Sports|Opinion|
Main Menu|Archives Menu|Classified|Advertising|Monahans|
From Staff and Wire Reports
PECOS, December 11, 1996 - Now that Republicans have won control of the
state Senate for the first time this century, it's anybody's guess what
they'll do with it.
State Rep. Robert Duncan's runaway victory over former Lubbock Mayor
David Langston in their special election runoff for a historically
Democratic West Texas Senate seat allows the GOP to reclaim the chamber,
16-15.
``I think it's a significant win for the party,'' Duncan said. ``I think
it really turns the momentum around in this state.''
Few voters turned out in the local areas which are part of District 28,
but overall Duncan was able to come out on top in the combined totals
for northern Reeves County, western Ward County and Loving County.
Langston did win Tuesday's special election by a `landslide' in Barstow
(4-0), but Duncan won in northern Reeves County and in Loving County.
Loving County voters turned out 34 strong for the runoff election,
giving Duncan 22 votes to 12.
Orla voters cast three ballots for Duncan and two for Langston, and
while Barstow stayed Democratic, Ward County overall went for Duncan,
433 to 329.
Orla-Red Bluff (Box 9) was the only voting box in Reeves County which
was part of District 28, a district that stretches from San Angelo up
through Big Spring and Odessa to Lubbock and west to El Paso.
Democrat John Montford of Lubbock vacated the seat to accept a position
as chancellor for Texas Tech University. Duncan and Langston were the
two top vote-getters in the Nov. 5 special election that had seven
candidates.
The GOP last controlled a legislative chamber during Reconstruction,
after which Democrats fed-up with post-Civil War Republican rule stormed
back into power.
Final but unofficial results had Duncan finishing Tuesday night with
32,425 votes, or 57 percent, to Langston's 24,661 votes, or 43 percent.
Duncan, along with Gov. George W. Bush and top Senate Republicans, has
stressed that his party won't use its newfound power to divide the
Capitol.
``It's very important in the Texas Legislature that we approach problems
in a bipartisan way, to avoid becoming like (the U.S.) Congress,''
Duncan said.
Conversely, the GOP hierarchy wants its senators to form a strong bloc,
which worries state Democratic Chairman Bill White.
``People like (state Republican Chairman Tom) Pauken will try to make it
more partisan,'' White said.
Duncan and Langston, both Lubbock attorneys, emerged from a field of
seven in the Nov. 5 special election in which the four Republicans
earned 55 percent of the vote.
The rout should serve as a wakeup call, Langston said.
``I think that the Democratic Party is going to have to do a better job
of showing what it stands for,'' said Langston, who will return to
private practice and did not rule out a future run for office. ``They
hang that `liberal' tag on you, and the `L-word' is a killer.''
As he has all campaign season, Bush said Republicans must ``focus on
principle and not a political agenda,'' though he did reiterate that a
GOP majority helps better ensure conservative legislation.
Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock, president of the Senate, gains his broad powers
from the chamber's rules. Pauken said that bipartisan spirit is fine,
but that the GOP must assert itself if Bullock tries to ramrod
legislation.
Since conservative Democrat Montford first assumed the seat in 1982, the
district has grown progressively Republican. In fact, Langston said he
voted in the GOP primary last March because the Democratic races were so
insignificant.
The GOP could extend its Senate majority to 17-14 in a 1997 special
election to replace resigning Sen. Jim Turner, D-Crockett, who was
elected to the U.S. Congress last month.
Duncan's sprawling new district includes Lubbock, Big Spring, Plainview
and parts of Odessa, San Angelo and El Paso. Duncan won 18 of the
district's 26 counties to Langston's seven. Sparse Culberson County
deadlocked 3-3.
A total of 20 voters in Reeves County were eligible to cast ballots in
Tuesday's election, while 48 voters in Culberson County could have voted
in the District 28 race. Most of Reeves and Culberson counties are part
of District 19, which reaches from El Paso to San Antonio.
Copyright 1996 Pecos Enterprise. All rights reserved. AP contributed to
this report.
By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
PECOS, December 11, 1996 - Pecos Chamber of Commerce directors on
Tuesday adopted a challenging budget for 1997, estimating membership
dues at $26,500.
That is almost $10,000 more than the chamber collected this year in
dues, but expenses also fell below the projected $73,750.
Expenses will be higher next year, with a 4 percent increase in salary
for executive director Tom Rivera bringing gross salaries to $55,000.
Bed tax revenues are projected at $36,500, a drop of $2,500 from this
year's budget. Other projected income of $12,750 includes the annual
fall fair/concert/barbecue cookoff and carnival.
Budget chairman Paul Hinojos said line items are little changed from
this year.
Hinojos presented a program of work for 1997 that includes consolidating
the governmental affairs, community development, agriculture development
and tax incentive committee under the heading of the economic
development committee.
Also the membership development committee would be combined with the
Pecos Ambassadors, cutting the number of committees from 10 to five.
