and 2 Democratic giving the edge to the GOP however, given their track record this year, I am sure that the decision will be closely watch by every Harris County resident.

Knowing well what is at stake, I am asking my family, friends and all my supporters (21,000 plus) to follow my example and contact your Harris County Commissioner and ask that they support the appointment of Diane Trautman to Harris County Tax Assessor.

As always I welcome you thought and comments.

Joe A. Montemayor

Townhall Meeting In Channelview

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

During my campaign for Texas House District 127, I made a commitment that win, lose or draw, I would continue to listen to the district concerns, attempt to find solution to these concerns and educate the residents of the district of pending litigation before the legislators in Austin.

In keeping this promise, I will host a Town hall meeting in the district on Saturday December 20, 2008 at the North Channel Branch of the Harris County Public Library located at 15741 Wallisville Rd in Channelview TX 77049 from 11A.M to 12 Noon.

I have also invited Latino community leaders from the area to attend and anticipate a number of issues to be presented.

• Education
• Public service
• Voters Rights
• Immigration issues

All are welcome but space is limited. Please let me know if there are other issues you would like to discuss.

As always I welcome you comments.

Joe Montemayor

Lack of Latino in the Obama Administration

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Today, I would like to address a fact that President elect Obama's transition team has committed the same error that previous administration have made, further this error could have a lasting effect on the President elect administration. It is the same error that the Republican party committed and it cost them very dearly the last election cycle.

What is the error? The lack of respect to the Latino voting community.

Both Dos Centavos Stace Medellin http://dos-centavos.blogspot.com/ and Marco Campos Latino leader in our community point to this fact in their blogs.

The fact that our top elected Latino Governor Richarson with a Gold Star Resume ( seven-term member of Congress; special envoy to North Korea, Iraq, Cuba and Sudan; U.N. ambassador; energy secretary; governor; and five-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize) and a top supporter of the Obama campaign was snub for Sectary of State. (At last report unofficially, he may be named a Sectary of Commerce now that someone else (non-Latino) had turn down the job.)

This lack of judgement is not good for the new administration considering that Governor Richardson help win the Latino vote in several states (including 5 battleground states) and has become the focus point for several Hispanic organization.

In fact, the National Council of La Raza, added this about Richardson: "His appointment would send-a powerful message to Latinos throughout our country as well as to our neighbors in this hemisphere."

Now what message has been sent? Was this error intentional or an error in judgement? Will the new administration value the Latino voting community or will we again face an administration who make false promises? And what will happen in 2010?

The message from President elect Obama during his campaign was for Change (Cambio) but for the Latino voter so far there is no Cambio.

I welcome your thought and comments.

Joe Montemayor

Rick Interview

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

The news of the day is that Rick Noriega has met with the Obama team in Chicago for a possible positions on the White House Staff or a top Cabinet office.

Last week, several blogger had noted that the Obama team had failed to acknowledge the Latino contribution to the landslide victory on November 4Th further, they had failed to announce any Latino being interview or considered for top position.

Now I know that I am a new comer to the blogger sphere, I also except that the Obama camp may have been prodded by my fellow blogger last week but I also believe that Rick Noriega had caught the attention of the National party as a rising star and would be a major assist to the new administration.

Admittedly, I know and consider Rick and Melissa as friends. My opinion may be a little tainted but as a retired federal agent who work in a major agency both in the field and in Washington, I assure all of you, the Noriega's have the experience and desire to make a difference regardless of the assignment.

As always I welcome you remarks.

Joe Montemayor

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Today as my family and I prepare for the Thanksgiving season, I feel that it is only right that I stop to give thinks to the many blessing that our creator has granted me this past year.

First I give thanks for my wife Noemi who has put up with my short coming though out our 28 years of our marriage. She letting me knows when I was right but also when she thinks I was wrong she has no hesitation to tell me as well.

This year, because of all the demand that my campaign for state representative had made on her time, patients and privacy she prove what I had always known that she is my best friend, my top advisor and my one and only love..

I give thanks for my children Monica & Bill, Joey & Loraine and James who has always respected their parents, been always present in time of need and concern, and have never hesitated to support the family in what ever challenges that we face.

I give thanks to my parents Jose & Magdalena for teaching me to honor the past, respect the present and look toward the future with love hope and wisdom.

I give thanks to my siblings James, Toni and Joel and their families for the love and support thought out the years.

