CDiocese of Brownsville: St. Peter's Seminary 'unsalvageable'

O'Caña, ex-Councilman, announces candidacy for mayor

Mission, Alton clash over ETJ

Mission Classic Car Show

MCISD campus Teachers of the Year announced

Notice to political candidates

The Real behind the Skinny

By Mary Nichols

We have all seen them, read about or heard about them, and maybe even tried them. Fad diets, miracle exercise machines, weight-loss pills and supplements. Consumers spend money on anything that offers the lure of getting fit fast. But the truth is, there is no fast and easy way to get healthy. It’s a committed process that takes time, devotion and hard work to get rewarding results.

Trying to become exercise and nutrition savvy may seem difficult and tedious for many. In our previous features we discussed gyms in the area, trainers, and fun forms of exercise to help the start of a healthy new year. However, there are many ideas and expectations about exercise and nutrition that many trainers think need to be corrected.

Jaime Cavazos, owner of Cavazos Sports Institute and certified strength and conditioning specialist, says there is no miracle diet, pill, or machine to get healthy. He says it all comes down to how much work a person puts in.

“There is not just one workout that is going to lean you out or tear you up. It’s staying consistent with everything,” said Cavazos. “All those infomercials on T.V. like P90X and the perfect push-up etc. If you don’t eat right and don’t do it consistently it’s not going to happen. To get abs you don’t need fancy machines. Don’t spend your money; use your available resources.”

Frank Franz, director of strength and conditioning at Performance Enhancing Nutrition (PEN), agrees that if you’re going to try fat burners and specialty machines, your diet has to be altered.

“All that stuff does not work. If you’re not going to watch what you’re eating, what’s the point? You’re not going to get the benefits of it,” said Franz. “Fat burners, like Hydroxycut do work, but it’s not a miracle pill. It increases your energy, heart rate and metabolism, but you’re supposed to use it to work out. You can’t just take it and sit around and think it’s going to do all the hard work for you.”

Fad diets like “lose five pounds while sleeping,” the South Beach Diet and cookie diets all can be found in gossip magazines. Trainers all agree these are not productive methods to keep the weight off or to get healthy. In simple terms, Franz says you are what you eat.

“I hear clients say ‘well I’m on the Adkins diet,’ but they are carbohydrate depleting and don’t have any carbs supporting them,” said Franz. “In that diet you are only suppose to pull out the starchy carbs. It’s about limiting the amount of carbs you want.” It's important to eat healthy carbs, like fruits and vegetables, but we should limit our intake of other carbs like pastas, bread and rice.
Another issue trainers would like to address is just because you are working out, it doesn’t mean you can indulge in bad eating habits with no consequence.

“I’m exercising so I can eat a jelly donut. But you can’t do that, it’s defeating the purpose,” said Franz. “If you are working out and burning 1,000 calories you can gain 500 of them back in 30 minutes, because you decided you wanted to eat junk.”

Skipping meals also does not help weight loss. It only causes you to over indulge when you sit down to eat, says Cavazos.

“Even the stigma of eating before 6 p.m. reduces weight gain is incorrect,” said Cavazos. “If you eat 2,000 calories a day and you’re expending 1,000 a day, you’re going to gain weight regardless if it’s before 6 p.m. or after 6 p.m.”

Cavazos says he also has had clients that come in with the goal of losing weight or only toning certain parts of their bodies.

“Spot reducing does not happen. You can’t just lose weight in your stomach or from your arms. You lose weight evenly all over your body at the same time,” he said. “You never lose weight from only one area of your body.”

Another caution: watch out who says they are a personal trainer. The title does not necessarily mean they are certified or qualified to be one.

“Pick a good trainer. Look at results, experience, certification and appearance. All those are equally important,” said Cavazos. “Don’t just have someone that counts for you or moves pins on the weight machine for you.”

For more information about diet, exercise or training opportunities you can contact Frank Franz at (956) 827-4819 or Jaime Cavazos at (956) 451-2017.

The final installment of getting healthy in 2010 next week will offer tips on nutrition and how to stay motivated and on track with a proper exercise regimen.

Diocese of Brownsville: St. Peter’s Seminary 'unsalvageable' after fire

By Edwina P. Garza

MISSION — Following the September fire that gnawed through its roof and the wrecking crew that smashed its bones, the remains of the historic St. Joseph and St. Peter’s Seminary look like they belong on the set of a Hollywood blockbuster.

