Now You Know, Eagle Pass

In this episode of Now You Know Eagle Pass, we return with a community-focused conversation, live check-ins, and a special guest announcement. After a quick “reality check” on online bullying and fake profiles targeting local voices, we dive into local issues like bridge traffic congestion, toll hikes, and holiday travel backups. Our featured guest, educator Maribel Garcia Rodriguez—33 years in the classroom and former JP candidate—officially announces her run for Maverick County Commissioner, Precinct 4. She shares her platform priorities: public safety, better street lighting (modern, secured LED), tackling illegal dumping, neighborhood cleanliness, and strengthening coordination with law enforcement and neighboring jurisdictions. We also discuss the dynamics between city, county, and school district, and Maribel’s perspective as a member of EPISD’s safety committee on proactive campus security measures. She weighs in on the proposed Puerto Verde/“third bridge,” citing concerns about impacts to city revenues, neighborhoods, and uncertainty for residents. The conversation emphasizes respectful debate, grassroots engagement, and putting constituents first over political factions. We close by inviting all candidates to share their platforms on the show as election season heats up in Precinct 4.

In this episode of Now You Know Eagle Pass, I address the community reaction to our recent post about the DUI case involving Stephanie Valdez, the mayor’s wife, and explain why we decided to publish it. I walk through how we received the documents, the timeline, and the standards we believe should apply to public officials and appointees—emphasizing transparency, fairness, and accountability over popularity or political convenience. I also respond to criticism, acknowledge the consequences we’ve faced for reporting uncomfortable truths, and invite open dialogue from all sides, including hospital district board members and school district leaders, so the community can hear directly from them. Beyond that, I call out what I see as political theater and selective outrage in local media and politics, contrast how different figures are treated for similar mistakes, and push for a higher standard of professionalism from our leaders. I close by reaffirming that our work is community service, not pay-for-praise coverage, and encourage residents to use their voices, engage critically, and hold every public official—friends and foes alike—to the same standard.

In Episode 14 of the Now You Know Eagle Pass podcast, “Juice,” I open with a reality-check segment on accountability, fairness, and the pressures of local politics. I share my background—service in the Army, community work with veterans, animal welfare, youth programs, and local small business promotion—to underline why we push for transparency. From there, we dig into recent community flashpoints: alleged efforts to pressure sponsors and youth programs over our coverage, the line between criticism and personal attacks, and the importance of keeping kids and small businesses out of political retaliation. We then tackle headline local issues: the silence from the Maverick County Hospital District amid questions surrounding board member Stephanie Valdez’s probation status and public conduct; concerns about professionalism after a widely shared video of city officials appearing to drink while representing Eagle Pass; and questions about potential political staging at school board and city council meetings. We stress due process, factual sourcing, and community standards for leaders—without fear or favor. We close by urging constructive dialogue, civic participation, and safety during upcoming Halloween events, reinforcing that our mission is to inform and strengthen Eagle Pass by holding leaders accountable and keeping the community engaged.