By Mary Ann Cavazos, Jaime Powell Posted March 18, 2010 at 11:12 a.m. , updated March 18, 2010 at 5:06 p.m.
CORPUS CHRISTI — Hours after Gov. Rick Perry announced Anna Jimenez was his choice for Nueces County district attorney she was surrounded by fellow Republicans and some Democrats, as she was sworn in. Jimenez, 40, is the first woman and first Hispanic Republican to hold the post — two points she brought up during the informal swearing ceremony officiated by 13th Court of Appeals Justice Rose Vela, a fellow Republican. “I wanted to get the process done so I can get to work,” Jimenez said. Jimenez will fill the spot vacated by longtime District Attorney Carlos Valdez, who now is city attorney. About 40 well wishers, including Sheriff Jim Kaelin, County Judge Loyd Neal, County Commissioner Mike Pusley, County Commissioner-elect Joe McComb and District Judge Tom Greenwell, all Republicans, were among those who cheered. Democrats, including Valdez, lawyer Bill Edwards and District Judge J. Manuel Bañales also attended, which several Republicans said signals Jimenez has support across party lines. “I’m so proud of you,” Valdez told Jimenez, hugging her. Speaking to the crowd, Valdez called Jimenez’s appointment historic and added that he believed Gov. Perry made a good choice. Jimenez has been a prosecutor in Valdez’s office since 2006. “I know her abilities and her work ethic,” Valdez said. “I know she will do an excellent job.” Valdez said he had to attend what he called a historic moment for Nueces County. First Assistant District Attorney Mark Skurka also interviewed in Austin for the job. Valdez said Skurka also would have been a fine pick for a position he feels should be nonpartisan. “There’s no Democratic or Republican way to prosecute or judge a case,” he said. Jimenez will seek the Republican nomination for a November special election to complete the final two years of Valdez’s unexpired term. Skurka had served as acting district attorney until Jimenez’s appointment. He intends to seek the Democratic nomination for the position. Several key Republicans supported Jimenez for the job and are likely to support her as their nominee, a decision that will be made by the party’s precinct chairs. Neal, Pusley, State Rep. Todd Hunter, businessman Mike Scott, businessman Dick Bowers, lawyer Lance Bruun as well as former GOP party chairmen Mike Bertuzzi and Joel Yowell sent a list of potential candidates for the district attorney job to the governor and listed pluses and minuses for each, Pusley said. Jimenez, who has an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and a law degree from Texas Southern University, was a standout among the group, several said. She has longtime ties to the local GOP, Pusley said. “We think No. 1 that she will make a good D.A. Secondly, we think she is electable in November,” Pusley said. “We have to look at people who we think are electable.” Valdez spent 17 years leading the District Attorney’s Office. The district attorney’s salary is $136,000.
Comments » 63 March 18, 2010 11:27 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post rmacjr writes: I don't know much about Anna Jimenez but I was really hoping that Mark Skurka would get the job. Mark has my vote in November. March 18, 2010 11:55 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post Bsd2thebone writes: Hope she is a good republican. March 18, 2010 12:03 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post mannesq32#719940 writes: in response to rmacjr: I don't know much about Anna Jimenez but I was really hoping that Mark Skurka would get the job. Mark has my vote in November. Thank you. He has my vote too. Who is Anna Jimenez? How long has she been employed vs. Mark Skurka? March 18, 2010 12:07 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post baylorattorney writes: poor choice. March 18, 2010 12:20 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post Juaners writes: in response to mannesq32#719940: Thank you. He has my vote too. Who is Anna Jimenez? How long has she been employed vs. Mark Skurka? And this people, is why Corpus Christi will never change. I have spent enough time in court to know Mrs. Jimenez is more than qualified for the position of District Attorney. She's got my vote come November. March 18, 2010 12:30 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post poutygoddess2971#715862 writes: They need to get completely new bloood in there. March 18, 2010 12:46 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post Maylene writes: I kind of was disappointed he did not chose Mark Skurka, but then it clicked on me that Anna must be Republican. So, guess what??? I am voting for Mark Skurka come November. March 18, 2010 1:17 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post Brioni writes: The corruption continues, if she's any relation to Fred Jimenez you can bet she won't be fair. The blood runs in the same veins, Fred is the most un ethical attorney who preys on his victims. He will sell out his client for a dollar, not to say these criminals shouldn't be put in jail, but defend them according to the oath they have taken as attorneys. I think Mrs. Jimenez has her own skeletons to deal with at home. March 18, 2010 1:22 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post boboso78411 writes: in response to Maylene: I kind of was