In a recent interview, Garcia stated the new Texas law that prohibits the use of a wireless device within a reduced-speed school zone will be strictly enforced in George West.
“The law went into effect on Sept. 1 and we have been lenient with the public. We wanted to give them a chance to catch on; however, from this day forward, violators will be stopped. The fine can be as high as $200.”
Garcia went on to say, “While we are talking about laws I want to remind the public that anyone operating a vehicle or riding in a vehicle is required to wear a seat belt – even if they are riding in the back seat. Children 8 and under, unless they are 4 feet, 1 inch tall must be in a car seat.”
Officer Carter said, “And we are going to strictly enforce the city ordinances on trash. The ‘Trash-Off’ on Saturday gave citizens an opportunity to comply with the ordinances. Now that the ‘Trash-Off’ is over, citations will be issued. The fines range up to $1,000 per day, from the day of the citation to the day of court. I will ticket illegal dumping and nuisance trash, such as old tires.”
“Nuisance trash breeds a health safety issue with rodents, vermin and mosquitoes. Standing water generates contaminants,” Carter added.
Chief Garcia continued, “We are not trying to enforce randomly. We are covering the city from one end to another. Disabled vehicles, trailers used for storage and any other eyesores have been cited.”
“Those that temporarily park a trailer at a residence and then make it permanent with water hoses and extension cords will be cited. There are trailer parks nearby; they don’t have to park at a residence,” Carter stated.
Along with cleaning up the city, Garcia and Carter have recycling in mind. “We don’t want to give someone else the problem so we are finding ways to reclaim, reuse and renew. Freon from old air conditioners is reclaimed. Don’s Wrecker service takes old cars and Allied Waste will provide recycling bins,” said Carter.
Another area Carter plans to tackle are restaurants. He has a BA in criminal justice from the University of Texas-San Antonio and he is working on being certified to inspect commercial kitchens within the city limits.
Carter has been a peace officer since 2004 with an intermediate peace officer certificate. Additionally, Carter is bilingual. “I can speak English and Spanish and will communicate with people in the language they are most comfortable with.” Carter is from Wilson County (Floresville area).
Chief Garcia closed by saying, “I want to give credit to the City Council and especially to Mayor Sylvia Steele and our new city manager, Oscar Ramirez. I really feel great things are going to happen in George West with regards to growth, safety and public health.”
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