Former State Rep. Dee Margo said the news that his friend and former colleague, Naomi Gonzalez, had been arrested and charged with a DWI in Austin Thursday morning was hard to believe.

"I'm shocked, I'm saddened, I wish her well," said Margo.
Texas State Rep. Naomi Gonzalez, D-El Paso, was arrested in Austin Thursday morning after a crash downtown that left three people injured, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Gonzalez left the Travis County Jail late Thursday afternoon; her bail was $5,000.

"I was around her in a number of social settings. I never once saw her have too much, I never saw her once consume a lot of alcohol," said Margo.

Some have already called for her resignation, via social media. Margo said he didn't have the chance to talk to Gonzalez yet but doesn't believe leaving office is the solution.
"Her character (is) impeccable, her work ethic unsurpassed. She cares as much or more about this community than anybody," said Margo.

Margo said Gonzalez is a key player for El Paso in Austin and her arrest is not reflective of her work in the House.

"I don't know anyone that works harder on behalf of El Paso, than Naomi," said Margo.

Gonzalez, who is currently vice chair of the Human Services Committee and serves on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, was named Freshman of the Year by the Mexican-American Legislative Caucus in 2011.

Gonzalez is currently leading the effort to pass the Texas Tech bill.

Margo doesn't believe this accident will affect her ability to do her job.

"There's no track record of this kind of behavior. I would never call Naomi a party animal by any stretch of the imagination," said Margo.

He said Thursday's events are not reflective of Gonzalez's character or how she is perceived in the House.

"She's on good committees and has great respect from those committees and their chairmen. She works hard; she's very diligent in what she does. She is the epitome of what you would want as a representative of this community in Austin," said Margo.

Margo said he is aware Gonzalez recently had some health issues but doesn't know if that may be related to the accident Thursday. Rick Armendariz, an advisor for Gonzalez's campaign, released the following statement on behalf of Gonzalez:

"Obviously recent events are concerning for me. However, I would like to say first that my thoughts and prayers go out to the other persons involved. I hope you understand, I won't be commenting further until the legal matters have been resolved. I appreciate the support I have received from my family, my colleagues and my friends. I am committed to moving forward and continuing the important work of this legislative session."