I also give thanks for the new friends I have meet this year who have taught me so much:

• Stace (Dos Centavos), Silvia and Toni who believed in me when I wasn’t sure of myself.
• The Kingwood Area Democratic (Bruce, Karen, Patty, Phillip Gary, Jerry, Charlot, Martha, Wil, and all other members) for sharing their time, knowledge, and support.
• Melissa and Rick Noriega for giving words of encouragement to an unsure first time candidate.
• Silvia Garcia for her support, words of kindness and knowledge of the district.
• Armando Walle, Jessica Farra, and Anna Hernandez for their experience, advice and friendship.

Finally I give thanks for the residents Texas House District 127, who are still recovering from hurricane IKE, for taking the time to listen to my message and honoring me with their votes.

I wish you and your a wonderful Thanksgiving.


Joe A. Montemayor

Education

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

It seems that the Texas Board of Education has once again made the news. The issues at hand this time is the teaching of evolution in Texas School as determined by certain members of the board of education.

As most of you, I thought that this argument had been settled over 50 years ago by the Federal Courts and in fact Hollywood had made a movie of this landmark decision staring Spencer Tracy but apparently some members of the Texas Board of Education don’t get out much.

Apparently, some members feel that the language being used to teach science is inappropriate and what to rewrite the text book and the curriculum that is being taught in our high school sciences classes.

For example, instead of teaching, “The history of the earth show that dinosaurs existed over 50,000 years ago” the board would prefer “At a time undetermined, it is possibility that dinosaurs existed”

The reason given by these board members for this preferred language is that the theory of evolution is unproven in their opinion. I don’t understand the reasoning especially after the courts have ruled but perhaps these members could provide an example of what would be acceptable as proof to settle this question of evolution.

My good friend Patty has more on her Blog Texas Education.

It also appears that State Rep. Joe Crabb and Humble Superintendent Dr. Sconzo of the Humble Independent School District are having some differences of opinion about the school funding issue.

It appears that we have a “He said” vs. “No I didn’t. He said” war regarding the H.B. 1 bill that was supported by Rev. Crabb. (Check out Texas Education for the fill story.)

Regardless of who said what, school funding is now at a point that it is affecting every school in Texas. It must be addressed in this secession of the Texas Legislation.

The question is, what role will Rev. Crabb play? Will he stand up and lead or will he follow his track record and be lead?

Please give me you thoughts.
Joe A. Montemayor

Senator Cornyn Investigation?

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Today I have read that Senator Cornyn is now calling for an investigation regarding the Houston ICE office handling of allege criminal undocumented individuals within Harris County area. I find this strange because I remember that Senator Cornyn voted to deny funding to the detention and deportation program along with a majority of the GOP leadership?

The question in my mine is why he waited until the focus was the Houston ICE field office? After all, as I understand the time period that was reported in the Chronicle was from June 2007 (Over a year ago) prior to the election where Senator Cornyn was facing challenger Rick Noriega.

NOW this is a major issue but instead of questioning the lack of response from the GOP Sheriff Tommy Thomson or the GOP DA Chuck Rosenthal who were well aware of these allege crisis last year, he is trying to create a situation where he can ride in on his white horse to save the day. (Big Bad John my???)

Folks the election is over but politics still seem to be in play. We need to get serious and stop the BS.

Please give me you thoughts.
Joe A. Montemayor

Immigration at Harris County SO

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Yesterday I read the first of a three piece story that is being presented by the Houston Chronicle about criminal aliens within the Houston Area that are not being processed and deported by ICE. The fact is this problem has been in existence not only in the Houston area but the United States for the past 20 years.

The article quoted Congressman Ted Poe (R)L

”Criminals from foreign countries who get caught after committing a crime and prosecuted should go to the top of the list of people we deport.”

However if congressman Poe had checked with the Director of Homeland Security he may have discovered that this policy has been the backbone of the deportation program for the last 30 years, even before the creation of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

What Congressman Poe fails to mention is that he voted to deny funding for an increase in detention and deportation funding to help ICE combat this problem.

The current situation is complex but I will try to explain it in a manner that we can all understand.

First, when an individual is processed in the city or county jail, the minute that it is discovered that he is undocumented the circumstances of the case change.

Case in point, the DAs office in the past has taken the practice of dropping criminal charges if an ICE detainer is filed with the Sheriffs office. Their reasoning is that these undocumented individuals are the responsibility of the federal government (the United Stated Attorney).

