Jessica Ortega-Ochoa, born and raised in Mission, has filed for Mission City Council, Place 1 for the May election.

“I have chosen to run for Place 1 of the Mission City Council as an independent candidate because I am ready to work for the people of our community and advocate for the needs of our hometown,” she said.

Ortega-Ochoa is the daughter of Luis and Adela Ortega of Mission. She is married to Rafael Ochoa Jr., a deputy constable and they have two children, Ralph and Lauren.

Jessica is the TV Station Manager for KLJS-TV 17 for La Joya ISD’s educational television station. She is responsible for information that informs and educates students, parents and employees of La Joya and its community via television.

She has also worked for many years as the Crime Victims Coordinator for the Mission Police Department. She worked hand in hand with other victim advocates, law enforcement personnel, district and county attorneys and medical service providers to ensure that all victims’ rights and benefits were being met. 

“My dedication and service to the City of Mission, its citizens and the many victims of crime was more than just a job for me,” she said. “Helping people at their most difficult time made me realize the importance building relationships amongst our peers.” 

During her employment with the city she helped create Support the Blue for the spouses of police officers and opened the doors for local organizations to donate funding to create a safe and friendly environment for the many men, women and children that enter the police department.

Over the years, Ortega-Ochoa has received numerous recognition awards for her service with victim advocacy, but her biggest honor was being named Woman of the Year in 2007.

“One of my goals is to bring social services and area agencies into Mission to help our citizens meet their needs,” she said. “With close to 70,000 citizens in our city we should not have to refer to surrounding cities for assistance. By working together, Mission can be a one stop city where our residents will feel taken care of.”

Ortega-Ochoa attended Pearson Elementary, Mission Junior High and graduated from Mission High School in 1992.  She immediately attended the University of Texas-Pan American where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication-Journalism in 1997. She later entered a Master’s Program and received a Master of Science in Social Work in 2005.

She is the president of Silver Ribbon Community Partners a non-profit organization in partnership with Adult Protective Service. Their mission is to create awareness and to educate the community in the prevention of elder abuse.

“I have enjoyed being a part of an organization that takes care of the abused, neglected and exploited. Many of the clients we assist have no one to turn to for help to pay for their basic essentials. That is where we step in to make a difference,” she said.

She also serves as a member of the Mission Junior Service League, the Texas School Public Relations Association, and as the fund-raising chair for the Mission Vipers Football Association. Ortega-Ochoa is currently attending the Mission Leadership Class of XXVII.

“Mission has been the community that has made me the proud woman that I am today. I believe that every opinion counts and all voices should be heard, which is why I will have an open door policy,” said Ortega-Ochoa. “Our job as public servants is to be the voice of our community. I want to be that voice. I want to combine age, experience, dedication, leadership and life experience to work together in uniting Mission.”

She believes that revitalizing the downtown area is the key to revolutionizing Mission.

“That is the heart of our city. By renovating and revitalizing, we will give our local businesses a boost. There is so much culture in our city and people in our community that will be able to showcase their talents. The increase of activity in our downtown area will give us the opportunity to attract new investment dollars.”

Ortega-Ochoa also says she wants the playgrounds and parks in Mission to be a safe and clean environment for families.

“I would love to see our parks with a few small water rides or an innovative and interactive sprinkler area for a fun-filled experience. It is time we can vacation here and have an alternative to the good old water hose we enjoyed as kids,” she said. “Parks should be a popular place for families, bicyclers, dog walkers, and people exercising. The waterspouts are the perfect height for pre-schoolers and toddlers.”

She said in her prepared announcement that having experience in the law-enforcement field and being married to a peace officer, she knows firsthand the importance of safety for the men and women who protect us.

“I plan to see that their needs are met after a crisis situation and that they receive training to prepare and equip them to protect our families from the border violence,” Ortega-Ochoa said. “I strongly believe that the men and women who serve and protect our city are a vital asset to Mission.”

Ortega-Ochoa said her family has a long legacy of public service.

“My family has always instilled in me that it is so important to give back to our community. I have followed in the footsteps of the many inspirational leaders that fortunately raised me. Giving back is something I love. It comes naturally and if elected, I will carry out the duties and responsibilities of the office with the utmost competency, integrity and dignity,” she said. “It will be my honor to receive your vote as you exercise your right to vote on May 8, 2010.”

