Rep. Larry Romero still has to answer investigation questions if he resigns

The El Paso City Ethics Commission ruled Rep. Larry Romero will have to answer questions even if he officially resigns.

It gave City Manager Tommy Gonzalez and Romero an extension to answer a set of questions relating to the investigation. They now have until Feb 16. But in the event that Romero officially resigns, the commission’s legal counsel Ross Fischer will interview him.

“If you’re unethical in small things, its going to show up in big things,” said Jim Tolbert, who initially filed the complaint. “It usually results in favoritism, or entitling somebody to a special privilege, or a special favor. It’s just not right. In our society, everybody should be equal, and everybody should play by the rules.”

The commission is also directing Fischer to interview Noe Hinojosa of the Estrada Hinojosa financial firm, prepare a list of witnesses to interview, prepare a letter summarizing the evidence for and against Romero and Gonzalez, for them to have.

Gonzalez and Romero can make statements, present witnesses and have a lawyer during the hearing. The man who initially filed the complaint can do the same.

The commission said in order to find wrong doing, they need clear and convincing evidence.

“This process is not a sprint,” said residing Officer Stuart Schwartz. “It is a marathon. We need to get this right. We will be deliberative and considerate of the process and the persons directly affected by our actions and recommendations.”

There is no date set for the next hearing.