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Candidates on both sides have big tasks ahead

Choco Meza Campaign; Article Written by Gilbert Garcia - Express-News — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:41:44 GMT

(This article appeared in today MY.SA NEWS of the Express-News; it was cut and passted by the Choco Meza campaign to this website for your reading.)

The next chair of the Bexar County Democratic Party faces some daunting challenges. The party is missing more than $200,000 from one of its bank accounts, and it's headquartered at a former funeral home.

There's little doubt as to whom local party leaders view as the person to restore order: party activist Choco Meza.

Meza, 57, has Pete Van de Putte — husband of state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte — serving as her treasurer and has received $500 contributions from former Mayor Henry Cisneros, a longtime friend, and County Commissioner Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez.

Meza said her first priority, if elected, would be to make the party's finances “transparent and accountable to the individual voter.”

Meza faces opposition from Dan Ramos, 64, a party precinct chairman. Ramos lost to Carla Vela for party chair in 2006, and had his name dropped from the ballot two years later over accusations that he forged one of his petition signatures, an allegation he denied.

“When I get elected, we'll have to restructure the financial mechanism and put in some safeguards that haven't been enforced,” Ramos said.

On the GOP side, Richard Langlois is stepping down, and two veteran Republicans are vying to replace him.

Curt Nelson, 53, is president of Independent Bankers Association of Texas Services Inc. His vision for the party is “to work hard on candidate recruitment and move forward with social media.”

Julie “Mamabexar” Oldham, 75, has waged four campaigns for mayor and is now making her fourth run at the GOP county chair position.

“I want people of all colors,” Oldham said. “This is not a lily-white party.”

Vote Early for Choco

Joshua — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:48:15 GMT

THE HOURS OF EARLY VOTING WILL BE:

Tuesday, February 16 thru Friday, February 19, 2010............................8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 20, 2010......................................................................8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 21, 2010.....................................................................12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, February 22 thru Friday, February 26, 2010..............................8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Main Early Voting Location:
BEXAR COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER....................................................... 300 Dolorosa

BROOKHOLLOW LIBRARY………………………………………………530 Heimer Road
CISNEROS COMMUNITY CENTER………………………………….… 517 S.W. Military
CLAUDE BLACK CENTER.....................................................................2805 East Commerce
CODY LIBRARY.......................................................................................11441 Vance Jackson
COLLINS GARDEN LIBRARY.........................................................................200 North Park
CROSSROADS MALL...............................................................................4522 Fredericksburg
EAST CENTRAL ISD ADMIN BUILDING.........................6634 New Sulphur Springs Road
FAIR OAKS RANCH CITY HALL… (COUNCIL CHAMBERS)………..……....7286 Dietz Elkhorn
GREAT NORTHWEST LIBRARY…………………………………………….9050 Wellwood
HENRY A. GUERRA, JR. LIBRARY.......................................…….…7978 W Military Drive
JOHN IGO LIBRARY………….................................................. 13330 Kyle Seale Parkway
JOHNSTON LIBRARY...........................................................................6307 Sun Valley Drive
JULIA YATES SEMMES LIBRARY @ Comanche Lookout Park.........15060 Judson Road
LAS PALMAS LIBRARY..........................................................................515 Castroville Road
LION’S FIELD......................................................................................................2809 Broadway
MAURY MAVERICK, JR. LIBRARY..........................................................8700 Mystic Park
MCCRELESS LIBRARY……………..………………….………………… 1023 Ada Street
NORTHSIDE ACTIVITY CENTER......................................................................7001 Culebra
OLMOS BASIN GOLF CLUB HOUSE.........................................................7022 McCullough
SHAVANO PARK CITY HALL… (COUNCIL CHAMB……………………... 900 Saddletree Ct
SOMERSET HIGH SCHOOL...............................................7650 South 1604 West, Somerset
SOUTH PARK MALL………………………………………………………2310 S.W. Military
ST. BENEDICT’S CHURCH… (PARISH HALL – WEST END)………………...……....4535 Lord Rd.
STONEOAK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH………….……………..….. 20024 Crescent Oaks
TOBIN LIBRARY @OAKWELL…………………………………... . 4134 Harry Wurzbach
UNIVERSAL CITY – CITY HALL............................................... 2150 Universal City Blvd.
WINDCREST TAKAS PARK CIVIC CENTER………………..…….……9310 Jim Seal Dr.

