• Originally published February 21, 2008 at 12:32 a.m., updated February 21, 2008 at 12:32 a.m.

Editor's Note: The Advocate is printing candidate profiles for contested races in the March 4 primary elections. Today's profile features candidates for the Democratic Party nomination for Victoria County Commissioner Precinct 1. The winner will face Republican Allan Ramirez in the Nov. 4 election.

Name: Lorenzo Garza

Age: 69

Office Seeking: County Commissioner, Precinct 1

Party Affiliation: Democratic

City and County of Residence: Placedo, Victoria County

Current Occupation: Truck Driver/Dispatcher/Scheduler

Why do you want to serve in this office?

I want to become the next county commissioner so that I can help improve the area for other families. I have lived in this precinct for 42 years and I know what problems and improvements that are needed. I have five children that are now all adults that also grew up in Placedo and attended Bloomington High School. Family values are very important to me.

What qualifies you to serve in this position?

I have been involved with the Bloomington High School Board of Directors for seven years. I have worked with my fellow board members to get items on the job lists and insure that they are completed in a timely manor. I have been a supervisor for Brown & Root and know how to be a leader. I have run crews of more than 24 people. I was able to complete the needed jobs within the time required and all done safely. I have worked with Brown & Root operating heavy equipment. I am familiar with different equipment used by the county departments at the present time.

What issues facing this office do you feel are the most important and how will you approach them?

I am aware of a few problems and issues at the volunteer fire departments and the law enforcement departments and I want to be able to help them when and where possible with obtaining equipment or supplies for them. These are the people that risk their lives to help us. I believe that their safety is very important. I am aware of many drainage problems in the county area and will work to fix the problems and be pro-active to these issues instead of reactive. I want to see this long-standing issue go away and stay on top of it. I would much rather work on issues at a scheduled time rather than have to work on issues at a critical time. I am aware…

Address, phone number, e-mail address and Web site where the public can learn more about you:

Address: P.O. Box 45, Placedo, Texas 77977; Phone: 361-897-2149.

Name: Gilbert Gonzalez

Age: Office seeking: County Commissioner, Precinct 1Party affiliation: DemocratCity and county of residence: Bloomington, Victoria CountyCurrent occupation: United Parcel Service, 36 years

Why do you want to serve in this office?

The future of Victoria County depends to a large extent on the job of the county commissioner. I am running for county commissioner because I believe Victoria County possesses amazing potential and I feel that I have the vision to help us reach that potential. I believe government should be responsive to its constituents and I believe the constituents of Precinct 1 deserve a representative that will make unbiased decisions and who will work for the good of the people. I will represent Precinct 1 with integrity, honesty, and transparency. I will hold myself accountable to the residents of Precinct 1 and Victoria County as a whole.

What qualifies you to serve in this position?

I have been involved in civic organizations all my life. From my 27 years of service in the National Guard, to local charities, scholarships that I’ve contributed money to and organizations I continue to serve in today, I’ve proven to be a voice for my community. I’ve lived in Victoria most of my adult life and I have an innate understanding of the issues facing Precinct 1 and the county as a whole. I understand the challenges facing our community and I’ve dealt with budgets that are limited and needs that are many. I’m running because I feel that I’m the best candidate to provide our community with a commissioner who knows Victoria County, and who knows how to listen to their needs.

What issues facing this office do you feel are the most important and how will you approach them?

I believe that the county commissioner for Precinct 1 needs to serve the entire precinct and not just focus on one area. My office will focus on the front door issues that are county wide such as streets, drainage, garbage problems, and police protection. Solid roads and their maintenance bolster economic development opportunities, and the current conditions are definitely not conducive to development. I will develop a strategy to maintain our infrastructure and continue to attract new development to this area. I want to bring a proactive approach to constituent services versus the reactive approach that we’re accustomed to. I will address all these issues by maintaining an open door policy and allowing the residents to have a voice in their future.

Address, phone number, e-mail address and Web site where the public can learn more about you:

Address – P.O. Box 2157 Bloomington, Texas 77951; Phone number, home, 361-897-0256 cell, 361-652-9327;

E-mail address, gilbert@gilbertfgonzalez.com; Web site, gilbertfgonzalez.com.

