THE STORY: Mayor Larry Melton cast the tie-breaking vote against Art Leal joining the Odessa Development Corp.
After a rare closed session, councilmen Bill  Cleaver and Benjamin Velasquez, who nominated Leal, voted for Leal's appointment to the board of the ODC which has awarded millions in economic development incentives since its creation in 1997. James Goates and Royce Bodiford voted against the appointment. Councilman Dean Combs didn't attend the meeting.

THE LINK: www.oaoa.com/news/leal-32792-board-odessa.html

YOUR COMMENTS:

>> longmont: "Larry Melton should have recused himself simply to have avoided any possible appearance of personal issues. The vote could have simply been put of until Mr Coombs could or would attend. Would have been a simple way to avoid that little dust up.
Pretty much hit the nail on the head ccc0925.."

>> fayehall: "Now, why would I want to expose myself to more propaganda by going to Una whatever. Go to Art's blog. He's an American but still a Mexican in his heart. From the blog entries he's made for several years, he will never change. He's waiting for the hispanics to "roll over" the U.S. His words, not mine. I'll just continue to vote for those who will represent the whole, thanks anyway."

>> foxloadler: "I believe an Appointment is an Appointment.
When City Councilman Velasquez Appointed Art,
the City Council should have Honor his Appointment.
It's a matter of Courtesy to a Fellow Member.
To me, it's an Insult to Mr. Valasquez.
Basically, the City Council is Saying:
"Mr. Valasquez, we tell you who to Appoint."
I am against any City Governmental Body Dictating it's
will to an Elected Official.It's very Un-American.
Mr. Valasquez Represents a Section of the City and, he
knows what's best for that Section of the City and Not the Mayor."

>> thejet73: "Well said ccc0925... It is time for the Hispanic community to wake up and speak up. Not all Hispanics are a burden in this community. I was a single mom for several years and never lived off of the government. I worked two jobs and went to college to better my families future. I don't want to come across like I'm bashing any race. I don't believe in stereo typing.... but I do believe in equal representation in our city boards. I love Odessa, Tx. We are have wonderful people here... All I ask is to be equal... I'm PROUD to be American.... God Bless!"