LAURA BETANCOURT TURNS IN OSCAR-WINNING PERFORMANCE

By Juan Montoya

Billed as a"Red Carpet Extravaganza," the $100 a person reception to kick off Cameron County Court-at-Law No. 2 Judge Laura Betancourt's bid for a second term was nothing short of a choreographed announcement of a sure thing.

Held at La Cantera Events Center in Brownsville, it was filled to capacity with anyone who's anyone in Cameron County judicial and legal circles. Latecomers (it started at 6 p.m.) had to drive to the back parking lot and maneuver past tall grass and puddles after the spaces in the front parking lot and across the street overflowed. Precinct 2 Constable Pete Avila's deputies had their hands full directing traffic and keeping traffic flowing.

Here and there political opponents such as Ernie Hernandez and Ernesto De Leon chatted amiably as they waited in line to get a refreshment. Both are former city commissioners vying for the Precinct 2 commissioner's seat now held by John Wood, who did not attend. However, his campaign assistant Gabino Vasquez was there as his proxy. Their opponent (there's seven of them), the Rev. Victor Alvarez also worked the crowd.

In the rear, by the wall, District Judge Arturo Cisneros Nelson chatted with a lawyer. Toward the middle of the room, Count-at-Law Judge Arturo McDonald (a former teacher and unopposed candidate for re-election) talked shop with Hudson Elementary Principal Dr. Rita Hernandez.

All around, various lawyer, elected officials, court personnel and bailiffs, and politiqueras (now called political consultants), milled about and helped themselves to the buffet table in the middle of the room.

Former Brownsville Navigation District commissioner and Mistress of Ceremonies Evelon Dale was only slightly more syrupy than the rum and coke. Dale has become something of a public relations innovator. The night's theme was a Night at the Oscars, with financial contributors to the event listed as nominees, with a few big winners getting Oscars depending on the size of the contribution.

Off to the side local Legal Eagle Ruben Herrera talked it up with PUB member Emmanuel Vasquez who was joined by Democratic candidate for county judge Eddie Trevino and a few others. Herrera, a court heavyweight, said he didn't know that Vasquez had been a standout halfback while playing touch football as a youngster in Southmost's Cromack Elementary.

Trevino, obviously not a draft prospect, nodded agreeably nearby.

Given the attendance and the quality of those who forked over the C-note to enter, it is obvious that no one in their right mind is going to run against Laura in next year's Democratic primary. Standing in her entourage as she hugged her Oscar, brother David Betancourt and sister Lali beamed as the mariachi strains filled the room. If half of the people that sympathize with Laura side with David in the coming election for county treasurer, he might benefit by riding Laura's train.

Justice of the Peace Tony Torres, also facing reelection, said he could not imagine how someone could afford to challenge Laura. Torres is also running unopposed as of today. But you know county politics. Challengers have until January to announce.

A partial listing of those present were Pct. 1 commissioner Sofie Benavides, JP Linda Salazar, Judge Rolando Olvera, Municipal Judge John Willilams, Judge Ben Euresti, Judge Gilbert Rosas, city commission Anthony Troiani, BND commissioner Carlos Masso, County Clerk Joe Rivera, Judge David Sanchez, Port Isabel JP Benny Ochoa, District Judge Janet Leal, city commissioner Rick Longoria, and BISD member Rick Zayas .

Some candidates for office (besides those already mentioned) included Leonel Garza, Hector Pena, BND commissioner Martin Arambula, David Gonzales, and Dolores Zarate.

As successful as Laura's "extravaganza" was, we wonder whether the theme pachanga will catch on. We can already envision a Thanksgiving theme with prizes for best turkey, a country theme with best hillbilly, a cholo theme with best homey and Baby Doll, etc.,

But perhaps we just should quit while we're ahead.