County Judge Escobar Hopes To Choose Gandara’s Replacement By Monday

County Judge Veronica Escobar hopes to choose a replacement for former County Commissioner Willie Gandara Jr.’s seat by Monday.

“I take it extremely seriously. I want to do what is in the absolute best interest of this organization and the citizens of Precinct Three,” Escobar told ABC-7 in an interview Thursday.

Gandara resigned his seat on Commissioners Court on Wednesday, about an hour after he bonded out of jail. Gandara was arrested the night of Feb. 22 in Sierra Blanca, Texas and has been charged with drug trafficking in a federal indictment.

Escobar said she has been talking with community advocates, leaders, County department heads and the rest of Commissioners Court to help her make the decision on who should replace Gandara.

“I’m going to listen, listen to as many people as possible,” Escobar said.

The County’s human resources department is tying up loose ends with Gandara. If Gandara needs to pick up anything at the County Courthouse he will have to be accompanied by a County Purchasing Department official, who handles inventory.

Gandara’s attorney, Joe Spencer, said Thursday, there would probably be no reason for Gandara to go to the courthouse.

Four people are running for Gandara’s Commissioners Court seat. They are Vincent Perez, the former Communication Director for Congressman Silvestre Reyes, current State Rep. Chente Quintanilla, logistical consultant Rudy Loya and Dora Oaxaca, who until Wednesday was Gandara’s senior assistant.

When asked if she could or would choose from the four candidates, Escobar said: “I need to make a decision about whether or not I’m going to select from that pool.”

Escobar did not appear compelled to appoint one of the candidates, though.

“Once I name a successor, that successor determines the permanent fate of those two employees, and one of those employees is a candidate for that office, which, in my opinion is inappropriate to begin with so that’s part of why I need to be decisive,” said Escobar, referring to Oaxaca, who is still working in the Precinct Three office.

Oaxaca has said the constituents are her priority.

Escobar said it’s important to decide on a replacement soon for two main reasons.

“Some folks have said ‘just leave the position vacant,'” Escobar said. “The challenge with that is that then we have an even number court – four people, and so there’s no tie breaker if there’s a tie… . (Also,) part of why I do want to expedite this, is because until a replacement is named and appointed and sworn in by me, Mr. Gandara continues to get paid.”

Gandara’s, whose County salary is $60,855 a year, continues to get paid until his replacement is sworn in because he’s on hold over status. That replacement will be commissioner until Jan. 1, when the candidate whom the voters choose this spring is sworn in.

Escobar said none of those candidates have reached out soliciting to be Gandara’s replacement.

Pre-trial services ordered Gandara to submit his passport, keep a job and stay away from weapons, drugs and excessive alcohol, all fairly standard orders in these cases.

Related Links:Document: Willie Gandara Jr.’s Terms Of ReleaseGandara Bonds Out Of Jail, Turns In Resignation Letter To County Judge