Choco Meza Valentine Breakfast Fundraiser

Choco Meza — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 07:32:43 GMT

BE MY VOTE THAT COUNTS

A Heartfelt Breakfast in Honor of…

Choco G. Meza

Bexar County Democratic Party Chair Candidate

Steering Committee

Chris Alderete . Honorable Mary Alice Cisneros .

Clarissa Rodriguez . Mary Esther Bernal . Sylvia Rodriguez .

Lupe Ochoa . Alejandra Villarreal . Ivalis M. Gonzalez . Carina Alderete .

Marina Alderete . Dr. Ellen Riojas Clark . Diana Doria

Mi Tierra Restaurant

Produce Row

Friday, February 12, 2010

7:30 – 9:30 am

Suggested Donations: $25 $50 $100 Other

Event inquiries, call 210-617-3159

www.chocomeza.com

Pd Pol Adv. by the Choco Meza Campaign, Pete Van de Putte Treasurer, PO Box 8490 San Antonio, Texas 78208

Stonewall Democrats endorse CHOCO for Democratic Chair!

Choco Meza — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:48:38 GMT

The Stonewall Democrts in Bexar County endorsed Choco Meza. "I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of Stonewall Democrats and humbled that it was done with an acclamation vote."

I look forward to working side by side with Stonewall Democrats!

Valentine Breakfast Fundraiser for CHOCO

Choco Meza — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 07:47:37 GMT

BE MY VOTE THAT COUNTS

A Heartfelt Breakfast in Honor of…

Choco G. Meza

Bexar County Democratic Party Chair Candidate

Steering Committee

Chris Alderete . Honorable Mary Alice Cisneros .

Clarissa Rodriguez . Mary Esther Bernal . Sylvia Rodriguez .

Lupe Ochoa . Alejandra Villarreal . Ivalis M. Gonzalez . Carina Alderete .

Marina Alderete . Dr. Ellen Riojas Clark . Diana Doria

Mi Tierra Restaurant

Produce Row

Friday, February 12, 2010

7:30 – 9:30 am

Suggested Donations: $25 $50 $100 Other

Event inquiries, call 210-617-3159

www.chocomeza.com

Pd Pol Adv. by the Choco Meza Campaign, Pete Van de Putte Treasurer, PO Box 8490 San Antonio, Texas 78208

AFL-CIO Central Labor Council Endorses CHOCO for Bexar Co Democratic Chair!

Choco Meza — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 07:44:42 GMT

The AFL-CIO Central Labor Council endorsed CHOCO for Democratic Party Chair. "I am deeply gratified to receive the support of the labor unions in Bexar County." I have a long rich history of supporting labor unions in their quest to create working Americans with an opportunity to work in safe working conditions that are fully compensated for their hard work.

I look forward to working with labor unions as I have in the past and as I always will.

Choco Meza Fundraiser a Success!

Choco Meza — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:50:59 GMT

Thank you for being so supportive. The Jan 23 fundraiser this past Saturday was a huge success. Over 250 guests filled Absolutely Everything Catering on San Pedro. The atmosphere was festive, the food was great, and CHOCO t-shirts and bumper stickers were provided to those in attendance.

We are only 37 days away from Election Day! Early voting starts on Feb 16th and runs through the 26th. Please invite your family and friends to join you to vote for me on Feb16th. Let’s not leave anything to chance and start banking CHOCO votes on the very first day.

