CASA, not PASO

As in most south Texas towns, Mexican Americans in Crystal City (pop. 10,000) outnumber Anglo-Americans roughly 4 to 1. But not until two years ago did they muster enough voting strength to elect their own people to local office. Then, a group called the Political Association of Spanish-Speaking Organizations (PASO) launched a get-out-the-vote drive, produced a winning slate of five Mexican American city councilmen. It was the first time that Anglos had not controlled the municipal administration, and it was hailed as a harbinger of change throughout south Texas politics.

But once in office, the new city councilmen began bickering among themselves. For mayor, they picked Juan Cornejo, who made enemies right and left. At one point Cornejo tried to kick out one of his own PASO councilmen, Manuel Maldonado, because he owed $2.98 in back city taxes. A court ruled he could not be fired. Three other councilmen resigned. By the time election rolled around last week Cornejo and Maldonado were the only two PASOs left--and they were hardly in public favor. Crystal Citizens therefore elected a five-man slate put up by the Anglo-organized Citizens' Association Serving All Americans (CASA).

Still, all was not lost for Mexican American voters. Of the CASA mem bers on the new council, two are Anglos and three are of Mexican descent.

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