All that’s left is its facade.

On Sept. 5, an early morning fire gutted the historic building built in 1912. Mission fire officials previously said the fire was so great that the second and first floors collapsed into the basement.

The Diocese of Brownsville and then Bishop Raymundo J. Peña said the fire was a tremendous loss for the Catholic community and the Rio Grande Valley. The building was named after Pierre Yves Keralum known as the "lost missionary" or "El Padre Santo Perdido."

But on Feb. 8, a demolition crew began removing the remains of the building along Farm-to-Market 494, to the surprise of city and local church officials.

The demolition was recommended following a report from structural engineers.

“Based on the condition of the mortar in the load-bearing brick walls in accessible portions of the basement, the building cannot be salvaged and must be demolished,” structural engineers found, documents state.

According to a statement from the diocese, the demolition of the site doesn’t take away from the historical significance of the site, which was originally built to serve as a training center for Oblate priests.

“We are deeply saddened that the catastrophic fire of Sept. 5 left us with the remains of a historic building found to be unsalvageable,” the statement reads.

Bishop Daniel E. Flores was unaware of the demolition and met with staff on Feb. 11 for a briefing. Diocese officials said Flores is interested in the historical significance of the site and understands the concerns about the safety threats the damaged remains pose.

The Building and Property Department for the diocese hired R.L. Abatement out of Weslaco to apply for and obtain the demolition permit with Mission. But city officials said they knew nothing about the plans to demolish the site.

A copy of the permit clearly labels the permit as a demolition permit, issued Feb. 8, but the application, under description of work, the applicant wrote “clean debris.”

On Wednesday, Mission City Manager Julio Cerda said the city hasn’t met with diocese officials. Cerda said the city wants to offer the diocese any assistance it can in keeping what’s left of the historic site in the La Lomita District.

The building was vacant and not in use, diocese officials said. For 65 years, the building was a training center for priests. In 1974, the building was leased to the Tropical Texas Center for Mental Health and Mental Retardation. The Diocese of Brownsville, which acquired the property in 1999, planned to renovate the historical site. Several projects were in the works, including plans for a diocesan museum. The building was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and bore an official Texas Historical Marker. The building was constructed by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and housed their novitiate program until 1962.

Over the years when occupied, a kitchen, dining area and dormitory were built on the grounds. Later, after 1999, a chapel and faculty living quarters were added. Today, future priests for the Diocese of Brownsville begin their studies at the St. Joseph and St. Peter Junior College Seminary, church officials said previously.

In this week’s bulletin for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Fr. Roy Snipes, an Oblate priest who was one of the most vocal community members against the demolition said he was pleased with the new bishop’s quick response.

“How such a colossal insult to our history, heritage, culture and hearts could have taken place is still pretty confusing, but thanks to some real good folks, including our new bishop, we’ll make the most of the mess and keep a beautiful monument to our people and our story here,” Snipes wrote. “It looks like we need to get the word out better about our love and reverence for the symbols of our history, culture and heritage.”

O’Caña, ex-Councilman, announces candidacy for mayor

MISSION — Former Mission Councilman for Place 3 and former fire chief Dr. Armando O’Caña Sr. has announced his candidacy for mayor.

“I feel that with God, family, friends, neighbors, and the backing of all the community that (I) can serve the citizens of Mission best,” he said. “I promise to continue the economic growth and prosperity Mission is experiencing; but change those things that are not working well. I am an independent public servant candidate with no ties to any other candidates, parties or special interest groups. I ask not what my city can do for me; but, what I can do for my city.”

In his prepared statement, O’Caña noted that he wants to promote a fixed tax rate for all senior citizens, permanently disabled citizens and veterans who are living with a fixed retirement income. He said that during his two terms as city councilman he has proven himself to be honest, trustworthy, hardworking and dedicated to serving his community, and helping Mission progress and achieve its best under his leadership.

O’Caña cites his many experiences, such as city council liaison to the Boys & Girls club for six years, represented elected officials on the Hidalgo County 911 committee for six years, being the fire chief for over 25 years and as a alternated representative to the Amigos del Valle for six years and other positive attributes, strengths and vision that will be utilized to lead the City of Mission during harder times as well as during progressive good times today and whatever new challenges the future brings, his announcement states.

