Marfa film fest sets Alpine screenings

June 13th, 2013

MARFA, ALPINE – The Marfa Film Festival said its 2013 program will include screenings in Alpine.

Alpine City Council members voted unanimously on June 4 to sponsor the festival’s expansion into the city with $2,000 from hotel motel tax funds. The funds will be used to help cover equipment rental and film screening fees.

In previous years, …

Opponents take first step in recalling Alpine mayor

June 5th, 2013

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

ALPINE – In an unprecedented move in Far West Texas politics, three former Alpine City Council members have started the process to recall Mayor Dr. Avinash Rangra from his elected position.

Former council members Carlos Lujan, Diana Asgeirsson, and Hugh Johnson have filed an affidavit for petition for recall at city hall. Lujan, …

Alpine hires interim manager

April 11th, 2013

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

ALPINE – Alpine City Council members Tuesday voted unanimously to hire Charles Harrington as the city’s interim city manager, to begin work today.

The move comes after council members voted 3-2 last week to remove former city manager Jesus “Chuy” Garcia following an audit report that highlighted major flaws in the city’s handling …

Alpine finance director suspended amid document shredding allegations

April 10th, 2013

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

ALPINE – City of Alpine finance director Ricky Chavez has been suspended with pay, according to city attorney John Armstrong.

Armstrong said Chavez was suspended pending the hiring of an interim city manager – which occurred Tuesday night – following the split-vote decision to remove Jesus “Chuy” Garcia from the manager’s position last …

Alpine audit confirms misuse of funds, city manager fired

April 3rd, 2013

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

ALPINE – Allegations of misuse of public funds at the city of Alpine were substantiated Tuesday when Alpine Certified Public Accountant Shaw Skinner delivered the city’s annual audit.

The audit findings may have contributed to the council’s 3-2 split decision to remove City Manager Chuy Garcia from his post.

After an executive session performance …

Special Alpine city audit meeting doesn’t make

March 29th, 2013

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

ALPINE – After a month of finger pointing and name calling revolving around serious allegations of financial malfeasance at the city of Alpine, a special meeting was set Thursday evening to finally discuss the city’s audit. The meeting didn’t happen.

“As you can see, we do not have a quorum present,” Mayor Pro …

Rangra responds: ‘There is no missing money’

March 28th, 2013

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

ALPINE – Alpine Mayor Avinash Rangra responded this week to claims of misuse of city finances, alleged by Alpine councilman Carlos Lujan.

Lujan has for weeks raised allegations of financial malfeasance at city hall and has taken aim at Rangra and city manager Chuy Garcia for their management. Lujan has sought to fire …

Lujan on alleged misuse of funds: ‘We need to take drastic measures’

March 22nd, 2013

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

ALPINE – Ward 3 Alpine city councilman Carlos Lujan held a public information event Friday, reiterating allegations of misuse of public funds at the city of Alpine.

Speaking at high noon to a gathering of concerned Alpine residents and members of the press, Lujan expressed dismay at Mayor Avinash Ranga and City Manager …