disappointed he did not chose Mark Skurka, but then it clicked on me that Anna must be Republican. So, guess what??? I am voting for Mark Skurka come November. First, how can you vote for Skurka in November if his name isn't on the ballot. He has not been chosen by the precinct chairs. He has lost elections before and he will again. How funny is it that he was willing to turn republican for this appointment but when he doesn't get it he runs back to the democrats. Second, Mrs. Jimenez has done this community a great service while at the DA's Office. If you do the research you will find this out. She will do a great job. March 18, 2010 1:23 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post jks writes: Anna Jimenez - licensed 11/2000 Mark Skurka - licensed 11/1986 per the State Bar website March 18, 2010 1:40 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post baylorattorney writes: The republicans would have you believe that the best person for the job is not electable. That the most qualified and experienced individual cannot win votes. The republicans would have you believe you are not qualified to cast a vote responsibly. March 18, 2010 1:41 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post cmm writes: "Valdez, a Democrat, spent 17 years leading the District Attorney’s Office" plenty of time for a Dem in the position... March 18, 2010 1:43 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post NuecesResident writes: Given the list of people involved in the nomination of qualified individuals, I would be inclined to say they carefully reviewed the potential candidates they sent to Rick Perry. Those listed would not put their name or their character on the line by asking for someone who WAS NOT qualified to be considered. As for Skurka, he has sat in the shadows for too long. He is part of the previous administration and more than likely would not provide any change to the functions of the office or the pursuit of the bad boys (girls) of CC. I wish Ms. Jimenez the best of luck in this new endeavor. I applaud her for her accomplishments in prosecuting some really sick individuals that prey upon our most vulnerable citizens - our children. Anyone who can take on these sick B*S*A*D* deserves a little more credit than some of you, with negative comments, have provided. March 18, 2010 1:44 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post peaceloveservice#702819 writes: Judge's should NOT be appointed or elected based on their political party. Judge's should be appointed or elected based on their own philosophy of the law and how to handle criminals. I'll give you an example. Judge Shamsie is a democrat who is smart, compassionate, and willing to bend backwards for kids. However, although these qualities help him as a judge, they also make him a judge that the kid's take advantage of. When it's all said and done, he has done nothing more than ENABLE these kids to continue their drug usage and criminal behavior. Just passing the buck to the adult system. by the way, I like Judge Shamsie as a man, however, as a judge he does a disservice to our community. I could care less if Ms. Jimenez is a democrat or republican. I just want to know how she intends to handle criminals and what her personal philosophy is regarding the criminal justice system. Is she for incarceration, rehabiliation, or just letting offenders slide until they really screw up. How does she plan to work with the Adult Probation and Parole Dept.? Does she believe in the death penalty ? If yes, for what offenses ? What changes does she plan to make at the DA's Office ? Why ? In closing, I feel we need Judge's that are fair, firm and tough. Give the criminal one or two chances and on strike 3 say bye-bye. The time has come to get tough on crime and take back our streets. March 18, 2010 1:52 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post NuecesResident writes: in response to peaceloveservice#702819: Judge's should NOT be appointed or elected based on their political party. Judge's should be appointed or elected based on their own philosophy of the law and how to handle criminals. I'll give you an example. Judge Shamsie is a democrat who is smart, compassionate, and willing to bend backwards for kids. However, although these qualities help him as a judge, they also make him a judge that the kid's take advantage of. When it's all said and done, he has done nothing more than ENABLE these kids to continue their drug usage and criminal behavior. Just passing the buck to the adult system. by the way, I like Judge Shamsie as a man, however, as a judge he does a disservice to our community. I could care less if Ms. Jimenez is a democrat or republican. I just want to know how she intends to handle criminals and what her personal philosophy is regarding the criminal justice system. Is she for incarceration, rehabiliation, or just letting offenders slide until they really screw up. How does she plan to work with the Adult Probation and Parole Dept.? Does she believe in the death penalty ? If yes, for what offenses ? What changes does she plan to make at the DA's Office ? Why ? In closing, I feel we need Judge's that are fair, firm and tough. Give the criminal one or two chances and on strike 3 say bye-bye. The time has come to get tough on crime and take back our streets. Thank you PeaceLoveService for