TAMIU Students Hold County Judge, 49th District Court Candidate Debates

Texas A&M International University student organizations will hold two separate debates for candidates running for Webb County judge and 49th District Court judge in the upcoming March election.

The events are free and open to the public.

The first debate is for Webb County judge and is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. in Bullock Hall 101. The Political Science Students Association, a chartered student organization, will host incumbent Mercurio Martínez and candidate Louis Bruni.

The second debate is for 49th District Court judge and is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 21 at 5 p.m. in Bullock Hall 101. The Criminal Justice Association, another chartered student organization, will host incumbent Manuel Flores and candidate Rosaura Tijerina.

Laura Fernández, president of the Criminal Justice Association, said students and the community are encouraged to attend and hear candidates' views on various issues.

"Our organization has held these types of debates in the past and we do so in the hopes of encouraging people to vote. Debates are also a good way for people to become informed about the issues," Fernández said.

For further information on the Webb County Judge debate, please contact Dr. James Norris, Political Science Students Association faculty advisor, at 326-2607.

For information on the 49th District Court Judge debate, please contact Dr. Nasser Momayezi, at 326-2616. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu