So, is Luigi Cristiano running again? You post doesn't mention it.
Melissa Zamora | Homepage | 03.06.08 - 6:21 pm | #

No.
Chris Davis | Homepage | 03.06.08 - 8:31 pm | #

We can thank Peter Zavaletta for that, Melissa. He manipulated the facts in the Dannenbaum case to spin them out of control and centered them around Luigi. He never mentioned, and everyone seemed to have forgotten, that all the monies that were paid to Dannenbaum were from 1999-2004, and before Luigi took office in May 2004. I know one can bring up the fact that he was recorded, but we must understand this: All the recordings in the world, however cleverly edited by either Dannenbaum or Zavaletta to fit their particular agendas, do not change that fact, period. Furthermore, those recordings did not otherwise affect the outcome of any litigation, as was explained to Peter, the Board and the public repeatedly by the attorneys involved. Coincidentally, that's when Peter continued to blame Luigi and stopped attending the meetings. The execution of a settlement agreement, however necessary it may be from a legal standpoint, was not sexy enough for Peter nor would it help his now known ulterior motive all along, to run for District Attorney.

I only thank God that people did not buy into Peter's circus of a campaign this time around and instead, spoke up and sent a decisive message (to borrow from your previous post, CD): DECLINED AT INTAKE.
Lift the Wool | 03.06.08 - 9:31 pm | #

Whoa Whoa Whoa. Let's not pull the wool over my eyes here.

You are correct that payments to Dannenbaum transpired between 1999-2004, prior to BND Commissioner Luigi Cristiano’s taking office in May 2004.

However, Brownsville Herald archives reflect that Cristiano had at least nine “I-am-your-friend” conversations with Dannenbaum between the fall of 2004 and Feb. 4, 2005. The talks occurred in “the midst of BND’s in-house investigation into the money spent on the failed bridge project, board talks of suing Dannenbaum and efforts to mediate the disputes with Dannenbaum — just before Dannenbaum filed its suit in Harris County.”

Perhaps Cristiano’s friendly chats were well-intentioned. Nonetheless, his providing Dannebaum with BND insider information is akin to the Dallas Cowboys sharing its play book with the Patriots.

You. Just. Don’t. Do. That.

Cristiano gave BND’s next move providing DEC the opportunity to trump us. And, guess what? They did. DEC subsequently filed suit in Harris County forcing BND legal counsel to suggest a settlement due to the unlikelihood of a BND victory.

I do believe had Cristiano not intervened, the BND could have recovered monies paid to DEC. Should that have occurred, taxpayers would not be as harsh and judgmental as they are now towards the current board, including Cristiano.

If you are to cast a portion of the blame on Peter Zavaletta -- who by the way also didn’t join the BND board until 2004 -- then Cristiano deserves to share it.
Melissa Zamora | Homepage | 03.07.08 - 2:15 pm | #

Whoa Melly! What "Insider information" are you talking about? The one you, I and the rest of the world heard either live at the meetings or on Google Video on this site?

Would you care to review those taped meetings when Peter announced from the roof tops that if Dannenbaum didn't come through he would put on the agenda, for the next meeting to take place two weeks later, an action item to sue them? All while knowing that a Dannenbaum representative was attending every board meeting?

Did you also happen to miss the meeting when Peter had put an item on the agenda to interview potential law firms interested in representing the BND in its proposed lawsuit against Dannenbaum?

Unlike sharing the Dallas Cowboys play book (which could contain literally hundreds of plays) with the Patriots, I think Peter's actions are akin to Tony Romo shouting the actual play he's about to run to Ted Bruschi.

Yet you are saying Cristiano is the one that ruined the "element of surprise?" Even more shocking is the fact that you actually believe that had Cristiano not "intervened", BND could have recovered monies paid to Dannenbaum. Did you ever think, even for a fraction of a second, that it could have had something to do with the fact that after many months and hundreds of attorney hours (including attorneys from approximately 6 different law firms) which included review of voluminous documents covering the work that was done but most importantly work that should have been done by Dannenbaum, and after reviewing the elements of the causes of action that would need to be proven at trial, that just ...... maybe ..... that too could have played the smallest of roles when deciding to execute the settlement agreement? Dannenbaum filed in Harris County so the facts change and the evidence disappears? D

I hope I addressed your concerns, however, going back to my original comment, if you read closely - I was trying to explain, in my personal opinion, as to why I thought Cristiano was not running for re-election. I did not blame Zavaletta for anything that happened before he joined the BND Board in 2004.

Saludos.
Lift the Wool | 03.08.08 - 12:06 am | #

WOW! Love it. Touuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuche!

Woolie, you are a vault of information, and I'd love to pick your brain sometime.

My knowledge comes from the many stories I edited and helped research with Herald reporter Emma Perez-Trevino.

I have just one simple question:

Where Cristiano's secret discussions with DEC appropriate considering that BND was moving toward suing them? Or, are those conservations reserved for representing attorneys?

Also, do you not feel that those discussions resulted or partly resulted in DEC's filing suit in Harris County? Like I said, although likely well-intentioned, I believe they far from helped us.
Melissa Zamora | Homepage | 03.08.08 - 10:38 am | #

BTW, please excuse my "corky" response. I'm feeling rather informal today, and I'm in a lively mood.
Melissa Zamora | Homepage | 03.08.08 - 10:40 am | #