O’Caña said: “…not only did I get involved with the policy making process, administration and fundraising of the Mission Boys & Girls Club, I, also, coached five to seven year olds ‘kidos’ in basketball, T-ball, Mustang, and Little League baseball too.”

He cites that some of the best years of his life have been coaching his sons, their friends and neighborhood children, educating students, and being a public servant through the years. His said he was the first elected official to throw the first football toss of the current successful flag football program for the Mission Boys & Girls Club.

“I pledge to work for governmental efficiency at reasonable cost, bring technology into city government with intent to save money for our taxpayers, make decisions that are researched based and data driven, and work together with the current administration, council, and any new city council individual voted in at this next election,” he said.

O’Caña reported major projects he voted for and accomplished while serving as a city councilman for six years. They included participating in donating city land for the creation of the State of Texas Veterans Cemetery, providing infrastructure to support the creation of the Butterfly Park and the World Birding Center, increased police and fire protection, increased paving streets and alleys, improved drainage at Bryan Road and others, expanded the water plant, expanded the sewer plant, and expanded the library. With his support as councilman, the city built Fire Station # 3 and #4, and built Central Fire Station Command and Control Center. He supported economic development, opening many new businesses and attended many ribbon cutting ceremonies, supported the bridge opening, worked collaboratively with Mission Hospital Board on improving and expanding Mission Regional Medical Center, and continued public safety.

O’Caña stated that during his tenure in office as a city council member he voted against, raising water rates, sewer rates, garbage rates, and routing heavy traffic from the Bridge through South Bryan Road to the Expressway. O’Caña said he will not raise rates if the city services continue to do well and pay for themselves.

O’Caña cited his vision for Mission.

“My beliefs and values such as honesty, integrity and hard work are my strengths in moving Mission forward,” he said.

He said he wants to create a special fund to promote activities, beautification and businesses for the downtown area with a full time liaison dedicated to these services, and a retirement system for serving city council members and mayor.

"I believe that a city council member can dedicate his/her life to public service and may not finish his/her tenure with a retirement,” he said. “This is not businesslike and prudent.”

He said he wants to propose an international airport at current Moore Air Base site or a site to be determined by committee. He also wants to connect area schools and neighborhoods with sidewalks, connect North and South Inspiration at Business 83 with a by-pass or a cost effective road path to alleviate the traffic jams currently experienced by the west side citizens, continue paving, drainage and alley paving projects, continue economic development, create a commission for Home Land Security to protect Mission’s citizens, create a commission for Veterans Affairs and Social Services one stop center for coordinating county, state and federal services, create a commission for the Juvenile and Elderly Population, create a commission for Environmental Protection and Natural Resources “Go Green Mission!,” create a commission for International Affairs and Tourism with a full time Mission Ambassador of Good Will, build an Olympic size swimming pool at the Southwest side of Mission, build a library substation at the Northeast and Southeast sides of Mission, build police substations on the Northeast, Southeast, West and Northwest sides or neighborhood portable substations, create a 30-year improvement plan for the city with a vision, mission and goals and very intentional objectives, and create equal spending of taxpayer’s money toward four quadrants of the city.

O’Caña pledged to use taxpayers’ money with the same authority and good judgment that he uses with his own money. He wants to get the best for each dollar. O’Caña cites three major immediate concerns: drainage, sidewalk improvements and revitalizing downtown.

The mayoral candidate and his wife, Maria de Jesus Ortega O’Caña, have three sons, Armando Jr., Johnathan Lee, and Mathew James O’Caña; three grandchildren and three step grandchildren. Armando O’Caña Jr. is married to Spring Martinez O’Caña and Johnathan Lee O’Caña is married to Patricia Sanchez O’Caña.

As an educator for over 33 years, he has served as a math teacher, guidance and counseling counselor, assistant principal, principal, and is now serving as Dropout Prevention and School Safety Director under Student Services with the La Joya Independent School District. He is the president of HEROS, Inc., an organization dedicated and available to City of Mission first responders during on-duty crisis situations such as dying in the line of duty. He cites that he serves each organization, education and La Joya ISD with distinction, honor, and dedication. His most recent award was the Dioceses of Brownville promoter of Catholic Education.

O’Caña said he has been a member of Texas Association of Sports Officials for more than 33 years. He is sole proprietor of a company named AJM&M All Purpose Center, which prepares licensed professional counselor interns to take the National Counselor’s exam, supervises LPC Interns and provides continual educational training to already licensed professional counselors. He said 33 interns have successfully passed the National Counselor Exam under his guidance. He is also a service provider for the Texas State Department of Health Services.