My name is at the very bottom of the ballot so please let everyone know that they need to vote in every race until they get to the last page.

If you would like to volunteer on the campaign, come on over. You can help make calls, mail campaign literature, and sign up to work a poll. Our HQtrs is located at 315 Ninth Street (off Broadway) in Suite #3. Call us at 617-3159. We open at 10 am and starting this week, we will close at 9 pm.

Again, a big THANK YOU!

Bexar County Young Democrats Endorse Choco Meza for Bexar County Democratic Chair

Choco Meza — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:10:55 GMT

"I am proud, honored, and grateful for the support and endorsement of the Bexar County Young Democrats. Young voters played an incredible role in the last Presidential election and will continue to develop their political strength and participation in Bexar County, Texas, and our nation."

Thank you Bexar County Young Democrats for your confidence!

Choco G. Meza, files for Democratic Chair; Pledging to Achieve Full Disclosure and Accountability

Choco Meza — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:06:27 GMT

For Immediate Release

Monday, January 04, 2010

For further information Contact: Choco Meza at 273-8783

Choco G. Meza, files for Bexar County Democratic Party Chair;

Pledging to Achieve Full Disclosure and Accountability

On Saturday, January 2, 2010, current Democratic National Committee (DNC) member, Choco G. Meza filed for Bexar County Democratic Party Chair. Flanked with family and friends, Choco filed pledging to work side by side with Democratic voters, precinct chairs, elected officials, long time party leaders and donors who want to help restore the integrity of our party.

Fully understanding that the Democratic Party is strapped for cash and mounting bills to pay, Choco is not deterred from filing to lead the Democratic Party. Immediately after filing the required forms, Choco told her supporters: “It is imperative that the Democratic Chair move aggressively to restore missing funds, meet all financial obligations and comply with all law enforcement agencies in achieving full disclosure and accountability. I am committed to create a professional environment that is open and inclusive; setting up transparent financial records and establish a committee of professional accountants to ensure annual independent audits.“

Choco has been involved in Democratic Party politics for over 30 years. She currently serves as the Precinct Chair for Precinct 3079, is one of 12 Texans elected to the DNC, a member of the Southern Region DNC Caucus; Women’s DNC Caucus, and Chair of the Southern Region for the National Hispanic DNC Caucus.

County Judge Nelson Wolff, the highest county Democratic official, and a supporter of Choco’s candidacy feels strongly that, “The Democratic Party needs someone like Choco, she has local, state, and national political experience, tremendous organizational skills and someone who will not compromise the integrity of the party.”

Her website lists hundreds of supporters from throughout Bexar County, which include a host of elected officials, precinct chairs, and individuals with a long and rich history of community and political participation in San Antonio, Bexar County, the State of Texas, and the nation.

According to State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, “Choco is a breath of fresh air and stepping up to lead the party at the right time. She brings integrity, a deep desire to unite our party, and a respectful approach to voters regardless of political affiliation; she is committed to promote the party’s public policy agendas and create confidence which will help grow the Democratic Party.”

State Representative Ruth Jones McClendon wants an inclusive party and states: “I am confident that Choco will include the Eastside, Westside, Northside, and Southside in all Democratic activities, she always has and I know she always will,” Representative McClendon is listed as a supporter on Choco’s website at www.chocomeza.com.

Choco is married to Daniel S. Meza, has a son, Daniel J. Meza, currently working at the US Department of Commerce, a daughter, Ivalis M. Gonzalez, a first year law student at St. Mary’s University, and a son-in-law, Manuel Gonzalez. Choco is a graduate of St. Mary’s University.

#30

Louis Vidaurri endorses Choco Meza for Bexar County Democratic Chair

Choco Meza — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 09:05:45 GMT

Vidaurri endorses Choco Meza for Bexar County Democratic Chair!

Choco formally files for Bexar County Democratic Chair.