having a brain and the ability to use it to make rational comments. I also agree with you about Shamsie. Great as a person, but not good at administering appropriate decisions with the juveniles. Hopefully, time will tell us more about Ms. Jimenez and her stance on the situations you addressed. However, I am more than sure she will prove herself worthy of our vote. March 18, 2010 1:53 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post baylorattorney writes: James Sales, also on the list, would have been a much more qualified DA. He headed the misdemeanors division of Nueces County DA, NTM all of the gang prosecutions he succeeded at in spite of death threats, and when he ran for judge, he made a good showing. March 18, 2010 2:16 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post boboso78411 writes: in response to baylorattorney: James Sales, also on the list, would have been a much more qualified DA. He headed the misdemeanors division of Nueces County DA, NTM all of the gang prosecutions he succeeded at in spite of death threats, and when he ran for judge, he made a good showing. He headed the misdemeanor division until he was demoted. March 18, 2010 2:35 p.m. Reply to this post Silver writes: (This comment was removed by the site staff.) March 18, 2010 2:38 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post fish2026#283478 writes: I actually know Anna Jimenez- I've done cases against her before she became a prosecutor. She is a good person and a good attorney-totally honest. Her 3 years experience is a bit short for being an elected DA, but overall she is a good choice. Of Course I'm suspicious of anything Rick Perry does but I do like Todd Hunter. March 18, 2010 3:01 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post myjulian2000#416684 writes: in response to rmacjr: I don't know much about Anna Jimenez but I was really hoping that Mark Skurka would get the job. Mark has my vote in November. Mark Skurka has 5 votes from my household. Go Mark! March 18, 2010 3:13 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post Freedom_Lover writes: Again Gov. Good Hair goes for the good little republican, not the best qualified person. Heavy sigh. March 18, 2010 3:44 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post Bsd2thebone writes: in response to Silver: (This comment was removed by the site staff.) What does chubby have to do with it? Like Skurka is lean? March 18, 2010 3:50 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post princeton1234 writes: Ok this lady has had only, mmm, 10 years experience (mainly defense). She literally went to the worst lawschool in the country. And used to be democrat and recently changed to be the republican nominee, just so she would be nominated! James Sales should of been nominated at least for the Republican nomnination, he went to the University of Houston. Why would anyone want a gossipy, lying, and ill willed vindictive person to run for this position? I really hope Mark Skurka wins this position, he has entirely way too much experience and has been an attorney since 1986. I guess that is corpus for you. Upcoming voters, think and do your research. It may not have to much of a difference in your lives but it can. It will make a difference for the victims of crimes. And I think Mark Skurka will care more for the victims than Mrs. Anna Jimenez. March 18, 2010 4:21 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post mackattack writes: in response to peaceloveservice#702819: Judge's should NOT be appointed or elected based on their political party. Judge's should be appointed or elected based on their own philosophy of the law and how to handle criminals. I'll give you an example. Judge Shamsie is a democrat who is smart, compassionate, and willing to bend backwards for kids. However, although these qualities help him as a judge, they also make him a judge that the kid's take advantage of. When it's all said and done, he has done nothing more than ENABLE these kids to continue their drug usage and criminal behavior. Just passing the buck to the adult system. by the way, I like Judge Shamsie as a man, however, as a judge he does a disservice to our community. I could care less if Ms. Jimenez is a democrat or republican. I just want to know how she intends to handle criminals and what her personal philosophy is regarding the criminal justice system. Is she for incarceration, rehabiliation, or just letting offenders slide until they really screw up. How does she plan to work with the Adult Probation and Parole Dept.? Does she believe in the death penalty ? If yes, for what offenses ? What changes does she plan to make at the DA's Office ? Why ? In closing, I feel we need Judge's that are fair, firm and tough. Give the criminal one or two chances and on strike 3 say bye-bye. The time has come to get tough on crime and take back our streets. I agree. Just a quick and friendly clarification for you, though: Ms. Jimenez would be running for County DA, not Judge. March 18, 2010 4:45 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post mannesq32#719940 writes: in response to jks: Anna Jimenez - licensed 11/2000 Mark Skurka - licensed 11/1986 per the State Bar website Thank you. March 18, 2010 4:50 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post mannesq32#719940 writes: in response to Juaners: And this