Marisa Marquez, Norma Chavez on the Fox Jukebox

NOTE: The following is a guest post from El Paso Times assignments editor Jay Koester.

Those listening to the much-loved Fox Jukebox show yesterday were treated to yet another strange moment in the Marisa Marquez-Norma Chavez saga. (I refuse to call it a feud when it seems only one side is looking to fight.)

The host of the Jukebox, Mike Guerrero, was pleasing fans of the oldies as always on Sunday when El Paso state Rep. Marisa Marquez called in to make a dedication.

Marquez made a quick dedication to her father and some other relatives and was on the air for only about 30 seconds.

But that must have been 30 seconds too long for one listener, because guess who quickly showed up at the studio? That's right, El Paso state Rep. Norma Chavez.

Chavez stuck around for about 30 minutes, making a few dedications and chatting with Guerrero. She didn’t say anything negative about Marquez, but certainly listeners noticed the timing of her visit.

I spoke with Guerrero today and he certainly noticed the odd timing of Chavez’s visit, though he was quick to add that it was cool. He said he’s received call-in dedications in the past from both Marquez and Chavez.

“I like them both,” Guerrero said, perhaps practicing for a career in politics himself.

Of the dedications Chavez made during her visit to the studio, perhaps the one that raised the most eyebrows was the one she sent out to “(State Senator) Eliot Shapleigh and all the other men at the Capitol:” “You Don’t Own Me,” by Leslie Gore.

You can listen to the Fox Jukebox from noon to 7 p.m. each Sunday on KFOX, 92.3 FM.

Comments

[one sick puppy]

Poor Norma. She can't take it that there is a woman on the delegation who is respected, liked, and effective (especially when that woman is a freshman). It's time for Norma to find something else to do with her life. This has become too much of her identity and her insecurities have taken over.

[rayman]

Why in the world would KFOX and/or Mike allow this sorry excuse for a legislator to hang around the studio for even 1 minute? I would have called the cops and have her arrested for trespassing. (Now THAT would be news!) Unless, of course, Mike has no cojones and folds up like a cheap suit in chavez' presence. Me? I would have told her to get the he.. out of here.

[bike1boulevard89]

Poor Norma you'd think now that she got her degree it would have taught her a little something. But then again, class is something that's inherent she just doesn't have it. Loud mouth, uncouth, insecure and tacky! Let me add, I don't have anything personal against her, just calling it from what I've seen from the likes of her. If she had any professionalism, she'd embrace her fellow delegate another EL PASOAN and quit being a MEXICAN trying to squash her counter part.

[Norma Chavez]

Jay,
There is no conspiracy here. I am a fan of Mike Guerrero, met him as an engineer for Paul Strelzin's show and became a fan because of his Steve Crosnoesque knack for oldies and goodies.

When I met Marisa Marquez for lunch at Carlos and Mickeys I was convinced that she had what it took to run and win office! I extended alot of my political capitol introducing her to contributors and most of my political circles. This includes introducing her to Paul Strelin and MIKE GUERRERO among others.

I listen to the FoxJukebox when I am in town. Sunday afternoon, I was at the flag ceremony at the Elks Lodge when it concluded I called Mike on his cell to ask if I could pop in for a couple of live dedications.

I did not know she called in! So please don't make controversy where there is none.I am glad that Mike Guerrero has so many diverse fans. Oh yea, you failed to mention that City Rep Eddie Holguin and his Dad "texted" me about listening to the show and I stated that on the show.

If I introduced her to most people in my circles we are bound to overlap! Doesn't mean anything other than that!

In fact I mentioned that I passed a resolution for Steve Crosno. He sent me a personal thank you along with some CD's of his shows, with a caricture of Crosno burned on the CD. That was cool.

Norma Chavez

[Norma Chavez]

Ref to song dedication to Shapleigh: I did not make it to "other men at the Capitol". It was dedicated to Shapleigh and is one of my favorite oldies but goodies...I have sang a few lines to Jim Dunnam though! He is my hero!

Ref to feud: there is none.

Norma Chavez

[ay chihuahua]

I love it keep it up Mrs. Chavez. I will be great for my campaign against you. Oh and by the way I will be walking the precinct with my pet Chihuahua.

[a degree? what degree?]

CHAVEZ: "I have sang a few lines to Jim Dunnam though!"

Sang?

[rayman]

Norma, it is "a lot" and not "alot". It is "capital" and not "capitol" when used in the context of extending a favor. It is "yeah" and not "yea".

Well so much for getting a UT degree.

[We wonder why?]

Norma,

Why so insecure? Why do things like comments bother you. Why are you always defending yourself and resoultions? More and More you are showing how soft-skinned you are, confidence is not one of your stronger qualities. Keeping a low profile can only help you right now, and only answer the questions that are asked. But then again, that might make you feel like " People own you"....

[we wonder why]

-She is known statewide for twice being listed on Texas Monthly's list of the worst legislators, and for her feud with State Representative Marisa Marquez, whom she texted, "U ridiculed my education every drunk opportunity u had. U R not my friend."

-Texas Monthly Criticism
In a word: clueless. She doesn't know the first lesson of legislative survival: Lead, follow, or get out of the way. She can't lead, won't follow, and absolutely refuses to get out of the way. She set the tone for her career in 1997, her freshman year, by promising her vote to both candidates for the head of the Mexican American Caucus. You might think she'd learned something since then — even an amoeba picks up things by osmosis — but she continues to bumble her way through.

– Texas Monthly, Ten Worst Legislators, July 1999

For her petty session-long text-messaging feud with fellow El Pasoan Marisa Marquez over an ethics bill. (“U R on the Dishonorable Mention List!!!”)

– Texas Monthly, Ten Worst Legislators, July 2009

Interesting....