The U.S Attorneys office has the history of taking the position that undocumented individuals with no criminal convictions are not subject to federal prosecution due to the limited resources that are available to their office.

Now this undocumented individual who was initially changed with a possible felony is referred to ICE as an undocumented alien. Without a criminal conviction the individual is eligible for an immigration bond under the current federal regulations. If however they had been convicted for an Aggravated Felony, they would be subject to mandatory detention under federal regulation.

This pratice is occuring everyday throught the United States and was a key issue at the begining of the Presidential election. Today several states are attempting to address the problem.

As a retired ICE agent I am familiar with this complex problem. The fact is the Chronicle failed to mention that with the limited funding provided to the Houston ICE office they are responsible not only for Harris County but is also 35 other counties southeast Texas counties.

Now the Chronicle explains that the Harris County Sheriff has trained 8 deputies to interview allege undocumented individuals leading their readers to believe that this will solve the issue. (Believe me it won’t) This is a pilot program and several question need to be answered.



To what extent do these officer’s authority extends?

Do these officers have the authority to file federal detailers?

Is ICE obligated to detain and deport all individuals identified by these officers?

Do these officers have the authority to execute deportation orders?

What liabilities dose Harris County face if these officers make a mistake?

As per the Houston Chronicle, Sheriff-elect Adrian Garcia has stated that he will reevaluate the program when he assumes the office in January and I wish him every success in dealing with this complex issue.

But I also warn my readers that it is unfair to hold any newly elected Sheriff or the Harris County Sheriffs office accountable for issues that have been ignored in the past by the DAs office and the US Attorneys office.

As always I welcome you thought and comments.

Joe A. Montemayor

A Cool Saturday Morning

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

On this Saturday morning I awoke to a cool breeze as I open the back door to let my wife’s pup out and I was reminded how close the holidays were. To be honest, I had been so focus on the elections that I failed to relies that Thanksgiving was around the corner.

So much has come to past since the election last week and I am trying to get caught up, however there are a few thing that caught my eye and I wanted to share some of them with you and to get your thought.

First, the local media (KHOU Channel 11) presented a story this week which reported that the local school districts are failing to report criminal activities that happen on our school campus to the State Board of Education. Moreover, some criminal activities that have occurred on these campuses are report as violation of a Student code of conduct instead of the criminal act. However, the report went on to state that the State Board of Education, has no way of following up on these reports nor appears to be willing to address the problems even when they are reported. They feel that the current Honor system is appropriate for are schools. I disagree.

Do you believe that the honor system is appropriate and do you feel that our kids are safe?

I see that the Mr. Betancourt, Harris County Tax Assessors is still under fire for questionable practices. As you may recall, he was under question for making unsubstantial allegation of voter fraud and failing to honor voter registration application for minorities’ applicants. I believe that Mr. Betancourt has to be accountable for these allegations.

Do you believe that these allegations are warranted or not and why?

I read today that President Elect Obama has meet with Senator Hillary Clinton to discuss the possibility of the Senator Clinton serving as the Sectary of State.

Do you believe that Senator Clinton will accept the position and if so, would she be an assist or a hindrance to the Obama Administration?

Please give me you thoughts.
Joe A. Montemayor

American Vets.

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

On this Veterans Day I wish to thank my fellow Veterans and their families for their service to our country.

Earlier this week I was honored with a number of Veterans at the American Legion Post 658 in Crosby, Texas by the JROTC of Crosby High School. These cadets provided lunch to a number of Veterans from the Crosby Area including Vets from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War and Iraqi Freedom.

At a time when our country is dealing with two wars, facing economic turmoil and a new transition in government, it is good to see the younger generation take time to recognize the sacrifices that the past generations have made to take this country where it is today, regardless of the issues that are yet to be resolved.

In witnessing these cadets' show of respect to these men who have served our country unselfishly, I realize that the words of duty, honor and country are still well-rooted in American youth.

I ask all of you to please remember our Veterans on this special day.

Joe A. Montemayor

Happy B-Day Moma Flo

Friends & Neighbors





Join me in wishing a Happy Birthday to one of the great ladys of Texas. Ms. Florencia Serna Medellin mother of Toni, Silvia and Stace (Dos Centavos) Medellin.



At 78 she was still supporting Rick Noriega campaign and can still out campaign anyone.





God Bless You Mama Flo.