people, is why Corpus Christi will never change. I have spent enough time in court to know Mrs. Jimenez is more than qualified for the position of District Attorney. She's got my vote come November. YOU DID NOT ANSWER THE QUESTION! IT IS OK....NOW I KNOW! March 18, 2010 5:09 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post dwp007#715457 writes: Smart, ethical, fair minded, able to see both sides of a case, good person, good lawyer. March 18, 2010 6:01 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post princeton1234 writes: Ugh didn't she go to literally worst lawschool in the nation? And James Sales went to the University of Houston... James Sales should of at least gotten the Republican nomination. I mean Mrs. Jimenez originally was a democrat. March 18, 2010 6:28 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post rd123 writes: If Skurka was the man for the job he should have made his move a long time ago. Sales? Misdemeanor div? Please. The lady thats been prosecuting the sick perverts preying on our children will get my vote everytime. March 18, 2010 6:30 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post clash writes: I sat on a jury for a trial she tried, good lawyer, did a good job. I say she gets a chance to show her stuff,might have to chance your mund. March 18, 2010 7:39 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post sandworks writes: ~~~~~??? its a family affair ~~~~ IIIt's a family affair!!!~~~~~ Or its political sausage. March 18, 2010 7:45 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post Texas43 writes: If that is all our Governor can come up with, oh well. Poor choice. Typical South Texas. March 18, 2010 7:54 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post liz_gutierrez2000#236895 writes: I was hoping Mark Skurka would get the DA position/ Mr. Skurka has my vote and support March 18, 2010 8:05 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post RobertBurns writes: in response to boboso78411: First, how can you vote for Skurka in November if his name isn't on the ballot. He has not been chosen by the precinct chairs. He has lost elections before and he will again. How funny is it that he was willing to turn republican for this appointment but when he doesn't get it he runs back to the democrats. Second, Mrs. Jimenez has done this community a great service while at the DA's Office. If you do the research you will find this out. She will do a great job. Wrong, my friend, Mr. Skurka was NOT willing to switch parties. And I respect that, because, regardless of what party you affiliate with, it's nice to know there are people who won't trade political affiliations out of ambition. March 18, 2010 8:29 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post NuecesResident writes: in response to RobertBurns: Wrong, my friend, Mr. Skurka was NOT willing to switch parties. And I respect that, because, regardless of what party you affiliate with, it's nice to know there are people who won't trade political affiliations out of ambition. Skurka was willing, in the beginning, to run as a Republican. I have it on good-faith, from a very reputable source, that he did state that to several in the party and then changed his mind. So, you need to check with MS before you state something on a topic which you may not have received complete information. March 18, 2010 9:19 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post SueBHuni writes: Ahhh ... South Texas Politics ... anyone with any real connections in our Sparkling City knows the best candidate was and is Mark Skurka. Look at most every major case (Selena, Candyman ... etc.) since he came on board and you will find he was lead or 1st assistant on most all of them. And successful at most all of them. Who with any sense would choose someone with barely 10 years experience? This choice from a man who uses more AquaNet than Dolly Parton. WRONG CHOICE HAIR SPRAY BOY! March 18, 2010 9:50 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post angggarza writes: in response to Silver: (This comment was removed by the site staff.) Obviously you’re ignorant if you think she is chubby and if you think that her weight has ANYTHING to do with her ability to make Corpus Christi a safer place to live! March 18, 2010 9:55 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post angggarza writes: in response to Brioni: The corruption continues, if she's any relation to Fred Jimenez you can bet she won't be fair. The blood runs in the same veins, Fred is the most un ethical attorney who preys on his victims. He will sell out his client for a dollar, not to say these criminals shouldn't be put in jail, but defend them according to the oath they have taken as attorneys. I think Mrs. Jimenez has her own skeletons to deal with at home. First of all Fred Jimenez is an EXCELLENT attorney and second of all Ann Jimenez will be an excellent DA for Corpus Christi!!!!! March 18, 2010 10:30 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post bellaelle70#253755 writes: Great choice! Anna has my vote. She is more than qualified and has tons of ethics. March 18, 2010 10:39 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post myjulian2000#416684 writes: in response to NuecesResident: Skurka was willing, in the beginning, to run as a Republican. I have it on good-faith, from a very reputable