BorderFest celebrates Australia this weekend

By Kathy Olivarez

HIDALGO — One of the top 10 festivals in the state, BorderFest, will run until Sunday on the grounds of the State Farm Arena. Events kicked off Thursday with the mayors of Hidalgo and Reynosa meeting in the middle of the international bridge for an abrazo.

This year’s theme is Australia and exhibits from Australia will bring the theme to life. A variety of Australian entertainment will be provided including the Wayne Warrick ensemble, Totemic, that was created to showcase the integration of organic tribal instruments with mainstream artists.

Boxing fans will not want to miss “Fists of Fury” the Marc Fantich Boxing Spectacular. The main event is today at State Farm Arena at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. The eight boxing matches include two Title Fights. (Tickets range from $12 to $91.) There will be a special appearance by Rocky, “The Boxing Kangaroo,” who simulates a boxing match with his trainer.

The Budweiser BorderFest Grand Parade will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. on Hwy. 336 (10th Street). There will be plenty of flats and marching bands. The Harley Bike Parade will precede the Budweiser BorderFest Grand Parade by starting at 9:45 a.m.

The illuminated parades featuring lighted floats will take place nightly. On Friday and Sunday it will run at 7 p.m. On Saturday it starts at 6:10 p.m.

Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum will perform on Saturday. The country band, The Lost Trailers, will be appearing with McGraw. The Lost Trailers perform at 7:30 p.m., Lady Antebellum at 8:30 p.m. and Tim McGraw at 9 p.m. (Tickets range from $75 to $199.50.)

The Bret Michaels Concert scheduled for March 7 has been re-scheduled for Saturday April 17, arena officials announced Tuesday.

Tickets purchased for the original date will be valid for the new April 17 date. Tickets continue to be on sale at statefarmarena.com, ticketmaster.com, State Farm Arena Box Office and 1-800-745-3000. Tickets range from $40 to $85.

Other entertainers include Route 66, Leonard Newton, Texas Region, Country Roland Jr., and Tejas. Still others are The Two Amigos, Bucking Crazy and more.

Charo, the Cuchi Cuchi Gal, will return for the third year in a row.

Already Gone, an Eagles Tribute, a Michael Jackson Tribute Show, and back by popular demand, La Estudiantina Guadalupana will appear.

The World Stage will take visitors around the world as dancers perform the Kazamba, Samba, and Vida. The South Texas Indian Dancers and the Carol Shannon Belly Dancers will take the stage along with Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums, the Taiko Japanese Drum, and the Valley View High School Mariachi and many more.

Strolling Acts will include Rock-it the Robot, a seven-foot tall blue robot with amazing abilities. Washboard Willie will provide upbeat music. The Chain Gang will brighten crowds with their musical talent. And do not forget loveable Barney Fife from Mayberry RFD, who will be enforcing the fun code at BorderFest.

In addition to the activities mentioned above, there will be many other popular returning events.

Different areas of the arena will feature different musical or performing acts for all audiences. In the Australian Outback, a number of musicians will perform with Australian themes or instruments. Wayne Warrick Williams will play the aboriginal didgeridoo. A percussionist, James “Bongo Jim” Joseph, and two aboriginal dancers will draw the visitor into the old culture of Australia.

On the other end of the spectrum Dominic Gaudious, an innovative guitarist and composer, plays six and 12-string guitars and blends classical, jazz and flamenco music with rock.

Known as a “singer of songs,” Seona McDowell performs on guitar, autoharp and didgeridoo. Seonna takes the history, geography and culture of Australia beginning with the aborigines, the convicts, gold miners, shearer, drover, swagmen and bushrangers to modern day Australians. Her combination of these earned her Australia’s OZ Music Female Folksinger in 1979 and 1980.

No one will want to miss Kachunga the Alligator Show. From deep in the swamps of Florida an American bushman, Kachunga, will astonish audiences as he apprehends ferocious man-eating reptiles with his bare hands. For those who have never seen an alligator up close, most adults are about nine feet long and can weigh up to 300 pounds.

Everyone will love the Aussie Experience where they will be able to see and touch real live kangaroos, wallabies, walleroos and other native Australian wildlife. Eight different species of marsupials (pouched animals) will be on display.

Einschtein’s Time Machine Puppet show and theatre will teleport Nicole Kidman, Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton and Queen Mary from their different eras to Hidalgo for BorderFest.

