08:36 PM CST on Thursday, February 16, 2006

By Vicente Arenas / 11 News

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The suspension of four workers from the mayor pro tem's office marks Carole Alvarado's first potential political scandal.

KHOU-TV

Houston Mayor Pro Tem Carol Alvarado.

"This is a major  blow to her political future. The question is, in some ways, can she recover from this?" said 11 News political analyst Bob Stein.

Many in her East End district hope so.

Supporters say she fought for cameras that watch for stalled trains in their neighborhood and ballpark concession stands.

"She knows our concerns so she's looking out for the community," said Frank Velasquez who lives in Alvarado's district.

But critics say she should have been looking more closely at her employees who allegedly received tens of thousands of dollars in improper bonuses.

"Right now, she's fighting for her political life broadly. This is a woman who has political ambitions to be the mayor of Houston -- possibly the first Hispanic woman," said Stein.

But political observers say a potential mayoral bid may now be in jeopardy by the investigation by the city's office of inspector general.

"Clearly the biggest question at this point for her is how quickly will the OIG move on this and what further revelations, if any, will they have that question her integrity, her culpability and her ability to be a viable leader in the community," said Stein.

Alvarado won't face another election for 20 months.

In the meantime, East End residents believe Alvarado has already hit a homerun by helping improve their lives and they're hoping she doesn't strike out at City Hall.