source, that he did state that to several in the party and then changed his mind. So, you need to check with MS before you state something on a topic which you may not have received complete information. I believe you have Mark confused with Hunter. He turned but once a democrat always a democrat! March 19, 2010 12:42 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post conveidt writes: Rick Perry is courting the Hispanic vote in the upcoming Govenor's race so it's no surprise that he picked the only Hispanic candidate. I hope she's a better lawyer than her law school usually turns out. TSU is the worst law school in the state if not one of the worst in the country. March 19, 2010 1:45 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post Txtrnsplnt062 writes: Conveidt, you nailed it. Once the smoke clears, reality is not far behind. At the end of the day, it's all about the politics. It certainly isn't about quals; it's party affiliation and making citizens, in particular hispanics, and women voters, feel good. I'll wager you, this deal was struck some time ago to even the playing field. The talk in previous post was Valdez couldn't win another election. He opted to move over to city atty and create an open slot in the DA's office. Gov Rick blessed it, done deal. It's temporary, but it fits. If Ms Jimenez decides to run for the position, and wins, Gov has jumped started her career. If she runs and loses, but makes a decent showing, she'll have name recognition. This opens a world of political promises. (First woman hispanic appointed, etc.) Inquiring minds want to know...who is Ms Jiminez?} The process has begun. March 19, 2010 5:50 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post medom2000#300720 writes: in response to peaceloveservice#702819: Judge's should NOT be appointed or elected based on their political party. Judge's should be appointed or elected based on their own philosophy of the law and how to handle criminals. I'll give you an example. Judge Shamsie is a democrat who is smart, compassionate, and willing to bend backwards for kids. However, although these qualities help him as a judge, they also make him a judge that the kid's take advantage of. When it's all said and done, he has done nothing more than ENABLE these kids to continue their drug usage and criminal behavior. Just passing the buck to the adult system. by the way, I like Judge Shamsie as a man, however, as a judge he does a disservice to our community. I could care less if Ms. Jimenez is a democrat or republican. I just want to know how she intends to handle criminals and what her personal philosophy is regarding the criminal justice system. Is she for incarceration, rehabiliation, or just letting offenders slide until they really screw up. How does she plan to work with the Adult Probation and Parole Dept.? Does she believe in the death penalty ? If yes, for what offenses ? What changes does she plan to make at the DA's Office ? Why ? In closing, I feel we need Judge's that are fair, firm and tough. Give the criminal one or two chances and on strike 3 say bye-bye. The time has come to get tough on crime and take back our streets. I also agree with you and that is how people should be appointed. March 19, 2010 5:57 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post jeohardrider#710144 writes: I do hope the democrats give Mark the chance to run. He been very good for the people and always seek the truth. March 19, 2010 6 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post pmorin#314328 writes: I know Anna Jimenez very well. She has worked with the most extreme child abuse cases in Nueces County and advocated fairly on behalf of children and families most people would rather forget. She served as my son's attorney ad-litem in a very high conflict custody case. She is professional, fair, hard-working and accessible. I know she will do an excellent job for Nueces County because she cares about knowing her facts and doing the right thing. There is nothing "political" about her. I am not a fan of Gov. Rick Perry, but in this case he has done something right. March 19, 2010 6:14 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post nepdcc#401467 writes: Judge Shamsie is a good judge (doesn't kow-tow to the know-nothings that usually comment here). Judge Banales, a democat has been in office too long and is abusive as a judge. Judge Greenwell, a republican, is a decent and honest judge. Party affiliation is not a good determinant of who is best for this type of office. Ana Jimenez is a smart, honest prosecutor. Skurka is experienced, but appears a bit opportunistic. Most voters have no idea who either of these two are, and many vote along party lines, with little concern or knowledge for qualifications. March 19, 2010 7:07 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post ridley writes: Skurka was offered the job if he turned republican, thought about it and turned it down. The real villain in this is Carlos Valdez, who after years of support from his party jumped ship after it was too late for a dem to be picked to run for office in the primary. His timing that threw the potential prosecution of kostelnik for perjury into limbo is also questionable, seeing how it would invalidate the city's choice for the port commissioner and his votes on crucial 4-3 votes. Now carlos