Tx Capitol Report | A view from the Texas state capitol

Map of contributions to Republican Dee Margo

Map of contributions to Democrat Joe Moody

Timeline of EPISD cheating scandal

Former EPISD Superintendent Lorenzo García sentenced to 3 1/2 years today for steering a contract to a girlfriend and for artificially inflating test scores to rig the federal accountability system.

Below is a timeline that details the developments since 2006.

 

Moody gets endorsements from local Democratic leaders

Three local Democratic leaders are endorsing former state Rep. Joe Moody in the only remaining undecided race to represent El Paso in the state legislature.

Sheriff Richard Wiles, County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal and District Attorney Jaime Esparza announced in a press release that they are backing Moody, a Democrat, in his race against Republican state Rep. Dee Margo for a seat representing Northeast and West El Paso in the state House.

The two will face-off for the third time on Nov. 6 in the general election race for the House District 78 seat.

Receiving an endorsement from members of the same party is typically standard practice during general elections but the announcement comes just days after two Democratic state lawmakers offered their support to Margo in his quest to seek reelection. 

Below are the statements of support for Moody.

•District Attorney Jaime Esparza:

“Joe Moody has served in my office as an Assistant District Attorney for four years, so I obviously know him well and can speak to his character. Joe reminds me a lot of his dad, District Judge Bill Moody. Both are hard-working, honest and possess a deep commitment to seeing justice done. Joe has particularly distinguished himself as a passionate advocate for crime victims, who deserve all the help we can give them.”

•County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal:

“In his one term as State Representative, Joe Moody showed that he clearly understands the needs of domestic violence victims. Joe passed a bill that bolstered the rights of domestic violence victims, something we have long needed in this state. He also succeeded in increasing state funding for domestic violence shelters. If he can do that just one session, think about what he can accomplish in the years ahead.”

•Sheriff Richard Wiles:

“You hear a lot of politicians talk about fighting gangs and drug trafficking. Joe Moody actually did it. In just his first session, Joe passed legislation that gave law enforcement powerful new tools to fight the cartels and trans-national gangs. His legislation also created gang-free zones and increased the penalties for recruiting children into gangs. I am really looking forward to having Joe working with us to make sure El Paso maintains its reputation as one of the nation’s safest cities.”