ONE DOWN (LOPEZ); IS THERE ONE MORE (ELIZONDO) TO GO?

(While it's not yet official [it's not posted on the school district website], Brownsville Independent School District board president Cesar Lopez has withdrawn from the November 6 elections. In a post in his Facebook page, Lopez issues his swan song where he announced to the world that he will leave after he finishes the current term. [Lopez filed his withdrawal at 8:10 a.m. today, shortly after we posted this story.]

The missive is self-serving and self-laudatory, of course, and he lists his "accomplishments" in effusive detail. He, of course, doesn't mention his role in the Barbacoagate  caper, the 11-cent property tax hike by fiat instead of putting it before the voters, or the shenanigans that got him to be appointed to the board in the first place when he was plucked from obscurity from the bowels of the Mercedes ISD purchasing department by a grateful past [and late] board president Enrique Escobedo.

Lopez goes on about his family, but does he remember the family of Silverio Capistran, the late Food and Nutrition Service director who committed suicide while under his watch? What does he know about that that has never been told?

He also doesn't mention the swing by the BISD toward BuyBoard purchases instead of patronizing local vendors who pay taxes, hire local workers, and spend their money in the district. As a BuyBoard representative, there were times when he had to abstain from voting because of the potential conflict of interest in discussing or voting for a vendor associated with his employer. In the four years on the board, the district has spent $20 million on BuyBoard vendors instead of patronizing local suppliers, even with the 5 percent cushion allowed under state law. 

Lopez leaves at a time when the board under him has encumbered the district with as much as $100  million in debt which will be paid by the higher taxes and future generations of BISD residents. 

Now, is disgraced BISD board vice president Carlos Elizondo next to withdraw? We wonder whether his swan song will include any of his peccadilloes or any mention of his dragging the BISD through the mud  a result of him serving there with 11 felony charges hanging over his head? Now that he is working for a vendor which he introduced to the district, will he bow out gracefully, or continue the circus which he helped to create as the ringmaster and clown all rolled into one?

Lopez's tribute to himself is posted below.)

First, I want to thank my lovely wife, Liza and my two boys, César Adrián and Mateo Polo for their unconditional love, support and patience, being a school board member requires a lot of time away from home.

After much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy from the upcoming BISD school board election; I will however complete my term this November. I have wholeheartedly enjoyed serving our community for the past five years and I’m very proud of the many accomplishments we’ve achieved during my time in office. 

The students of BISD have always been my priority and I’m grateful to have contributed to the positive standing and position our district is in: BISD has been one of the top academic performers in South Texas, is financially healthy, we’ve made huge strides in improvements to our facilities and have implemented various initiatives, such as Pre K 3 & 4, a program which I’m very passionate about. At this time, not seeking re-election is what’s best for my family and I. 

As a husband and father to two young boys, I look forward to spend more time with family, focus on my health and some of my personal and professional goals. I’d also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my BISD family. It’s because of you all, that we have accomplished many of our goals. 

I’m especially appreciative of the friendships that were formed during my tenure. Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my supporters for their unwavering encouragement, I am forever gratefulI. I want to wish all of the candidates running for the BISD school board the very best. 

While I’m unsure of what the future holds for me, I definitely look forward to serving my community in a different capacity in the near future. It has been my greatest honor to serve on the BISD school board and I wish our district continued success. César Lopez Brownsville ISD Board President