O’Caña announced in his prepared statement that he is a master commission firefighter, certified arson investigator, and a member of the South Texas Arson Response Team. He has served as a local, state, national and international, as far south as Argentina, firefighter instructor, guest speaker and trainer.

“I have served at the state level on an advisory board as the chairman, vice chairman, and member of the Texas Volunteer Firefighter Advisory Committee,” he said “I have served our Rio Grande Valley firefighters and rose up and worked the ranks within five years to be the District Chief President of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Firefighters and Fire Marshall Association.”

He said he graduated from the National Fire Academy as executive fire officer making him the first and the only one in the history of the Mission Fire Department to achieve this highest national degree in the fire service.

O’Caña graduated with a Ph. D. from the University of Texas A&M at College Station in educational administration with emphasis in curriculum and instruction, masters and bachelor degrees from University of Pan American, associate degree from Texas Southmost College, high school diploma from Mission High School and attended grade school at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School.

O’Caña has resided in Mission for 55 years with his three family generations who have resided for over 70 years in the City of Mission.

He said a vote for him will be a vote to move “Mission Forward and United!”

Mission and Alton at Loggerheads over ETJ and CCN

MISSION — Despite court rulings clearly stating that the ETJ boundaries established in 1991 are to be honored, the tiny City of Alton just last month initiated annexation proceedings for land lying within Mission’s ETJ.

This action comes after last year’s attempt by Alton to provide sewer services for an area that also clearly falls within Mission’s ETJ.

Alton filed a request with the TCEQ to provide sewer service in an area to the west of Alton between La Homa and Bentsen Palm roads extending from Mile 4 Road to Mile 7 Road. This area is inside Mission’s western rural ETJ.

When Mission discovered Alton was attempting to add the area to its CCN, it filed its own request with TCEQ. Attorney Ivan Perez with Jones, Galligan, Key and Lozano in Weslaco, the firm handling the dispute for Mission, said not only is the land not in Alton’s ETJ for development, Alton has no sewer plant to handle the added flow. Alton’s sewer service is served by a McAllen sewer line extension.

Perez said the matter of who was in the best position to serve the area was to be heard beginning Feb. 23 at the State Office of Administration.

In January, Alton announced plans to annex the northern half of the Casa de los Vecinos Subdivision. It is located on 12 acres on the north side of Mile 6 Road, which is in Mission’s western ETJ.

Mission Planning Director Sergio Zavala said Mission’s five-mile ETJ now includes territory west of Moorefield Road to Mile 8 Road and north of Mile 6 Road. That includes the territory that Alton is currently trying to annex.

When the Progress Times spoke with Alton Assistant City Manager Steve Peña about the attempt to annex land in Mission’s ETJ, Peña explained that in 2004, Alton had passed an ordinance repealing the agreement on ETJs set between the two cities.

This dispute, which has kept the two cities in court for years, has been settled by the state, Mission’s attorney said. The matter was first heard in the 206th District Court, in Mission’s favor. Alton appealed the matter to the 13th District Court of Appeals. The matter was again resolved in favor of Mission. Alton then attempted to appeal the matter to the Texas Supreme Court, which refused to hear the case, letting the ruling of the 13th District Court stand. Alton’s ETJ was to remain as it was set in 1991.

Peña said while the courts had upheld the terms of the 1991 agreement with Mission over boundaries, both cities had broken the pact. He based his opinion on the wording of the 1991 agreement that states: “The City of Alton’s extraterritorial jurisdiction shall not extend south across, nor the City of Mission’s extraterritorial jurisdiction north of Mile 4 Road, and Alton’s extraterritorial jurisdiction shall not extend west nor Mission’s extraterritorial jurisdiction extend east of Moorefield Road, and Alton’s extraterritorial jurisdiction shall not extend north nor Mission’s extraterritorial jurisdiction extend south of Mile 6 Road.”

Peña said both cities had broken the agreement because Mission had agreed not to annex any territory north of Mile 4 Road.

In response to this alleged annexation violation, Zavala said Mission’s current city limits stops at Mile 3 Road.

In 2001, Alton unilaterally repealed the agreement with Mission with a city ordinance that states that in 1991 Mission and Alton had agreed to the boundary of the ETJs of the two cities.

