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Friday, April 25, 1997

Judge still fights to repair reputation

By PAULINE ARRILLAGA

Associated Press Writer

EDINBURG, Texas (AP) - A year ago, Hidalgo County Judge J. Edgar Ruiz sat breathlessly in a courtroom as a jury prepared to render a verdict that would clear his name or send him to jail in disgrace.

Today, Ruiz remains the top elected official in one of the state's largest counties, acquitted of federal corruption charges but still fighting to repair his reputation amid an ongoing inquiry into possible ethics violations.

"The trial and what we went through was the lowest point," Ruiz, 45, said Thursday. "We've recovered some, but we haven't recovered all. It's going to be a lifelong commitment. Reputation is like that."

It was one year ago that a Laredo jury acquitted Ruiz and four other county officials on charges of awarding county business to select companies in exchange for more than $30,000 in bribes.

The verdict ended a two-year federal investigation into the county's administration - a probe that resulted in two trials, Ruiz's suspension from office and convictions against two county employees and a former county commissioner.

For Ruiz, the verdict brought vindication, relief and joy.

The Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct, which had suspended him after his 1995 indictment, reinstated the judge, enabling him to return to work just days after the verdict, to the cheers and applause of his employees.

But Ruiz's problems were far from over.

The commission soon launched its own investigation into the government's allegations to determine if Ruiz violated ethical standards. In December, the judge was called before the panel to answer the charges.

If it finds any wrongdoing, the commission could impose a punishment ranging from a private admonition to removal from office. It also could bar Ruiz from holding any other judicial seats.

Ruiz said he has not yet been notified of a decision, despite recent rumors that the panel has asked the judge to resign, something he says he has no plans to do.

If the commission initiates proceedings to remove him from office, Ruiz said he will contest the decision.

"I've got a lot of years to be in this community, and I want my reputation back, as much as possible," he said. "I will not accept any statement by any agency on either misconduct or illegalities. I'm ready; I will fight."

Ruiz, who has held his seat since 1986, already has said he won't seek re-election when his term expires in December 1998. However, he isn't ruling out a future run for another office.

"I will be active in politics all my life," said Ruiz, a former city manager who first became politically active at age 17, when his high school football coach asked him to distribute fliers for a candidate for county judge.

Ruiz said his immediate plans upon leaving office are to open a consulting firm and expand his land development business.

In the meantime, however, he said his primary concern is rebuilding Hidalgo County and the trust of its residents.

"We need checks and balances for county government, so that what happened doesn't happen again," he said.

Ruiz said that process already is under way. He cited the commissioner's court decision to replace the heads of the purchasing and auditing departments, which came under fire for inadequate procedures during last year's trial.

However, others said the county must do more to regain the trust of residents.

"We've got a long way to go," said County Commissioner Juan Rosel, who testified for the prosecution in the officials' trials. "The best thing we've got for us is a demanding citizenry that says you better shape up or you're gonna ship out."

Ruiz acknowledged that he'll never regain the trust of all Hidalgo County residents. However, he said he hoped that in most people's minds, his legacy would be that of an administrator who cared, not a corrupt politician.

"I think I opened the doors to the community. Anybody who wants to see me can stop me at the grocery store, call me at midnight," he said. "I just wanted to make a change. I saw government that was not leading, and I got it to lead." Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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