
It's that time of year again when we pay homage to the individual who has stood out amongst all the rest. La Sanbe's 2008 Person of the Year award goes to
Sheriff Rick Flores.
Unlike last year's choice, Rick kept his nose clean throughout his highly publicized one-term career. But ruffle some feathers he did and 2008 was no different.
What was supposed to be his re-election year, instead turned out to be a drawn out, irritating episode of Laredo's own version of "Wyatt Earp."
All of Rick's bravado, self-promotion, and diplomas could not help him garner the needed votes to avoid a runoff in the Democratic primary. When he lost his position in a head-to-head match to a former law enforcement official, he was quick to take the low road by disparaging his opponent's brother and the Webb County Elections Administrator. The courteous hat tip that was a staple of his commercials turned out to be a disingenuous gesture.
The tactful, educated administrator was replaced by a two-bit, sniveling egomaniac unwilling to let go of his throne.
Election adversity will do that to a man, but his was as undignified a performance as any.
As the appeals process ran its course, Rick slowly faded away. No longer was he on T.V. brandishing a Stetson and pretending to be Laredo's lone watchman. All comments concerning the sheriff's department would now go through spokespeople.
Eventually no new election would be granted. It was the end of the road for Rick. But for a finale, he tried to spend as much of the department's budget and forfeiture funds as he could to leave the incoming administration empty-handed. He was stopped by the sheriff-elect's restraining order. One final rebuke for a fallen man.
Rick tried to convince us that he was the best man for the job, but in questioning other people's honor we quickly realized that he was the one without honor.
He tried to come across as superior to the masses but all we saw was a showman with no depth or maturity.
In his future endeavors we can only hope that he meets them with a newfound grace and humility.