Rodriguez Resigns for New Position; Tharp Takes the Reins
Posted: Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
By: Tea Party
George Rodriguez, President of the San Antonio Tea Party, resigned this week to take a leadership position in a newly forming political action committee. Stepping up to lead the SATP is senior vice president Allen Tharp.
Mr. Rodriguez has been SATP President since his unanimous election by the Board of Directors in March 2011. In assuming that role, he became the first Hispanic president of a Tea Party. Born in Laredo, TX, and raised in San Antonio, he has dedicated his life to sharing conservative values with Hispanics. As a political appointee in the Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush administrations, Mr. Rodriguez worked with the Department of Justice in community relations and immigration outreach. He also worked with the White House Office of Public Liaison on community outreach, with Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) on judiciary legislation and Hispanic-related issues, and with Congressman Tom Delay on Hispanic outreach. He was part of the 1988 Bush Presidential Campaign and then worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a special assistant to HUD Secretary Jack Kemp and later as an office director. Mr. Rodriguez was part of the Katrina Recovery Program as an anti-fraud compliance officer and then worked for the City of San Antonio as a real estate director before retiring in 2010. He served as the Harris County GOP Chairman of Outreach from 1999 through 2000.
In his resignation letter, Mr. Rodriguez stated, “In this important political season, there are numerous activities in which I am involved and others that I am currently pursuing, and I do not feel that I am able to properly devote the necessary time and energy that the SATP deserves as its President. I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as president of the San Antonio Tea Party, and I hope to remain engaged and involved in SATP as time will permit. I wish the SATP continued success in our common battle against liberal government policies.”
“George has been an incredible asset to the organization and the Tea Party movement in general,” according to John Bell, Board and Executive Committee member who has served with Mr. Rodriguez from the beginning. “His tireless energy and passion have truly put us on the map, and we have some huge shoes to fill as he leaves.”
Bell noted increases in patriots taking an active part in meetings, the quality of SATP-sponsored events, monetary donations, local news coverage of SATP activities, and—most importantly—political influence at the city level. These could be attributed directly to Mr. Rodriguez’s vigorous leadership, he said.
In accordance with SATP by-laws, Mr. Tharp, also a Board and Executive Committee member and frequent speaker at SATP events, will assume the presidency pending the Board’s decision on a permanent replacement.
Once that decision has been made, the SATP will announce an opportunity to publicly transfer leadership, express to Mr. Rodriguez the appreciation he deserves, and welcome the new president of the organization. That announcement will be made soon through this website and the weekly Revere Report.
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GEORGE Showed certain “Doubting Thomases” that CONSERVATISM is definitely a firm stepping stone and a cornerstone for All Members of the community. Like All Pioneers he did it with Faith and Courage. Thank You George.
Congrats to George for a fine job as our President. Best Wishes for his new leadership role.
Robert
The only thing certain in life are death and taxes. We can add to that change.
Since the Tea Party began I have made numerous friends here in San Antonio, around Texas and across the country. George Rodriguez is one of those friends. I am sorry to see him step down but no he will always have us in his thoughts and prayers. Welcome Mr. Allen Tharp look forward to meeting you soon!
Matt Troy
I can’t think of a better person to step into the breach than Allen Tharp. He is a true patriot! I want to thank George Rodriguez for his courageous leadership. He stood firm even when being visciosly attacked by those who are afraid to stand up for what America stands for.I wish George Rodriguez nothing but the best in his new leadership role(s). My good wishes go to them both.
I couldn’t agree more, Tom!
This was a long time coming. Mr. Rodriguez had become a polarizing figure in the community and had developed a reputation as being a self-serving, attension-seeking individual who simply wasn’t yet ready for prime time. He’s led the local tea party into mediocrity and I feel that we’ve become a bit of a laughingstock around the city because of antics and silly behavior. I’m glad he’s gone so that now we can repair the damage done by him and build back up the image and reputation that suffered under Rodriguez’s short tenure in office. The tea party is about conservatism and bringing people together – not about one man’s need for the spotlight.
Tom, where did you get the information to form your opinion for your comments of George and the SA Tea Party? I haven’t been talking to the same people you have been, which are who(?)and my conversations with others here in town have been nothing but good tidings for George and his leadership of the SA Tea Party and thank the Tea Party for its participation in City Government matters. George and I have sat down with Congressman Canseco and CPS Energy CEO Beneby and these two gentlemen wouldn’t do that if your comments/opinions were prevalent. Anyways, give me a call at my telephone number listed at Neighborhood Group Leader 023 on SA Tea Party Website.
Tom, rather harsh criticism, I’d say. I am new to San Antonio, and met George this last year. He seemed to me a very dedicated, hardworking Leader, trying to do much, with little to work with. Maybe you can enlighten me, as to your work and involvement this last year. I’m new in town, and of course, welcome Mr.Tharp, and wish him well. I believe the Liberals do enough to tear us down, it is not wise to “eat our own”. God Bless, thanks, and much success George.
George Rodriguez deserves bouquets from the entire SA Tea Party membership. He took this club from infancy to adulthood rapidly and I wish him much success in his new horizons. George, climb many more mountain with success . Keep me informed! Best of luck!
REALLY ?????