With my apologies to the great R&B singer Smokey Robinson, this week I invite you to “Cruz with me baby”, with an occasional stop along the wayÖ

First Stop: City Hall

Based on what we see this week in the local broadcast media, in particular the local Fox channel, the questions still linger on whether a member of the Lubbock city council can or cannot respond to a citizens comments during the citizen comment session. I for one still stand by my opinion stated here last week that the council has essentially wiped out “citizen comments” as they are defined by state open meetings laws.

But, as Fox34 reporter Mario Roldan reported, there seems to be a precedent in Texas state law that the city council could have referred to before making its final decision. Apparently the majority on the council who voted for this new 7 day requirement forgot to do some homework.

If the majority on this city council who voted for this resolution would agree to revisit this issue, it just might go a long way toward beginning to repair the damage done to whatever amount of trust a large segment of this city’s community still held in city government; up until November 18 that is.

Second Stop: The County DA’s Office

Acting District Attorney Matt Powell should probably brush up on his knowledge of Texas campaign laws since he will be seeking the vacant Lubbock District Attorney position. Seems like Mr. Powell sent out a couple of hundred emails from his office email address, using state equipment, to friends and supporters inviting them to attend his official announcement that he would run for Lubbock County District Attorney, essentially a campaign event.

The problem: a candidate running for public office cannot use state property to promote political campaigns. One would think that a person charged with upholding and enforcing the laws would at least be familiar with them.

Third Stop: Who Knows?

Rumors, rumors everywhere! True? Only time will tell. Seems that Lubbock city council member Linda DeLeon is rumored to be thinking of running for the Texas state legislature. If that decision is made, I can think of at least 3 if not 4 people in this city who would be ecstatic with her decision to leave the city council! Three guesses as to who those 3 or 4 people could be and the first 2 guesses don’t count. If you need a hint, you

have not been following city politics!

Fourth Stop: No Mas!

It is extremely disturbing and disheartening that we continue to see violent crimes committed in “nuestra comunidad”. Sadly, it seems that most of the recent violence is coming from “nuestra gente”; those who share a common heritage with the rest of us who still respect life.

The killing of 25 year old Gabriel Hernandez this past week in a local nightclub was both heartless and cold-blooded. Hopefully the leadership in our community, Hispanic organizations, Hispanic media, and yes even our local churches; perhaps our local Catholic Bishop will take note and begin to speak out against this violent behavior.

Sadly, these types of violent crimes have been all too common and too frequent lately and we should all be troubled by this disgraceful behavior.

Final Stop: Federal Prison

If you follow national politics, you probably heard about U.S. Representative Duke Cunningham, (R-CA) who was forced to resign from Congress for accepting bribes and admitting guilt to conspiracy and federal tax evasion charges.

“The truth is I broke the law, concealed my conduct and disgraced my high office”, said Mr. Cunningham in announcing his resignation.

Rep. Tom DeLay, (R-TX) who has also been charged with a couple of federal crimes of his own, said this about Cunningham just 5 short months ago in June 2005.

“Duke Cunningham is a hero. He is an honorable man of high integrity.”

As you know, birds of a feather flock together; in this case that applies to political vultures as well.

Email: acruztsc@aol.com