The Region - News from Feb. 18, 1987

A San Antonio judge ordered the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund to resolve its leadership power struggle at a special board meeting, which the judge ruled should be held in Los Angeles Feb. 28. Texas District Judge Rose Spector ruled after a poll of the board resulted in a 14-14 tie over the special meeting’s site, either Los Angeles or San Antonio. Spector ruled for Los Angeles when she learned that three of four votes received after a court-imposed voting deadline favored Los Angeles. The dispute centers on whether Antonia Hernandez should continue as MALDEF’s president and general counsel. Hernandez was fired last month by the group’s executive committee because of dissatisfaction with her performance. Although former New Mexico Gov. Toney Anaya was named to succeed her, Hernandez has refused to step down, contending that only the 34-member board of directors can fire her.