Name: Jason Guerra

Age: 33

Office seeking: County Commissioner, Precinct 1

Party affiliation: Democratic

City and county of residence: Bloomington, Victoria County

Current occupation: General contractor

Why do you want to serve in this office?

Since I am deeply rooted in this county through family, friends, and business, I believe that it is important to invest my time, knowledge, experience, and energy to make it a better place for all of us to live and thrive in.

What qualifies you to serve in this position?

I feel confident that the experience that I have acquired being involved in around construction has prepared me to take on the responsibilities a commissioner faces. Through the years in construction, I’ve gained the knowledge of making schedules, bidding jobs, making contracts, keeping budgets, following codes and working with building plans. Another key qualification that I believe that I have for this position is that I am a people person. I work well with clients, companies, employees and others because I value their opinions. Being a listener, a doer and a team player is the way to bring about the improvements in our changing and growing precinct.

What issues facing this office do you feel are the most important and how will you approach them?

I would like to revisit the need to bring back the courtesy waste stations in both Bloomington and Placedo. It is important to consider plastic, paper and aluminum recycling bins in these areas to take some of the burdens off of these stations. I would like to work on improving the drainage problem throughout the precinct. I would like to ensure that the roads and bridges that are in need of repair will be fixed to meet today’s safety standards. I also see a need for a community health office in our area. Having a medical staff member available to check for high blood pressure, diabetes, to administer vaccinations, or just to consult with would greatly improve some of the health issues in our area.

Address, phone number, e-mail address and Web site where the public can learn more about you:

361-649-4235; guerra.construction@yahoo.com

Name: Chris Rivera

Age: 55

Office Seeking: Victoria County Commissioner, Precinct 1

Party: Democrat

City and County: Victoria, Victoria County

Current Occupation: Victoria County Commissioner, Precinct 1

Why do you want to serve in this office?

I want to maintain a very active role in the leadership and future of Victoria. As county commissioner, I will ensure that Victoria remains financially responsible while keeping taxes low.

With my experience in county government and economic development, I will continue to create good jobs for our families and the future growth of Victoria.

The rapid response, quick restoration of services, and cleaning debris during the last flood and hurricane was a result of planning and cooperation between emergency agencies. I will use this valuable experience for future disasters to prevent loss of life and property.

As commissioner, I will support programs like public transportation, free prescription drug discount card for all citizens, and economic development that creates new jobs.

What qualifies you for this position?

I have a business administration degree from Texas A&I University. I have owned a business, made payroll and controlled expenses. I have experience and knowledge to make important county decisions. In 2007 I worked to secure over $6.5 million in state and federal grants for the county. This has kept taxes low while improving county services.

The citizens have elected me overwhelming in the past, but I strive to earn their vote and support everyday. I have an open door policy where people seek my help and I always encourage them to do so.

My education, business and county experience, dedication to public service and proven record to manage county government qualifies me for this position.

What issues facing this office do you feel are most important and how will you approach them?

Better roads and drainage will always be an issue. Precinct 1 has an excellent county road crew with good equipment to get the job done. Roads and drainage always need to be upgraded, and we continue to work everyday to fix these problems.

There is no candidate that can fix these problems in one or 10 years. You do your best with weather, budget and time constraints.

As federal and state governments continue to cut back on funding, we are faced with unfunded mandates. My relationship with local, state and federal officials allows me to address additional funding for counties.

I have the proven leadership and experience to meet the issues of the future and continue to serve as your voice on commissioners’court.

Address, phone number, e-mail address and Web site where the public can learn more about you:

Address: 3008 Bobolink; Phone number: 575-4558; e-mail: crivera@vctx.org

Name: Gabriel Soliz

Age: 35

Office Seeking: County Commissioner, Precinct 1

Party Affiliation: Democrat

City and County of Residence: Victoria/Victoria County

Current Occupation: Self-Employed

Why do you want to serve in this office?