abandons the dems to perry, draws 100k per year retirement from the county and 135k from the city. what an opportunist and disloyal individual. March 19, 2010 7:52 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post mawnpa#245297 writes: Give Ms. Jimenez a chance. So much can happen between now and elections. How long did it take our President to sink us into trillions of debt? If Ms. Jimenez can do the job, what difference does her political affiliation make? She's been given a big job and hopefully she'll receive the support from those within her office. Good luck. March 19, 2010 7:59 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post fish2026#283478 writes: ridely Give us some evidence that Skurk was offered the job if he turned Republican. You might have to give us your name too. Im just curious I think he would be a good DA but I know Anna and think she will be fine too. March 19, 2010 8:25 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post sun97keyvol writes: in response to ridley: Skurka was offered the job if he turned republican, thought about it and turned it down. The real villain in this is Carlos Valdez, who after years of support from his party jumped ship after it was too late for a dem to be picked to run for office in the primary. His timing that threw the potential prosecution of kostelnik for perjury into limbo is also questionable, seeing how it would invalidate the city's choice for the port commissioner and his votes on crucial 4-3 votes. Now carlos abandons the dems to perry, draws 100k per year retirement from the county and 135k from the city. what an opportunist and disloyal individual. You have no clue on what you are saying. I am sure you dont have any proof showing that Skurka was offered the job if he turned republican. March 19, 2010 8:28 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post KingCo writes: Just do the job, and do it well. We can woulda, coulda, shoulda this appointment to death. Very interestng reading...I think we should call in Fox Molder to investigate this matter further. March 19, 2010 8:30 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post sun97keyvol writes: in response to Brioni: The corruption continues, if she's any relation to Fred Jimenez you can bet she won't be fair. The blood runs in the same veins, Fred is the most un ethical attorney who preys on his victims. He will sell out his client for a dollar, not to say these criminals shouldn't be put in jail, but defend them according to the oath they have taken as attorneys. I think Mrs. Jimenez has her own skeletons to deal with at home. Not all people with the last name Jimenez are related. BTW how do you know ANYTHING about Mrs. Jimenez's home life? Sounds to me you are jealous that someone is succeeding in life. March 19, 2010 9:14 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post Brioni writes: in response to sun97keyvol: Not all people with the last name Jimenez are related. BTW how do you know ANYTHING about Mrs. Jimenez's home life? Sounds to me you are jealous that someone is succeeding in life. Far from being jealous, just see the realities for what and who they are. March 19, 2010 9:56 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post sun97keyvol writes: in response to Brioni: Far from being jealous, just see the realities for what and who they are. You are defaming her for your own pleasure. You ARE not only jealous but also a liar. March 19, 2010 10:35 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post csmith12#252012 writes: My family has had the pleasure of working with Anna. Lets just say she did justice for my family and she is an AWESOME attourney. I was very impressed, on how she takes control and protects our children from these low life scums we have out there in our community. Hey people, dont hate because she is hispanic & doing well.. the is great for her, you all need to do the research of her cases and who cares for how long or where she went to school.. GROW UP PEOPLE March 19, 2010 11:07 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post boboso78411 writes: I know Skurka and Jimenez. I think they are both good attorneys. But there needs to be change in that office. There needs to be a new administration. Skurka has been leading that office with Carlos Valdez for too long. Everyone complains about the DA's office and now that there is someone new at the helm they are complaining less than 24 hours later. Let Mrs. Jimenez show the community that she is going to do a great job. By the way, I have talked to several people in that office who say that are so excited that she is now the DA. Several of these people were ready to move on if Skurka took over. March 19, 2010 11:35 a.