Choco was surrounded by family and friends at her formal filing for Bexar County Democratic Party Chair on Saturday, January 2, 2010. Joining Choco on Saturday was Louis Vidaurri, a former Bexar County Democratic Party Chair candidate himself. Louis spoke with Choco during the holidays to inform her that he was withdrawing from the race and offered to publically endorse her and support to her campaign.

Choco is deeply grateful for the support from Louis, a long time Democratic activist. Louis is committed to campaign with her throughout Bexar County and reach out to voters from her campaign office.

Louis’ support was based on Choco’s commitment to work side by side with Democratic voters, elected officials, precinct chairs, long time party leaders and donors who want to help restore the integrity of our party by creating a professional environment that is financially stable, transparent, and an open book for our leaders and supporters.

Of special interest to Louis is that Choco has strong organizational skills which will strengthen our party and use her 30+ years of experience in Democratic Party politics to unite the Bexar County Democratic Party. Under Choco’s leadership she will work with all the precinct chairs to carry the message to all voters that the Democratic Party is focused around meeting the needs of the people and highlight the professionalism of the Democratic candidates who will serve with distinction in representing all Bexar County citizens.

Louis is joining hundreds of supporters working on the election of Choco to become the next Bexar County Democratic Party Chair on March 2, 2010.

To view the list of supporters, please click on SUPPORTERS on this website.

Happy Holidays from Choco

Choco — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:47:58 GMT

Wishing you and all your family a Happy Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year.

Warmest Regards,
Choco Meza & Family

Bexar County Democratic Party elects Interim Chair

Choco Meza — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:46:26 GMT

Congratulations to Roberto Flores who was elected as the Interim Party Chairman on December 15, 2009.

Senator Leticia Van de Putte and Choco at Texas A & M

Choco Meza — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:03:44 GMT

Senator Leticia Van de Putte and I traveled to Texas A & M on October 16, 2009 to attend the Presidential Forum on Service. President Barack Obama was invited by former President George H. Bush, founder of the Points of Light Institute. Joining them was Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates, Barbara Bush, and other Bush family members.

President Obama delivered an excellent speech on the importance of citizens engaging themselves in "public service" projects in their communities. It was a very proud day for all of us.

As always, President Obama was charming, serious, and an incredible orator.

Kick off Campaign Fundraiser

Choco Meza — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:42:33 GMT

Supporters of Choco Meza will host a kick off campaign fundraiser on Saturday, January 23, 2010. Mark your calendars, invitations are forthcoming!

Choco in Virginia campaigning for Deeds for Governor

Choco Meza — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:57:04 GMT

Choco spent the weekend campaigning in Arlington, Virginia for gubernatorial candidate Cregih Deeds. President Obama campaigned on Tuesday of last week.

Choco names Campaign Treasurer

Choco Meza — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:49:36 GMT

Long time friend and supporter, Mr. Pete Van de Putte will serve as Campaign Treasurer. Mr. Van de Putte is a local businessman and a life long Democrat.

Choco Meza to run for Bexar County Democratic Party Chair

Choco Meza — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:33:22 GMT

I have decided to run for Bexar County Democratic Chair. The election is not until March 2010, so I am just beginning to develop the plans. First and foremost is reaching out to family and friends who know me personally and who know my dedication to the democratic process and the election of Democratic Party candidates.

I am asking for your support and the use of your name for my list of supporters. Please let me know if you will support me and allow me to list your name in my campaign literature.

I am humbled and overwhelmed by the incredible response I have received since this past Friday. I hope you too will join me in this new challenge and journey.

I want to get support from all sectors in Bexar County, so please let your family and friends know about the Democratic Party Chair's race and let them know how much I would appreciate their support.

I look forward to hearing from you. I will keep you posted as I unfold my plans and list of supporters. Now lets go out and make sure Bexar County stays Blue and lets take the lead in turning Texas Blue. Remember, "When Democrats Win, We All Win".

With much gratitude,

Choco Meza
Pct Chair #3079