The Border Organization Fights for Hiring of Police Officers
With the Del Rio Police Department currently operating at 63% (45 sworn officers out of the 71 for which the DRPD is funded), The Border Organization took the issue to the City Council. Leader Sandra Fuentes called for additional hiring of police officers, testifying that department efficiency must be balanced with the safety of local residents.
Read moreTBO Leaders Leverage Mayoral Candidate Commitments on Water, Wages, Trash & Safety
At an accountability meeting organized by The Border Organization (TBO), both Del Rio mayoral candidates committed to work for the creation of a groundwater conservation district (long fought for by local leaders), higher wages for police officers, matched with accountability measures to be put in place, equitable trash collection rates for both city and county residents, and the establishment of another walking trail on the city's south side.
Read moreTBO Continues Fight for Protection of Groundwater Supply
"Lolina Peña, a leader in The Border Organization (TBO), told members of the Del Rio City Council that on Monday, she and Sandra Fuentes, another TBO leader, attended a meeting of the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) Board of Directors and again urged the board not to consider water from Val Verde County as a water source for San Antonio."
Read moreDel Rio Council Supports TBO's Push for Water Conservation
Acting on pressure from leaders of The Border Organization, Del Rio "City council members pledged Tuesday to join The Border Organization in San Antonio Monday to voice opposition to a proposal to export Val Verde County water east to San Antonio via pipeline.
Read moreTBO Fights for Groundwater Conservation on the Border
The Border Organization notified the Val Verde Commissioners Court that they plan to move ahead with efforts for groundwater conservation on the border, through the creation of a groundwater district that would regulate the amount of water sold to private corporations. Recent proposals by private corporations to pipe water from the border and into San Antonio spurred leaders like Sandra Fuentes into action. They plan to work with city council members and state legislators to address the lack of oversight.
Read moreDel Rio Leaders Secure Funds for Domestic Violence Shelter
"A new shelter to aid victims of domestic violence is one step closer to reality. Monday, Val Verde County Judge Laura Allen and the Commissioners Court granted a one-year funding contract for $128,846 to Quad Counties Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (QCCADA) to help begin the process of opening and operating a shelter."
Read moreTBO Leaders Call Out Border Hospital Board for Secret Vote
Three and a half years ago, leaders of The Border Organization pressured the Val Verde Regional Medical Center board to contract with a reputable health management system in response to deteriorating hospital services and several million dollars of public debt. The Board of Val Verde eventually chose Methodist Healthcare System (MHS), and the hospital is currently millions of dollars in the black.
However, the Board recently held a secret election to vote in a new CEO, nullifying the managing contract with MHS and sparking public concern about the possibility of corruption:
Read moreThe Border Organization Takes on Hospital Management
"Members of The Border Organization group expressed frustration Wednesday over Val Verde Regional Medical Center's process in hiring new chief executive officer Victoria "Vicky" Barnthouse. The closed-session, private-ballot vote in favor of Barnthouse was done at VVRMC's July 1 hospital district board meeting.
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