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post BlueBlood writes: Pusley plays alot of political games. Do not be fooled. "Longtime ties to local GOP" MY FOOOT!!! How convenient for Jimenez to sell out so quickly. Skurka is a longtime servant to our county as 1st assistant to the DA and should do no other than to move up as DA. VOTE MARK SKURKA!!! March 19, 2010 12:07 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post cc_born_and_raised writes: in response to csmith12#252012: My family has had the pleasure of working with Anna. Lets just say she did justice for my family and she is an AWESOME attourney. I was very impressed, on how she takes control and protects our children from these low life scums we have out there in our community. Hey people, dont hate because she is hispanic & doing well.. the is great for her, you all need to do the research of her cases and who cares for how long or where she went to school.. GROW UP PEOPLE There's always one in the crowd that has to pull the race card isn't there. People are not ragging on her because she is Hispanic, they are doing it because she became Republican to get the job and lacks experience compared to her competitors for the position. I don't personally know enough about either one of them to pick one over the other at this point. March 19, 2010 4:26 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post Seal writes: I just hope Mark Skurka and Bill White both win election in November. March 19, 2010 4:50 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post suddenlyic writes: in response to nepdcc#401467: Judge Shamsie is a good judge (doesn't kow-tow to the know-nothings that usually comment here). Judge Banales, a democat has been in office too long and is abusive as a judge. Judge Greenwell, a republican, is a decent and honest judge. Party affiliation is not a good determinant of who is best for this type of office. Ana Jimenez is a smart, honest prosecutor. Skurka is experienced, but appears a bit opportunistic. Most voters have no idea who either of these two are, and many vote along party lines, with little concern or knowledge for qualifications. First of all, Judge Shamsie IS a good judge and a BETTER county judge, Judge Greenwell is "decent" judge and Judge Banales is a great judge. For you to say that he is abusive as a judge is a joke. Your saying that party affliation is not a good determinant of who is best for the job? Quit trying to convince yourself, if you really think that, then why was it so important for Ana Jimenez and Angelica Hernandez to jump ship? You are double talking. Then, you have the nerve to say Skurka is a bit opportunistic-Please!!! last time I checked he wasn't the one who jumped ship under pressure. If Anna could make such a drastic decision because she was under pressure imagine what she will do as DA. Go Skurka March 19, 2010 4:51 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post TrueBlue writes: One of the things I didn't see posted is the most important issue of all: salaries for the working trial lawyers. The assistant DA's are paid less than small farming community ADA's. You aren't going to get good government trial lawyers if you pay them nothing. The only high paying lawyer in that office is the DA. Yea, most criminals will be found guilty even with a bad prosecutor because its blatantly obvious they are guilty, but it makes a huge difference when you are prosecuting the smarter, more experienced criminals. Whoever the permanent DA will be wont make much of a difference because his/her biggest problem will be a huge turnover rate due to the commissioners rather giving themselves a pay increase. March 19, 2010 8:41 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post txwolf writes: in response to angggarza: Obviously you￢ﾀﾙre ignorant if you think she is chubby and if you think that her weight has ANYTHING to do with her ability to make Corpus Christi a safer place to live! You judge people by the size of their waistline? The lady is smart and able to do the job. If you can show me a SKINNY lawyer or politico..good luck finding one. I have watched both people argue in court. The are both excellent. Just keep arguing about silly things like political party lines and make the criminals laugh... March 19, 2010 10:20 p.m. Suggest removal Reply to this post NuecesResident writes: in response to TrueBlue: One of the things I didn't see posted is the most important issue of all: salaries for the working trial lawyers. The assistant DA's are paid less than small farming community ADA's. You aren't going to get good government trial lawyers if you pay them nothing. The only high paying lawyer in that office is the DA. Yea, most criminals will be found guilty even with a bad prosecutor because its blatantly obvious they are guilty, but it makes a huge difference when you are prosecuting the smarter, more experienced criminals. Whoever the permanent DA will be wont make much of a difference because his/her biggest problem will be a huge turnover rate due to the commissioners rather giving themselves a pay increase. Dear True Ill-Informed: The last time, go check the minutes, the Commissioners approved raises for themselves was during Peggy Banales tenure and that was somewhere around 4 years ago. The one you should be complaining about having too many pay increases are the divas behind the computers in the courtroom - the court reporters. Most of them make at least $20-30k more per year (and that is just on the county pay - not all their "other" pay) than the ADA's. As for "prosecuting the smarter, more experienced criminals", the ADA goes to battle with the Defense Attorney moreso than the "accused". Many who do work in the DA's office are there because they WANT to make a difference, then there are those who are there collecting a check and not doing a thing (which is par for the course for many in the courthouse). www.caller.com/news/2007/aug/21/county-commissioners-get-25-pay-raise/
