HONDO CITY MANAGER IN POT OF TROUBLE

Hondo City Manager John Vidaurri was arrested Wednesday and charged with
possession of an 18-inch marijuana plant in his apartment, a class B
misdemeanor.

Vidaurri was released under $1,000 bond the same day, according to Hondo
police.

Conviction on a Class B misdemeanor carries a maximum punishment of a $2,000
fine.

Vidaurri could not be reached for comment Friday.

Hondo Mayor Jim Barden said Vidaurri is on paid administrative leave and his
employment status would be determined at Monday night's council meeting.

The mayor said he enjoys his job most of the time, but "this situation is
not one of those times. It's just not a pleasant thing."

Councilman Doug Rivers said the incident was unfortunate.

"Anyway this turns out, it's going to be detrimental to the community," he
said. "The perception is going to be, 'Look at this community. They have
this problem.' But I don't think that is the case."

City Secretary Beatrice Cervantes is handling city manager duties until the
City Council takes action.

Vidaurri began work in Hondo last July. He was previously the director of
parks and recreation in Laredo and was among 35 applicants for the position
in Hondo.

The council fired Vidaurri's predecessor, David Chavez, after members
publicly criticized his management style and his hiring choices.