Oh, Oh, is one of the brightest elected stars in the Hispanic community in big trouble tonight? The Gossips hear that Carol Alvarado's Mayor pro tem's office in under investigation and the charge is some of the staff members allegedly rewarding themselves over $130,00 of the city's money.

Carol has higher political ambitions and just today in her request for campaign funds said "

However, the journey won't stop there. After leaving office, Carol plans to pursue other avenues in which she might serve the Houston community. We hope that you will continue to support her dedication to public service".

This investigation might just put a road block in her pursuits. Of course the staff members did not let Carol know what they were doing, but just the same the buck stops at her desk and this is not good news for Carol. For Carol and her other staff members lets hope that this investigation ends shortly and they she is cleared of any misappropriation or knowledge of the embezzlement of city funds.

Here is the Houston Chronicle's story:

"4 city employees placed on leave after 'payroll irregularities'

By MATT STILES Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Four employees in Houston City Councilwoman Carol Alvarado's mayor pro tem office were placed on administrative leave today after city officials said "payroll irregularities" were discovered.

The pro tem office, separate from Alvarado's district office, handles administrative functions for the 14 council members. The office was empty this afternoon.

Houston Mayor Bill White's spokesman, Frank Michel, said an internal investigation has been launched to look into the "payroll irregularities," which were discovered by the city's finance officials in recent days.

Mayor Bill White said the allegation under investigation is that four employees in the office somehow received unauthorized bonuses totaling $130,000. Investigators are trying to determine how that would have been arranged, and whether it would require cooperation by employees in other city departments.

"It's a betrayal of the public trust," White said. "We will follow it through to the full extent of the law."

Alvarado confirmed the investigation this afternoon, but did not provide details.

"I am deeply disappointed to learn of these alleged irregularities. I support the investigation and fully intend to cooperate. I want to get to the bottom of this matter as quickly as possible."

She said the investigation does not involve members of her city council staff, but of the mayor pro tem's office."