County Judge Pushes Way Onto Purchasing Board

Frustrated with the way the county’s Purchasing Department does business, County Judge Veronica Escobar pushed her way onto the Purchasing Board Monday.

However, the move didn’t come without a fight.

Escobar said she’s tired of dealing with complaints about the county’s Purchasing Department. After a heated discussion about it, she’s promising change.

“We’ve got to fix the relationship we have with purchasing,” County Commissioner Dan Haggerty said.

Because of that, Escobar asked Commissioners Court to appoint her to the county Purchasing Board. Escobar at first asked Commissioner Willie Gandara Jr., who has been on the board for six months, to step aside.

But he quickly balked at the suggestion.

“The problem I’m seeing is you guys are trying to get me out,” Gandara told the court.

Haggerty, who said he has spent two and a half “frustrating” years on the Purchasing Board, was happy to give up his seat to Escobar.

“(County Purchasing Agent) Piti (Vasquez) has been here a long time,” Haggerty said, “and I know there are rumors that he will retire.”

ABC-7 asked Vasquez if he gets the feeling Commissioners Court wants him to retire.

“Sometimes,” said Vasquez, who has held the position for 33 years. “I don’t want to leave the way things are right now, or perceived that they are, because I don’t think they’re as bad as some members point out to the public.”

Recent complaints about the Purchasing Department have left him doing a lot of explaining in front of Commissioners Court.

“I think what’s important is that there be a voice within the Purchasing Board pushing for transparency and improvement,” Escobar said after being appointed to the board in Haggerty’s spot by a 5-0 vote.

Escobar has been the most critical of Vasquez and the Purchasing Department. Now she will be part of a five-member board, including Gandara and District Judges Patrick Garcia, Gonzalo Garcia and Bill Moody, who often vote together.

“Sure, we can pretend there’s nothing wrong and that we don’t need improvement and be a champion of the status quo,” Escobar said. “I’m not a champion of the status quo.”

When asked what he thinks of the county judge being on the Purchasing Board, Vasquez replied, “She’s just one vote.”