The blinds are drawn and the door is locked on County Commissioner Willie Gandara Jr.'s office, but until he announces his own formal resignation, the commissioners court is doing business as usual, according to County Judge Veronica Escobar.

"This afternoon Commissioner Gandera's attorney, Mr. Joe Spencer, delivered the letter specifying commissioner's intent to resign effective immediately," said Escobar in a written statement. "I am under the assumption that my office will receive an official resignation letter from Commissioner Gandara tomorrow."

Escobar has the authority to appoint another person to fill the Precinct 3 office, but says she has no power to act until Gandara's official resignation.

According to state protocol, the person appointed to temporarily replace Gandara will only serve until the primary election later this spring. All of the candidates running for the seat are Democrats, and the winner of the primary election will immediately take office.

One of the biggest projects currently under construction in the third precinct is the new port of entry in Tornillo.

"We're assuring the people in Precinct 3 that we will work collectively as a commissioners court to meet their needs," said County Commissioner Anna Perez. "His area is the most in need of water and roads. It's a very important office."