In a vote of 3-2, Monday, El Paso County commissioners appointed Jo Anne Bernal as interim county attorney.
"I am very grateful for the appointment, iIm very excited," she said.
Bernal will now fill the vacancy left by Jose Rodriguez who recently announced he will run for the state Senate. Bernal has worked for Rodriguez since 1993, most recently as his first assistant. Although seen as qualified by County Judge Anthony Cobos, he and commissioner Dan Haggerty voted against Bernal's appointment.
"To appoint the number two makes some sense, however, I think it was too quick," Cobos says.
Local attorney, Mario Gonzalez says he hoped commissioners would have practiced a more open form of government when considering their selection.
"When I came last week to talk to commissioners court in public forum, I didn't ask to be appointed, but rather that they open the process so people who wanted to apply could come and apply and put their hat in the ring so to speak. After a thorough deliberation, then they could make a decision," said Gonzalez.
Bernal she plans to run for county attorney in next year's election. County Judge Cobos says that is another reason he disagrees with her appointment
"I don't think it's fair to make someone running for the position, interim, because it's giving them a distinct advantage because they can now run in the position as the incumbent," Cobos said.
Bernal will act as interim county attorney until the November 2010 general election.
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