Presidio
County Judge Joe Portillo appointed a new commissioner at last Wednesday’s court meeting to replace the resigning Precinct 3 commissioner, Franky Ortiz.
Obed Escontrias, who runs a freight company in Presidio, will take the seat, which has about two years and nine months remaining in the term. Precinct 3 covers a good portion of the city of Presidio and west past Candelaria.
Escontrias, who also graduated from Presidio High School served on the Presidio City Council in the mid-teens as mayor pro tem and then as mayor for six months to fill a vacancy. He said he plans to focus on the basics—roads and “keeping the money flowing in” with hopes of new revenue.
Under Texas law, the judge may appoint someone directly. The appointed commissioner can then file an application for the November general election ballot, and other candidates can file as well to fill out the unexpired term.