PHARR, Texas - Hidalgo County District Attorney candidate Terry Palacios has spoken about the need to get more help to young drug addicts in the Rio Grande Valley.
Palacios gave an in-depth interview to the Rio Grande Guardian about the initiatives he wants to see introduced at the DA’s office. They include the creation of specialized units for major crimes and white collar crimes, and a public corruption unit.
“Meth is getting worse. We never used to hear of meth. Now we have it all over our streets. We have got to start working with these kids to get them actual rehab instead of just putting them in jail. We need to work with those kids,” Palacios said.
Palacios said the drugs problem hits close to home for him because he has a son that had to stay in a rehab and detox center in Kerrville, Texas.
“What happens to the people that don’t have insurance and can’t send their kids? We need something in here, in our Valley, where we have the issue. Only the privileged are getting help,” Palacios said.
“We need something like this for our underprivileged kids. Something local, like a detox center, then after your detox center a sobriety house where you actually house them. Make them feel like they are worth something. Those are programs I want to target.”
In a podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian, Palacios said he never expected to be running for DA. The current DA, Ricardo Ricardo, is a nephew of Palacios and he surprised many by announcing he would not seek re-election.
“In my 30 years of practicing criminal law, I never envisaged myself running for district attorney. Ricky Rodriguez, our DA, who is a nephew of mine, decided not to run. So, he is leaving that position open. I said, you know what, what a great fit. I have 30 years of experience.”
In addition to 30 years working in the criminal law field, Palacios has been a municipal judge in Edinburg for 27 years. In Edinburg, that position is elected so he has been running and winning elections for a long time.
The Rio Grande Guardian caught up with Palacios at a meet and greet event at Taco Fiesta in Pharr earlier this week. He said he is trying to reach as many communities as possible. He told those in attendance about his humble beginnings. He was the youngest of 12 siblings and the only one to go to college. He also spoke about his experience.
“The DA’s office is the biggest law firm we have in the Valley. It is about 80-plus attorneys. I have been in every district court practicing law. We have ten of them. I have been in every county court at law, practicing law. There are ten of those. I have gotten in front of every assistant DA. I have earned their respect. They know who I am and they know how I practice.”
Palacios said the Hidalgo County DA’s office has come a long way but has a long way to go.
“Mr. Rodriguez did the special crimes unit, which is crimes against children. That is very good but I think we need other specialized units, like major crimes, a public corruption unit, we need white collar crimes for fraud and stuff like that. I want to continue the progress.”
Editor’s Note: The Rio Grande Guardian wants to cover as many Meet and Greet events for candidates as possible this primary election season. Please send details of such events to: staylor@riograndeguardian.com.
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