Into November!
Hello, everyone!
The campaign is trucking along; I’m getting to meet new people across the County and trying to get out and about as much as I can while still getting work done at home and watching Mirela, our two year old daughter.
I’ve been attending Commissioners Court meetings in person and they’ve been interesting. Commissioner Hisler is doing exhaustive research on nearly every item that comes before the Court and it’s a good thing. As is typical of post-budget end of the year Commissioners meetings, not too much is happening other than boilerplate items, but there are some exceptions this year.
Notably, the new Veterans Service Officer that was unanimously appointed in October is having trouble getting office space in Presidio from the County. This, despite the “Commissioners Office” in the Annex building being empty and available. Judge Portillo and Commissioner Hernandez have been trying to find a way to deny this office to her, for reasons unknown. At the last meeting, after a bizarre Executive Session (to discuss employment/employee matters ostensibly) called by the Judge Commissioner Hisler took charge and secured the office for usage by this County employee.
Also, in other good news, despite the County parks being summarily defunded in the 3-2 vote during budget season, Commissioner Hisler, County Attorney Park and local stakeholders were able to craft a temporary operating agreement for the golf course (six months) until a proper RFP process can be determined, refined and executed. That was passed unanimously and, at the very least, staves off the ruination of the greens and physical assets of the golf course. Long term issues hopefully will be identified during this trial period, and hopefully there will be competitive bids for a long term operating lease that balances the County’s need to not spend money on parks services with the public good. I’m happy to report that Commissioner Knight (my replacement) is engaged and working to try to do what’s best in both these cases and others thus far.
On a personal note, Primo Carrasco and I went down to Ruidosa and played the Ruidosa Church annual open house/benefit. It was a blast, the weather was beautiful and good food and camaraderie was had by all. It was a large crowd and great mix of people. I highly recommend visiting Ruidosa if you’re traveling through the area. It’s a blip on the map, no gasoline, but incredible peaceful.
I also had the privilege of attending and experiencing a reburial ceremony of bodies that had been discovered in a city services excavation years back in Presidio. At the time they were discovered they were studied by archeologists and stored at the Museum of the Big Bend for a number of years, and finally were able to be buried in proper respect and ceremony at the Lipan Apache cemetery historic site in Presidio. The tribe hosted a public gathering, with was solemn and intense, happy and reflective. It was a beautiful morning with a large crowd paying their respects and honoring the ancestors. For me the energy in the air by the end was electrifying and I won’t forget it. I appreciate the local families involved in the cemetery and the Lipan Apache tribe members for welcoming us.
Lastly, Primo Carrasco and I have finally finished recording and mixing our upcoming Double Vinyl LP/ CD entitles “Dos Compadres”. It was recorded over the last two years in San Antonio and Marfa with several guest stars including Josh Baca (accordion), Colt Miller (pedal steel), Joe Reyes (guitar) and Scrappy Jud Newcomb (guitar). There are 23 tracks, including two originals and an entire album side (side 3) of traditional Catholic songs. I’m very excited about the project and we’re hoping to have the CD and digital releases out by mid January with the Double Vinyl LP out mid February. There will be shows surrounding this release and a short tour to down the border to San Antonio and Austin in April/May.
Thanks for reading, y’all! Please consider a yard sign if you live in Presidio County; I’ll hand deliver to your door and/or place it in your yard or on your ranch fence.
Sincerely,
David