Peña went on to say that in 2004 Alton annexed land along Moorefield Road to Mile 7 Road, which he conceded was also a violation of the 1991 agreement.

Alton City Manager Jorge Arcaute, who came to the city in 2007, told the Progress Times that he was under the impression the annexation was legal and not still under dispute anywhere. He said he assumed the land was on Alton’s tax rolls but could not confirm the area was being charged Alton city taxes without checking to confirm.

As to the proposed annexation of Casa de los Vecinos, Arcaute said Alton had decided not to pursue the annexation at this time to avoid another legal battle with Mission. The rest of the proposed annexation would go forward as planned but Alton simply was not willing to get into another costly legal battle with Mission over such a small tract of land.

Arcaute agreed with Peña that while the courts had upheld the 1991 ordinance setting ETJ boundaries, the matter of what land should end up in what city had not yet been settled. At some point Mission would have to come to the table and discuss what land should belong to Alton’s ETJ as the city exists in 2010.

Zavala disagreed with this position, and said Mission does not intend to cede any land in its ETJ to Alton.

Historical Background

Over the years, following development in metropolitan areas, the state stepped in and set tougher standards for rural development. They established standards for extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) for cities, giving larger cities more rural land to supervise. Mission was given jurisdiction over five miles outside its city limits with the first two and a half miles being considered suburban ETJ and the rest being considered rural ETJ. The city was to enforce city standards including water, sewer, lighting and street requirements in its ETJ that would match those of the city.

When the state guidelines were established, cities had to work out agreements that defined the ETJs of those cities. In 1991, Mission and Alton officials established their boundaries including their ETJs. The two cities signed an agreement to that effect and each signed an ordinance outlining the terms of the agreement.

Alton was given jurisdiction over the land between Mile 4 and 6 roads between Shary Road on the east and Moorefield Road on the west. This meant Mission gave up the land north of the 5 ½ Mile Line to Alton up to Mile 6 Road. By law, Mission actually had jurisdiction over this land north of 5 ½ Mile Line.

Mission Planning Director Sergio Zavala said the city decided to cede that land to Alton because there was not an established street at the 5 ½ Mile Line and it was easier to establish boundaries along established roads. Both cities signed the agreement.

This gave Alton jurisdiction over one-half mile in some areas of the city. And in some instances it was more than one-half mile.

Mission Classic Car Show is Feb. 27

The seventh annual Mission Classic Car Show will take place Saturday, Feb. 27, at Mission Sports Park at Sharyland Plantation. Admission is free and registration is free for show participants.

Mindy Schroeder, show coordinator, said registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the show will run through 5 p.m. Those who want to see all the cars in place should come after 11 a.m., though folks are welcome to come earlier. Judging will take place in the afternoon and the awards ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m.

In years past, the show allowed cars newer than 1976 to come and display only. But due to the growth of the show, only cars 1976 or older will be allowed to exhibit at the show, Schroeder said.

The vehicles to be shown are divided into four categories. Categories include classic cars, which includes any auto/truck older than 1976 that is in original or restored to original condition and specifications.

The Hot Rod/Custom category has changed and now includes vehicles 1949 to 1976 with modifications to drive train, body, suspension, interior, paint or wheels. It includes graphics, special paint, flames and pin striping.

The Street Rod/Custom category has also changed and now includes vehicles dated 1948 or older with modifications to drive train, body, suspension, interior, paint or wheels. They are also judged on graphics, special paint, flames and pin striping.

Muscle cars include automobiles 1964-1976 that are factory, high-performance American cars in original or restored to original condition and specifications.

The category for Specialty Cars will be part of the show again this year. These include survivor cars, one-of-a-kind cars, concept cars, and kit cars, 1976 and older models. Schroeder explained that a survivor car is like the car that belonged to grandma who only drove it to church or the grocery store once a week. It is aged and not necessarily pretty but it has survived many years with little or no damage. A concept car is one that was designed by a company such as GM but only produced one year. A kit car is one the designer built himself. This category is for cars that don’t fit in the other categories.

Schroeder stressed that the show is a hometown, home-grown, salt-of-the-earth show. It is not a national competition show. Vehicles will be judged on condition and presentation. While there might be a vehicle that has an authentic stripe dating to the year it was built, other cars in better condition with different striping or graphics might win the show. Conditioning and presentation are the criteria the judges will be seeking, not complete authenticity to original model designs.