Take a moment and watch the children as they take part in the interactive pirate show by dressing in costumes and becoming part of the story.

Don’t forget to take a walk through the BorderFest Outback when an old-time crafts such as broom making and saddle and leather crafting are taking place. Watch the show featuring rough riders and bollocks (oxen) brumbies and (horses) doing trick riding, having shoot-outs, and driving a cattle chuckwagon.

For motorcycle fanatics, BikeFest will exhibit some of the most impressive motorcycles in the Rio Grande Valley. A Mopar Car Show will be presenting “Mopars on the Border III.”

The Peruvian Stage will present INKA Wayra, music of the Andes. This music uses instruments that date back thousands of years to the ancient Inca Empire.

A Valley favorite, Hypnotist Erick Kand, will appear on the AEP Fantasy Stage and Ventriloquist Ken Karter and his Funny Dummy Stuff will add to the fun.

Tickets for BorderFest are $12 for adults on Friday. On Saturday tickets start at $10 but go to $12 after 4 p.m. A two-day pass can be purchased for $24 at the gate or for $12 in advance at all Stripes Stores in Hidalgo County. Concert tickets include admission into BorderFest. Parking is additional.

Key used for voting misplaced

EDINBURG — An activation key, which is what election judges use to turn on I-Votronic voting machines and select either a Democratic or Republican ballot along with a precinct number, has been misplaced, according to the Hidalgo County Elections Department. 

The key is believed to have been misplaced last week at the Elections Annex, 317 N. Closner in Edinburg. The key is thought to have been misplaced during curbside voting, which is offered to handicapped individuals who have difficulties getting out of their car to vote, county officials said in a news release.

This key, called a personal electronic ballot or P.E.B., does not contain any information about votes that have been cast, officials stressed. The device is only used by the election judges to activate the electronic voting machines and make the correct ballot and precinct selections. It is removed from the machine before any voting takes place.

“The concern is that someone could attempt to use the activation device to cast additional ballots,” the news release states. “However, it is highly unlikely due to the fact that election workers are trained to activate the machines for every voter.”

The key would also only work for the remainder of the day, because each election has its own activators. 

An investigation is underway, and the Texas Secretary of State’s Office has been notified. A theft report has been filed with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. The value of the activation device is $75.

Extra staff members have been sent to polling locations to oversee the election process, too.

“Election judges at all polling locations were immediately notified to be extra observant today,” Ramon said. “All preventative measures have been taken to ensure a fair election. We are also keeping a very close eye on the number of votes being cast in relation to the number of voter signatures. Currently, we are in the process of verifying every vote.”

Ramon assured voters no malfeasance occurred and the misplacement of the device was simple human error. The election judge overseeing the annex has more than 15 years of experience working city, school and county elections and has a reputation for being one of the most fair and balanced individuals on staff.

“I vouch for the professionalism of our staff, and yet, even so, every one of them has been personally called by me to be extra cautious and diligent about their duties,” she said. “They are well trained to handle any situation, and together we are taking all steps to ensure that the integrity of the early vote remains in tact.”

If anyone has information about this incident, they are asked to call the Hidalgo County Elections Department at 956-318-2570.

Technological error delays votes

By Edwina P. Garza

EDINBURG — Election night, often a fast-paced and sometimes confusing night for poll workers became even more stressful when officials realized they missed a step in uploading Hidalgo County votes, said Elections Administrator Yvonne Ramón.

Early votes, which were uploaded before election day votes, were duplicated when the first 10 precincts were being uploaded, Ramón said Wednesday. This caused the software to state that 140 out of 140 precincts were reporting, when it was just early voting and 10 precincts that had been tallied.

“I knew this would be a large and important election,” Ramón said. “We know how important this is for everyone.”

The glitch was characterized by Ramón as a missed step in the uploading of precincts. The software alerted officials to the mistake on attempts of double votes, which prompted officials to halt and start over. The count began again at about 9 p.m., county officials said. Final counts were reported shortly after midnight.

Hidalgo County will canvas the votes on March 11, and afterward candidates who disagree with the totals can request a recount, Ramón said.

“I preferred to be late with our totals, but be correct,” she explained. “We respect everyone’s passion to serve our community.”
The vendor for the software was also here to assist election officials identify the error.

“The issue was caught early on, speaking to the ability of our staff to spot discrepancies and take immediate corrective action,” said Ramón. “We thank everybody for being patient with us as we resolved this problem.”