The economic development committee's purpose is to improve the economy
of Pecos and Reeves County by representing the members' best interest in
all levels of government and working continuously to maintain our
quality of life.
Responsibilities include improving the economy by creating jobs through
proactive planning and programming of the necessary resources, while
enhancing our quality of life.
The advertising/tourism committee is to promote Pecos and Reeves County
through convention solicitation and tourism promotions, thereby
attracting the "visitor dollar."
Pecos Ambassadors assist the chamber to project a more positive image
for Pecos and Reeves County; and to attract, retain, service and
communicate with membership.
Merchants committee members promote and enhance visibility and services
of local merchants; to enhance the "Shop Local" campaigns.
The Women's Division promotes a number of activities throughout the
year, including the Golden Girl Pageant and Little Miss Cantaloupe.
Hinojos appointed Chrissy Martinez, Steve Valenzuela, Mary Martinez and
Jeff Parras as one-year directors to serve during his presidency.
Elected three-year directors are Larry Levario, Bob Trammell, Jim
Leonard, Teresa Winkles, David Madril, Leo Hung, Alan Zeman and Mickey
Vasquez.
Officers for 1997 are Hinojos, president; Richard Crider,
president-elect; Gerald Tellez, past President; and Bruce Salcido,
treasurer. Brandy Owen is women's division chairman.
President Tellez urged everyone to "shop Pecos first," and asked for
help with the Christmas parade lineup in front of Pecos High School at 5
p.m. Friday.
He also asked for nominations for awards to citizen of the year, Ruiz
Profile of Courage and Hidden Hero.
Executive Director Tom Rivera said he has a video of a recent Texas
Skills Development Fund conference that members can check out and view.
Grant funds are available through that entity, he said.
He said the Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting Monday at Meyers Electric
and Cabinet Company and participated in the "Tech Tour" of local schools
Monday night.
Linda Jones said the women's division is considering hosting a tour of
homes next year, after members attended a tour in Odessa recently. The
wine and cheese holiday affair at the Pecos Valley Country Club was a
success, with merchant displays, she said.
"Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves."
Dick Alligood said the economic development committee will meet at 7
a.m. Tuesday in the Swiss Clock Inn. They have received the second draft
from the tax incentive committee and "it is coming along real good," he
said.
Directors voted to adopt a by-law change recommended by the executive
committee that will allow two Pecos High School students to serve on the
board of directors.
Alligood said the purpose is to involve youth in community activities by
giving them power to help make decisions and serve on committees.
Randy Reynolds cautioned that youth under age 18 have some legal
limitations.
Rivera said he would prepare an inter-office memo for them to sign,
limiting their duties to those they can legally perform.
Alligood rejected one suggestion that they be honorary members because
"that would take something away" from their full participation.
New members accepted into the chamber are Wes Tex Waste, Alan Zeman,
Mary Martinez, Jeff Parras and Reeves County Sheriff's Posse.
The board approved Rivera's proposal that a yearly calendar of events be
posted in front of the chamber office where anyone planning a fund
raiser can check the schedule and avoid conflicts with other
organizations.
He said a lighted metal sign enclosed in plexiglass will cost $508 and
can be in place by Jan. 1.
Fred Martin was elected chairman of the Golden Gloves committee, which
will plan the regional tournament Feb. 7-8 at the Reeves County Civic
Center.
Martin said he wants to hold a smoker in mid-January to raise funds,
either for the Pecos Warbirds boxing club or for the chamber. The board
agreed to allow the club to keep all proceeds.
By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
PECOS, December 11, 1996 - Land for a playground and park for residents
of HUD apartments along Stafford Boulevard and Sage Streets has been
cleared of concrete slabs and old pipes, said Nellie Gomez, Pecos
Housing Authority executive director.
Playground equipment, ordered by students of Pecos High School
environmental science classes, is in storage, awaiting further work on
the site, Gomez said.
Texas-New Mexico Power Company is to remove utility poles from the area,
and then students plan to install underground water lines for
irrigation. Once that is done, students and volunteers can start setting
up playground equipment and laying out volleyball and basketball courts.
Roy Lindsay Construction cleared the site of foundations and walkways
from the old Airbase Apartments that once occupied the two-block area.
Alex Salcido is working to mow weeds and grass on the remainder of the
Airbase property, Gomez said.
Students hope to develop the entire Airbase area, installing a nature
walk, tourist information station and paved areas for roller blading.
Their adviser, Cary Hannsz, helped obtain a grant to finance part of the
playground equipment, and PHA is paying the remainder of the expense.
High Tuesday 78, low last night 58. Tonight, fair. Low in the lower 40s.
Northwest wind 5-15 mph. Thursday, mostly sunny. High in the lower 70s.
West to northwest wind 5-15 mph.
Return to Menu
Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall
not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or
redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP
Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for
personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for
any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the
transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages
arising from any of the foregoing.
_
Copyright 1996 by Pecos Enterprise
Division of Buckner News Alliance, Inc.
324 S. Cedar St., Pecos, TX 79772
Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
e-mail news@bitstreet.com
Return to Menu