“In the eyes of the judges, the best cars are going to win,” said Schroeder. “They will be the ones that are nicer looking, have a neat paint job and clean engine compartments. The overall look and quality of restoration will be what the judges are seeking.”

With over $5000 in prizes to be awarded, more cars are being attracted to the competition. Schroeder said cars were coming from several states. There are also Winter Texans who brought vehicles from Canada to show.

In addition to first, second and third place trophies in each category, there will be awards for Best of Show and Mayor’s Choice. People who attend the show will be asked to vote for Exhibitor’s Choice, Ladies’ choice and Kids’ choice. Other awards include best flames, best custom paint job, best convertible, best-restored truck, best foreign car and most unique engine.

A fundraiser for the Mission Boys and Girls Club will be held at the show.

Shirts, caps, tools and items related to cars will be on sale by vendors along with costume jewelry, cosmetics and other fun things. Schroeder said there will be more vendors with items for the ladies this year, in addition to the tools and stuff for the men.

Winter Texan appreciation drawings will be held every hour, and a deejay will play oldies music throughout the day.

DVDs will be for sale at the show with video from the past couple of shows.

For registration information, go to the website rgvoldcars.com, where a registration form and information can be printed, or call Schroeder at (956) 279-5885.

MCISD campus Teachers of the Year announced

MISSION — Each Mission Consolidated Independent School District campus has announced their selection for Teacher of the Year at their school.

These top teachers have now been entered into the MCISD Teacher of the Year program. It is from this program that one elementary and on secondary teacher will be selected to represent MCISD in the Regional Teacher of the Year contest.

Last year, Rosa Blanton from Leal Elementary School was selected as the District Elementary Teacher of the Year and Everardo Castellano from Mission High School was the Secondary Teacher of the Year.

The 15 elementary campus Teachers of the Year for this year are: Dolores Reyna, Alton Elementary School; Sonia Salinas, Bryan Elementary School; Fernando Perez, Cantu Elementary School; Roxann Martinez, Castro Elementary School; Yvonne Perez, Cavazos Elementary School; Gracie Rodriguez, Escobar/Rios Elementary School; Elizabeth Adkins, Leal Elementary School; Eduardo Martinez, Marcell Elementary School; Sandra Rios, Midkiff Elementary School; Sara McCormick, Mims Elementary School; Norma Garcia, Newcomers Academy; Antonio Urrabazo, O’Grady Elementary School; Lauro Flores, Pearson Elementary School; Nancy Cardenas, Salinas Elementary School; Nora (Terry) Gomez, Waitz Elementary School.

The seven secondary campus Teachers of the Year are: Mary Solis, Alton Memorial Jr. High School; Norma Carrera, K. White Jr. High School; Val Rossi, Mission Jr. High School; Belinda Hinojosa, R. Cantu Jr. High School; Josefina (Josie) Flores, Mission High School; Liz Montes, Veterans Memorial High School; Miguel Fraire, Roosevelt Alternative School.

Each of these 22 teachers is now filling out a questionnaire used in the Texas Teacher of the Year program. A panel of judges selected from the community will review the questionnaires. These judges will make the final selection of the two teachers to represent MCISD in the regional competition. The judges’ decision will be announced at a special Teacher of the Year luncheon to be held on National Teacher Day, May 4. The district administration and board of trustees will also honor each campus Teacher of the Year during this special luncheon.

Notice To Political Candidates

MISSION — Filing deadline for upcoming area city elections is March 8. It is the policy of the Progress Times – as it has been for many years – that the filing deadline is also the deadline to submit candidacy announcements for the news section of this newspaper.

This newspaper’s policy has been and remains that we will not publish political announcements submitted to our office after the filing deadline for that particular election, other than paid advertisements.

The deadline to submit announcements by candidates running in the May elections is 5 p.m., Monday, March 8.

Timely candidacy announcements are published in the news section of this newspaper free of charge. The candidate is allowed to include anything he wishes relative to his qualifications, education, professional, career and family background, as well as his vision relative to the office he seeks.

Disparaging statements about one’s opponent are not appropriate for such announcements and will not be published.

Announcements are subject to editing for libel and excessive length.

Candidates may drop off their announcement, along with a photo at our office 1217 N. Conway, Mission, or email it to news@progresstimes.net. Candidates are asked to include the name of the person submitting the announcement and a daytime telephone number.

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