I feel called to serve. I have never doubted that feeling. Even when I was a write-in candidate in 2004 for this same position, I felt I was doing the right thing. Growing up, it was second nature for me to serve others. I was an altar boy in church, I was a crossing guard in grade school and in college I helped feed and clothe the homeless of Austin. I want to serve the people of my community in a way that best utilizes my knowledge and skills for their benefit. I am not seeking an office in as much as I am trying to make a difference in the lives of those whom I wish to serve. And God willing, I shall serve.

What qualifies you to serve in this position?

I feel qualified for this position because of my relative experience in the past. I have an associate of science degree from Victoria College where I was student government president. I went on to St Edward’s University of Austin where I majored in political science and interned at the Texas Capitol during the 74th Legislature for Rep. Steve Holzheasuer. I went on to work in the Texas Senate Messenger Corp. during the 75th Legislature Regular and Interim Sessions. I have stayed informed with local issues through attending city council meetings and commissioners court meetings or reading each of their posted minutes. I have learned a substantial amount of government procedure as well as political protocol and I am ready to put it to good use.

What issues facing this office do you feel are the most important and how will you approach them?

At the heart of every issue for Precinct 1 is restoring the public trust. I have talked to the people of Precinct 1 and they are tired of the same leadership who only comes around during election time. Roads and ditches are being cleaned all over Bloomington, Placedo and Crescent Valley area only because it is an election year. This is not effective leadership and it is disrespectful to the citizens of Precinct 1.

Bloomington needs the courtesy station re-opened, Placedo needs more effective draining, Silver City and Hopkins need more effective bus routes and it will get done if I am elected. I will serve the people of Precinct 1 with the respect and dignity they deserve and honor them with my best effort.

Address, phone number, e-mail address and Web site where the public can learn more about you:

None given.

Name: Kenny Spann

Age: 51

Office seeking: County Commissioner, Precinct 1

Party Affiliation: Democrat

City and County of residence: Victoria, Victoria County

Current Occupation: City of Victoria Engineering Dept.

Why do you want to serve in this office?

I want to serve in this office because there are several aspects that I wish to challenge for all citizens of this precinct, both in the county and city.

What qualifies you to serve in this position?

My experience as an engineering inspector. I have to keep daily logs and a diary to keep up with contractors request for payment each month. This is much like keeping up with the county budge, watching the dollars wisely spent.

What issues facing this office do you feel are the most important and how will you approach them?

The people that I have talked to have mainly issues about drainage and road repair. Of course, there are other concerns as well and will be addressed appropriately. If elected I wish to pursue a grant writer for help with drainage relief throughout the precinct and start and schedule on road repair and rebuilding.

Address, phone number, e-mail address and Web site where the public can learn more about you:

None given

Name: Manuel L. Zamora

Age: 44

Office seeking: Victoria County Commissioner, Precinct 1

Party affiliation: Democratic

City and county of residence: Victoria; Victoria County

Current occupation: Chemical Transporter

Why do you want to serve in this office?

I want to serve in this office to make a difference in Victoria County. When I first started working for Victoria County when I was 18 for the road and bridge department, I had little knowledge on how exactly the system worked but as time went by I got better and better at my job and soon became assistant foreman. A little while after that, I took a job in the Patti Dodson public health center as the building maintenance supervisor. I know what I can do improve our county and I am more than willing to take on these responsibilities.

What qualifies you to serve in this position?

I have plenty of hands-on-experience and more than enough knowledge for this position. I am always willing to learn as I take on this position. I don’t look at it as a job, I look at as an opportunity to be apart of Victoria County’s projects. I want this position to make a difference for our county. I like the challenges that face me ahead and I know I am a great candidate for this position.

What issues facing this office do you feel are the most important and how will you approach them?

There are several issues that I feel are the most important. Like our roads and drainage and our low water supply. I can be more conservative on our tax dollars so we will have enough funds for projects that are to come and current projects in Victoria County. The issues in our county affect all of us. My main goal is to get our issues resolved, and I would go about doing that by listening to Victoria County residents complaints and suggestions. I hope we can keep on building our Victoria County bigger and stronger for years to come.

Address, phone number, e-mail address and Web site where the public can learn more about you:

Address: 3502 Allendale St. Victoria, Texas 77901; Phone 361-655-3381; E-mail Address: zamnuel54@yahoo.com.

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